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Lecture, Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook), Activating (Simulations, Games, Dramatization), Group work, Analyzing and producing audiovisual content
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This course explores the interaction between political communication, digital technologies, and democracy in the context of the 21st century. Its aim is to provide students with a detailed understanding of both the theory and practice of how political communication influences voting behavior. The course offers a critical, internationally comparative perspective on the strategic aspects of political communication, ranging from definitions and historical foundations to current challenges in a highly competitive media environment. It systematically analyzes key dimensions of political communication such as electoral strategies, media and democracy, political advertising, disinformation, public relations, crisis communication, and more. It also addresses ethical and regulatory challenges associated with digital politics, transparency, privacy protection, and combating disinformation. Students engage with real-world case studies from different countries and have opportunities to participate in practice-oriented projects (e.g., campaigns, crisis communication, public policy). Emphasis is placed on developing practical skills and the ability to continuously monitor and respond to emerging challenges and trends from a hands-on perspective. Practical components include case study analysis, the design and evaluation of communication strategies, and campaign simulations. The ultimate goal of the course is to equip students with the skills to critically analyze and practically apply theoretical insights in public policy, media, and consulting. It further provides both theoretical and practical training in planning, managing, and evaluating communication within the conditions of a highly digitalized and fragmented media environment.
Course Outcomes (Key Competencies) Understand the main theoretical frameworks examining the influence of political communication on voting behavior. Gain an internationally comparative perspective: comprehend the development and differences in political communication across countries and regions, including comparative methods and research designs. Conduct systematic analysis of specific topics (media and democracy, political advertising, disinformation, propaganda, communication and marketing strategies). Monitor, analyze, and evaluate current issues from a practical perspective. Design and assess communication strategies in political contexts, preparing both short-term and long-term strategies for political communication and the public sphere. Political ethics and regulation: anticipate ethical and legal aspects of political communication, including transparency, manipulative practices, advertising laws, and regulations of digital platforms. Communication competence: effectively present research and formulate practical recommendations for different audiences (academic community, consulting firms, state institutions, civil society). Critical thinking and reflection: evaluate arguments, identify biases and disinformation practices, develop media literacy, and strengthen the ability to work with the latest data and tools in the field.
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Written exam, Student performance, Final project
Lectures are optional, while attendance at seminar sessions is mandatory, as is completing assigned readings and tasks for each seminar. In case of illness, students must arrange with the instructor an individual way to make up for the missed material. The instructor allows for up to two absences. Active participation in seminars is strongly emphasizedstudents are expected to engage in discussions, exercises, and assignments, as well as to prepare independently in advance. Knowledge of the assigned literature may occasionally be tested through short reading quizzes or seminar assignments, where the instructor will place particular emphasis on students' ability to engage in critical argumentation, analysis, and evaluation in connection with the covered topics. Students are also required to complete all seminar assignments, including submission of a group project. Credit (course pass) will be awarded based on: Attendance (seminar participation) Completion of seminar requirements and assignments Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in the student not being allowed to take the final exam. The final exam will be granted only after receiving credit and successfully passing a final written test, which will assess knowledge gained from lectures, seminars, and assigned readings. Final grade composition: Group project - 40% Activity in discussions and continuous assignments - 20% Final test - 40% Conditions: Active participation, submission of all assignments, and final project presentation. Grading Scale: A = 100-90% B = 89-85% C = 84-80% D = 79-70% E = 69-65% F = 64.9% and below
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