Political Communication

BA seminar at the University of Groningen


This class is aimed at combining theory and practice of political communication, examining the triangle between politics, the media, and the public. In this class, we explore how media effect on politics is theorized, what kind of rhetorical strategies are the most effective, and what kind of communication genres have become the most influential in the age of social media. Hence, apart from exploring theories of political communication and media effects, the students are expected to participate in a presidential election simulation by assuming the roles of presidential candidates, their staff, media personalities or the public.

Who am I?

Elizaveta Gaufman

is assistant professor of Russian discourse and Politics at the University of Groningen. I am the author of "Security Threats and Public Perception: Digital Russia and the Ukraine Crisis" (Palgrave, 2017). My other publications include peer-reviewed articles on nationalism, sexuality, and social networks, as well as regular blog posts at “The Duck of Minerva”. My research is situated on the intersection of political theory, international relations, media and cultural studies.

Reflections, podcasts, publications

If you want to know more about how the seminar works you can listen/watch this podcast -->

I reflected on teaching this seminar and pandemic pedagogy in general in the chapter "More than a YouTube channel: engaging students in an online classroom" co-authored with Dr. Sebastian Moeller (Cusanus Hochschule für Gesellschaftsgestaltung). Sebastian won an award for his seminar on the political economy of ports, so be sure to check it out as well (in German).

P.S. If you need any of the materials mentioned on this site, don't hesitate to email me. I know how prohibitive the costs for academic publications are and I am happy to share a pre-print or two (or three).