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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CMS 330"
COURSE NAME: "Global Media"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2026
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Miriam Tola
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 10:00 AM 11:15 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 considers the development of global media infrastructures, industries, media texts and audiences, from the telegraph to the expansion of the Internet and digital platforms on planetary scale. It explores the continuities and changes taking place from the Twentieth to the Twenty-First Century and the theories that explain them. Students will learn to analyze the key actors, dynamics and trends of global media landscapes as well as to problematize media globalization processes in relation to geopolitical shifts and issues of power, labor exploitation and environmental sustainability. Case studies will be used throughout the semester to illustrate and clarify concepts and key developments.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1) developing a critical understanding of media actors and dynamics in relation to globalization from the Twentieth to the Twenty-First Century;

2) identifying and describing the main theoretical frameworks in the field of media and globalization;

3) analyze the relationship between a range of media objects and global relations of production, circulation and consumption;

4) develop oral and writing skills.
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Two oral presentations 20%
Midterm Exam 30%
Final Exam 40%
Participation 10%

-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 course.
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:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
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

 *Please note: The syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor. The detailed schedule will be provided the first week of class. 

Week 1: Introducing Global Media: TikTok as case study

Week 2: Global Media Histories: from the Telegraph to the Internet

Week 3: Global Media Infractructures (and Environments): Satellites and Undersea Water Cables

Week 4: Modernization Theories, Cultural Imperialism and Platform Imperialism

Week 5: Media Flows and Counterflows

Week 6: Global TV Formats

Week 7: Review and Midterm

Week 8: Soft Power: China and Hollywood 

Week 9: Streaming Platforms: Netflix's global/local geographies 

Week 10: Transnational Texts: Parasite and Squid Game

Week 11: Transnational Audiences

Week 12: Globalized Media Labor: Content Moderators and AI Trainers

Week 13:  Global Media, Labor and Environments: The Smartphone Life Cycle from Extraction to Disposal

Week 14: Review