MC411      Half Unit
Media and Globalization

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Wendy Willems

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Global Media and Communications (LSE and Fudan), MSc in Global Media and Communications (LSE and UCT) and MSc in Global Media and Communications (LSE and USC). This course is not available as an outside option.

Course content

The aim of this course is to explore and demonstrate the role of media and communications in processes of globalisation by introducing the relevant literature, by examining various theories of globalisation and by identifying their relevance in understanding the media. Topics taught include media imperialism, global media production, cosmopolitanism, global representations, global consumption, and comparative research.

Teaching

This course is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars totalling a minimum of 25 hours across Michaelmas Term. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of virtual classes and flipped-lectures delivered as online videos. This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of term.

Formative coursework

All students are expected to complete advance reading, participate actively in seminar discussions, carry out seminar presentations and submit one essay of 1,500 words.

Indicative reading

A reading list will be provided for each topic. General works relevant to the course include:

  • Appadurai, A. (1996). Modernity at Large: Cultural Dimensions of Globalisation. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press.
  • Eriksen, T. (2014) Globalization. London: Bloomsbury.
  • Flew, T. (2018). Understanding Global Media. London: Red Globe Press.
  • Kraidy, M.M. (2018). Global Media Studies: A Critical Agenda. Journal of Communication 68: 337-346.
  • Lee, C.-C. (2015). Internationalizing ‘International Communication’. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press.
  • Miller, T. and M.M. Kraidy (2016). Global Media Studies. Cambridge: Polity Press.
  • Rantanen, T. (2004). The Media and Globalization. London: Sage.
  • Rantanen, T. (2019). Introduction. In: T. Rantanen and C. Jiménez-Martinez (eds), Globalization and the Media. London: Routledge.
  • Tomlinson, J. (1999). Globalisation and Culture. Cambridge: Polity Press.
  • Wilkins, K., Straubhaar, J. and S. Kumar (2013). Global Communication: New Agendas in Communication. London: Routledge.

Assessment

Essay (100%, 3000 words) in the LT.

 

Student performance results

(2016/17 - 2018/19 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 22.1
Merit 58.4
Pass 15
Fail 4.4

Teachers' comment

There is no globalisation without media and communication and now there is no media and communication without globalisation.

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Media & Communications

Total students 2019/20: 82

Average class size 2019/20: 14

Controlled access 2019/20: Yes

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information