CPT-23306 Communication & Persuasion

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Students have knowledge that at least cover the content of two of the following courses: CPT-12306, CPT-25306, MCB20806 or MCB30306.

Contents:

This course focuses on persuasive communication in various contexts and in relation to present day issues in science and society. Processes underlying persuasion and influence will be studied mainly from a communication sciences perspective and related fields. We will go into questions such as ‘how do persuasive principles play out in different contexts?', 'how are people influenced by their social environment?', and 'can people be influenced without being aware of this?'. The course aims to increase students understanding of persuasive communication, both on the individual and group level, by analyzing and revising persuasive strategies using theoretical accounts.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- classify different types of persuasion;
- compare different theoretical accounts of persuasion;
- argue why particular persuasive strategies are effective in specific contexts;
- evaluate existing persuasive strategies in terms of theoretical accounts of persuasion;
- revise existing persuasive strategies in terms of theoretical accounts of persuasion.

Activities:

Students will study literature and work on assignments, applying theoretical knowledge about communication and persuasion to relevant case studies. During the course, these assignments will be discussed plenary and in groups.

Examination:

- written test (50%);
- group assignment (50%).
Minimum mark for the written test and the group assignment is a 5.5.

Literature:

Mix of scientific papers and additional texts. The exact literature will be announced in due course.