Texas A&M University 3 credits COMM
COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines propaganda as a strategic form of communication used across political, commercial and social contexts. Surveys historical and contemporary approaches to influencing mass audiences through language, imagery, narrative and emotion. Analyzes how persuasive appeals operate in mass media, digital platforms, public relations, advertising and/or institutional messaging. Considers distinctions between information, persuasion and manipulation, with attention to credibility, transparency and ethics. Content may include real-world messages that involve political conflict, sensitive beliefs or provocative imagery, studied for purposes of critical evaluation. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds analytical tools relevant to media literacy, strategic communication, journalism, marketing, political communication and public affairs. Supports preparation for roles requiring evaluation of persuasive messaging, audience response or ethical communication practices. Enhances readiness for advanced academic study in rhetoric, media studies or communication theory. Develops civic awareness by examining how influence can operate in democratic and non-democratic environments. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how propaganda differs from persuasion; critically engaging assumptions that it is always visible, extreme or partisan. Reveals how influence can work subtly through repetition, normalization and/or emotional framing. Considers how individuals evaluate messages, assign credibility and participate in communication systems, whether intentionally or unconsciously. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of propaganda techniques in politics, advertising, public relations and entertainment; analysis of historical and contemporary campaigns; exploration of visual, verbal and digital persuasion strategies; comparison of state, commercial and grassroots messaging; examination of credibility, emotion, repetition, symbolism and narrative in persuasive appeals. Course material may reference real-world examples involving political conflict, wartime messaging, extremist rhetoric or provocative imagery that is characteristic of contemporary propaganda and necessary for understanding its full range of expression in competitive and contentious public spheres. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
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