Description
Purpose: 1. To develop a better understanding of the ways in which media and politics interact, in both democratic and non-democratic societies. 2. To improve students’ understanding of, and ability to carry out, comparative research.
Content: This course examines the interaction between mass media and politics in comparative perspective, exploring normative, empirical, and theoretical questions about the character and role of mass media within varying political environments.
We will begin by focusing on theories of media systems in Western Europe and North America, asking questions such as: Are these theories adequate to explain the behavior of journalists and media outlets in the various systems described? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each system? Is convergence toward a single model of mass media currently underway in the West? Is such convergence desirable?
In the second part of the seminar we will turn to an exploration of the mass media in other regions—in both democratic and non-democratic environments—with an eye to developing empirical understanding of the role of the media outside of the West. Among the questions we will ask are: What are the constraints faced by journalists and media outlets in various non-democratic environments? What are the effects of the media—on politics, citizen attitudes and behavior, etc.—in these environments? Should the media play markedly different roles in democracies vs. non-democracies?
Methods of Instruction
Class sessions will be primarily discussion-based, with some short lectures.
Study Material
Hallin, Daniel C. and Paolo Mancini. 2004. Comparing Media Systems: Three Models of Media and Politics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Hallin, Daniel C. and Paolo Mancini. 2011. Comparing Media Systems Beyond the Western World. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Other journal articles and book chapters will be posted on Blackboard or on reserve at the library.
Examination
Grades will be based on four components: 1. Active participation in class discussion: 20%. 2. A short presentation: 15%. 3. Five short reading reflection papers: 25%. 4. A research design: 40%.
Schedule
Tuesday 11 September and 18 September, 9.00 – 11.00 hrs in SA05
Tuesday 25 September, 9.00 – 11.00 hrs in 1A27
Tuesday 2 October, 9.00 – 11.00 hrs in 5A42
Tuesday 9 October, 9.00 – 11.00 hrs in SA21
Tuesday 16 October and 23 October, 9.00 – 11.00 hrs in SA23
and
Thursday 6 September and 13 September 9.00-11.00 hrs in SA05
Thursday 20 September, 9.00 – 11.00 hrs in 1A09
Thursday 27 September, 9.00 – 11.00 hrs in 5A41
Thursday 4 October, 9.00 – 11.00 hrs in 1A01
Thursday 11 October and 18 October, 9.00 – 11.00 hrs in 1A09
Thursday 25 October, 9.00 – 11.00 hrs in 1A03