Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 24/25.P.1.00

Description Period: 2024./25 academic year pavasara semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Information War and Propaganda

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
SZF_072
Branch of Science
-
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Communication Science; Information and Communication Science; Juridical Science; Political Science; Social Anthropology
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Lelde Metla-Rozentāle
Structure Unit Manager
Karina Palkova
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts

Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the theories, methods, and practices of information warfare and propaganda, and their application to international politics and society. To improve critical thinking and the ability to analyze various sources of information, to recognize propaganda techniques and strategies.

Preliminary Knowledge

In order to successfully complete the course, students are advised to have basic knowledge of international relations, political theory and the operation of mass media. No specific prior knowledge of the specifics of information warfare or propaganda is required.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Deep understanding of information warfare and propaganda theory. Knowledge of various propaganda techniques and their use. Understanding the role and influence of the media in society.

Skills

1.Ability to critically analyze media content and recognize propaganda. Ability to analyze propaganda using a variety of methods. Ability to develop strategies to prevent information warfare and conduct counter-propaganda.

Competences

1.Skills in effective communication and argumentation. Ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations. Ability to work in a team through group assignments and project work.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.
Individual work
-
-
During the "Information War and Propaganda" course, students must do several independent tasks, which include: Essay writing: Students should write an essay about a specific case of information warfare or propaganda, analyzing its effects and the strategies used. The essay must demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and interpret information using the theories and methodologies learned during the course. Presentations for seminars: Each student or group of students must prepare a presentation on a specific topic related to information warfare and propaganda. Presentations should demonstrate the ability to present researched material clearly and convincingly, and should include critical analysis. Paper Development: Students are required to carry out detailed research on a chosen topic related to the course and prepare a paper. The paper should demonstrate a deep understanding of the topic, use a variety of sources and perform critical analysis.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.
Examination
-
-
Students should write an essay on a particular case of information warfare or propaganda, analyzing its effects and the strategies used. The essay must demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and interpret information using the theories and methodologies learned during the course.
2.
Examination
-
-
Students are required to carry out detailed research on a chosen topic related to the course and prepare a paper. The paper should demonstrate a deep understanding of the topic, use a variety of sources and perform critical analysis.
3.
Examination
-
-
Each student or group of students must prepare a presentation on a specific topic related to information warfare and propaganda. Presentations should demonstrate the ability to present researched material clearly and convincingly, and should include critical analysis.
4.
Examination
-
-
The evaluation takes place on a 10-point scale, according to the cumulative principle, which takes into account the following aspects: Independent works (40%): Essays, presentations and reports are evaluated according to their quality, depth of analysis and argumentative ability. Active participation in seminars (20%): Regular and active participation in discussions, ability to think critically and constructively engage in seminar work. Exam (40%): Test of theoretical knowledge and analysis of practical cases, where the exam demonstrates the ability to apply theory and perform critical analysis. The exam in the course "Information War and Propaganda" is conducted as a combined test, which includes both theoretical questions and case analysis. Students must demonstrate their ability to apply the theory learned in the course to practical situations by analyzing and arguing their point of view. The quality of each work and activity is evaluated based on the set criteria and is summed to determine the final score. Students must achieve a minimum score of 4 out of 10 to successfully complete the course.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Information Warfare: Definitions and Theories

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

  1. History and theory of propaganda

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Media systems and information sources

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Information warfare strategies and tactics

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

  1. Psychological operations and their effects

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

  1. Propaganda analysis methods

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Digital propaganda and social media

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

  1. Disinformation and "Fake News"

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

  1. Cyber attacks and information security

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. State strategies in information warfare

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

  1. Public resistance to propaganda

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Etiquette in waging information warfare

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

  1. The role of propaganda in conflict escalation

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

  1. Media "literature" and critical thinking

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Regional information wars

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

  1. International organizations and information warfare

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. The use of propaganda in peace processes

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Case study analysis

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Modern propaganda tools and technologies

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Lecture
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

  1. Course overview and exam preparation

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Individual work - consultations with students (if necessary)

EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
Off site
E-Studies platform
2
2.
Class/Seminar
Off site
E-Studies platform
2
3.
Class/Seminar
Off site
E-Studies platform
2
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
46 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Visa literatūra ir angļu valodā un piemērota gan latviešu, gan angļu plūsmas studentiem

2.

Jowett, G.S., & O'Donnell, V. (2019). Propaganda & Persuasion. Sage Publications.

3.

Rid, T. (2020). Active Measures: The Secret History of Disinformation and Political Warfare. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

4.

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

5.

Woolley, S.C., & Howard, P.N. (2019). Computational Propaganda: Political Parties, Politicians, and Political Manipulation on Social Media. Oxford University Press.

6.

Winkler, C. (2019). The Rhetoric of Terror: Reflections on 9/11 and the War on Terror. Lexington Books.

7.

Sunstein, C.R. (2018). #Republic: Divided Democracy in the Age of Social Media. Princeton University Press.

Additional Reading

1.

Taylor, P.M. (2003). Munitions of the Mind: A History of Propaganda from the Ancient World to the Present Era. Manchester University Press.

2.

Wolfsfeld, G. (2013). Media and Political Conflict: News from the Middle East. Cambridge University Press.

3.

Tufekci, Z. (2017). Twitter and Tear Gas: The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest. Yale University Press.

4.

Silverman, C. (2016). Lies, Damn Lies, and Viral Content: How News Websites Spread (and Debunk) Online Rumors, Unverified Claims, and Misinformation. Tow Center for Digital Journalism.

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