Social media world depicted as a globe full of faces

Data Science in political communication

Language: Englisch
Location: München, Remote
Duration: 7 days in 6 weeks
Start: On demand
Cost: 2.145 €
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Digital media have changed how we communicate, interact, and absorb information. Social media technology is still relatively new. However, it has already influenced various violent protest movements and highly polarized elections, especially in the USA.

In this program, you will learn about the importance of social media for our democracy and how data science methods can help us analyze the data generated by the platforms.

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Benefits

  • Understanding data

    You will gain insights into the generation of social media data and learn how data science methods can be applied to analyze and use it in political communication.

  • Practical training and application of data science

    The program offers hands-on training in social media data visualization, data analysis tools, and developing campaign management scenarios based on elections and protest movements. The introduction to the programming language R will enable you to conduct simple data analyses directly on the job from social media.

  • Expertise and networking

    You will be able to learn from experts from academia and business and expand your professional network. The combination of professionals and students from different European universities enriches the program with different perspectives and enables an international view of the topic.

  • Combination of evidence-based and practical knowledge

    Through an evidence-based and practical examination of social media data, various political processes can be critically examined. This includes increased individual political participation, the transformation of social movements such as #MeToo and #BlackLivesmatter, the expansion of election campaigns using micro-targeting, and the change in journalistic practice and political communication in general.

Analyze social media data in political communication

This program introduces the use of data science methods to analyze social media data in political communication for those without a technical, IT or mathematical background.nd richtet sich an Personen ohne technischen, IT- oder mathematischen Hintergrund.

Program Overview

You can find all the important information about the certificate program here. Below you can find out the objectives of the program, the exact details of the process, what you will learn and which lecturers will teach you the content.

Aims of the certificate course

Here you will find information on the aims of this course and its content.

Understanding the role of social media in political communication

You will develop a comprehensive understanding of the importance and influence of social media on political processes. This includes analyzing the data generated in social media and evaluating its potential to influence democratic developments.

Mastering data science methods and tools

You will acquire basic knowledge of data science methods and apply them to analyzing social media data in political communication. This also includes practical training in using analysis tools and programming languages such as R to carry out data analyses and visualizations.

Understanding the basics of artificial intelligence and machine learning

You will learn the basics of artificial intelligence and machine learning and apply this knowledge to analyze social media data in political communication.

Critical reflection and application of acquired knowledge

You will learn to critically reflect on your acquired knowledge and apply it to complex political issues. This includes analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating political processes and phenomena using data science methods and discussing possible effects on democratic developments.”

Details

Here you will find information on dates, requirements and other general conditions for the certificate program.
Program:Data Science in political communication
Graduation:After successful completion of the final exam, you will receive a certificate from the Technical University of Munich.
Academic responsibility:Prof. Dr. Yannis Theocharis, TUM, MDSI
Target audience:Do you work in the field of political communication or consultation, social media management, digital marketing, public administration? Are you a political journalist interested in net policy? Or are you an IT-expert (hardware expert) who would like to gain social science perspectives on the impact of data driven platforms? Then this program is a good fit for you!
Participation fee:2,145 €*
Language:English
Discounts:10% discount for TUM Alumni
Dates:On demand, 7 days in 6 weeks
Study location:Munich, TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning
Format & Timing:Part-time, on-site & online

* Based on our experience, the German tax benefits help many participants self-finance their education, as these can be worth up to 50% of tuition fees and program-related travel costs. Please consult your tax advisor for more details. This might apply to participants of our programs residing outside Germany; please check the situation with the local tax authorities in your country of residence.

Lecturers

Get to know our experienced lecturers who will teach you the certificate content and with whom you will work.
Prof. Dr. Yannis Theocharis,
TUM School of Social Science and Technology, Department of Governance, Professor for Digital Governance and Munich Data Science Institute (MDSI)
Jan Zilinsky,
PhD, TUM School of Social Science and Technology, Department of Governance, Research Associate

Structure

Find out how the program is structured and what content you can expect.

Module 1: Data Science and the social scientific perspective (online sessions)

Benefits & pitfalls of Data Science in the study of social media & democracy and beyond:

Understanding Data Science I: Introduction to R

Understanding Data Science II: Creating effective visualizations

Module 2: How does social media empower democracy? (on campus)

Social media-based political participation: What is it, why does it matter, and what can social media data tell us about it

Session 2: Elections: Understanding the role of data in electoral campaigns: A longitudinal perspective with a focus on data science applications

Session 3: Collective Action 2.0: Has social media transformed collective action and social movements? Theory and data science Keynote (external guest)

Module 3: How does social media undermine democracy? (on campus)

Political polarization: Using data science methods to assess the fragmentation of public debates through echo chambers and filter bubbles

Misinformation and disinformation: How do data science methods help us understand its impact on democracies and non-democracies

Incivility as the new plague of public conversation? How social media data help us understand the dynamics of online harassment and abuse

Wrap-up session: Social media and democracy

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Team Lead Customized & Certificate Programs

Phone: +49 (89) 289 – 26755
E-Mail: TeamLeads.CCP@lll.tum.de

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