In 2021, the class dates are September 20, 27; October 11, 18, 25; November 1
This course examines a theme frequently identified as a difficult security challenge for policymakers: the rise of propaganda, populism, and information war, especially in the digital age. The course draws from the interdisciplinary nature of writing on this topic in order to provide students with the conceptual and empirical knowledge to make informed policy-focused assessments and analyses of the subject material.
Innovative assessment approaches (like identifying ‘fake’ news stories and deconstructing them) underscore the national security policy relevance of the material. Case studies on groups like the ‘alt-right’, and a comparative exercise on the national security challenges for democratic states provides students with the opportunity to study current and evolving events as they occur. Students will have the opportunity to combine conceptual understanding with policy awareness. The course will involve discussions with policy practitioners experiences in monitoring propaganda and information operations, who will present their insights on combatting these challenges in an Australian context.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand concepts related to propaganda and information war, with the ability to critically analyse them in a national security context
- Evaluate contemporary local, regional, and global challenges relating to propaganda and information war
- Critically analyse the responsiveness of security agencies to the security challenges posed by propaganda and information war
- Conduct independent research that demonstrates scholarly and practitioner-focused engagement with the subject matter, developing ideas and analysis for both audiences
Indicative Assessment
- Fake news exercise (30) [LO 1,2,4]
- Research paper and Public Information Campaign (PIC) presentation to class (70) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
2 days (seminars) plus one extra day (seminars, consultations and public information campaigns)
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
A list of readings will be provided on the Wattle course site in lieu of a prescribed text.
Preliminary Reading
See the Wattle course site.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 3 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 3.00 | 0.06250 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $2055 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $2940 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Spring Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | ||||||
| 6556 | 13 Sep 2021 | 20 Sep 2021 | 08 Oct 2021 | 01 Dec 2021 | Online | View |
