The module aims at providing students with:
•advanced knowledge of argumentation and rhetorical theories for the study of digital strategic communication.
•theory-driven analytical methods for the critical examination of arguments manifested in different genres of strategic communication, with a focus on online and digital communication strategies.
•key concepts and instruments for the design of effective and reasonable argumentation strategies in digital communication contexts.
•critical understanding of issues of persuasion and public trust in digital strategic communication.

(LO1) Students will acquire advanced knowledge of argumentation and rhetorical theories for the study of digital strategic communication

(LO2) Students will acquire advanced theory-driven analytical methods for the critical examination of arguments manifested in different genres of strategic communication, with a focus on online and digital communication strategies

(LO3) Students will familiarise themselves with key concepts and instruments for the design of effective and reasonable argumentation strategies

(LO4) Students will develop critical understanding of issues of persuasion and public trust in digital strategic communication

(S1) Use of relevant theories and concepts for the critical analysis of argumentation and persuasion processes in organisational and media discourse, including ability to distinguish facts, opinions and arguments

(S2) Critical thinking for managing controversial decision-making problems

(S3) Skills in written argumentation and rhetoric for the strategic planning of persuasive communications.

(S4) Ability to offer strategic advice to organisations on communication issues and initiatives

(S5) Ability to use digital tools for the analysis and visualisation of strategic communication

The following is an indicative syllabus of the module:

- Argumentation, persuasion and strategic communication
- Persuasive argumentation in digital and online communication contexts
- Analysing persuasion strategies: issues, standpoints arguments and argument schemes
- Designing argumentative strategies
- Persuasion across digital media: argumentation and virality
- Persuasion across digital media: hashtags and strategic frames
- Planning digital communication strategies
- Constructing arguments through GAI technologies
- Evaluating persuasion strategies: fallacies and misinformation
- Evaluating persuasion strategies: critical questions

Summary of Learning and Teaching Methods:
Teaching method: Workshops
Description: Weekly 3-hour workshops (Weeks 1-6 and Week 8) and weekly 2-hour workshop (Weeks 9-12)
Schedule directed student hours: 29

Unscheduled directed student hours: 271
Attendance recorded: No
Notes:
Description of how self-directed learning hours may be used: reading module learning materials (key and further reading, researching, set seminar tasks, assignment preparation)