Assessment: essay (3000 words) [70%], critical analysis (1000 words) [30%] - analysis of press or broadcast or internet coverage of one area of political news or current affairs from a list of themes provided [both pieces to be attempted; overall pass required]
This module introduces students to key concepts and theories involved in studying the relationship between politics and the media. It considers the changing nature of political communication and of political journalism and news media. In addition, it examines the relationship between governments and the media, analysing the development of media management, spin, political advertising etc and exploring the role of journalism and news media in reporting and influencing key political events, e.g. elections, political protests, wars, domestic and foreign policy. In exploring these issues consideration is also given to the ?tabloidisation? of politics and the development of politics as media spectacle.

*Course content subject to change