Media and Conflict

3/31951
label Diverse autorenew 2025-09-29, 17:01 history_edu Cristian Ion
The use of media in conflict is not a new phenomenon: propaganda has long been fundamental to states' war efforts. On their part, non-state actors like Hizballah have rapidly understood the power of broadcast television in furthering their military activities. Using this as an initial example, we will question the impact of broadcast television in contemporary conflicts such as Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

We will critically assess the role of journalists in conflicts today, examine the use of social media to influence world opinion and affect the outcomes of war, reflect on the rise of citizen journalists and tackle issues of ethics and objectivity. Beyond using real world case studies and recent articles, this course will provide the opportunity to speak to journalists active in conflict zones and draw from their experience.

The course is structured in 12 sessions which tackle theories and case studies through lectures, seminar discussions, and debates drawing from real-world coverage and events. The format of the sessions is designed to relate theory to practice.In Week 1 we will discuss the relationship between the state and broadcast TV and examine how and why selected non-state actors have employed television to further their aims in violent conflicts. Students will have the opportunity to draw from the experience of a spokesperson from a prominent non-state actor through a seminar and a related Q&A session.

In Week 2 we will examine the impact of media on violent conflicts, relating theory to analysis of case studies such as the Iraq war. We will draw on events since the Arab Spring of 2011 to discuss the impact of social media on television broadcasting. A journalist experienced in reporting from conflict zones will visit the class and students will have a second Q&A session.In Week 3, students will apply their knowledge to a mock scenario. In the concluding sessions, we will examine the evolving role of journalists and explore issues of ethics in reporting. Students will be encouraged to interview a journalist of their choice and present their findings to the class.

Period
07-07-2014 - 25-07-2014 (3 weeks)

Target group
This interdisciplinary course is designed for budding journalists, sociologists, political scientists and media students. No specific previous experience is necessary.



Course aim
Students attending this module will: Gain knowledge and understanding of the multifaceted relationship between broadcast television and violent conflicts in theory and in the context of a variety of contemporary case studies; Confidently approach important ethical and moral debates over the individual responsibility of journalists in war reporting, and over the employment of social media as part of broadcast television; Practice and challenge their research and public speaking skills, both individually and as part of a group, particularly in the course of the mock debate and in presenting questions to external speakers.

Credits
0.0 ECTS credits

Course fee
GBP 1430: tuition fee only

Course leader
Ms Giuditta Fontana

Ms Fontana holds degrees in History and International Relations (LSE) and an MA from the Middle East and Mediterranean Studies department at King's College London.

King's College London
Address: Strand, London
Postal code: WC2R 2LS
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Website: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/summerschool
E-mail: summerschool@kcl.ac.uk
Phone: +44 20 7848 1533