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Global Communication
Com 322/PolSci 329
Winter 2005, MW 1:30-3:20, CMU #120, plus Friday sections
Course Web Site: http://faculty.washington.edu/kfoot/GlobalCom
V. 1.0
Professor K. Foot, Communication 333
Office hours: Monday 3:30-5:30 and by appointment
543-4837; kfoot@u.washington.edu
TA Misti Williams, Smith 37
Office hours: M/W 11:30-12:30
misti@u.washington.edu
Course Objective:
To familiarize students with the reciprocal relationships between political, economic, cultural and
technological aspects of globalizing communication via media structures, and to foster thoughtful
evaluation of these relationships and their effects.
Course Description:
This course introduces the history, purpose, channels, content, technologies, policy, and regulation of
international communications systems. Issues covered include: differences in media infrastructure
between nations and regions; international trends in the development, appropriation and governance of
information and communication technologies (ICTs) and media industries; patterns in international news,
entertainment and information flows, and the emergence of global communication in historical
perspective.
In this course we will address questions such as the following:
 How are international communication processes structured and mediated?
 Whether, where, when, how, among whom and with what consequences does global communication
occur?
 How do political, economic and cultural forces interact in the development, appropriation and
governance of ICTs internationally?
 Who are the key players developing or resisting global communication?
 What opportunities, drawbacks and challenges do nations, corporations, non-governmental/non-profit
groups and individuals perceive in global communication?
UW Net ID & Email account:
To complete some readings and assignments for this course you will need to access Catalyst tools and
online resources which require you to have an active UW Net ID. Be sure you have an active UW Net ID
and password by the second week of class. Additionally, the professor and TA may post occasional
course-related announcements on the course email list; messages from this list will be sent to your UW
email account.
Assigned Texts:
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There are three books assigned for the course. Old Media, New Media, by Wilson Dizard, will help us to
analyze recent developments in a variety of ICTs: multimedia computers, networks, cable and broadcast
television, and the film and print industries. Global Communication: Theories, Stakeholders and Trends,
by Tom McPhail, will guide our exploration of a range of perspectives, issues, and actors related to
international communication. Global Communication, edited by Yahya Kamalipour, provides an
anthology of essays on key issues in international communication, by experts in the field. All three books
are available at the University Bookstore. Full reference information for each book follows, along with the
acronym used in the reading schedule.
 Old Media, New Media: Mass Communication in the Information Age, Wilson Dizard, Jr., 3rd
Edition, Addison Wesley Longman, 2000. (OM/NM)
 Global Communication: Theories, Stakeholders, and Trends, Thomas L. McPhail, Allyn & Bacon,
2002. (GCTST)
 Global Communication, Yahya Kamalipour, Editor, Wadsworth, 2002. (GC)
A few additional articles will be assigned to supplement these books; these articles will be distributed
available online via UW E-Reserves: https://eres.lib.washington.edu/eres
Your ability to participate in class discussions will be enhanced by familiarity with current events,
particularly those pertaining to international developments in ICTs. In addition to closely reading the
chapters/articles assigned each week, you are strongly encouraged to browse daily the Los Angeles Times,
New York Times or the Wall Street Journal, and watch/listen to international news programs, such as
those on CNN and National Public Radio. A discounted student subscription rate is available for the New
York Times. You will earn one extra credit point each time you bring a relevant news article, with a oneparagraph written description of how the article relates to one or more course themes, to a M/W lecture
session, and summarize it briefly for the class (maximum 3 extra credit points).
Course Requirements:
1.) Section participation Discussion sections are an important (and enjoyable!) part of the course. In the
weekly section meetings you will have opportunity to: 1.) take part in in-depth discussions of key concepts
from the course; 2.) work in small groups on in-class assignments; and 3.) prepare for mid-quarter and
end-of-the quarter group presentations based on outside research. As part of your participation grade for
weekly section, you will write 3 “reflection papers”. Each reflection paper (1-2 pages hard copy, doublespaced, worth 5 points) should include a brief summary and synthesis of the main points of the assigned
readings for the week, insights or ideas that the readings provoked for you, and at least two questions that
the readings raised for you. The first reflection paper is due in section in weeks 1-3, the second is due in
weeks 4-6, and the third is due in weeks 7-9. You may choose which week within weeks 1-3, 4-6, and 7-9
you will write a reflection paper, but each reflection paper must correspond to the assigned readings for
the week in which it is turned in, and to receive credit, a hard copy must be turned in at the beginning of
the section meeting of the appropriate week. Grading criteria for reflection papers are:
5 pts: thorough summary and synthesis & at least 2 distinct questions
4 pts: superficial summary or synthesis & at least 2 distinct questions
3 pts: summary and synthesis & 1 question
2 pts: summary or synthesis & 1 question
1 pt: summary or synthesis or 1-2 questions
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Fine Print: Reflection papers written on assigned readings from previous weeks will not receive credit.
2.) Case study analysis This assignment has both individual and group components, and will require you
to draw on themes from the course in interpreting a case study based on a recent event involving
international communication. The individual and group analyses should relate core concepts from the
course to the central issues of the case, and provide thoughtful responses to the questions posed about the
case. Here are the key dates/deadlines:
 Wednesday, Jan. 12: Detailed instructions and questions for the case study analysis will be
distributed in class.
 Friday, Jan. 14: each section will form six groups (4-5 students per group), for collaboration on
the case study and the group presentations later in quarter (see requirements #4 & 5 below). Group
members should exchange email addresses in order for coordination. Students who are absent from
section on this day will be assigned a group and expected to initiate contact with group members,
AND will lose 5 points from their section participation grade unless the absence is due to a
medical emergency or a previously scheduled sports event in which their participation is
mandatory (in these cases appropriate documentation must be provided).
 Friday, Jan. 21: Today’s section will be devoted to group work on the case study. Each student
must turn in a hard copy of each his/her individual responses to the case study questions to the TA
at the beginning of section AND bring enough copies for each member of his/her group. After
today’s section meeting, group members should also exchange their individual responses with each
other electronically, either via email or via the Catalyst Peer Review tool in order to compile a
common text. If a group wants to use Catalyst Peer Review, they need to decide that in advance
and take the initiative to set up their group “space” prior to Friday, Jan. 21. (See the directions for
Peer Review “owner/instructor” at http://catalyst.washington.edu/tools/peer_review.html for
instructions on setting up/using Peer Review.)
 Friday, Jan. 28: At the beginning of section, each group will turn in a jointly-authored analysis
(hard copy) that addresses the case study questions. Each group will give an informal presentation
of their analyses and conclusions in section.
3.) Midterm, February 7, in class. The midterm exam will consist of 25 multiple choice questions on
course content introduced to date in the readings, lectures, videos and sections.
4.) Small group presentation: Media industry analysis Working in a group of 4-5 students from your
section, you will analyze recent international developments (since 2002) in one of the media industries
covered in the course. Using news archives, industry reports and other online sources, each group will
develop a summary of some of the key recent events and trends in the international development of a
media industry, and make a 10-12 minute oral presentation in section. One or two groups will present each
week between weeks 5-8; the date of your group’s presentation will depend on which media industry your
group analyzes. Each group must prepare an outline highlighting the main points of their presentation and
bring enough copies to distribute to everyone in the section that day. Detailed instructions and grading
criteria will be provided.
5.) Small group presentation: Country analysis Working in a group of 4-5 students from your section, you
will conduct an in-depth analysis together on political, economic and/or cultural issues, actors and trends
related to ICTs in a country outside the U.S. Each group will make a 10-12 minute oral presentation of
their findings in section on either March 4 or March 11. Each group must prepare an outline highlighting
the main points of their presentation and bring enough copies to distribute to everyone in the section that
day. Detailed instructions and grading criteria will be provided.
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6.) Final exam The final exam will consist of 25 multiple choice questions focusing on course content
introduced in readings, lectures, videos and sections in the second half of the course. The exam is
scheduled for Monday, March 14, 2:30-4:20pm.
Grading:
You are encouraged to submit proposals/outlines of assignments 4 & 5 to the TA and/or professor for
feedback. Comments will be provided if proposal/outline submitted at least one week before due date.
Revision and re-submission of the written assignments will not be permitted. Requests for re-grading of
an assignment must be presented in writing, with a clear rationale, within one week after receipt of grade.
Except for reflection papers, which will not be accepted after their corresponding due dates, the grade for
late assignments will be lowered by 10% of possible points per day of delay, (assignments turned in
anytime after deadline are considered at least one day late). At the end of the quarter, you will complete a
peer evaluation for each member of your group, assessing each person’s contributions to the group
assignments. A student who receives a poor evaluation from his/her group members will have up to 10
points deducted from his/her final grade.
Final grade components:
1.) Participation (reflection papers, and relevant, informed, and
constructive contributions to class discussions)
2.) Case study analysis:
Individual response
Group essay
3.) Midterm exam
4.) Small group presentation: media industry analysis (group grade)
5.) Small group presentation: country analysis (group grade)
30 pts.
6.) Final exam
Total Points Possible
Sample Grade Distribution
Grade
% of total pts
4.0
98%
3.5
93%
3.0
88%
2.5
83%
2.0
78%
1.5
73%
1.0
68%
0.0
63%
40 pts.
30 pts.
20 pts.
25 pts.
30 pts
25 pts.
200
# of total pts
196 or more
186 or more
176 or more
166 or more
156 or more
146 or more
136 or more
126 or less
Fine Print: To receive credit for this course all assignments and the exam must be completed by the
end of the quarter. Incompletes are granted only in extraordinary circumstances.
Course Schedule & Readings
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Fine Print: You will optimize your learning in this course by reading the assigned texts prior to the
class session for which they are assigned. Class sessions will assist you in reviewing, illustrating, and
synthesizing key points from the readings, and applying them in interpreting historical and
contemporary developments in global communication.
Week 1 January 3 & Jan. 5: Dimensions of Globalization & The Role of ICTs
1/5 In-class video: "Global Media”
Readings:
GCTST Preface & Ch. 1 “Global Communication”
GC Preface & Ch. 1 "Following the Historical Paths of Global Communication," by Allen Palmer
GC Ch. 11 "Communication and Culture," by Christine L. Ogan
Matthews, Jessica T., "Power Shift," Foreign Affairs, Jan-Feb 1997: Vol 76: Number 1: pp 50-51,
available via UW E-Reserves, and an interview with Jessica Matthews, available at
http://www.govtech.net/publications/visions/aug99vision/jessicamfldr/jessicamatthews.phtml
Week 2 Jan. 10 & Jan. 12: Theoretical Frameworks for Global Communication & Development
1/12: Case study questions & instructions distributed in class.
1/14: Case study & presentation groups formed in section.
Readings for 1/10:
OM/NM Foreword, Preface, and Ch. 1 “Mass Communications in the Information Age”
GC Ch. 2 "Drawing a Bead on Global Communication Theories," by John D.H.Downing
Readings for 1/12:
GC Ch. 8 "Milestones in Communication and National Development," by Vibert Cambridge
GCTST Ch. 2 “Development Research Traditions and Global Communication”
Week 3 Jan. 17 & Jan. 19: Digital Media Networks and Global Communication
1/17 NO CLASS: MLK DAY
1/21: Individual responses to case study due in section.
Readings for Jan. 19:
OM/NM Ch. 2 “New Media Technologies: The Information Machines”
OM/NM Ch. 3 “New Media Technologies: The Networks”
GCTST Ch. 11 “The Internet: Extending Global Media”
Week 4 Jan. 24 & Jan. 26: Tracing Octopuses: Global Communication Structures & Transnational
Media Corporations
1/28: Group response to case study due in section.
Readings for 1/24:
GC Ch. 3 "Global Economy and International Telecommunications Networks," by Harmeet Sawhney
GCTST Ch. 9 "The Role of International Organizations"
Readings for 1/26:
GCTST Ch. 3 “American Multimedia Giants”
GCTST Ch. 4 “Global Communication Systems: Non-U.S. Stakeholders”
GC Ch. 4 "The Transnational Media Corporation and the Economics of Global Competition," by Richard
A. Gershon
Week 5 Jan. 31 & Feb. 2: Cable & Broadcast Systems in Global Communication
Readings for Jan. 31:
OM/NM Ch. 5 “Broadcast Television: Decline or Renewal?”
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GC Ch. 7 "International Broadcasting," by Joseph D. Strabhaar & Douglas A. Boyd
Readings for Feb. 2:
OM/NM Ch. 6 “Cable Television: The Perils of Success”
GCTST Ch. 6 “CNN: International Role, Impact and Global Competitors”
Week 6 Feb. 7 & Feb. 9: Film & Music: Globalizing Culture?
Feb. 7: Midterm exam
Readings for Feb. 9:
GCTST Ch. 5 “Global Issues, Music and MTV”
OM/NM Ch. 7 “Hollywood: Remodelling the Dream Factory”
Week 7 Feb. 14 & Feb. 16: International Print Industry & News Production/Dissemination
Feb. 14: In-class video: "Globalization & Media"
Readings for Feb. 14:
OM/NM Ch. 8 “Gutenberg’s Last Stand?”
Readings for Feb. 16
GCTST Ch. 7 “The Roles of Global News Services”
GC Ch. 6 "Global News and Information Flow," by Kuldip R. Rampal
Giffard, C. Anthony, “The Beijing Conference on Women as Seen by Three International News
Agencies,” Gazette, Vol. 61, No. 3-4, 1999, pp. 327-341. Available via UW E-Reserves.
Week 8 Feb. 21 & Feb. 23: International Marketing
2/21 – NO CLASS: PRESIDENTS’ DAY
Readings for Feb. 23:
GCTST, Ch. 8 “The Role of Global Advertising”
GC Ch. 10 "Global Advertising and Public Relations," by Dean Kruckeberg
Week 9 Feb. 28 & March 2 Governing Global Communication
3/4: Country presentations in section
Readings for 2/28:
OM/NM Ch. 4 “New Media: the Political Dimension”
GCTST Ch. 10 “The Medium: Global Technologies and Organizations"
Readings for 3/2:
GC Ch. 5 "Global Communication Law," by John L. Huffman & Denise M. Trauth
GC Ch. 9 "The Politics of Global Communication," by Cees J. Hamelink
Week 10 March 7 & March 9 Challenges and Opportunities in Globalizing Communication
3/11: Country presentations in section
Readings for 3/7:
GC Ch. 13 "Patterns in Global Communication: Prospects and Concerns," by Leo A. Gher
Castells, Manuel, “Making Sense of Our World,” excerpt from End of Millenium, Blackwell, 1998, pp.
335-360, available via UW E-Reserves.
Readings for 3/9:
GCTST Ch. 12 “Summary and Conclusions”
OM/NM Ch. 9 “The Open-Ended Future”
Final exam: Monday, March 14, 2:30-4:20pm