Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - CMNS 444 E100

Political Economy of International Communication (4)

Class Number: 2781

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    75 units, including CMNS 240 or 247, and CMNS 346 or 348.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of the domestic and international implications of the development of mass media and telecommunications and the differential impact of the free flow of technology and information.

COURSE DETAILS:

Overview:

This course will explore the emerging issues in Political Economy of International Communication (IPEC) through the lens of the debated ‘Global Power Shift’ from West to East.  We will critically assess how the global economic and political forces are deeply integrated with the foundations and transformations of communications and cultural industries.  In the first part of the course, we will examine various approaches and debates of international political economy, both from historical and theoretical points of view.

The second part of the course will focus on the relationship between communications, cultures, and changing structures of power.  Among the broader topics explored will be: world-system theory, global capitalism and neoliberal globalization, global power shifts and the rise of BRICS media systems, soft power and the global communications industries, international television industries and trades, transformations of global news media and its forms, transformations of digital capitalism and the rise of new media giants, the changing dynamics of global film industries, and globalization of movements and protests for social change.  Students will chart the terrain of transformations and produce case studies combining insights from the both parts of the course.

This is a senior-level seminar, so it is expected that all students will be prepared to participate in the discussions/activities that will take place each week.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the following:

·      Key concepts and theories in international political economy of communication.
·      Contemporary issues and debates in international political economy of communication.
·      Application of theories and concepts to contemporary issues.

Grading

  • To be confirmed in the first class.
  • Attendance, Participation, and Presentations 25%
  • Mid-Term Exam (In-Class) 25%
  • Capstone Project 50%
  • • Literature Review with Proposal (15%)
  • • Mini-conference Presentation (5%)
  • • Final Paper (30%)

NOTES:

A minimum 2.25 CMNS GPA and 2.00 overall CGPA, and approval as a communication student is required for entry into most communication upper division courses.

The School expects that the grades awarded in this course will bear some reasonable relation to established university-wide practices with respect to both levels and distribution of grades.  In addition, the School will follow Policy S10.01 with respect to Academic Integrity, and Policies S10.02, S10.03 and S10.04 as regards Student Discipline.  [Note: as of May 1, 2009, the previous T10 series of policies covering Intellectual Honesty (T10.02), and Academic Discipline (T10.03) have been replaced with the new S10 series of policies.]

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required readings will be made available on Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS