Course content

The last century was characterized by the conflicts of industrial society. Amongst other things, increased elector instability, weaker party identification and rapid changing patterns of conflict indicate that mass politics is changing. The course highlights the behaviour of political participants, the media and electors during these changing conditions. How do two different electors react to the same message? Do feelings or reason control electors? Which communication strategies do the parties choose when they are dependent one the mass media? Have the media institutions become a political power in their own right and how does this power manifest itself? The overall question is whether these changes are so radical, that on may speak of a post-industrial political culture.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student shall:

• have knowledge about the media and symbolic power in the formation of opinion focusing on how political actors, media and voters act under changing conditions along with a command of the discipline's theory and methods
• be able to contribute to the development of new knowledge in the discipline

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• treat one of the themes which was discussed in instruction in an independent empirical analytical manner which is at a high international level

Learning methods and activities

Lectures/group discussions equivalent to 4 hours pr. week. Supervision of term paper. The essay is to be an independent discussion of a topic taught in lectures, and is to consist of 20 pages. If 6 or fewer students sign up for a planned course during the first 2 teaching weeks, the course will be offered as an instructed reading course.

Required previous knowledge

Master's degree in Political Science or equivalent.

Course materials

To be decided at the start of the course.

Credit reductions