Politics and the Media (POLS20026)

In this subject, students will examine the complex interplay between politics and the media. This interplay shapes public discourse and political outcomes as political actors strategically leverage media platforms to influence public opinion, while the media frames and reports on political events. Students will focus on examining theories of political communication, the media’s influential role in agenda-setting, and the critical examination of phenomena such as misinformation, fake news, censorship, propaganda, the rise of celebrity politicians, political advertising, satire, citizen journalism, and permanent campaigning. Upon completion, students will be able to critically analyse the complex relationship between politics and the media, applying these insights to real-world issues and cases through written and oral communication.