CE5304: Persuasion and Propaganda

School Continuing and Professional Education
Department Code LEARN
Module Code CE5304
External Subject Code 100439
Number of Credits 10
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Michelle Deininger
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2020/1

Outline Description of Module

‘War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength.’ This iconic slogan from George Orwell’s 1984 captures the way propaganda reinforces a way of thinking that is often contradictory to our understanding of ‘truth’. This module explores the language and iconography of propaganda, the rise of mass communication, and the ways in which our understanding of the world around is shaped by the language of persuasion. Topics discussed include warfare and conflict, women’s work, and fake news, as well as international concerns such as global warming and healthcare. In a world where communication is instant, and its reach unlimited, understanding the ideology of persuasion seems more vital than ever.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • Demonstrate understanding of how propaganda is communicated through words and images.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the context, significance and notable events within the history of propaganda.
  • Apply theoretical approaches to examples of propaganda and broader case studies.
  • Extract information from relevant sources in order to analyse and evaluate propaganda.
  • Utilise independent research to construct a well-presented and academically-sound argument.

How the module will be delivered

This course consists of 9 sessions which will focus on clearly-defined topics and themes each week. Each unit comprises a 2-hour face-to-face session which will include lectures, class discussions and debates, and exercises to help the development of academic and analytical skills. There will be a strong emphasis on examples, case studies and film clips to emphasise and enhance, underpinned by the university’s Virtual learning Environment, Learning Central, which provides a useful resource for course materials, lecture slides and additional reading.

Skills that will be practised and developed

  • The ability to communicate ideas and arguments effectively in written and verbal form.
  • The ability to work effectively with others in groups and to learn collaboratively through discussion and interaction.
  • The ability to think critically, analyse sources, evaluate arguments and challenge assumptions.
  • The ability to formulate and justify arguments and conclusions and present appropriate supporting evidence.
  • The ability to locate relevant resources and use them appropriately in academic work.
  • The ability to use information technology resources to assist with information retrieval and assignment presentation.
  • The ability to independently organise study to enable successful completion of course requirements.

How the module will be assessed

How the module will be assessed

Formative assessment / feedback will occur on a weekly basis through class discussion and group work.

 

Type of assessment % Contribution Title Duration (if applicable) Approx. date of Assessment Submission

Assignment 1 (Short analysis) 25% Exact nature of task will vary from year to year 500 words Week 5

Assignment 2 (Essay) 75% Exact nature of task will vary from year to year 1200 words After last session

OR

Assignment 3 100% Exact nature of task will vary from year to year. This option is available to students who wish to write a longer essay in preparation for embarking on the degree. 1700 words After last session

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 100 Persuasion And Propaganda N/A

Syllabus content

  1. Propaganda and Persuasion: Essential Definitions & Historical Contexts
  2. The role of the Mass Media: Print, Film and Radio
  3. The Propaganda Machine: Models, Processes and New Technologies
  4. Propaganda and Political Systems: Election Campaigns and Fake News
  5. Propaganda and Warfare: From ‘Your Country Needs You’ to ‘The War on Terror’
  6. Propaganda and Gender: ‘We Can Do it!’ and women’s work
  7. Propaganda and Healthcare: obesity, immunisation and scare stories
  8. Propaganda and the Planet: Global warming, pollution, and politics
  9. Conclusions and Reflections

Essential Reading and Resource List

Recommended Reading

Chomsky, N., 2002. Media control: The spectacular achievements of propaganda. New York: Seven Stories Press.

Curran, J. and Seaton, J., 2009. Power without responsibility: press, broadcasting and the internet in Britain. London: Routledge.7th ed

Jowett, G.S. and O'Donnell, V. 2015 Propaganda & Persuasion. London: SAGE. 6th ed.

Pratkavis, A. and Aronson, E. 1991. Age of Propaganda: The Everyday Use and Abuse of Persuasion. New York: W.H. Freeman.

Shaw, T. 2000. Hollywood's Cold War. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

Stanley, J. 2015. How Propaganda Works. Princetown, NJ: Princeton University Press.

Taylor, P. 2002. British Propaganda in the Twentieth Century. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

Thomson, O. 1999. Easily Led: A History of Propaganda. Stroud : Sutton Pub.


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