Doctoral course
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The emerging field of strategic communication – in times of geopolitical conflict and crisis
5 credits
About the course
Course period: 22 April-1 June 2025
Application deadline: 24 March 2025
Click here to apply
Overview
Strategic Communication is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field, shaped by diverse roots, evolving scholarly interests, and changes in the communication landscape.
This course explores the development of the field, key definitions, debates and future directions. Participants will engage with a curated selection of classic and contemporary texts, influential debates and emerging perspectives to deepen their understanding of strategic communication, both historically and prospectively.
This year's theme focuses on the emergence of strategic communication in the context of geopolitical conflict and crisis, covering topics such as information influence, crisis communication, disinformation, nation branding, public diplomacy, and political communication.
The course emphasizes critical reflection and encourages participants to position their research within the field.
Course design
The course consists of a combination of lectures and seminars over three full days in Helsingborg. With the aim of being directly relevant to the students' doctoral work, the individual work is focused on the participants' own research by concentrating on the development of a position. The final paper is based on the student's own doctoral research and is produced and peer-reviewed during the course. The final paper is submitted at the end of the course.
Entry requirements and selection
Applicants must be admitted to a doctoral programme. If the number of applicants
exceeds the number of available places at the course, doctoral students at the
Department of Communication will be given priority.
Fees
Participation in the course is free of charge. Doctoral students are responsible for covering their own travel expenses, meals, and accommodation.
Course information
The course takes place over three full days from 22-25 April at Lund University, Helsingborg campus. The final paper is due on 1 June.
Documents
Download syllabus:
Download reading list:
Course Director
Cecilia Cassinger
E-mail: cecilia [dot] cassinger [at] iko [dot] lu [dot] se
Course Administrator
Kristijan Petkoski
E-mail: kristijan [dot] petkoski [at] iko [dot] lu [dot] se (kristijan[dot]petkoski[at]iko[dot]lu[dot]se)