Communicative Power in Politics and Professions (PHD305)
The course provides analytical tools for examining power and communication at both "low" and "high" levels—among individuals and in social relationships on one hand, and within and between various levels of decision-making and influence in politics and administration on the other. Theoretical perspectives on power and communication have a range of potential applications for analysis. These include communication between people in general, analysis of the public sphere, and the system level in politics and administration. Other applications include the analysis of communication between professionals and users, as well as participation processes. The role and development of media, along with communication in crisis and risk situations, are also covered in the course. The course offers opportunities to connect communication analysis with the analysis of influence and position in democracy.
Course description for study year 2024-2025
Course code
PHD305
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
5
Semester tution start
Spring, Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English, Norwegian
Content
The course presents theoretical perspectives on communication and power to study social interaction as well as professional and political practices. The theory provides an understanding of the conditions for and the exercise of communicative power at both relational and institutional levels. Specific applications of these theoretical perspectives include the analysis of social relationships, political and administrative system levels, welfare policy practices, and media and the public sphere. A particular topic concerns how communication resources and power dynamics can grant some groups political influence while others have little communicative power at the system level.
The course will offer candidates the opportunity to theoretically illuminate their dissertation, whether in parts of the dissertation, in individual articles, or as an overarching theoretical framework. Candidates can focus on a single theoretical perspective or contrast different theories of power and communication.
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
By the end of the course, participants will
- Have advanced knowledge of theoretical perspectives on power and communication.
- Have a good understanding of foundational literature and recent theories on communication and power, relevant for analyzing social and professional interactions, politics, and administration.
- Have an advanced understanding of the role of public debate in democracy and the conditions for communicative power.
Skills:
By the end of the course, participants will
- Be able to apply theories of communication, power, and influence to analyze issues at the institutional level, in politics and the public sphere, in social interactions, and in professional practice.
- Be able to challenge established knowledge at the system level, critically analyze communication and the use of power by political authorities, and reflect on communicative interactions of individuals and professionals.
- Be able to formulate research questions and conduct studies relevant to the international research community using theories of power and communication.
General Competence:
By the end of the course, participants will
- Be able to identify ethical issues related to the use of power in professional and political contexts and develop complex research designs using theoretical perspectives.
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper | 1/1 | Passed / Not Passed |
The exam consists of a paper of 9 to 12 pages (approximately 3000 words), with a line spacing of 1.5, based on an approved outline submitted before the start of the course. The paper must be submitted on Canvas no later than 6 weeks after the end of the course. Late submission beyond 6 weeks requires the approval of an application. The paper should utilize perspectives from the course literature and be relevant to the dissertation. All aids are allowed. The grading system is pass/fail.
Coursework requirements
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Svein Erik TuastadMethod of work
The course consists of a one-week session with five days of instruction, which includes lectures, seminars, and structured student activities. Active participation from students is expected. During the course, the submitted outline (submitted not later than one week before the start) will be used to develop a possible application area further. This can then be used in the paper, which serves as the examination requirement/course documentation (9 to 12 pages). A student seminar with teacher(s) will be offered three weeks after the end of the course, where questions about theory and its connection to individual projects can be addressed. According to the guidelines for Ph.D. courses, 5 ECTS credits correspond to an expected workload of 20 study days.
The course will be taught in English. If all participants understand Norwegian/Scandinavian languages well, the course will be conducted in Norwegian/Scandinavian.
