Course Description
Compares media systems in democratic and non-democratic political systems and examines the role of media as an institution in various socio-political settings across the world.
Athena Title
COMP POL DIGI MEDIA
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course, adopts a comparative perspective, examines: (1) how different socio-political systems shape the institution of media; (2) how media, in a variety of forms, influence agenda-setting and decision-making, direct political debate, and facilitate social transformation in democratic and non-democratic regimes; (3) the co-evolution of new media and political life in democratic, authoritarian and transitioning regimes in the recent decades. At the conclusion of the course, students should be able to critically analyze the historical and current role of media as an institution in contemporary political life across the globe.
Topical Outline
1. Introduction 2. Media and Politics in Democracies and Non-Democracies 3. Comparing Media Systems: United States and Europe 4. Comparing Media Systems: Communist Regimes 5. Media as Political Institution in the United States i. News Production ii. Media Effects and Campaigns 6. Media as Political Institution in China i. News Production and Media Control ii. Commercialization and Reform iii. Media Effects 7. Internet Politics in Democratic, Non-Democratic and Transitioning Regimes
Syllabus