Module manager: Julie Firmstone
Email: J.A.Firmstone@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
COMM5615M Keywords in Political Communication (the only change is to the module title)
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module explores theories and concepts that can explain political communication across contemporary settings. It takes a broad comparative approach, analysing the development of political communication both across time and across different contemporary political contexts
Organised around a number of concepts that are central to understanding the dynamics of political communication, this module aims to:-
- examine how emergent media technologies and uncertain political realities bring new opportunities and challenges to various political actors.
- examine the nature of the relationship between political activity and the media.
- interrogate whether changes in the political information environment undermine democratic values.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5) Present a reasoned argument in a clear, concise, focused and structured manner that is supported by relevant evidence from scholarly literature on political communication and its related fields.
6) Evaluate different arguments and perspectives on political communication, using supporting evidence from contemporary case studies to form independent opinions, arguments, theories and ideas. On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1) explain and critique different theoretical approaches to political communication.
2) evaluate and critically reflect on the way in which the media shape the presentation of politics and how this affects the political process.
3) analyse the relationship between political actors, citizens, and the media and discuss its implications for the political information environment and electoral politics.
4) compare and contrast the conditions of the political communication in a range of different political and cultural contexts
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 2 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 280 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 10 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 290 | ||
Feedback on the first assignment will be provided before the Christmas break so that feedback can inform the second assignment (essay).
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Literature Review | Literature Review | 35 |
| Essay | Essay | 65 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resit available via the original assessment method.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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