KCOE 4010 - Political Communication in contemporary democracies

KCOE 4010 · Spring semester 2025-2026

Language of tuition
English
Course type
Cours séminaire
Number of hours
24
Credits
3

Information

Description

This course promotes a multidisciplinary approach to political communication that blends together communication and political science and new concepts designed by the latest academic research in the field.

The course develops both theoretical and practical aspects pertaining to the theme of the day.

Students' case studies will have to critically assess the communication strategies of political parties and leaders.

Prerequisites

Course taught in English Language: a C1 Level in English is required to register for this course.

Teaching format

Each session articulates both theoretical and practical aspects concerning the theme of the day. Group presentations will take place at the beginning of each session, leading to collective feedback and to a short discussion with all course participants.

12 x 2h00.

Assessment

Group presentations (40%) on a particular case study (free topic). Case studies may involve the analysis of one striking aspect of the political communication of a leader / party, an emblematic campaign, or a socio-technical innovation. The subject will be validated beforehand by the teacher. The presentations will take place at the beginning of each class.

Written report (60%): This written work (between 800 and 1500 words) presents an individual analysis and particular angle inspired by the group case study and will therefore consider any remarks and suggestions.

Workload

Students will consult the Reading List provided at the beginning of the semester.

Active participation allowing critical feedback on the selected readings, in line with each session, is at the heart of the didactic approach of this module. An interactive calendar will be made available to students to plan their interventions (group presentations) as effectively as possible.

Readings

Main readings 2

  1. - Bernays, E.L. & Crispin Miller, M. (2004). Propaganda. New York: IG Publishers

    Read online

  2. - Strömbäck, J. (2021) Media-centric or Politics-centric Political Communication Research? Some Reflections. Political Communication, 39:2, 280- 285, DOI: 10.1080/10584609.2021.1966598

    Read online

Further readings 5

  1. - Axelrod, D. (2016). Believer. My Forty Years In Politics. New York: Penguin Books. Chapter 15: Growing Pains' (pp. 216-234)

    Borrow

  2. - Gibson, Rachel. « From Brochureware to MyBo: An Overview of Online Elections and Campaigning », Politics (Manchester, England). 2012, vol.32 no 2. p. 7784

    Read online

  3. - Lakoff, G. (2014). (The All New) Don't Think of an Elephant! Chicago: Chelsea Green. Chapter 1: Framing 101: Theory and Application (pp. 1-29)

    Read online

  4. - Lilleker, D. G., Coman, I. Milos, G., & Novelli, E. (Eds.). (2021). Political communication and covid-19: Governance and rhetoric in times of crisis. Routledge: Taylor & Francis Group

    Read online

  5. - Vries Catherine Eunice de. Political entrepreneurs: the rise of challenger parties in Europe. Princeton, New Jersey [etc: Princeton University Press]. 2020

    Read online

Teaching units

Unit no.Unit type Teaching unitsTeachers Number of hoursCredits
58979Cours séminaire Political Communication in contemporary democracies Philippe MOREAU CHEVROLET243

Teachers

  • Philippe MOREAU CHEVROLET

In the curricula

Contacts and resources

Contact
VLACCI Valérie