The aims of this module is to explore the concept of propaganda and roles of the mass communications media in times of conflict. This will involve an historical approach which takes into consideration the numerous theoretical problems associated with the study of propaganda as well as the different ways political propaganda has been interpreted and used internationally in time of war or peace. Using case studies ranging from World War I to the present day, the aim of the module is to enable students to think critically about the manner in which propaganda is disseminated in wartime and the pressures governments, media organisations and journalists face in times of conflict. The module explores how different types of conflict and changing technology have elicited different relationships between the media, the military and government. The module also examines the impact of the media upon public opinion and the increasingly important part played by the 'homefront' in twentieth century warfare.
Total contact hours: 36
Private study hours: 264
Total study hours: 300
Main assessment methods:
Essay 1 6,000 words 80%
Seminar Presentation and Seminar Contribution 20%
Reassessment methods:
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Navigate a number of sub-disciplines of history, including political, cultural, social, media and military history, and recognized how historians and other scholars have responded to historiographical issue in propaganda studies [History Programme Learning Outcomes A3, A4, A5, B4, C1].
2 Produce (and reflected on) written assignments and oral arguments situated within the discourse on the concept of propaganda and roles of the mass communications media in times of conflict. [Programme Learning Outcomes A2, B3, B5).
3 Critically analyse the relationship between military and media organisations in the modern age [Programme Learning Outcome A1].
4 Critically examine the impact of the media upon public opinion and the increasingly important part played by the 'homefront' in twentieth century warfare. [Learning Outcomes A3, A4, A5, B4, C1].
6 Improved their ability to analyse, criticise and assess historical arguments [Programme Learning Outcome C4].
7 Analyse visual sources including films, documentaries, posters, cartoons etc [Programme Learning Outcome C2].
8 Plan and write an original history essay and organise it around a coherent argument [Programme Learning Outcomes B2, B6, C3, C4]
9. The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Participate in discussion, make their own contributions to discussion and listen to and respect the contributions of others through the three-hour seminar format [Key Skills D1 Communication; D4 Working with Others]
2 Engage in group work, cooperating on set tasks toward answering historical questions (for example, how have technological changes impacted on the reporting of modern wars), presenting individual and group responses [Key Skills D4 Working with Others; D6 Problem Solving]
3 Communicate their own ideas clearly and coherently, orally and in writing, assisted by peer and teacher feedback [Key Skills D1 Communication; D5 Improving Own Learning]
4 Reflect on their own learning, plan their use of time, and identify appropriate directions for further study, encouraged by the teacher [Key Skill D5 Improving Own Learning]
5 Produce word-processed assignments that are of a high scholarly standard in terms of presentation and professionalism [Key Skill D3 Information Technology]
6 Effectively research using the Internet; recognizing the variety of sites on propaganda and warfare (such as the Centre for the Study of Propaganda and War) located on the world wide web and their associated problems/benefits [Key Skill D3 Information Technology]
7 Research issues independently and productively [Key Skill D5 Improving Own Learning]
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