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

Social Media and Digital Diplomacy

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
SZF_105
Branch of Science
-
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Communication Science; Information and Communication Science; Political 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

Provide students with an understanding of the role and impact of social media in international relations, diplomacy, and public diplomacy, as well as develop skills in creating and managing digital diplomacy campaigns.

Preliminary Knowledge

Fundamental knowledge in international relations and diplomacy - understanding of international relations, diplomatic protocol, and international legislation, as well as communication skills, information technology literacy, critical thinking skills, knowledge of ethical standards, and understanding of basic issues in cybersecurity.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Knows information about the use of social media in digital diplomacy.

Skills

1.Skills in analyzing the digital diplomacy activities conducted on social media by international actors.

Competences

1.Create digital diplomacy campaigns on social media designed to implement the interests of international actors.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work

-
-
Study of literature: Analysis of scientific literature on the theoretical and practical aspects of social media and digital diplomacy. Case study analysis: Examination of practical examples and cases, analyzing successful and unsuccessful digital diplomacy campaigns. Report: On certain aspects of the course, discussing theoretical knowledge and its application in practical situations. Development of a digital diplomacy campaign: Independent creation of a digital diplomacy campaign, including strategies, target audience, content, and communication channels. Presentations and discussions: Preparation of presentations and participation in group discussions, where course topics and independent work results are discussed. Learning digital diplomacy tools: Practical work with social media platforms, analytics tools, and other digital instruments.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination

-
-
Report: On certain aspects of the course, discussing theoretical knowledge and its application in practical situations.
2.

Examination

-
-
Presentations and discussions: Preparation of presentations and participation in group discussions, where course topics and independent work results are discussed.
3.

Examination

-
-
Knowledge/understanding of the course's theoretical aspects and the ability to integrate them into analysis and argumentation. Analytical abilities: Quality of case and literature analysis, ability to identify key issues, and argue conclusions. Execution of practical tasks: Creation of digital diplomacy campaigns - demonstration of skills and their compliance with modern standards. Communication skills: Ability to present ideas and arguments clearly and convincingly, as well as to participate effectively in discussions. Creativity and innovation: Use of unique and innovative approaches to problem-solving and task completion. Adherence to ethics and professional attitude towards tasks/content.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Introduction. Basic concepts of social media and digital diplomacy.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Historical development of diplomacy and communication interaction
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Historical development of diplomacy and communication interaction
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Public diplomacy and cultural diplomacy in the digital environment
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Aspects of digitization of diplomatic functions
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Aspects of digitization of diplomatic functions
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The digital culture of diplomacy
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Theoretical aspects of social media and digital interaction
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Legal and Ethical Aspects of Using Social Media in Digital Diplomacy
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Legal and Ethical Aspects of Using Social Media in Digital Diplomacy
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Cyber security aspects in digital diplomacy
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Case studies of digital diplomacy campaigns
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Case studies of digital diplomacy campaigns
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The 'Grey Zone' of Digital Diplomacy: Influence Operations and Propaganda
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Development of digital diplomacy campaigns
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Development of digital diplomacy campaigns
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Development of digital diplomacy campaigns
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentation of digital diplomacy campaigns
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentation of digital diplomacy campaigns
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Presentation of digital diplomacy campaigns
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Counseling before the exam
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Exam
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Exam
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
46 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Paredzēta studentiem gan latviešu, gan angļu plūsmā (literatūra paliek nemainīga)

2.

Klynge C., Ekman M., Waedegaard N. J., Diplomacy in the Digital Age: Lessons from Denmark’s TechPlomacy Initiative, in Ministries of Foreign Affairs in the World. Actors of State Diplomacy, Lequesne C., Ed., (Koninklijke Brill: Leiden, 2022).

3.

Spry D., From Delhi to Dili: Facebook Diplomacy by Ministries of Foreign Affairs in the Asia-Pacific, in Ministries of Foreign Affairs in the World. Actors of State Diplomacy, Lequesne C., Ed., (Koninklijke Brill: Leiden, 2022).

4.

Erpul O., Digital Diplomacy and International Society in the Age of Populism, in Hare P. W., Manfredi-Sánchez J. L., Weisbrode K.,Eds., The Palgrave Handbook of Diplomatic Reform and Innovation, (Palgrave Macmillan: Cham, 2023)

5.

Bjola C., Coplen M., Digital Diplomacy in the Time of the Coronavirus Pandemic: Lessons and Recommendations, in Hare P. W., Manfredi-Sánchez J. L., Weisbrode K.,Eds., The Palgrave Handbook of Diplomatic Reform and Innovation, (Palgrave Macmillan: Cham, 2023)

6.

Fletcher T., Beyond Meeting and Tweeting: The Next Challenges for Innovation in Diplomacy, in Hare P. W., Manfredi-Sánchez J. L., Weisbrode K.,Eds., The Palgrave Handbook of Diplomatic Reform and Innovation, (Palgrave Macmillan: Cham, 2023)

7.

Manfredi-Sánchez J. L., Huang Z. A., Disinformation and Diplomacy, in Hare P. W., Manfredi-Sánchez J. L., Weisbrode K.,Eds., The Palgrave Handbook of Diplomatic Reform and Innovation, (Palgrave Macmillan: Cham, 2023)

8.

Heine J., Aguirre D., Digitalizing South American MFAs: Reform and Resistance, in Hare P. W., Manfredi-Sánchez J. L., Weisbrode K.,Eds., The Palgrave Handbook of Diplomatic Reform and Innovation, (Palgrave Macmillan: Cham, 2023)

9.

Bjola C., Manor, I., Introduction: Understanding Digital Diplomacy—The Grammar Rules and Patterns of Digital Disruption, in Bjola C., Manor, I., Eds., The Oxford Handbook of Digital Diplomacy (Oxford University Press: New York, 2024)

10.

Rawnsley G. D., Soft Power in the Digital Space, in Bjola C., Manor, I., Eds., The Oxford Handbook of Digital Diplomacy (Oxford University Press: New York, 2024)

11.

Briant E. L., Researching Influence Operations: ‘Dark Arts’ Mercenaries and the Digital Influence Industry, in Bjola C., Manor, I., Eds., The Oxford Handbook of Digital Diplomacy (Oxford University Press: New York, 2024)

12.

Kello L., Digital Diplomacy and Cyber Defence, in Bjola C., Manor, I., Eds., The Oxford Handbook of Digital Diplomacy (Oxford University Press: New York, 2024)

13.

Grincheva N., Digital Cultural Diplomacy: From Content Providers to Opinion Makers, in Bjola C., Manor, I., Eds., The Oxford Handbook of Digital Diplomacy (Oxford University Press: New York, 2024)

14.

Huang Z. A., Arceneaux P., Ethical Challenges in the Digitalization of Public Diplomacy, in Bjola C., Manor, I., Eds., The Oxford Handbook of Digital Diplomacy (Oxford University Press: New York, 2024)

15.

Wiseman G., Digital Diplomatic Cultures, in Bjola C., Manor, I., Eds., The Oxford Handbook of Digital Diplomacy (Oxford University Press: New York, 2024)