James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2021

PL2006 - Political Communication in the Global Environment

Subject Description

This subject analyses the institutions, policies and political communication strategies that shape the global environment. Political communication plays a key role in how we learn about the nature environment. This subject will first survey the historical and theoretical context of political communication and environmental theory. It will look at shifting values and ideas; the role of the traditional and social media in political communication; the role of the state, political parties, interest groups, and data-mining in policy formulation and implementation. Secondly, this subject will equip students with the necessary skills to understand and apply political communication theory. Developing a portfolio of political communication work, students will learn how to communicate better through news-writing skills; political interviewing, spin-doctoring/PR, planning and ethical decision-making.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the history, values and institutions underpinning political communication in the global environment
• Apply the broad and coherent body of knowledge in political communication, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts of politics in the global environment
• Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts in Australian political communication and policy to enhance further study at a higher level and independent lifelong learning
• Application of political communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas on the global environment

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (College administered) - (40%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Scenario-based learning activity - (60%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  To undertake this subject, students must have successfully completed 12 credit points (four subjects) of level 1 study at tertiary level

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  PL5006

Availabilities