In this course students will engage critically with problems presented by the production, distribution, and consumption of global media products, and will develop an understanding of the social, political, and economic influences that shape global media systems.
We discuss both mainstream and alternative media of various countries in the broader context of international media flows. Case studies focus mainly on North and Latin America, but readings and assignments offer scope for exploring the media systems of other regions.
Outline
Unit 1: Introduction to the Study of Global Media
Part A: Defining Global Communication
Part B: Critical Views: Media Flows and Transnationalization
Unit 2: Controlling Communications
Part A: Organizations and Regulations
Part B: Dependence and Sovereignty: Canada
Unit 3: Global Networks and Flows: America and the World
Part A: Corporations and Conglomerations
Part B: Beyond America: Developing Media Flows
Unit 4: Alternative Media Systems
Part A: Democratic and Community Media
Part B: Ethnic, Minority, and Special-Interest Media Production
Unit 5: Media in Latin America
Part A: Latin Politics, Global Media
Part B: Popular Culture, Transnationalization, and Identity
Learning outcomes
CMNS 402 will develop students’ ability to
describe the connection between media systems and economic and political structures in various types of societies, and the role of the mass media in the functioning of economic and political systems.
explain the significance of regulatory frameworks of international communications.
inform themselves about mainstream and alternative media networks.
identify some of the main developmental directions of current information and communications systems.
improve critical tools with which to analyze the complex interests involved in media systems.
Evaluation
To receive credit for CMNS 402, students must complete all five of the assignments and achieve a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent). There is no final exam. The weighting of the assignments is as follows:
Activity
Weight
Glossary Probe
15%
Critical Response Essay
25%
Media Exploration—Case Study
20%
Research Proposal
N/A
Research Paper
40%
Total
100%
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
McPhail, T. L., and Phipps, S. (2020). Global communication: Theories, stakeholders and trends (5th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell. (eText)
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the CMNS 402 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on the examination.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.