Information War and Propaganda

Study Course Description

Course Description Statuss:Approved

Course Description Version:2.00

Study Course Accepted:08.03.2024 09:35:52

Study Course Information
Course Code:		SZF_072		LQF level:		Level 7
Credit Points:		4.00		ECTS:		6.00
Branch of Science:		Political Science		Target Audience:		Communication Science; Social Anthropology; Information and Communication Science; Juridical Science; Political Science
Study Course Supervisor
Course Supervisor:		Lelde Metla-Rozentāle
Study Course Implementer
Structural Unit:		Faculty of Social Sciences
The Head of Structural Unit:
Contacts:		Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szfrsu[pnkts]lv
Study Course Planning
Full-Time - Semester No.1
Lectures (count)		12	Lecture Length (academic hours)		2	Total Contact Hours of Lectures		24
Classes (count)		11	Class Length (academic hours)		2	Total Contact Hours of Classes		22
Total Contact Hours								46
Part-Time - Semester No.1
Lectures (count)		12	Lecture Length (academic hours)		2	Total Contact Hours of Lectures		24
Classes (count)		11	Class Length (academic hours)		2	Total Contact Hours of Classes		22
Total Contact Hours								46
Study course description
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.
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.
Topic Layout (Full-Time)
No.	Topic			Type of Implementation		Number	Venue
1	Information Warfare: Definitions and Theories			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
2	History and theory of propaganda			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
3	Media systems and information sources			Classes		1.00	auditorium
4	Information warfare strategies and tactics			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
5	Psychological operations and their effects			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
6	Propaganda analysis methods			Classes		1.00	auditorium
7	Digital propaganda and social media			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
8	Disinformation and "Fake News"			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
9	Cyber attacks and information security			Classes		1.00	auditorium
10	State strategies in information warfare			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
11	Public resistance to propaganda			Classes		1.00	auditorium
12	Etiquette in waging information warfare			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
13	The role of propaganda in conflict escalation			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
14	Media "literature" and critical thinking			Classes		1.00	auditorium
15	Regional information wars			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
16	International organizations and information warfare			Classes		1.00	auditorium
17	The use of propaganda in peace processes			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
18	Case study analysis			Classes		1.00	auditorium
19	Modern propaganda tools and technologies			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
20	Course overview and exam preparation			Classes		1.00	auditorium
21	Individual work - consultations with students (if necessary)			Classes		3.00	E-Studies platform
Topic Layout (Part-Time)
No.	Topic			Type of Implementation		Number	Venue
1	Information Warfare: Definitions and Theories			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
2	History and theory of propaganda			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
3	Media systems and information sources			Classes		1.00	auditorium
4	Information warfare strategies and tactics			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
5	Psychological operations and their effects			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
6	Propaganda analysis methods			Classes		1.00	auditorium
7	Digital propaganda and social media			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
8	Disinformation and "Fake News"			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
9	Cyber attacks and information security			Classes		1.00	auditorium
10	State strategies in information warfare			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
11	Public resistance to propaganda			Classes		1.00	auditorium
12	Etiquette in waging information warfare			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
13	The role of propaganda in conflict escalation			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
14	Media "literature" and critical thinking			Classes		1.00	auditorium
15	Regional information wars			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
16	International organizations and information warfare			Classes		1.00	auditorium
17	The use of propaganda in peace processes			Lectures		1.00	auditorium
18	Case study analysis			Classes		1.00	auditorium
19	Modern propaganda tools and technologies			Lectures		1.00	E-Studies platform
20	Course overview and exam preparation			Classes		1.00	auditorium
21	Individual work - consultations with students (if necessary)			Classes		3.00	E-Studies platform
Assessment
Unaided 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.
Assessment Criteria:
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.
Final Examination (Full-Time):		Exam
Final Examination (Part-Time):		Exam
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:		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:		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.
Competencies:		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.
Bibliography
No.	Reference
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.