The module aims at providing students with:
- advanced knowledge of argumentation and rhetorical theories for the study of strategic communication in digital media.
- theory-driven analytical methods for the critical examination of arguments manifested in different genres of digital strategic communication.
- 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

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

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 communications (e.g. crowdfunding campaigns, social media, financial communication, political discourse)

Summary of Learning and Teaching Methods:
Teaching method: Workshops
Attendance recorded: Yes
Notes:
Description: 3-hour workshops in parallel with COMM519 in weeks 1-6 and weeks 8-9, for a total of 24 hours.
Scheduled directed student hours: 24

Unscheduled directed student hours: 126
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).