General Information

Venue: Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication, Jerez Campus.

Dates: July 13-17

Duration: 25h

Field of Knowledge: Communication / Political Communication

Number of places: 25

Course Coordinator: Marta Sánchez Hunt

Coordinator’s email: marta.hunt@uca.es

Language: English

ECTS recognition is requested

Target Audience: Students

Course Description

This course is proposed within the framework of the University of Cádiz International Summer School (ISS) 2026, with the aim of contributing to the institution’s internationalization through an intensive academic and practical program delivered entirely in English and oriented toward international students.

The course analyzes the impact of artificial intelligence on contemporary political communication strategies developed on social media, from a global and comparative perspective. It examines how political actors, institutions, and social movements use artificial intelligence–based tools, algorithms, and platform-specific dynamics to construct political narratives, influence public opinion, and amplify messages in environments such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok.

The program combines theoretical approaches with the analysis of international case studies and practical activities, paying special attention to digital narratives, visual framing, polarization, disinformation, and the ethical challenges associated with the use of artificial intelligence in political communication.

The course will include in-person participation from internationally recognized guest lecturers specialized in political communication and digital technologies, reinforcing its international dimension and fostering academic and cultural exchange.

Course Objectives

• Analyze the role of artificial intelligence in contemporary political communication.
• Examine global political communication strategies on social media.
• Identify digital narratives, visual framing, and algorithmic dynamics.
• Reflect on ethical challenges related to polarization and disinformation.
• Develop analytical skills applied to the study of digital political content.

Participant requirements

• B1 in English.
• Background or academic interest in Communication, Journalism, Political Communication,    Media Studies or related fields like Politics or International Relations.

Course Programme

Day 1 (4h) – Visual Storytelling and Political Communication in the Digital Era

• Visual communication, rhetoric and identity
• Social media platforms and political influence

Day 2 (4h) – Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Power

• AI-driven political communication strategies
• Algorithms, data and audience targeting

Day 3 (4h) – Digital Narratives and Political Comunication in the Digital Era

• Political narratives on Instagram, X and TikTok
• Evolution of political communication in digital enviroments

Day 4 (4h) – Polarization, Disinformation and Ethical Challenges

• AI, misinformation and polarization dynamics
• Ethical and democratic implications

Day 5 (4h) – Global Case Studies and Practical Workshop

• International case studies: campaigns, conflicts and movements
• Practical analysis workshop, final discussion and marks

Assessment

Assessment will be based on:

• Active participation in sessions and discussions (40%)
• Practical analysis of a political communication case on social media (60%)

Teaching Staff

This course is supported and sponsored by:

Department of Communication and Marketing, University of Cádiz

For any questions, please contact the coordinator of this course