The module examines the role of propaganda as a means of communication and persuasion. It deals with the definitions, content, intent and methods of propaganda drawn from the historical development of propaganda as a communications tool utilising the mass media. The module will involve study and critical assessment of the role of propaganda in the two world wars, the Cold War, apartheid South Africa, Rwanda and contemporary conflicts and politics.
Total Contact Hours: 24
Private Study Hours: 126
Total Study Hours: 150
MA Multimedia Journalism
MA in International Multimedia Journalism
Main assessment methods
Essay (3000 words) (40%)
Seminar Presentation (20%)
Examination, 2 hour (40%)
Reassessment methods
Like for Like
Jacques Ellul, Propaganda: The Formation of Men's Attitudes, New York: Vintage, 1973
Garth Jowett and Victoria O'Donnell, Propaganda and Persuasion, Thousand Oaks, Ca: Sage, 2006
Edward Herman and Noam Chomsky, Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of Mass Media, New York: Pantheon Books, 1988
Keith Somerville, Radio Propaganda and the Broadcasting of Hatred: Historical Development and Definitions, Basingstoke: Palgrave/Macmillan, 2012
Phillip Taylor, Munitions of the Mind: A history of propaganda from the ancient world to the present day, Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2003 edition
David Welsh, Propaganda: Power and Persuasion, London: British Library, 2013
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical awareness of key features and methods of propaganda and its dissemination through the media.
2. Acquire a detailed knowledge about and be able to critically evaluate debates about the application of particular models of propaganda in the student's own research and advanced scholarship.
3. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the historical evolution of propaganda and the means of dissemination through the constantly changing forms of media, and be able to critically reflect on the consequences of media development for the content and form of propaganda.
4. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the use of propaganda during wartime – with detailed knowledge of specific examples drawn from the wars of the 20th and 21st centuries.
5. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and systematic understanding of the use of language in using propaganda to influence public opinion and human behaviour.
6. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the spectrum of propaganda in the media from the values of developed, impartial journalism to hate propaganda.
7. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the contexts of propaganda usage and the importance content and intent analysis as measures of the phenomenon.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the key concepts and theories in academic literature across a range of relevant academic disciplines
2. Critically evaluate knowledge of relevant concepts and theories and demonstrate a degree of originality in the formulation, framing and execution of textual analysis projects
3. Demonstrate comprehensive research and writing skills in individual written work
4. Demonstrate strong oral communication skills.
5. Exercise independent learning skills and organise their study in an efficient and professional manner.
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