Module manager: Lone Sorensen
Email: L.N.Sorensen@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module explores innovations in political communication resulting from changes in culture, technology and global power dynamics. It focuses on a series of broad innovations, with particular emphasis upon examples and case studies. Particular emphasis will be laid on political communications in established democracies in Western Europe and North America, with some secondary references to democratising nations and regions.
The module aims to consider why innovation in political communication has been thought necessary. It will initially focus on weaknesses and deficits in real-life political communications as well as in academic approaches to the subject. In subsequent weeks, the module will consider a series of recent ‘turns’ in political communication: deliberative, digital, performative, anti-political, transnational etc. Each ‘turn’ will be illustrated by at least one case study/example and students will be required to provide their own examples. The final classes will involve student presentations.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Effectively communicate ideas and arguments, both in oral and written form, on political communication and its relationship with democracy.
6. Collaborate with others in planning, researching and presenting on a case study of political communication. On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
Analyse the role of communications in democratic politics
Critically evaluate a series of contemporary innovations in political communication
Assess the relationship between these innovations and democratic norms
Compare the effectiveness and risks of such innovations in political communications and their implications/effects on wider societal structures.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Private study hours | 278 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Formative feedback on understanding of the topics in the module is given through constructive discussion of reading and through weekly written tasks in seminars.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay | 60 |
| Group Project/Project/Dissertation | Group presentation | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resits available through original form of submission. Resit of the group presentation may take form of an individual presentation.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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