Module Descriptors
PROPAGANDA, SOCIETY AND THE STATE
HIPO50329
Key Facts
Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies
Level 5
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Pauline Elkes
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 126
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • CASE BASED STUDY weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Additional Assessment Details
3000-3500 words (Learning Outcomes 1-4)
This will reflect the attainment of the general learning outcomes and an understanding of the definition of 'propaganda', government use and public response - specifically in the area in which you choose to focus your own research.
Module Indicative Content
This module examines the theoretical/definitional problems of 'propaganda', censorship and intelligence and considers ways in which the state uses these instruments in an attempt to influence public opinion. It will evaluate the importance of the communication 'revolution' in Europe and its impact on government policy throughout the twentieth century. Specifically the module will look at the ways in which Britain and Germany prepared their own societies for World War I and World War II; British preparations for a 'psychological' war with the USSR at the end of the Second World War; the use of propaganda and censorship during the Gulf War; propaganda and information regarding Northern Ireland.
Module Learning Strategies
12 one hour lectures. The lecture programme will provide you with the necessary overview and theoretical issues and debates. The 12 seminars will be used for group work and discussions and also, where it is useful, presentation of independent work which will be integral to the final assessed case study.
Module Resources
Film
Video
Slide Library
The Design Study Collection (Cadman Building)
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.
Module Texts

Billig, M., Arguing and Thinking. A Rhetorical Approach to Social Psychology, Cambridge University Press, 1987.
Grant, Mariel, Propaganda and the Role of the State in Inter-war Britain, Clarendon, 1994.
Jackall, R., Propaganda, Macmillan, 1995.
Mackenzie, J., Propaganda and Empire, Manchester University Press, 1994.
Messinger, G., British Propaganda and the State in the First World War, Manchester University Press, 1992.
Welch, D., The Third Reich: Politics and Propaganda, Routledge, 1995