AL AKHAWAYN UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

COMMUNICATION STUDIES

Version 1.0

(Last Updated 2 September 2008)[1]

CONTACT DETAILS:

Class time: TR 09.30 to 10.50

Class place: 4/101

First class Tuesday 23 September 2008

Last class Monday 10 December 2007

Total 30 classes

Supervisor: Mohammed Ibahrine

Office: Building 6, Room 9

Tel.: (212) 0 35 86 24 42

Email: globalcomauifall2008@googlemail.com

OFFICE HOURS: Monday: 11.00-12.30 am

Tuesday: 08.00-09.30 and 11.00-12.30 am

Wednesday: 11.00-12.30 am

Thursday: 08.00-09.30 and 11.00-12.30 am

Friday: 11.00-12.30 am

Saturday: 15.00-17.00 per Phone (3213) for Capstone students

COURSE SYNOPSIS

The course examines the major issues in global communication through analyses of international news and information flows, media imports/exports, privatization and globalization within communications industries and the various models of global media systems. Students will evaluate the social and economic impacts of ICTs, the shifting relationships between developed and developing countries, and the socio-economic trends associated with globalisation of media, and explore concepts such as nationalism, regionalism, globalization, and cultural identity.

THE AIM OF THE COURSE

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the main concepts, theories, practice and controversies of the history and modern state international communication. The overall objective of this course is to develop the knowledge for understanding and critically assessing the role of global communication, especially in the international relations, diplomacy, international business and intercultural relations.

THE COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course presents a comprehensive examination of significant economic, cultural, legal, social, and political issues in the exciting field of global communication. The course also offers the examination of history, theories and future trends from diverse perspectives such as mass media, journalism, and international business, international relations and international studies.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

The lecturer will follow lectures and seminars format. The student’s participation in class and seminar discussions is expected and encouraged and will be considered in final course evaluations (20%). Broad understanding of participation includes the preparation of outline before the class and a detailed content outline after the class, the maintenance of a blog and contribution to the Wikipeida. Students should also be prepared, during each class session, to discuss current media events and news as they relate to the subject. Each student has to present two required chapters of the textbook (25%) and one research paper (20%). Video production is highly encouraged. Four tutorial quizzes (12%), mid term exam (10%) and final exam (13%). The deadline for the paper is October, 30^th 2008.

One of the major requirements for this course-seminar is a term paper. It should be from 2500-3,000 words, excluding notes and references. It should be typed, double-spaced with one inch margins, 12-point font, and consistently adhere to an accepted style. The papers will be presented in class, prior to the final session, and discussed from time to time throughout the term. The paper could take the form of a proposal for future capstone.

The research paper should be based on desk research, conducted in the library and over the Internet, including the readings central to this course. However, students should move beyond this base, where feasible in the context of a one semester course. For example, they might include a limited number of interviews, a pretest or pilot of a survey or questionnaire, secondary analysis of an existing database, content analysis, direct observations, participant observation, ethnography or other approaches that involve you directly in researching your topic.

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

If you expect others to respect you, please respect yourself. So if you feel desperate, don’t make things worse by acting out of desperation: please come and talk to me about your problems before you do anything foolish. We will find a way. Office hours are of great value for intellectual and educational exchange, please respect the office hours. This is useful for the professionalism.

Please note that the intellectual involvement in the co-creation process of the lecture (attendance + participation) has the lion’s share of this class’s grade. And since there is no class participation without attendance; attendance is highly encouraged to increase your grade. The university’s new attendance policy will be enforced in this class.

READINGS:

Do the readings before class and come to class. You will come to class having completed the assigned readings and participate fully in class discussion. I expect you to be a fully contributing member of the class by being prepared, taking responsibility for having productive discussions, helping yourself and others understand the material, and generating interesting ideas. I want to avoid the “professors teach, students learn” view of this enterprise.

Please note: The course requires a minimum of 8-10 hours of outside work per week (e.g., reading, analysis, group meetings, writing assignments).

REQUIRED READINGS

There are Two sources of reading for this course: one textbook.

Yahya R. Kamalipour. (2007). Global Communication, (2^nd Edition)

Larry A. Samovar, Richard, E. Porter & Edwin R. McDaniel. (2006). Intercultural Communication, A Reader, (Eleventh Edition) (Three brief chapters)
TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE AND READINGS