Information Package / Course Catalogue
Media and Politics
Course Code: MİÇ626
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: Third Cycle (Doctorate Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 5
Objectives of the Course

This course aims to critically examine the dynamic and often complex relationship between media and politics in both historical and contemporary contexts. It explores how media systems shape political discourse, influence public opinion, and interact with institutions of power. By investigating various forms of media — from traditional broadcast journalism to digital and social platforms — the course encourages students to analyze the role of media in democratic participation, policy formation, political campaigns, and activism. Through theoretical frameworks and case studies, students will develop a deeper understanding of how media technologies mediate power, identity, and ideology in political processes, while also evaluating ethical challenges, regulatory frameworks, and the global dimensions of political communication.

Course Content

This course is structured around key themes that reveal the intersections between media and politics across different contexts and platforms. It begins with foundational theories in political communication and media studies, including the public sphere, agenda-setting, framing, and propaganda. The course then explores the historical evolution of media’s role in politics, from print and broadcast journalism to the rise of 24-hour news cycles and infotainment. Subsequent modules focus on contemporary developments such as the impact of digital media, algorithmic influence, and social media platforms on political engagement, election campaigns, disinformation, and political polarization. Special attention is given to case studies from different geopolitical regions, highlighting the role of media in authoritarian and democratic systems alike. Additional topics include media ownership and political economy, the ethics and regulation of political content, citizen journalism, and the role of visual and symbolic representation in political messaging. The course concludes with discussions on the future of political communication in the context of artificial intelligence, surveillance, and global media ecologies.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Prof. Mustafa YILMAZ
Learning Outcomes
1.Defines and critically analyzes fundamental theoretical approaches to the relationship between media and politics.
2.Evaluates the effects of different types of media (traditional, digital, social) on political participation and public opinion.
3.Questions how identity, ideology, and power relations are represented through the media in political communication processes.
4.Compares and analyzes the functioning of media systems in different types of regimes (democratic, authoritarian, etc.).
5.Recognizes the ethical, legal, and technological dimensions of political content and critically evaluates current media environments in this context.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.McNair, Brian. An Introduction to Political Communication (6th Edition). Routledge, 2017.
2.Couldry, Nick & Hepp, Andreas. The Mediated Construction of Reality. Polity Press, 2017.
3.Chadwick, Andrew. The Hybrid Media System: Politics and Power (2nd Edition). Oxford University Press, 2017.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Introduction to Media and Politics: Concepts and Scope
Week 2 - Theoretical
Theories of Political Communication: Public Sphere, Agenda- Setting, and Framing
Week 3 - Theoretical
Historical Evolution of Media Systems and Political Influence
Week 4 - Theoretical
Media in Democracies: Watchdog or Manipulation Tool?
Week 5 - Theoretical
Media and Propaganda in Authoritarian Regimes
Week 6 - Theoretical
Political Campaigns and Media Strategies
Week 7 - Theoretical
News Media and Political Objectivity: Myth or Reality?
Week 8 - Intermediate Exam
Midterm
Week 9 - Theoretical
Social Media and Digital Activism: New Public Spheres?
Week 10 - Theoretical
Disinformation, Fake News, and Perception Management
Week 11 - Theoretical
Visual Politics: Symbols, Images, and Meaning in Media
Week 12 - Theoretical
Media Ownership, Capital, and Political Power
Week 13 - Theoretical
Algorithms, AI, and the Future of Political Communication
Week 14 - Theoretical
Gender, Identity Politics, and Representation in Media
Week 15 - Final Exam
Final Exam
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%50
Assignment1%20
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory133378
Assignment1325
Midterm Examination120121
Final Examination120121
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)125
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
OÇ-1
3
4
3
4
4
3
3
3
OÇ-2
4
4
4
3
3
4
4
4
OÇ-3
3
3
3
4
4
3
3
3
OÇ-4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
OÇ-5
4
4
4
3
3
4
4
4
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026