Course Catalogue

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What is the significance of communication technologies to the process of globalisation, commonly described as the interconnectedness brought on by increased trade, media and cultural exchange? This course examines transnational networks of cultural, economic, political, and social linkages and the role of media in engendering new forms of community and identity. It will include a field trip to look closely at how the 'global' finds its way into 'local' media and culture, connecting theories of globalisation with communications theories of messaging, audience, and reception. The course will be useful to anyone interested in how media and culture transcend borders, as well as those considering careers in the media, not-for-profit, government, business, and technology sectors.

1 x 2hr field trip (asynchronous)

9 x 2hr on-campus seminar

This is one of the MSc options in Communications and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Standard entry to Masters at College level.

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The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Collaborative presentation (15% group mark; 10% individual) 

■ 1000 word field trip report (25%) 

■ 2000 word essay (50%) 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ Recorded Presentation or one-to-one presentation / discussion/Q&A with staff (where presentation would normally be in class) as alternative to the presentation.

■ There are no alternatives to the report or essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions  

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

The course aims are to:

- examine the ways in which globalisation is represented, reinforced, and challenged through media and technology, popular culture, the internet and social media, art and literature, and various resistance movements.

- assess how we might we balance the potential benefits of globalisation - cultural intersection, the collapse of time and space, and global solidarity movements - with the very real concerns of access, imperialism, and inequality?

- prepare students to enter the workforce or subsequent schooling through practical training necessary to succeed in an increasingly globalised world.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

- Critically examine the role of media, popular, and visual cultures in mediating and constructing globalisation both historically and in the 21st century;

- Question both the benefits and limits of globalisation with regard to its differential effects;

- Identify forms of resistance to advanced globalisation and consider the implications of resistance itself becoming globalised;

- Use practical solutions to address the challenges of globalisation and its construction at home and abroad;

- Practice skills around intercultural communication, media literacy, and the social and cultural impacts of globalisation necessary for application to 'real world' contexts.