99986 - Media and International Politics

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to understand deeply the role of the media within the context of international politics and the conduct of the foreign policy of states, being able to judge more consciously the role of media as subjects, instruments, and above all battlefield of contemporary international relations. In particular, students will acquire the necessary tools to understand how exposure to the media and the relationship with media, whether conflictual or cooperative, represents today a significant element of international politics in peace and war.

Course contents

CHANGES IN THE MEDIA INDUSTRY
Impact of new technologies on traditional and digital media (AI, Metaverse, IoT, Socialmedia)

POLITICAL COMMUNICATION AND JOURNALISTIC COMMUNICATION
Range of action. Media diplomacy and the role of the media in international conflicts.

NEWSMEDIA AND INSTITUTIONAL ACTORS IN EXCEPTIONAL CASES
communication in times of crisis and health, political-economic and disaster emergencies.

TOOLS OF POLITICAL DESTABILIZATION
Information warfare. Psychology and politics of fear. Groupthink,  Polythink.

SECURITY, INTERNATIONAL POLITICS AND INVESTIGATION
Investigative journalism and the system of power. Intelligence and infosphere. Cyberterrorism, cybercrime

• Analysis of some case studies.

Readings/Bibliography

Only for those who do not carry out activities during lessons: text to be agreed with the teacher.

Lecture notes and scientific articles to consult.

Teaching methods

Emphasis on learning-by-doing with a practice-based focus. Its student-centered model allows for sessions with specific group work activities.
Innovative methodology
The innovative training activity will consist of meetings with professionals in the sector and teamwork based on three methodologies: a) an investigation to stimulate the student to formulate searchable questions, implement useful actions to solve problems and understand the phenomena presented; b) an analysis aimed at helping students to develop a full awareness of all the factors involved in making a strategic decision; c) a group analysis, designed to allow individual students and groups to be more receptive to new ideas, evaluate different points of view, and develop them creatively and constructively.

Some classes will be held online.

Assessment methods

Profitable participation in the exercises and discussion of a final Research Work.


Note: Those who do not carry out the proposed works will have a final verification test based on the material of the lessons and the recommended book. The methods of the test will be illustrated during the course.

Office hours

See the website of Luisa Dall'Acqua