Media and political polarization WSE-PO-MIP
The course examines political polarization in the context of relations between media and politics. The introductory section covers the concept, types, and dimensions of polarization (ideological, affective, media polarization) and its psychological, social, cultural, and political roots.
The second block focuses on the role of the media: bias, topic selection, emotional language, interpretive frames (framing), the logic of commercial media, and the influence of social media algorithms. Students work on authentic news materials and identify markers of polarization.
The next part explores how political actors operate in a mediatized environment: mediatization, marketization of politics, post-politics, communication strategies of parties and leaders, and the use of media to mobilize supporters. The course also presents examples of formats that help mitigate polarization.
An integral element is a small research project: students analyse media coverage of the 11 November Independence Day celebrations, complete analytical coding sheets, and prepare a summary report. The course is run as an interactive seminar and workshop.
(in Polish) Dyscyplina naukowa, do której odnoszą się efekty uczenia się
(in Polish) E-Learning
Term 2020/21_Z: (in Polish) E-Learning (pełny kurs) z podziałem na grupy | Term 2021/22_Z: (in Polish) E-Learning (pełny kurs) | Term 2025/26_Z: (in Polish) E-Learning (pełny kurs) z podziałem na grupy |
(in Polish) Grupa przedmiotów ogólnouczenianych
Term 2020/21_Z: (in Polish) nie dotyczy | Term 2021/22_Z: (in Polish) PO/S2 - obszar nauk społecznych - II stopień | Term 2025/26_Z: (in Polish) nie dotyczy |
Subject level
Learning outcome code/codes
Type of subject
Preliminary Requirements
Course coordinators
Term 2020/21_Z: | Term 2021/22_Z: | Term 2025/26_Z: |
Learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, the student:
Explains the concept and types of political polarization in the context of media–politics relations. – P2_W05
Describes major theories of political communication (agenda setting, framing, priming, mediatization). – P2_W05
Analyses media messages using research categories (frames, polarization markers, emotional language). – P2_U01
Uses the content-analysis sheet to study 11 November coverage and prepares a written report. – P2_U01
Evaluates the effects of polarization from the perspective of democracy, the public sphere and civil society. – P2_U01, P2_K01
Critically assesses the reliability and objectivity of media content. – P2_K01
Demonstrates an active, analytical stance toward media and recognises personal information bubbles. – P2_K01
Assessment criteria
Assessment type: graded course credit.
Components:
research project (80%),
class participation and in-class work (20%).
Project criteria:
accuracy and completeness of coding and analysis,
identification of frames and polarization markers,
quality of the summary report,
clarity of presentation,
timeliness.
Up to 2 unexcused absences allowed; each additional absence lowers the grade by 0.5.
Practical placement
N/A
Bibliography
Core reading:
Matuszewski P., Cyberplemiona, PWN, Warszawa 2018.
Matuszewski P., Logika przekonań społecznych, UKSW, Warszawa 2017.
Hallin D.C., Mancini P., Systemy medialne, Kraków 2007.
Dobek-Ostrowska B., Polski system medialny na rozdrożu, Wrocław 2011.
Goban-Klas T., Media i komunikowanie masowe, Warszawa 2005.
Kepplinger H. M., Demontaż polityki, Kraków 2007.
Markowski M. P., Wojny nowoczesnych plemion, Kraków 2019.
Supplementary reading:
Michalczyk S., Komunikowanie polityczne, Katowice 2005.
Molęda-Zdziech M., Czas celebrytów, Warszawa 2013.
Piontek D., Tabloidyzacja informacji o polityce, Poznań 2011.
Schulz W., Komunikacja polityczna, Kraków 2006.
Street J., Mass media, polityka, demokracja, Kraków 2006.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: