Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Strategic Communication in Hybrid Threat Contexts

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
SZF_155
Branch of Science
Media and communications
ECTS
4.00
Target Audience
Communication Science; Information and Communication Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts

Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

The primary objective of this course aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the role of strategic communication in addressing hybrid threats. It enhances students' abilities to design and implement effective communication strategies during crises and equips them with the skills needed to assess the impact of communication strategies on different societal groups. These objectives align with the course description and aim to prepare students to recognize, analyze, and respond to hybrid threats by using strategic communication tools and techniques.

Preliminary Knowledge

Basic knowledge of what constitutes a hybrid threat, including its components such as cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, and other non-conventional means of conflict, is necessary. A solid grasp of media literacy, including recognizing bias, understanding the role of the media in shaping public opinion, and critically analyzing media content, is important. Prior knowledge of crisis management strategies, including the phases of a crisis (pre-crisis, crisis response, and post-crisis), will be beneficial.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Students will possess a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental theories of media and communication, particularly as they apply to the dynamic and complex context of hybrid threats. They will be able to critically engage with and synthesize key concepts related to strategic communication, recognizing the multifaceted nature of hybrid threats and their implications for national and international security. Students will gain insights into the ethical dimensions of communication in crisis situations, learning to apply communication strategies that consider the diverse needs and perspectives of various societal groups.

Skills

1.Strategic Communication Planning: Ability to design and implement comprehensive communication strategies tailored to counter hybrid threats, taking into account various societal groups and potential vulnerabilities. Crisis Communication: Proficiency in crafting and delivering effective messages during crises, ensuring clear, timely, and accurate information dissemination to mitigate panic and confusion. Ethical Decision-Making: Skills to evaluate and apply ethical principles in communication strategies, ensuring respect for fundamental rights and professional standards in challenging hybrid threat scenarios. Critical Analysis and Evaluation: Capability to critically assess the effectiveness of different communication approaches within the hybrid threat environment, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Research and Data Collection: Ability to conduct independent research, gather empirical data, and analyze trends to support the development of informed communication strategies.

Competences

1.Understanding of hybrid threats, strategic communication skills, crisis management, cultural sensitivity, ethical decision-making, adaptability, and technological proficiency. By developing these competencies, students will be well-prepared to take on leadership roles in crisis communication and contribute to the effective management of hybrid threats.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work

-
-
1. Attendance of seminars and lectures – mandatory, 20% (the lecturer evaluates the student's participation and activity in lectures and seminars). 2. Permanent work (group work/synopsis/analysis) and presentation – mandatory, 30% (the lecturer evaluates the student's skills: to keep the audience's attention, the ability to find and select viable innovative ideas, to discuss the latest trends in the context of the study course topics). 3. Development of summaries – mandatory, 20% (the lecturer assesses the student's ability to independently obtain, select and analyse information in the context of the study course). 4. Examination – mandatory, 30% (the lecturer assesses the student's knowledge and understanding in the context of the study course topics).

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination

-
-
A final grade will be determined based on audience participation, group assignments, presentations, final work and exams.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Introduction to Strategic Communication and Hybrid Threats.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Theories of Media and Communication.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Hybrid Threats: Case Studies and Analysis.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Crisis Communication Strategies.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Strategic Communication Ethics.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Communication Approaches for Different Societal Groups.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Disinformation and Misinformation in Hybrid Threats.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Strategic Narrative Development.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Evaluating Communication Effectiveness.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Future Trends in Strategic Communication and Hybrid Threats.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Analysis of a Hybrid Threat Case Study.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Developing a Strategic Communication Plan.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Ethical Dilemmas in Crisis Communication.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Strategic Narratives Workshop.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Crisis Communication Simulation.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Crisis Communication Simulation.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
4.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Heath, R. L., & O'Hair, H. D. (Eds.). (2020). Handbook of Risk and Crisis Communication. Routledge. ProQuest Ebook Central Academic Complete

2.

Bennett, W. L., & Livingston, S. (2018). The Disinformation Age: Politics, Technology, and Disruptive Communication in the United States. Cambridge University Press.

3.

NATO (2017). Countering Hybrid Warfare Project Report. NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence.

4.

Hybrid CoE. (2024). Building resilience to hybrid threats (Working Paper No. 31). The European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats.

Additional Reading

1.

Cornish, P., Lindley-French J., Yorke C. (Eds.). (2011). Strategic Communications and National Strategy: A Chatham House Report.

2.

Waisbord, S. (2018). Communication: A Post-Discipline. Polity.

3.

Mark Anthony Camilleri (Editor). (2021). Strategic Corporate Communication in the Digital Age.