CJB303 Political Communication

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This unit surveys the theory and professional practices of political and governmental communication, especially through journalism, media and communications industries. It examines contemporary and historical political issues and communications in Australia and internationally from the perspectives of democratic theory, media influence, strategic image, and issue management. The unit comprises an overview of theoretical approaches to political communication, the construction of political discourse, and the mobilisation of audiences/voters; an understanding of the relationship between communication strategies and the management of politics, with cases drawn from Australian and international politics. Students will develop the capacity to critically appraise strategic issues such as political persuasion, electoral strategy, uses/impacts of digital and social media, and public opinion formation and to create messages about issues connected to politics and government.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an applied understanding of key political structures and institutions and how they shape political discourse and associated communication practices.
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the main democratic functions performed by the media.
3. Demonstrate an applied understanding of how theories of political communication and popular culture inform politics, parliament, and political campaigns.
4. Apply knowledge and communication skills in a variety of contexts and modes relevant to political communication.
5. Engage in critical, creative, and analytical thinking in relation to the theory and practice of political communication.

Content

Learning Approaches

The unit combines lectures, tutorials, and readings with activities designed to promote your conceptual understanding of political communication strategies. A series of weekly study questions and readings will guide your study and class discussion.

You will be expected to complete any prescribed self-study, including readings out of class, and in preparation for subsequent classes.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

• You will gain formative feedback on your progress during tutorial exercises and discussions throughout the semester.
• You will gain written feedback on Assessment Items 1 and 2.

You will gain formative feedback throughout the semester.

Assessment

Overview

The formative assessment approach of ongoing class activities enables learners to become confident evaluators of the progress of their own work and of the work of others. The assessment is designed to be challenging, realistic and meaningful. An authentic approach to assessment is taken and assessment is linked to the courses' content and outcomes. Assessment outcomes demonstrate applied and critical understanding of the key content.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Group Presentation

You will conduct an oral presentation in class time about a political communication topic in groups of approx. four students (depending on overall class size). The presentation will address the theme and readings that have been prescribed for your chosen week, plus do additional work to further understand the topic, such as find examples and case studies to explain and illuminate the themes. Group members’ performance will be assessed individually, accompanied by an overall assessment of how individuals cohere as a group. To help evaluate your individual performance and groupwork, you will submit a brief written summary of your presentation (e.g., your PowerPoint notes or a dot point summary) with references and will complete a 'peer evaluation sheet' that will accompany the written summary.

Assessment: Journalism/Communications Portfolio on Political Theme

You will create a well-researched and creatively presented package that contains journalism reports or other communications products as approved by your tutor. The package will be approximately 1500 words that will demonstrate deep understanding of both (i) a political theme, issue or campaign and (ii) the communications style and needs of a community or audience that is being targetted. All packages will include text, appropriate visual elements and social media messages and may be supplemented with audio, video or multimedia content as best suits their topic and builds audience engagement. The assignment will involve completion of reflective template about the package, and all completed packages will be suitable for publication or distribution to the target audience.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages.

You will be advised if a unit requires additional mandatory health and safety inductions.  

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Cushion, S. & Thomas, R. (2018). Reporting Elections: Rethinking the Logic of Campaign Coverage. Cambridge: Polity Press.

Klinger, U., Kreiss, D., & Mutsvairo, B. (2023). Platforms, Power, and Politics: An Introduction to Political Communication in the Digital Age. John Wiley & Sons.

Lakoff, G. (2014). The all new don't think of an elephant!: Know your values and frame the debate. Chelsea Green Publishing.

Perloff, R. M. (2021). The dynamics of political communication: Media and politics in a digital age. Routledge.

Thomas, A., Jakubowicz, A., & Norman, H. (2019). Does the media fail Aboriginal political aspirations? 45 years of news media reporting of key political moments. Aboriginal Studies Press. https://www.aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au/media/website_pages/research-and-publications/completed-research-and-evaluation/does-the-media-fail-aboriginal-political-aspirations(ePDF)_.pdf

Wolfsfeld, G. (2022). Making sense of media and politics: Five principles in political communication. 2nd edition. Routledge.

Other

To enable your full participation in units that utilise virtual learning environments, for example participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required. 

Risk Assessment Statement

For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information.

You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.

Please be advised that this unit may include the presentation and scholarly analysis of material and subject matters that may be considered confronting, such as certain representations of race, class, gender and violence. QUT counselling support is available should you feel the need to avail yourself of these services.

Course Learning Outcomes

KC40 Bachelor of Communication

1. Demonstrate capacity to understand and critique the historical, cultural, technological, and regulatory implications of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Group Presentation, Journalism/Communications Portfolio on Political Theme
2. Demonstrate capacity to engage with and apply specialised knowledge of one or more areas of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries, including the relationship between disciplinary theory, research methodologies, and professional practice.
   Relates to: ULO3, ULO5, Group Presentation, Journalism/Communications Portfolio on Political Theme
3. Demonstrate capacity to engage with and apply diverse ways of knowing the world in local and global contexts, including Indigenous Knowledge and Perspectives.
   Relates to: ULO3, Group Presentation, Journalism/Communications Portfolio on Political Theme
4. Demonstrate effective communication skills with the ability to adapt strategies across different media and professional settings and for diverse audiences.
   Relates to: ULO4, Journalism/Communications Portfolio on Political Theme
5. Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise complex forms of information and evidence to inform decision-making, problem solving and argumentation.
   Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO5, Group Presentation, Journalism/Communications Portfolio on Political Theme
6. Critically interrogate the economic and cultural power of digital media, communication, entertainment, and news to make ethical, sustainable, and inclusive contributions to diverse workplaces, communities, and audiences.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, ULO5, Group Presentation, Journalism/Communications Portfolio on Political Theme