Overview of Course

This course will expose students to the journalistic practice and news media systems around the world, with particular emphasis on the countries we visit. We will compare and contrast how the media operate; examine state-owned, privately owned and hybrid news media operations; and look at the relationships between the media, the government, and the public. We will also examine the role media play in the lives of readers, viewers, and listeners, and determine the impact media have on the way particular nations function, from a journalistic perspective. The class will also analyze what the media covers and—just as importantly—what is not covered. Through exploration of media coverage patterns, the course will analyze the nations which are not covered and the role of the international media. We will also evalu-ate news content, story selection, accuracy, thoroughness, and consistency of selected news stories within nations explored. In addition, analysis of unconventional media, citizen journalism and the use of the media as a political weapon will be addressed.