COMM 410: International Mass Communications
Class Information
COMM 410: International Mass Communications
Semester: Spring 2014
Class Meeting Time and Location:
MWF 10:10-11:00am
133 Food Science Bldg (the Creamery)
Instructor Information
Dunja Antunovic (pronounced as Doon-ya Ant-uno-vitch)
E-mail: dunja@psu.edu and via ANGEL
Mailbox: 115 Carnegie Bldg. (open M-F 8am – 4:30pm)
Office: James Building (123 South Burrows Ave.), 2nd Floor.
Office hours: W 12:00-2:00pm or by appointment
Website: http://dunjaantunovic.weebly.com/
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Course Goals
This course is an integral part of the College of Communication’s curriculum in international
communication. COMM 410, International Mass Communications is offered alongside COMM 419
World Media Systems. While World Media Systems focuses on how media operate within nations,
this course emphasizes the ways in which media operate between/across nations, creating
important information flows that have many purposes and consequences. Thus, we will discuss the
relationships between media, foreign policy, international relations, culture, economics, politics and
globalization.
By the end of the class, you should be able to:
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Identify the explicit and implicit connections between U.S. foreign policy and U.S. media
Recognize how media messages “travel” across borders, and with what outcomes
Detect how systems of communication function to serve economic, military and political
aims
Critically interrogate the power of media messages in transforming and/or reinforcing
geopolitical order
Finally, through this process, examine your sense of self, your identity, and your
experiences, beyond the borders that confine you.
The question guiding our inquiry this semester, thus, will be: How do we understand our place,
and the place of others, in relation to global media?
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Course Learning Outcomes
The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication requires that all
graduates should be aware of certain core values and competencies. This course meets the
following three competencies outlined by ACEJMC:
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Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press for the
country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located, as well as receive
instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the
world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble
and petition for redress of grievances
Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions
in shaping communications.
Demonstrate the understanding of diversity of peoples and cultures and of the
significance and impact of mass communications in a global society.
Demonstrate the understanding of gender, race, ethnicity and other intersecting
identities in relation to media systems, practices and representations.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
In this course, you are expected to actively consume international news and come prepared to class
to discuss current events. Keeping up to date with international news is essential for your success
in this course. Consulting news sources is a requirement for the course, not an option.
Some news sources you are advised to follow may include, but are not limited to:
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The New York Times
NPR World News
Democracy Now
CNN International
Foreign Policy
Foreign Affairs.
BBC News World
The Guardian
Al Jazeera America
Russian Television
Graded Assignments
Participation: 14*10= 140 points (28% of your grade)
Reading Related Activities: 5*20=100 points (20% of your grade)
Exam: 60 points (12% of your grade)
Case Study: 50 points (10% of your grade)
Summary Essays: 3*50=150 points (30% of your grade)
Total points for this course: 500
Grading scale
A
=
A=
B+
=
B
=
B=
93-100%
90-92.9%
87-89.9%
83-86.9%
80-82.9%
C+
C
D
F
=
=
=
=
77-79.9%
70-76.9%
60-69.9%
0-59.9%
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Readings
There is no required textbook for this course. All readings will be available on ANGEL unless
otherwise noted. You readings for each week can be found in the course schedule. We will be
referring to the readings throughout the week, therefore, you must bring a copy (hard copy or
digital copy on your laptop, iPad, etc.) of the readings to each class so that you can follow and
participate in the class discussion.
Note about class requirements: As all your readings will be on ANGEL, so you will need to have
regular access to internet and to software such as Word, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a program that
enables you to watch YouTube videos. You also need to know how to navigate the Penn State
library website.
Participation
You will have the chance to earn participation points by attending class and/or commenting on the
ANGEL discussion board. Class attendance is crucial to your success in the course and is therefore
expected, but it is not required. This means that I will NOT record attendance every class, but I may
use in-class assignments to record participation. In-class participation cannot be made-up. You
will be given plenty of opportunities to acquire your weekly 10 points for participation. either in
class or on ANGEL discussion board. Your weekly participation opportunities will end at 5:00pm
on Fridays.
If you have an issue with your participation grade, come to me within the following week. I
will not be willing to negotiate with you if you come to me at the end of semester regarding your
grade from Week 2. Note, however, that you are more than welcome to—and in fact encouraged—
to come to talk to me if you have any concerns. More detailed guidelines on participation
requirements will be distributed in class and posted on ANGEL.
*Note: Participation will be graded from Week 2 until Week 15. In Week 15, your participation
grade will come from the International Relations Game we will play in class. Further information
will be provided later in class.
Reading Related Activities
You will have to complete a total of five (5) Reading Related Activities (RRAs) this semester based
upon the weekly reading assignment. All readings need to be completed before you come to class
on Monday, so that we can have a dynamic discussion. Therefore, your RRAs are due 10:00pm on
Sundays on ANGEL. The RRAs should be around a page long. Please bring a copy (hard copy or
digital copy on your laptop) of your completed RRAs to class, so that you can participate in the
discussion!
You will be graded on grammar/quality of writing and your ability to explain the concepts. In this
assignment, you should not be analytical. You also should not be expressing your views on the
reading. (There will be plenty of opportunities for that in class!) Rather, the purpose of the
assignment is for you to demonstrate that you grasped the concepts and theories introduced in the
readings. In order to engage in a meaningful and critical conversation, it is essential that you first
understand the concepts we cover in class.
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While you are expected to complete all the reading, you only have to turn in five (5) RRAs
total. The way it works is that you MUST complete all (three) RRAs during Part I of the class. Then,
you have to pick one RRA from Part II and one from Part III.
Exam
You will be taking an Exam after Part I of the class. The exam will occur at the end of Week 4. The
exam will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions, most of which will come out of
your RRAs. You will receive more information on the exam in class.
Case Study
You will be required to participate in one case study this semester. You will be a part of a fivemember group and your task will be to take a position on a pertinent international communication
issue. The point of this exercise is to make a strong argument and convince the rest of the class to
vote for your resolution. You may not agree with the argument you are presenting—your personal
views hardly matter in this activity. You will be graded on is how well you can synthesize the
readings provided to you in class and, then, how well you and your group members can argue a
position. For further information, see instructions on ANGEL.
Summary Essays
You will have three summary essays throughout the semester. Essays will be due at the end of class
sections Part II, Part III and Part III. In these essays you will be asked to pick one topic we covered
in the section and synthesize the readings and class discussions. The synthesis should be no more
than three (3) pages double spaced. You must reference materials we covered in class and/or class
lectures. Each essay is worth 50 points (10% of your grade) for a total of 150points. You will
receive more specific instructions in class.
POLICIES
Instructor’s Expectations
I expect you to take responsibility for your own learning. I see my role as a facilitator rather than a
preacher. You have much to learn from your peers, and they have much to learn from you. You will
be given all the tools you need to succeed in this class, but how you use those tools is entirely up to
you. As we begin this semester, know that I warmly welcome your questions, concerns and
inquiries. Do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail or see me in my office.
Use of Technology
You are permitted to bring laptops to class. Please use your laptop for class-related purposes
only, so that you do not distract your classmates who may be sitting behind you. Please put your
phone away while in class. Should you need to have your phone out due to an emergency, inform
me before class begins.
Late Policy
I expect you to turn the assignments in on time. You will receive an automatic 25% deduction for
every 24 hours you are late. This means that if the assignment is worth 20 points, you can get up to
15 points if you submit it within 24 hours after the deadline and up to 10 points if you submit it 244
48 hours after the deadline. I will not accept your assignment more than 48 hours after the
deadline! The late policy applies to all assignments. Random things in life come up. BUT, it is your
responsibility (not mine) to anticipate these disturbances. Most of the assignments for this class can
be completed way ahead the due date. So: do not wait until last minute to complete the
assignment!
E-mail Policy
When you e-mail me, please use the ANGEL site. Go under “Communicate” tab to send an e-mail. I
know ANGEL might not be accessible on some devices, but please – if you are able – use the ANGEL
system. If you e-mail me through regular e-mail, make sure to put “COMM 410” as a subject line
before you write anything else. Furthermore, please follow some sort of e-mail etiquette. I will
do my best to get back to you within 48 hours. If I do not get back to you within 48 hours, feel
encouraged to send me a reminder e-mail.
Food and beverages
Only drinks with lids are allowed in the classroom. Drinks without lids and food are both strictly
prohibited by university policy.
Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity: Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly and creative activity in an open,
honest and responsible manner, free from fraud and deception, and is an educational objective of
the College of Communications and the University. Cheating – including plagiarism, falsification of
research data, using the same assignment for more than one class, turning in someone else’s work,
or passively allowing others to copy your work – will result in academic penalties at the discretion
of the instructor. In serious cases, it could also result in suspension or dismissal from the University
or in the assignment of an “XF” grade (failed for academic dishonesty). As students studying
communications, you should understand and avoid plagiarism (presenting the work of others as
your own.) A discussion of plagiarism, with examples, can be found at
http://tlt.psu.edu/plagiarism/student-tutorial/. The rules and policies regarding academic
integrity should be reviewed by every student, and can be found online at:
www.psu.edu/ufs/policies/47-00.html#49-20, and in the College of Communications document,
“Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures.” Any student with a question about academic integrity
or plagiarism is strongly encouraged to discuss it with his or her instructor.
Note to students with disabilities
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. If you
have a disability-related need for reasonable academic adjustments in this course, contact the Office
for Disability Services, ODS located in room 116 Boucke Building at 814-863-1807(V/TTY). For
further information regarding ODS, please visit its website at www.equity.psu.edu/ods/.
Instructors should be notified as early in the semester as possible regarding the need for
reasonable academic adjustments.
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COURSE SCHEDULE
Week 1: Stories, differences, empathy
Reading (due Wednesday):
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Ore, T. (2000). Constructing Differences. In The Social Construction of Difference and
Inequality: Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing
Company.
01/13
01/15
01/17
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
A single story: Whose story?
Constructing differences
Developing empathy
Part I: Historical and Theoretical Background
Week 2: The Government and the Media
Readings:
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Zaller, J. & Chiu, D. (1996). Government’s little helper: U.S. press coverage of foreign policy
crises, 1975-1991. Political Communication, 13(4), p. 385-405.
Eliot, C. W. (1922). The next American contribution to civilization. Foreign Affairs, 1(1), 4965.
Assignments:
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Reading Related Activity #1 due Sunday (01/19), 10pm
01/20
01/22
01/24
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – NO CLASS
U.S. state, U.S. media
U.S. state, U.S. media
Week 3: Historical Developments in International Communication
Readings:
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Thussu, D. K. (2006). Chapter 1: The historical context of international communication. In
International Communication: Continuity and Change, pp. 1-39. Bloomsbury Academic.
Assignments:
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01/27
01/29
01/31
Reading Related Activity #2 due Sunday (01/26), 10pm
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
History of international communication
History of international communication
Purposes of international communication
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Week 4: Theoretical concepts in international communication
Readings:
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Madikiza, L., & Bornman, E. (2007). International communication: shifting paradigms,
theories and foci of interest. Communicatio: South African Journal for Communication Theory
& Research, 33(2), 11–44. doi:10.1080/02500160701685391
Assignments:
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Reading Related Activity #3 due Sunday (02/02), 10pm
02/03
02/05
02/07
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Consequences of international communication
Key theories in international communication
Exam
Part II: Foreign Policy and Media
Week 5: Media and Diplomacy
Readings:
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You will be asked to read up on Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs on the U.S. Department
of State website.
Readings for Case Study I TBA due Friday (02/14) by class time
02/10
02/12
02/14
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
U.S. public diplomacy
Social media and public diplomacy
Case Study I: Sochi Winter Olympics: Boycott?
Week 6: Media and Diplomacy
Readings:
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Gilboa, E. (1998). Media diplomacy: Conceptual divergence and applications. The Harvard
International Journal of Press/Politics, 3(3), 56-75.
Robinson, P. (1999). The CNN effect: Can the news media drive foreign policy. Review of
International Studies, 25, 301-309.
Assignments:
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02/17
02/19
02/21
Reading Related Activity #4a due Sunday (02/16), 10pm
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Media and diplomacy
Media and diplomacy
The CNN effect?
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Week 7: Media in Conflict I
Readings:
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View: Why We Fight (on ANGEL)
Readings for Case Study II TBA due Friday (02/28) by class time.
Assignments:
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Reading Related Activity #4b due Sunday (02/23), 10pm
02/24
02/26
02/28
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Propaganda: Definition and origins
Strategies of propaganda
Case Study II: Kosovo: A Country?
Week 8: Media in Conflict II
Readings:
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Barker-Plummer, B. & Boaz, C. (2005). War news as masculinist discourse. Feminist Media
Studies, 5(3), 370-374.
View: The War Around Us (on ANGEL)
Assignments:
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Reading Related Activity #4c due Sunday (03/02), 10pm.
Summary Essay #1 is due on Sunday (03/09), 10pm.
03/03
03/05
03/07
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Power, journalism and war
Critical approaches to conflict
Critical approaches to conflict
SPRING BREAK – NO CLASS
Part III: Globalization, Corporate Power, and Cultural Hegemony
Week 9: Globalization I
Readings:
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03/17
03/19
03/21
You will be asked to read up on the United Nations (UN), the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO), and the European Union (EU).
Readings for Case Study III TBA due Friday (03/21) by class time
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Globalization and the Nation-State
Transnational Alliances
Case Study III: Great Britain: Stay or leave?
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Week 10: Globalization II
Readings:
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McChesney, R. (2001). Global media, neoliberalism, and imperialism. Monthly Review, 1-19.
Krasner, S. D. (2001). Think Again: Sovereignty. Foreign Policy, pp. 1-9. Retrieved from
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2001/01/01/think_again_sovereignty?page=0,0
Read the following sites and pick one article: The World Bank website; International
Monetary Fund website; World Trade Organization website
Assignments:
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Reading Related Activity #5a due Sunday (03/23), 10pm.
03/24
03/26
03/28
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
International commerce
Transnational corporations
Transnational corporations
Week 11: Contraflow
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Thussu, D. K. (2006). Chapter 6: Contraflow in global media. In International
Communication: Continuity and Change, pp. 180-206. Bloomsbury Academic.
Assignments:
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Reading Related Activity #5b due Sunday (03/30), 10pm
03/31
04/02
04/04
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Contraflow and export
Contraflow and export
Cristina Mislan: Latin-American Telenovellas
Week 12: Hybridization?
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Wang, G. & Yeh, E. Y. (2005). Globalization and hybridization in cultural products: The cases
of Mulan and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. International Journal of Cultural Studies, 8(2),
175-193.
Assignments:
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04/07
04/09
04/11
Reading Related Activity 5c due Sunday (04/06), 10pm.
Your Summary Essay #2 is due Sunday (04/13), 10pm.
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Janelle Applequist: Disney’s Epcot Center
Deculturalization and hybridity
Deculturalization and hybridity
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Part IV: Current Issues
Week 13: Persistent Tensions
Readings:
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TBD: Your reading this week will depend upon concurrent international issues
You will also be asked to bring your own articles!
04/14
04/16
04/18
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Current issues
Current issues
Current issues
Week 14: Human Rights and National Interest
Readings:
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TBD: Your reading this week will depend upon concurrent international issues
You will also be asked to bring your own articles!
Assignments:
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04/21
04/23
04/25
Your Summary Essay #3 is due Sunday (04/27), 10pm.
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Current issues
Current issues
Current issues
Week 15: Recap
04/28
04/30
05/01
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Course recap
International Relations Game
International Relations Game
Finals Week: Have fun!
*I reserve the right to change the syllabus and course schedule at any point during the semester.
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