Strategic Communication

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The aim of the course is to provide a historical, theoretical, and institutional understanding of strategic and political communication, particularly in relation to ideas of deliberative democracy. The course also offers analytical and practical insight into how strategic communication is practiced. In addition to a general understanding of strategic communication, the course provides an in‑depth exploration of a specific perspective on, or area within, strategic communication. This specialization may focus on citizen communication, campaign communication, political communication, speechwriting, or, for example, the relationship between strategic communicators and journalists. It may also address specific fields (such as the strategic design of media policy or the strategic communication of media institutions) or particular perspectives (such as ethics or effects). The course includes practical work involving the development of a strategic message, communication plan, or similar assignment.

Learning Outcomes

The student, upon completing the course, is expected to achieve the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate…

  • can explain theories of influence and strategic communication
  • can account for the role of political and strategic communication within society and democracy
  • can explain and apply research methods used to analyze how individuals and organizations influence and persuade

Skills

The candidate…

  • can think rhetorically and design practical approaches to strategic communication
  • can develop and deliver persuasive presentations
  • can contribute advisory expertise in strategic communication

General competence

The candidate…

  • can use their knowledge to understand rhetorical situations and engage with strategic communication challenges
  • can use their skills to analyze, communicate, and provide guidance when encountering such situations and challenges
  • can use their knowledge and skills to identify and assess ethical issues, and to reflect on questions related to political and strategic communication in terms of function, effect, ethics, and democratic ideals

ECTS Credits

10 ECTS

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Fall
Required Previous Knowledge
Bachelor's degree in media studies or similar
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Builds on MEVI104/MEVI124. Students who have not completed these courses are recommended to read up on elementary terms and theories before the semester starts.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
MEVI304 (10 credits)
Access to the Course
he course is reserved for students enrolled in the master’s programme in Media Studies. Students from other master’s programmes may take the course upon application.
Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and/or seminars.

Presentations by students are a part of the teaching.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

During the semester, students must carry out presentations in plenary sessions, including an oral presentation of the practical assignment.

Approved coursework requirements are valid only for the semester in which the course is taught.

Forms of Assessment

The exam consists of two parts.

  1. Development of a practical strategic assignment (e.g., a strategic message, communication plan, or similar).
  2. A report on the practical assignment.

Part 1 counts for 30 percent of the final grade. Part 2 counts for 70 percent.

The exam may be completed individually or as a group. Group-based exams offer two possible models: both parts may be completed as a group, or part 1 may be completed as a group while part 2 is submitted individually.

The exam question will be given in the language of instruction for the course. The exam answer may be submitted in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, or English.

Grading Scale
A-F
Assessment Semester

Assessment is offered only in the semester in which the course is taught.

Students with valid absence as defined in the UiB regulations § 5-5 may apply for an extended submission deadline for the exam by contacting infomedia@uib.no. The application must be submitted before the original deadline has passed.

Reading List
The literature list will be available by 01.07.
Course Evaluation
All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.
Course Administrator
The Department of Information Science and Media Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences has the administrative responsibility for the course