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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CMS 330"
COURSE NAME: "Global Media"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session II 2023
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Nicholas Boston
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MTWTH 9:00 AM 10:50 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: COM 220
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is an introduction to the current debate around the relationship between globalization and the media. By linking theoretical conceptions with hands-on empirical research and analysis, students will develop a richer and multi-layered perspective around the increasingly relevant yet contested notion of globalization, and specifically on the role that the media have in advancing, challenging and representing social, political and cultural change across multiple regions of the world.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course is will provide students with an introduction to the historical context of global communication and will introduce key concepts, debates, and terminology related to the study of the media industries. We will consider the expansion and globalization of media and communications conglomerates and the impact of such growth on audiences in different cultural contexts - from regional, national and international perspectives. We will explore media flows in and through the Global North and the Global South. The course features multiple site visits to media companies in Rome to tour production and distribution facilities, including RAI, Italy's national public broadcaster, as well as guest talks by professionals from diverse areas of the media industries, both in-person and virtual.

 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The course aims to encourage students to understand the central role of the media in shaping contemporary culture and the communicative practices involved in this process. By the end of the course, students should have acquired advanced competence in the field of media and globalization theory in order to be able to critically discuss the main theoretical approaches in the field and how these key approaches relate to one another. Students will also be able to analyse newly emerging forms of culture and identity based on the experience of cosmopolitanism, hybridity and diaspora in relation to media forms such as networked media and films.

 
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
In-class quizzes 20
Final Exam  25
Participation  10
Attendance 10
Presentation 15
Journal 20

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Please consider that frequent unexcused absences will affect your grade. Students who miss more than two classes without an adequate justification will have the final grade for the course dropped by one letter grade. Lateness will also adversely affect the final grade. Students expected to complete the assigned readings before class, and come prepared to engage in informed discussion. All the reading materials and course assignments will be posted on Moodle, which students are expected to regularly check for updates.

The use of laptop computers and other electronic devices during class is NOT permitted.

Please note that participation counts for 10% of your grade in this course. It means that you will be graded on your actual participation in class activities and discussions.

Here are the behaviors that count:

  • Asking questions;
  • Answering questions;
  • Making comments (extra points for comments that relate to material in the text, and for sharing relevant experiences).

 

Here are the value-added behaviors:

  • Responding to something another student says (including answering a question asked by a student);
  • Constructively disagreeing with something in the text or said in class by me or another student.

 

These are behaviors to avoid:

  • Not listening;
  • Pretending to be listening while texting or cruising online;
  • Making offensive comments that make others feel unsafe.

 

 
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

 Screenings, readings, and scheduling of site visits and guest speakers TBA 

  • Week 1

Course Overview and introduction.

The historical context of media globalization

Introduction to media theory

Questions of globalization, media and identity politics

  • Week 2

The global communication infrastructure

Quiz!  

  • Week 3

The Local and the Global in Media Culture

  • Week 4 

Introduction: Media Counter-flow

Presentations

Quiz!  

    • Week 5

    Counter-flows II

    Presentations

    Review and Final Exam