Course syllabus Political Influence through Strategic Narratives in International Security, Reading Course

Bachelor's degree 180 higher education credits

The aim of the course is to provide in-depth knowledge of influence through strategic narratives in the security sphere as well as the ability to independently study strategic narratives. It provides in-depth insights into different theoretical assumptions in narrative research that form the basis of research on strategic narratives. It also provides the ability to critically evaluate how actors use strategic narratives for influencing purposes; from more accepted practices such as diplomacy and 'soft power' to sheer deception. Finally, the course provides the ability to evaluate different methods and research approaches in order to determine their applicability to an independently chosen research problem.

The course consists of three main components: one that deals with the theoretical basis of narrative research and how it underpins research on strategic narratives, one that deals with the projection of strategic narratives, and one that deals with the effectiveness of strategic narratives, i.e. how different audiences receive strategic narratives. The course provides a great opportunity for in-depth study of methodological issues through rich examples of how to study and measure projection and reception of strategic narratives concerning security, risk and war.

Type of Instruction
Instruction takes place through an introductory seminar and a final seminar.

After completing the course, the student is expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• In an in-depth, correct and comprehensible way, present and distinguish between different theoretical assumptions in the course literature on language and communication that form the basis for research on strategic narratives.

Competence and skills

• Identify and discuss ethical and political dilemmas by problematising the scientific study and use of strategic narratives.

Judgement and approach

• In an in-depth, correct and comprehensible way, evaluate different theoretical approaches and methods in the research field with regard to their applicability to a research problem.

Assessment takes place through independent writing of a paper (a "take-home examination"). The student answers and discusses one or two questions provided by the examiner that are clearly related to the course objectives and the course literature.

In certain cases, the examiner may decide that an examination assignment that does not earn a grade of Pass may be supplemented with an oral or written assignment. Such assignment shall be submitted or presented within three working days of the examiner communicating the assignment.

Grading
Grades are set according to a three-grade scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). Grading criteria are specified by no later than the start of the course.

There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.

When a course is no longer provided or when the content of a course has been significantly altered, the student has the right to be examined in accordance with this course syllabus once per semester over a period of three semesters.

The course cannot be part of a degree with another course whose content matches the content of this course in whole or in part.

• If a student has a decision from the Swedish Defence University regarding special educational support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on alternative forms of examination for the student.
• On completion of the course, an evaluation will be conducted under the auspices of the course director and will serve as the basis for any changes to the course.

The course is given within the Master's Programme in Politics and War. The course may also be given as a freestanding 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.