Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LH New Media, Social Media and Politics
School	Government
Department	Political Sci & Intern'tl Stud
Module Code	08 36024
Module Lead	Scott Lucas
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-10 hours Seminar-20 hours Guided independent study-170 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This is a unique academic/professional module. It combines the development of academic skills in examining and interpreting cases in media and international politics --- using new media and social media as well as books and journals --- with the professional skills to write, edit, and present those cases for a general audience. The first half of the course uses academic research and skill for students to develop as observers and analysts of media, tracking the evolution of “news” and using case studies to establish critiques of international relations through their construction, projection, negotiation, and conflict. The second half of the course trains students as participants in the media, from the collection and assessment of sources to the writing of reports and analyses for publication. Training includes not only content but also layout and dissemination of articles through electronic media.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Quickly establish the significance and context of key international events Work individually and in groups to analyse the political, economic, and social dynamics Use electronic, audio-visual, and print sources in collection and critique of information Write and edit findings for a general as well as an academic audience Critically evaluate the interaction between politics and media in the context of international developments, changing media technologies, and political strategies from the 20th century to the present Critically evaluate the response by Governments, States, agencies, and other “actors” to the place of media in political, economic, and social affairs Critically assess the use of electronic, audio-visual, and print sources in collection and critique of information for academic-based publication for a mass audience Use academic critique and skills training for the writing and dissemination of analysis for both specialist and general audiences
Assessment	36024-01 : 4000 Word Essay : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1 x 1000 word essay (25%) 1 x 2500 word essay (75%) Reassessment by failed component
Other
Reading List