Communications, Media and Propaganda

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students are expected to be able to : Explain Shannon and Weaver’s communication model and all its applications; Explain different approaches and sub-disciplines in communication science; Select the most suitable medium for specific communication purposes; Explain the necessity of multi-disciplinary approach of media studies; Explain different purposes and means of propaganda; Explain strengths and weaknesses of different mediums in different specific messages; Create an audio-visual propaganda work.

Topics

This course exposes students to basic concepts, assumptions and theories in communication science and media studies as multi-disciplinary field, and introduces students to propaganda methods, starts from the initial necessities for such concept in religious messages, followed by the history of political and social propaganda, and ends with studying commercials, advertising, and public relation activities. The course focuses on the history and critical parts of propaganda, and in doing so it provides a lot of screenings and discussions. Students should create and pitch an audio-visual propaganda project at the end of the semester.