Course syllabus From Diplomacy to Deception: Influence through Strategic Narratives
Swedish name: Från diplomati till vilseledning: påverkan genom strategiska narrativ
Course code:
2SS083
Valid from semester:
Spring Term 2026
Education cycle:
Second cycle
Scope:
7.5 credits
Progression:
A1F
Grading scale:
Three-grade scale
Main field of study:
Political Science: Security Studies
Department:
Department of Political Science and Law
Subject:
Political Science
Language of instruction:
The teaching is conducted in English.
Decided by:
Statsvetenskapliga institutionen
Decision date:
2025-09-04
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degree of 180 credits, of which 90 credits are in Political Science or another relevant subject. English proficiency equivalent to English 6 or English B is also required.
Course content and structure
The aim of the course is to offer the student opportunities to acquire deeper knowledge on the influence of strategic narratives in the sphere of security and an ability of independently study strategic narratives. It offers opportunities for studentents to acquire deeper knowledge in different theoretical assumptions within narrative research, which serves a foundation to the research on strategic narratives. The course provides ample opportunities for the student to critically value how actors use strategic narratives to influence others; from more accepted practices such as diplomacy and soft power to deception. Finally, the course provides the student with the ability to value different methods and research schemes, in order to be able to judge their applicability on an independently chosen research problem.
The course consists of three main parts: one addresses the theory of knowledge within narrative research and how it forms as a basis for research on strategic narratives; one addresses the projection of strategic narratives and one addresses the efficacy of strategic narratives; that is the reception of strategic narratives by different audiences. The course offers the student ample opportunities to gain deeper knowledge in methodological issues, with numerous examples of how one can study and measure projection and reception of strategic narratives in the domain of security, risk and war.
The course consists of three main parts: one addresses the theory of knowledge within narrative research and how it forms as a basis for research on strategic narratives; one addresses the projection of strategic narratives and one addresses the efficacy of strategic narratives; that is the reception of strategic narratives by different audiences. The course offers the student ample opportunities to gain deeper knowledge in methodological issues, with numerous examples of how one can study and measure projection and reception of strategic narratives in the domain of security, risk and war.
Type of Instruction
- Seminars
Objectives
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
Competence and skills
Judgement and approach
Knowledge and understanding
- in depth account for and distinguish between different theoretical assumptions about language and communication that underpin research on strategic narratives,
Competence and skills
- identify and discuss ethical and political dilemma by problematizing the scientific study, and the use of, strategic narratives,
Judgement and approach
- in depth value different theoretical frameworks and methods within the field with regard to their applicability on a given research problem.
Examination formats
Assessment is through an on-campus written examination, as well as active participation in mandatory seminars.
The examiner may decide to request supplementary assignments in order to achieve a passing grade on the course. Supplementary assignments must be completed no later than three working days after the notification of any supplementary assignment, unless there are special reasons approved by the examiner.
The student is graded on a three-point grading scale: Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with distinction (VG). Grading criteria are provided at the start of the course.
To obtain the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) in the course, the student must actively participate in the mandatory seminars and obtain a grade of Pass with Distinction for the on-campus written examination.
To obtain the grade Pass (G) in the course, the student must actively participate in the mandatory seminars and obtain a grade of Pass for the on-campus written examination.
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
The examiner may decide to request supplementary assignments in order to achieve a passing grade on the course. Supplementary assignments must be completed no later than three working days after the notification of any supplementary assignment, unless there are special reasons approved by the examiner.
Grading
The student is graded on a three-point grading scale: Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with distinction (VG). Grading criteria are provided at the start of the course.
To obtain the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) in the course, the student must actively participate in the mandatory seminars and obtain a grade of Pass with Distinction for the on-campus written examination.
To obtain the grade Pass (G) in the course, the student must actively participate in the mandatory seminars and obtain a grade of Pass for the on-campus written examination.
Restrictions in Number of Examinations
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.
Transitional provisions
When the course is no longer offered or when the course content has changed substantially, the student has the right to be examined once per semester during a three-term period in accordance with this syllabus.
Other regulations
- The course cannot be included in a degree with another course whose content fully or partially corresponds to the content of this course.
- If the Swedish Defence University has formally decided that the student is entitled to receive special educational support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on alternative forms of examination for the student.
- The course director will conduct an evaluation on the completion of the course, which will form the basis for any changes to the course.