New online course “Media and Communications for Peace”

We are excited to announce our new online course “Media and Communications for Peace” launching November 4, 2024

Register via this link: https://worldbeyondwar.org/media-and-communications-for-peace-course/?clear_id=true&link_id=4&am…

Course Overview

Media and Communications for Peace is a 6-week online course, with six core modules, three optional Zoom sessions, and an emphasis on reflective practice, collaborative learning, and community building throughout. Looking at key ideas, themes, concepts, and practices, the course explores how and why media and communications — operating within the wider MICIMATT (Military Industrial Congressional Intelligence Media Academia Think Tank) Complex — shape so much of modern life, from public opinion, politics, international relations, culture, social movements, economics, and education, to more, in both times of peace and war.

Why This Course Matters

“Nearly every war has been the result of media lies.” (Julian Assange).

Media and communications are tools — and like any tool, they can be used to influence both positive and negative change. In a time marked by fake news, rampant misinformation, disinformation, misreporting, propaganda, and false narratives, the need for peace journalism and ethical, truthful communication has never been more critical. Join us to explore how the transformative potential of media and communications — through text, photography, audio, visuals, graphics, and digital platforms — can be used to promote peace, advance justice, and counteract war and violence.

Who Should Enroll and What You Will Gain

This course provides a concise introduction to the practical elements of creating and using clear and impactful media and communications for peace. It covers essential tools and techniques at every stage — from conceptualisation and preparation to production and dissemination — empowering you to achieve optimal results and effectively engage a broader audience. Whether you are a communications specialist, journalist, writer, researcher, educator, activist, or anyone interested in conveying ideas and actions more effectively, you will learn how to:

• Understand, monitor, and critique mainstream media while developing alternative narratives.
• Use corporate media effectively to promote peace initiatives.
• Become the media yourself and create impactful content across various formats.
• Craft compelling stories that resonate with different audiences.
• Leverage digital and social media platforms to amplify your message.
• Integrate literature, poetry, and the arts into your communication strategies.
• Navigate the publishing process and share your research effectively.

Course Modules

Throughout the 6-week program, you’ll explore the following modules:

1. How to Consume, Critique, and Interact with Media
Critically reflect on the influence of mainstream media, learn to analyze and challenge pro-war media biases, and gain strategies to advance media for peace.

2. How to Get Peace into Corporate Media
Explore the challenges and opportunities of promoting peace narratives in corporate media, and learn how to craft persuasive messages and build relationships with media outlets.

3. How to Create Media: Text
Learn practical writing, editing, and storytelling techniques for crafting impactful articles, blogs, and accounts that effectively communicate peace ideas and actions.

4. How to Create Media: Photographs, Videos, Audio
Gain practical skills in creating and editing multimedia content, and discover how to use photography, video, and audio to communicate compelling peace-focused stories.

5. How to Create Media: Graphics
Learn to design engaging visual content that amplifies peace messages, and discover tools and techniques for effective graphic creation.

6. How to Create Media: Social Media
Learn how to use social media platforms to promote peace, build your online presence, and engage with audiences to spread your message widely.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!