Aims
This module will study and evaluate some of the roles performed by the media in twentieth century international politics. The module combines theoretical and empirical approaches, seeking to explore, primarily, the concept of "propaganda". The module seeks to develop an understanding of propaganda - and of certain forms of international communication more broadly - through analysis of a number of case studies. Chronologically, these span from World War One to the post-Gulf War conflicts in Rwanda, Somalia and elsewhere. Although a number of wars are highlighted (including both World Wars, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf War of 1991), the module also examines the communicative and propaganda dimensions of the Cold War. Amongst other thematic considerations, the module thus enables students to consider how far "totalitarian" states have differed from democracies in their propaganda practices.

In addition to conventional academic and scholary sources, the module involves the use of films, official documents, and other relevant materials.

Objectives
By the end of the module, students should:

• have an insight into the communicative dimensions of international politics;
• have a thorough understanding of the concept of "propaganda" and its utility (and limitations) as a tool of analysis;
• be able to make comparative evaluations of different themes, across historical timespans and regime types;
• be able to assess different types of sources, including films, official documents etc.