Politics, Media and Campaigning

Whether you want to advocate for a single political issue or you consider to become a politician, this is the right course for you. Politics is all about sending the right message at the right time. In this course you are going to learn how to get your message across, not only in an appealing but also in a strategic way.

ACQUIRED SKILLS

Basic knowledge of the history of politics
Understanding the working of different political systems
Using the right arguments in a debate
Negotiate to a mutual beneficial outcome
Delivering a convincing speech
Develop a sound campaign strategy

GENERAL INFORMATION

Course term:
Available seats:
Price:
Category:
Status:
Deadline:

03. 08. – 14. 08.
7
950 €
Bussiness & Marketing
Available
30.04.2026

Course term: 03. 08. – 14. 08.
Available seats: 7
Price: 950 €
Category: Bussiness & Marketing
Status: Available
Deadline: 30.04.2026

DESCRIPTION

What are the secrets of decision making? How do you effectively influence decisions? How do you bring people along during a crisis? And how do you influence the public opinion? In the course we will reveal the secrets of politics and campaigning, illustrated by historical and current cases. The course will introduce you in the world of international, national and local politics, media and campaigning. You are going to learn about the history of politics, the main political ideologies, different political systems and campaign strategies. During the course we are going to practice a variety of personal skills. After the course you will be able to bring forward strong arguments in a debate, deliver persuading speeches, defend a political position in a media interview and negotiate to a mutual beneficial outcome.

SCHEDULE

Day 1

Introduction to politics - History of politics / Political issues (economy, inequality, climate crisis) / Group exercise: lower house debate

Day 2

Debating - Debating theory / Analyzing famous debates (Kennedy - Nixon, Trump - Biden) / Individual exercise: presidential debate

Day 3

National politics - Political systems / Main ideologies / Political parties / Group exercise: parliamentary debate

Day 4

Local politics - Crisis management (Case study: Covid-19) / Resilient cities / Civic participation / Negotiation techniques / Group exercise: negotiation

Day 5

International politics and geopolitical conflicts - The Cold War / The New Silk Road / World powers (USA, European Union, China) / International diplomacy / Group exercise: negotiation

Day 6

Political speeches - The secrets of speechwriting / Analyzing speeches (Reagan, Thatcher, Blair, Obama) / Individual exercise: write your own speech

Day 7

Personal performance - Public speaking / Media training / Individual exercise: deliver your speech

Day 8

Campaigning - Campaign strategies and tactics / Analyzing political campaigns / Group exercise: develop a campaign strategy

Day 9

Campaign advertising - Voter’s values / Target groups / Analyzing political ads / Group exercise: make a political video ad

Day 10

Evaluation and presentation - Reflection on the course / Question time / Group exercise: presenting and showing the video ads

LECTURER

Arno
Bonte

Former Vice Mayor in Rotterdam
Alderman for Sustainability, Climate Adaptation and Transportation in the city of Helmond

Arno Bonte is a Dutch politician. Currently he is Alderman for Sustainability, Climate Adaptation and Transportation in the city of Helmond. From 2018 till 2022 he was Vice Mayor for Sustainability, Clean Air and Energy Transition in Rotterdam, the second city in the Netherlands. Together with more than a hundred companies, organizations and local communities, he designed a strategy to transform Rotterdam from a mainly fossil based city into a front-runner in sustainability. His experience in politics, media and campaigning spans more than twenty years. He was a city councilor for 12 years, was campaign advisor for the Dutch Green Party, media advisor for child rights organization Plan International and worked as a spokesperson for Friends of the Earth and the Dutch labor union FNV.

Course outline

COURSE GALLERY

CREDITS

You will receive an official Certificate of Attendance upon completion of your course. Please inform the organizing staff if you require any extra supplements, such as Transcript of Records. The student is eligible to receive up to 5 ECTS credits, however please follow the instructions here and consult the acknowledgment process with your university in advance.

ASSESSMENTS

– attendance in class 15%
– team assignment 40%
– individual assignment 35%
– exam 10% (optional, if required by home University)

COURSE TIME TOTAL 125 HOURS

– Course runs 2 weeks Monday to Friday 9:00-14:00
– Total time of in-class work = 50hours
– Preliminary assignment = 10hours
– Preparation = 65hours

PRICE

Course fee includes the course itself, application fee, study materials, afternoon/evening social activities and events, welcome and goodbye drink as part of the graduation party. Other expenses, such as meals, accommodation, insurance, personal expenses, public transportation ticket, extra activities (such as trips outside of town over the weekend and entrance fees), and required equipment (i.e. pencils, paper for illustrations) are not included in the price.

Please note, after the 30th of April 2026 there will be a late enrollment fee charged in the amount of 100EUR on top of the course fee.

Terms and Conditions – Cancellation fees

Costs of living in Prague

ACCOMMODATION

For accommodation options, please visit the dedicated page

PREREQUISITES

– Intermediate level of English (at least B1/B2)

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ANY QUESTIONS?

Feel free to contact our coordinator:

Andrea Josífková
Coordinator

info@europeansummerschool.com
+420 777 879 192

Testimonials

Hithem Juaid

From Conflict to Consensus: Negotiation Skills for Business and Politics

The ESS 2019 in Prague was a great opportunity for me to meet and make a lot friends from all over the world. I had a professional workshop, great lectures in morning and an enjoyable activities in evening.

Marine

Personal Development (ON CAMPUS)

ESS brings together people not afraid of engaging in something completely different from what they’re used to doing back home. It’s a great way to meet and interact with young people representing different cultures and as such – a definite opportunity to spend quite possibly the best couple of weeks in your life if you’re curious, enthusiastic and open to new experiences. Also, Prague is absolutely amazing!

Lisette

Illustration Practice

I really liked it. The teacher was really good at his job, he could help you no matter what you were trying to illustrate with whatever technique. For me, as someone with absolutely no art experience whatsoever, it was unclear what exactly illustration practice entailed. I had the idea beforehand that it would be more of a drawing course. Nevertheless the course was really valuable: it got me going. The most import thing I learned is probably that you shouldn’t be afraid and just do and try, it will come to you eventually. The course was really helpful. The activities were really nice.

Filip Perica

Design Thinking (ON CAMPUS)

Amazing time with people from all around the world. So many cultures, new friendships and experiences make this Summer School a true deal :) Course was challenging and inspiring pushing me forwards and giving me knowledge I need to use on future projects. Organisation and activities were also amazing. Got to meet Prague and experience it fully in those short 2 weeks. All in all, amazing experience and would recommend anyone putting doubts if they should take it or not. Take it!!