syllabus for JRN 372.doc

JRN 372 International And Cross-cultural Communication Central Michigan University Fall 2008 University Program: Group IV, A Section #: 22047217 Instructor Jiafei Yin, Ph.D, Moore 414, phone: 774-3695 or 774-3196 Office hours: TR: 1:30-2 p.m. & 3:30-5:30 p.m. E-mail: HYPERLINK mailto:jiafei.yin@cmich.edu jiafei.yin@cmich.edu Prerequisites: None. Course Objectives By the end of the semester, students will be able to Use the Internet to explore foreign media and gauge the diversity of contgent; Critically describe, evaluate and use mass media in an international context; Compare political, economic and media systems of different continents; Assess the role of diverse global cultures in international communication; Monitor and analyze global media environment for international marketing and international advertising, including international information flow, international communication resources and cultural imperialism; this can be done by making use of the Internet, electronic databases and the library. Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of each continent of the world; Understand the complexity and issues in international news coverage. Note: This course is structured as an integrative and multi-disciplinary study of international media systems. We'll be examining media systems in various regions of the world not only from the standpoint of communication, but also from political, economic and cultural perspectives. We'll be studying the relationships and interdependencies between media systems and political and economic systems and cultures in selected countries of the world. For this purpose, a variety of methodologies will be used for this course. Methodology Used in Conducting the Course Approaches: Qualitative study: theories & readings on research Quantitative study: content analysis Case study: research country by country Micro-study: issue by issue Macro-study: global trends Format: Informal lectures & class discussions Readings Films and videos Guest speakers On-line and database research and research at the library Student presentations of research findings Textbooks and Other Materials for the Course 1. Required textbook: Arnold de Beer (2008). Global Journalism: Topical Issues and Media Systems. 5th ed. Boston: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon. 2. A reading list for book report (Check out the blackboard site) Electronic resources: Central library online resources of foreign media HYPERLINK "http://www.library.uiuc.edu/asx/link_nws.htm" www.library.uiuc.edu/asx/link_nws.htm (for Asian online newspapers) websites of international newspapers 4. Journals: The Journal of Asian Studies Journal of Southeast Asian studies Journal of South Asian and Middle Eastern studies Far Eastern Economic Review Beijing Review European Journal of Political Research Journal of European Studies Journals from other parts of the world depending on student interest Requirements & Policies Class attendance is expected and important. There will be many in-class activities, including news quizzes and group discussions, which will count toward 15 percent of your final grade as participation. In-class assignments cannot be made up. Deadlines for out-of-class assignments will be observed. Late assignments will result in a lower grade ? 10 percent lower if they are turned in within one week of the deadline, and 20 percent lower if they are turned in within two weeks of the deadline. Assignments turned in two weeks after the due date will not be accepted. No more than two late assignments will be accepted from any student. Exceptions are allowed for extended medical or family emergencies with documented proof. Contact the instructor as soon as the emergency situation occurs. No assignment will be accepted after the final exam. All of the work turned in must be the original work of the student. Plagiarized work will result in a failing grade and will be reported to the university administration. Turnitin drop box will be used for written work, so cite sources in your assignments. Extra credit assignments will be given when opportunities arise. Country reports are group projects. Peer evaluation will be part of the grading process. Students are expected to come to class on time, prepared and join in class discussions. Assigned readings should be done prior to coming to the class. Classroom civility Respect fellow students? right to learn by minimizing distractions and disturbances. Please turn off cell phones before entering the classroom. No chatting, eating, blowing bubble gum or sleeping during class is allowed. Visit restrooms or use drinking fountain during the break. If you have to leave class early, please notify the instructor before the class and sit close to the door. Evaluation News quiz, and participation 15% Country report 10% Short essay papers 25% Test I 10% Test II 10% Test III 10% Book report 5% Final project 15% Special Needs CMU provides individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to participate in educational programs, activities, and services. Students with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in class activities or meet course requirements should contact the instructor as early as possible. Weekly Course Outline: We?ll try to follow the schedule. If changes become necessary, they?ll be announced in class. Readings should be completed before the class meets. Week 1 (Aug. 26 & 28): Introduction to the course & interest in world news Assignment: Essay paper on ?Global blinders? and world news Readings: Chapter 1 Week 2 (Sept. 2 & 4): Global press philosophies: Freedom and responsibility Assignment: Pick a book from the reading list Readings: Chapter 5 Week 3 (Sept. 9 & 11): Freedom of the press around the world Assignment: Essay paper on press theories Readings: Chapters 2 Week 4 (Sept 16 & 18): The global media & global power: Country report choice Assignment: Prepare for Test I Readings: Chapter 3 Week 5 (Sept 23 & 25): World news agencies: information flow East vs. West & the new technologies Test I Readings: articles on the coverage of the war in Iraq Week 6 (Sept 30 & Oct 2): Coverage of the Iraq War: Fox News vs. Al Jazeera? What you see vs. what they see; CNN & BBC Video: Control Room Assignment: Essay paper on readings and video Readings: Chapter 8 Week 7 (Oct 7 & 9): World media controversies: Information flow North vs. South Assignment: Group get-together for a plan on country report Readings: Chapter 11 &12; Articles on world news reporting Week 8 (Oct 14 & 16): Reporting world news: Double misreadings Assignment: Prepare for Test II Week 9 (Oct 21 & 23): Reporting world news continued Test II Week 10 (Oct 28 & 30): Country reports: Media in the Arab world Iran ? print and broadcast Video: Islam and Christianity Assignment: Book report due Oct. 30. Week 11 (Nov 4 & 6): Country reports: Media in Africa and Latin America South Africa & Mexico Assignment: Final project assignment Week 12 (Nov 11 & 13): Country reports: Media in Asia The changing media in China Video: Entertainment media in China Assignment: Working on the final project Week 13 (Nov 18 & 20): Country reports: Media in Asia II: Singapore & Japan Video: Singapore: The price of prosperity Assignment: Continue working on the final project Week 14 (Nov 25): Country reports: Media in Europe: UK Final project due. Assignment: Prepare for Test III Week 15 (Dec 2 & 4): Country reports: Media in Europe II France & Russia Assignment: Prepare for Test III Week 16 (Dec 11): Test III: 10 -11:50 a.m. Thursday. PAGE PAGE 1