Course syllabus From Diplomacy to Deception: Influence through strategic narratives
Swedish name: Från diplomati till vilseledning: Påverkan genom strategiska narrativ
Course code:
2PK078
Education cycle:
Second cycle
Scope:
7.5 credits
Progression:
A1F
Grading scale:
Three-grade scale
Main field of study:
Political Science: Security Studies
Department:
Department of Security, Strategy and Leadership
Subject:
Political Science: Security Studies
Language of instruction:
The teaching is conducted in English.
Entry requirements
Admitted to the Master Program in Politics and War or to the PhD program in Political Science with a focus on crisis and security.
Course content and structure
The aim of the course is to provide deeper knowledge about influence through strategic narratives in the sphere of security and an ability of independently study strategic narratives. It provides deeper knowledge in different theoretical assumptions within narrative research, which serves a foundation to the research on strategic narratives. It also provides ability to critically value how actors use strategic narratives to influence others; from more accepted practices such as diplomacy and soft power to deception. Finally, the course provides students with the ability to value different methods and research schemes, in order to be able to judge their applicability on an independently chosen research problem.
The course consists of three main parts: one concerns the theory of knowledge within narrative research and how it forms as a basis for research on strategic narratives; one treats the projection of strategic narratives and one treats the efficacy of strategic narratives; that is the reception of strategic narratives by different audiences. Ample opportunities are provided to gain deeper knowledge in methodological issues, with numerous examples of how one can study and measure projection and reception of strategic narratives in the domain of security, risk and war.
The course is taught through seminars.
The course consists of three main parts: one concerns the theory of knowledge within narrative research and how it forms as a basis for research on strategic narratives; one treats the projection of strategic narratives and one treats the efficacy of strategic narratives; that is the reception of strategic narratives by different audiences. Ample opportunities are provided to gain deeper knowledge in methodological issues, with numerous examples of how one can study and measure projection and reception of strategic narratives in the domain of security, risk and war.
Type of Instruction
The course is taught through seminars.
Objectives
After having completed this course, students will be able to:
- In depth account for and distinguish between different theoretical assumptions about language and communication that underpin research on strategic narratives
- Identify and discuss ethical and political dilemma by problematizing the scientific study of, and use of, strategic narratives
- In depth value different theoretical frameworks and methods within the field with regard to their applicability on a given research problem.
Examination formats
Examination
Scope: 7.5
Grading Scale: Fail, Pass, Pass with Distinction
Examination is conducted individually through the submission of two written exams, one of which is submitted during the third week and one at the end of the fifth week, and active participation in mandatory seminars.
The examining teacher may decide to give supplementary tasks in order for the student to achieve a passing grade on the course. Absence from a maximum of one mandatory seminar may, subject to the examining teacher’s decision, be compensated by submission of a written supplementary task.
Grading is done according to a three-tiered scale: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), and Fail (U). To receive a pass the student has to have participated actively in the compulsory seminars and have received a passing grade on the submitted written exams. To receive a pass with distinction the student has to have participated actively in the compulsory seminars and have received the grade pass with distinction on both submitted written exam. The grading criteria are listed in the course description.
Unlimited.
Scope: 7.5
Grading Scale: Fail, Pass, Pass with Distinction
Examination is conducted individually through the submission of two written exams, one of which is submitted during the third week and one at the end of the fifth week, and active participation in mandatory seminars.
The examining teacher may decide to give supplementary tasks in order for the student to achieve a passing grade on the course. Absence from a maximum of one mandatory seminar may, subject to the examining teacher’s decision, be compensated by submission of a written supplementary task.
Grading
Grading is done according to a three-tiered scale: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), and Fail (U). To receive a pass the student has to have participated actively in the compulsory seminars and have received a passing grade on the submitted written exams. To receive a pass with distinction the student has to have participated actively in the compulsory seminars and have received the grade pass with distinction on both submitted written exam. The grading criteria are listed in the course description.
Restrictions in Number of Examinations
Unlimited.
Transitional provisions
When the course is no longer offered or when the contents of the course have been changed in their essence a student has the right to be examined twice during the same academic year according to this course syllabus.
Other regulations
The course cannot be included in a degree with another course whose content fully or partially corresponds to the content of this course.
The course is given in English.
An evaluation of the course will be made after the conclusion of the course, conducted by the course convenor. The evaluation is the basis of eventual changes to the course.
The course is given as an elective course and forms part of the Master’s programme in politics and war. It can also be given as a separate course.
This is an edited version of the syllabus, created to transfer the original to the education database Ladok education planning. For originals, refer to the archive.
The course is given in English.
An evaluation of the course will be made after the conclusion of the course, conducted by the course convenor. The evaluation is the basis of eventual changes to the course.
The course is given as an elective course and forms part of the Master’s programme in politics and war. It can also be given as a separate course.
This is an edited version of the syllabus, created to transfer the original to the education database Ladok education planning. For originals, refer to the archive.