CDSn4107 Branding of Extremist and Terrorist Organizations

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2022
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 7 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Otto Eibl, Ph.D. (lecturer)
prof. JUDr. PhDr. Miroslav Mareš, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. JUDr. PhDr. Miroslav Mareš, Ph.D.
Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Supplier department: Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Wed 12:00–13:40 P24b
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the study of branding of political, extremist and terrorist organizations. The lectures focus on different aspects of branding (brand equity, study of extremist symbols, countering visual terrorist propaganda etc.). Field research and seminars with selected case studies are included in the course.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to analyze and understand brands and branding activities of extremist and terrorist organizations. During the course, the students will be encouraged to use critical thinking and discuss and share their ideas on the topic with others.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction to the course 2. Introduction to branding theory and practice 3. Branding of political organizations 4. Symbolism of terrorism and extremism 5. Countering extremist and terrorist symbolism 6. - 8. Field research 9. - 12. Case studies/students’ presentations 13. Summary of the course
Literature
  • • Simons, Greg (2018): Brand ISIS: Interactions of the Tangible and Intangible Environments. Journal of Political Marketing, DOI: 10.1080/15377857.2018.1501928, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15377857.2018.1501928, 1-32 pp.
  • • Svilicic, Niksa – Maldini, Pero (2013): Visual persuasion and politics: Ideology and symbols of the totalitarian regimes' - Case study: Hammer and sickle. Collegium Antropologicum, vol. 37, No, 2, pp. 569-582
  • • O’Shaughnessy, Nicholoas (2016): Selling Hitler. Propaganda & The Nazi Brand. London: C. Hurst & Co.
  • • Beifuss, Artur – Bellini, Francesco Trivini (2013): Branding Terror. The Logotypes and Iconography of Insurgent Groups and Terrorist Organizations. London, New York: Merell.
Teaching methods
Lectures, field research, presentations of outlines of written papers and following class discussions, homework
Assessment methods
tudents will receive a final letter grade for the semester based on the following components: Field research and its evaluation: 12 points. Students should (with help of lecturers) to find and to identify extremist contest in public spaces (stickers, graffiti, banners etc.) and to explain the meaning of symbols. Students´ activity and communicative skills in debates with lecturers are evaluated. Presentation of the outline of the final paper (seminary thesis) (max. 6 points) and the final paper (seminary thesis) (max. 18 points). The final paper (in the form of scientific article) should be written to the topic relevant to the course (analysis of selected issue of extremist or terrorist branding and/or interconnected phenomena). Length is 18 000 - 22 000 characters, longer thesis only after consultation with lecturer). The topic of the final paper and date of presentation of its outline specifies lecturer (in relation to its topic). Components of evaluation: original authors approach, relevant goals and methods, theoretical background (theory of branding and interconnected issues), conceptualizing of the topic, structure, sources and literature. Date of presentation depends on lecturer´s decision. Final paper will be written by individual student. Deadline for submission: 1st June . Final written test (max. 24 points): There will be a final in-class written exam, consisting of four open questions (each max. 6 points) based on the obligatory literature and presentations in class. At least ¼ points from each part is necessary condition in this course (4 from field research, 2 from outline, 5 from final written paper, 6 from final written test). Grading: 56-60: A 51-55: B 46-50: C 41-45: D 36-40: E 0-35: F
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
Teacher's information
Academic Honesty Students are expected to know the Masaryk University study rules and maintain academic honesty by refraining from plagiarism and from cheating during exams. Plagiarism means that one presents other peoples’ ideas as one’s own and does not credit the author. Plagiarism is one of the most serious breaches of ethical standards in the academic environment, for it denies the mission of the university and the meaning of studying. From a legal perspective, plagiarism is the stealing of intellectual property. The official Faculty of Social Studies disciplinary policy states that academic dishonesty is not tolerated under any circumstances. For students caught plagiarizing or cheating in a course, the minimum penalty is immediate expulsion from the course, a grade of F for the semester, and referral to the Faculty Dean, who may choose to send the case to the FSS Disciplinary Committee. To avoid plagiarism, students are responsible for learning and following the rules about proper citation of sources.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2020, Spring 2021, Spring 2023.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2022, recent)
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