Knowledge and understanding of the theories and contexts of Political Communication.

Choose one of the following to be your essay:

1. Analyse a political speech (confirm with your tutor). How did the political context, rhetorical devices and techniques of argument contribute to making the speech effective or memorable?
2. The news media are central to the construction of the political system. Discuss, using contemporary examples.
3. Politics is being transformed by new media forms. Discuss, using contemporary examples.
4. Entertainment media is ‘dumbing down’ politics. Discuss, using contemporary examples.
5. Should political satire be sacred? Discuss, using contemporary examples.

 

Guidelines:

Submit a 2,000 persuasive essay that demonstrates their knowledge and understanding of the theories and contexts of Political Communication.

• The essay must be presented to a high standard with 1.5 spacing (see below).

 

• Critical analysis of the essay question and ability to develop a well-constructed and persuasive argument to address the question
• Knowledge of the relationships between media, political institutions and the public
• Discussion on topic with reference to national and global contexts.
• Appropriate use of academic sources to support the argument
• Clarity of written expression and high standards of editing.

 

 

Should use at least 10 credible sources as a minimum. Two of these must be the required readings of the following. Should use at least two references from a scholarly journal.

 

McNair, B. (2011) An introduction to political communication, 5th edition, London, Routledge.

Lilleker, D. (2006) Key concepts in political communication, London, Sage.

Sanders, K. (2009) Communicating Politics in the 21st Century, New York, Palgrave.

Young, S. (2011) How Australia decides: election reporting & the media, Cambridge, CUP. (also available as an e-book through the library).

Tanner, S. (2011) Sideshow: Dumbing Down Democracy. Scribe.

Clawson, R. A. and Oxley, Z. (2008) Public opinion: democratic ideals, democratic practice, Washington, CQ Press.

Craig, G. (2004) The media, politics and public life. Sydney, Allen & Unwin.

Denton, R. & Woodward, G (1998) Political communication in America. New York, Praeger.

Economou, N. & Tanner, S. (2008) Media, power and politics in Australia, Sydney, Pearson.

Errington, W. &Miragliotta, N. (2007) Media and politics: an introduction, Melbourne, Oxford.

Fitzgerald, J. (2008) ‘Seeing beyond the spin: inside the Parliamentary press gallery, Canberra, Clareville.

Jowett, G. S. & O’Donnell, V. (2005) Propaganda and Persuasion 4th ed, Thousand Oaks, Sage.

Jameison, K. H. (2003) The press effect: politicians, journalists and the stories that shape the political world, Oxford, OUP. (also available as an e-book through the library).

Jameison, K. H. (2006) The interplay of influence: news, advertising, politics and the mass media. Belmont Calif., Wadsworth.

Negrine, R. &Stanyer, J. (2007) The political communication reader, London, Routledge.

Negrine, R. (2008) The transformation of political communication: continuities and change in media and politics. London, Palgrave.

Singleton, G, Aitkin, D. &Warhurst, J. (2009) Australian political institutions.

Street, J. (2011) Mass media, politics and democracy, New York, Palgrave.

Young, S. (2005) The persuaders: inside the hidden machine of political advertising, Melbourne, Pluto Press.

Young, S (2007), Government communication in Australia, Melbourne, CUP.