Social Media Psychology and Propaganda Operations

Catalog description

Introduction to the theory and practice of propaganda operations with an emphasis on the role of new technology such as social media and the internet in propaganda and persuasion. The course examines propaganda operations on social media through different theoretical perspectives, including political psychology, political communication, political persuasion, and political behavior. Students are acquainted with both classic and frontier research on how propaganda interacts with information technology, war, political violence, and political campaign. Further discussed is how social media may influence individual behavior through the lens of social-political psychology. Additionally, cases on propaganda operations on social media include American presidential election campaign; information campaign between the United States and Russia; propaganda as a tool to manipulate public opinion in China, Russia, the United States, and other countries; terrorist group and other non-state actors’ use of propaganda, and more. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Other Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Grade Mode: Normal (A, B, C, D, F) Degree Restrictions: Doctor of Philosophy Schedule Type (Primary): Lecture Schedule Type (Additional): Seminar Small Group Click here for the Schedule of Classes.