OADI 2420 - The Politics of Influence – Understanding Political Communication (NEW)

***UPDATED for 2024/25***

This course introduces students to the foundations and practical applications of political communication. Through theoretic frameworks and real-world case studies, the course explores how political actors craft messages, how media influences public discourse, and how citizens receive and respond to political information — both in traditional formats and through emerging technologies like AI and social media.

Learning Outcomes

1. Define the concept and importance of political communication in governance and society.

2. Map out the actors involved: politicians, journalists, strategists, social media influencers.

3. Analyze how political narratives, slogans, and storytelling shape opinion.

4. Evaluate the strategic use of media and communication tools in elections and crisis scenarios.

5. Apply theory to practice through role-plays and campaign communication simulations.

Professional Skills

- Strategic communication planning

- Media landscape analysis

- Public speaking and messaging

- Crisis response communication

- AI-enabled communication ethics and practice

Silvana KOCH-MEHRIN

Séminaire

English

- In Class Presence: 24 hours a week (6 weeks) / 24 hours a semesterp> - Online Learning Activities: 1 hour a week / 12 hours a semesterp> - Reading and Preparation for Class: 2.5 hours a week / 30 hours a semesterp> - Research and Preparation for Group Work: 1.5 hours a week / 18 hours a semesterp> - Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 3.5 hours a week / 42 hours a semesterp> - Other (office hours, optional tutorials, reflection): 1 hour a week / 12 hours a semesterp>

None. Prior familiarity with political science or media studies is an asset but not required.

Autumn 2025-2026

- Group Presentation (November 6 & 7) – 40%p> - Practice Work 1/social media simulation (November 14) – 25%p> - Practice Work 2/try to spin (after end of class) – 25%p> - Class Participation – 10%p>

Students will receive written feedback for essays and oral comments during presentation sessions. Individual consultations are available on request. Mid-semester feedback will be offered in week 6.