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Course syllabus From Diplomacy to Deception: Influence through Strategic Narratives

Swedish name: Från diplomati till vilseledning: påverkan genom strategiska narrativ

Course code:
2SS083
Valid from semester:
Spring Term 2024
Education cycle:
Second cycle
Scope:
7.5 credits
Progression:
A1F
Grading scale:
Three-grade scale
Main field of study:
Political Science: Security Studies
Department:
Department of Political Science and Law
Subject:
Political Science
Language of instruction:
The teaching is conducted in English.
Decided by:
Forsknings- och utbildningsnämndens kursplaneutskott (KUS)
Decision date:
2023-06-13

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree of 180 credits, of which 90 credits are in Political Science or another relevant subject. English proficiency equivalent to English 6 or English B is also required.

Course content and structure

The aim of the course is to offer the student opportunities to acquire deeper knowledge on the influence of strategic narratives in the sphere of security and an ability of independently study strategic narratives. It offers opportunities for studentents to acquire deeper knowledge in different theoretical assumptions within narrative research, which serves a foundation to the research on strategic narratives. The course provides ample opportunities for the student to critically value how actors use strategic narratives to influence others; from more accepted practices such as diplomacy and soft power to deception. Finally, the course provides the student with the ability to value different methods and research schemes, in order to be able to judge their applicability on an independently chosen research problem.

The course consists of three main parts: one addresses the theory of knowledge within narrative research and how it forms as a basis for research on strategic narratives; one addresses the projection of strategic narratives and one addresses the efficacy of strategic narratives; that is the reception of strategic narratives by different audiences. The course offers the student ample opportunities to gain deeper knowledge in methodological issues, with numerous examples of how one can study and measure projection and reception of strategic narratives in the domain of security, risk and war.

Type of Instruction
  • Seminars

Objectives

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
  • in depth account for and distinguish between different theoretical assumptions about language and communication that underpin research on strategic narratives,

Competence and skills
  • identify and discuss ethical and political dilemma by problematizing the scientific study, and the use of, strategic narratives,

Judgement and approach
  • in depth value different theoretical frameworks and methods within the field with regard to their applicability on a given research problem.

Examination formats

The course is examined through a written take-home examination, and through active participation in the seminars.

If a student is absent from more than one seminar, the student has to take an oral examination at the end of the course.

The examiner may decide to request supplementary assignments in order to achieve a passing grade on the course. Examination papers submitted after the closing date will not be graded unless special circumstances exist that are acceptable to the examiner. Supplementary assignments shall be submitted no later than three working days after the result and supplementary assignment for the examination in question have been notified, unless special circumstances exist that are acceptable to the examiner.

Grading
Grading is done according to a three-point grading scale: Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with distinction (VG). Grading criteria are provided at the start of the course.

To achieve the grade Pass (G), the student has to achieve a pass on the seminars and the written take-home examination. To achieve a the grade Pass with distinction (VG) the student must, in addition to the demands for a Pass (G), achieve a Pass with distinction on the written take-home examination.

There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.

Transitional provisions

When the course is no longer offered or when the course content has changed substantially, the student has the right to be examined once per semester during a three-term period in accordance with this syllabus.

Other regulations

The course cannot be included in a degree with another course whose content fully or partially corresponds to the content of this course.

  • An evaluation of the course will be made upon completion of the course, conducted by the Course Convenor. The evaluation is the basis of eventual changes to the course.
  • If the Swedish Defence University has formally decided that the student is entitled to receive special educational support.

This is an edited version of the syllabus, created to transfer the original to the education database Ladok education planning. For originals, refer to the archive.