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POLS1320 - Media and politics
[2 Q. • 30 Th. • 4 ECTS - credits]
| Lecturer :
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Sinardet Dave |
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| Language of instruction :
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Dutch. One or two additional texts may be in another language. |
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| Learning outcomes :
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The main aim is to familiarise the students with different scientific perspectives (theoretical and experimental) on the relation between media and politics, in the broadest sense, and with the application of these notions to concrete cases and debates. More generally, the aims are the acquisition of a theoretical knowledge, the assimilation of academic texts, the reinforcement of critical thinking, the formation of opinion on current themes in society and academic debates, as well as the participation in these debates.
As the course is given entirely in Dutch and as participation and discussion are encouraged, the improvement of Dutch language skills are also considered as an aim. In relation to this, a secondary objective is to acquire a better knowledge and understanding of Flemish news, especially topics that relate to media and politics.
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| Prerequisites :
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The students should have integrated the fundamental concepts of political sciences, sociology and communication sciences.
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| Course contents :
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The course can be divided into five major parts. First we will study the influence of the socio-economic context on media and their relation to politics, then we will study the importance of public authorities and legislation, this will be followed by the interaction between media and the political representation system, then the production of information and the role played by political journalists, to finish with the importance of public opinion and the issue of the effects of media on the public.
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| Mode of delivery :
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The course is a lecture, nevertheless interactive, stimulating the students' participation and debates on themes relating to the course. The students are expected to be attentive to political news and more specifically to its media treatment and to everything relating to the relation between media and politics. They are also encouraged to consult Dutch media.
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| Assessment methods and criteria :
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Oral examination.
Two questions assessing the knowledge of the course (2 X 7 pts).
A 'proposition' or written ‘essay', reflecting a personal opinion well argued and based on one or more parts of the course. This work has to be handed in beforehand, and will be discussed with the professor during the examination (1 X 6 pts).
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| Recommended or required reading :
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Witte Els (mmv A. Detant & B. Distelmans), 'Media en Politiek', VUBPress, 2002, 247 pages.
The book (p. 229 to 247) includes a detailed bibliography of reference works.
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| Other information :
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The book “Media en Politiek” as well as some additional texts will be made available.
PowerPoint presentation, available on the course website.
Regular class attendance is expected.
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