PL31008: Conflict and the media
[Page last updated: 02 August 2022]
| Academic Year: | 2022/23 |
| Owning Department/School: | Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies |
| Credits: | 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] |
| Notional Study Hours: | 120 |
| Level: | Honours (FHEQ level 6) |
| Period: |
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| Assessment Summary: | CW 33%, ES 67% |
| Assessment Detail: |
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| Supplementary Assessment: |
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| Requisites: | |
| Learning Outcomes: | By the end of the unit, participants will:
* Show an advanced understanding of the theoretical context of how media influences conflict. * Understand the evolution of war reporting and media management techniques from the Crimean War to the current era. * Have a detailed knowledge of how public opinion has impacted policy in a variety of conflicts * Demonstrate skills in interrogation and analysis of strategic communications and news materials, including the impact of technology on these. * Critically evaluate the media's role in the changing character of conflict and the constantly evolving nature of this relationship * Students are expected to show evidence of having achieved these outcomes through: - An original individual press report, demonstrating knowledge of journalistic format and editorial slant, and an ability to write concisely to tight deadlines. - Active participation in practical class exercises and discussion forums on Moodle. - An original individual analytical essay demonstrating skills in data synthesis, analysis and presentation. |
| Aims: | This unit will give students the theoretical and empirical evidence necessary to understand the dynamic interaction between the media and conflict. The module firstly introduces students to seminal theoretical texts on the nature of the media, and how the media influences conflict, before exploring the contemporary media environment. Then, the evolution of the relationship between conflict and the media will be traced through interlinked historical case studies. The major investigative strands of strategic communications, military-media relations, and public opinion runs through each of the four case studies. The last section of the module examines the relationship between the media and terrorism, before addressing the emerging theoretical argument of war as a battle for narrative through analysis of recent propaganda and psychological operations
The unit therefore provides the theoretical and empirical context for students interested in understanding and investigating the realities of the relationship between conflict and the media. It will be enhanced by guest lecturers who are experts in the field. It is intended to complement classes on governance and international relations. |
| Skills: | Students will develop skills in critical analysis, teamwork and collaboration, and presentation skills (both oral and written). They will hone transferable writing skills, including the ability to present an argument clearly, concisely, and effectively. |
| Content: | Theories of media and conflict
Understanding modern media From the Crimea to the Cold War Losing control: Vietnam Taking control: The Falklands to the Gulf Who's in control? Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria Terrorism and the media War as Narrative: Propaganda and PsyOps. |
| Programme availability: |
PL31008 is Optional on the following programmes:Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
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Notes:
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