LFU:online

BA § 5 (1) 9.b PS Political Communication and Electoral Analysis - Introductory Level  (2/ 5)

Students acquire the ability to demonstrate and explain the behaviour of voters, political parties and the media in democracies theory-driven and with empirical findings. They know how to explain the function of political communication and the logics of media-centred democracy.

In the seminar, we will discuss the crucial theories on the behavior of voters, political parties, and the media from the perspective of electoral research. Furthermore, we will learn about recent empirical findings. Theories and findings will be discussed in light of Austrian politics. Students will also gain insights into the methods of empirical electoral research. Populism and populist communication, especially on social media, will be another priority during the course.

We cover the course material in virtual sessions based on the prepared readings, video presentations by the instructor, short inputs by students, and (real-time as well as asynchronous) discussions on the e-learning platform.

Regular reading of the mandatory literature and active participation during class, written test in the last session, short presentation, written homework

Mandatory readings (in German and English) will be announced in the first session.

successful completion of compulsory module 1