Mass media has historically played a pivotal role in keeping our institutions and politicians in ‘check’. As communication and marketing techniques have advanced, media has assumed new responsibilities in society. Despite citizens now having unprecedented direct access to their elected representatives through social media channels, traditional mass media continues to serve as a crucial source of information for our society. As such, un-biased, impartial journalism has never been so vital for the well-being and strengthening of our democracy. This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving dynamics and symbiotic relationships among media, politics, society and foreign policy.
Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
-identify the common characteristics, and techniques employed in the dissemination of mis-and dis-information;
-develop critical fact-checking skills to critically evaluate news sources, verify information, and promote media literacy;
-understand the significance of unbiased and impartial journalism and how it contributes to democracy and public opinion;
-assess and identify key elements and influences in the relationship between mass media, politics and potential impacts decision making and foreign policy.
Students are required to prepare the compulsory readings prior to each course and to participate in class discussions. All course readings and content are located on the ICP Moodle (formation.icp.fr). The course will be taught entirely in English (teaching, articles, videos,
Powerpoint, etc.).
Assessment and Final Grade
Final Exam = 100% *** date to be determined by administration
The course assessment will be determined by a written final exam worth 100% of the grade. It will be 2 hours long. You will be informed of the final exam’s date by the administration. An (un)justified absence from the final exam will automatically result in failing the course. You
will be required to take a make-up exam in June 2023.
Exam guidelines and expectations:
→ Students should rely on the course PowerPoint, compulsory readings, course discussions and any content provided on the ICP Moodle (formation.icp.fr). Exam questions will be taken directly from these sources.
→ General knowledge and examples from outside the course are always welcome. However, it is imperative that students demonstrate that they have learned the course material. Any exam completed that contains very little information and/or examples from the course will receive a failing grade (less than 10/20).
→ The following criteria will be used to evaluate the exam: a clearly explained research objective or question, the answers provided to the initial question, argumentation, analysis provided, use of relevant examples, coherence in the organization of the work, the quality of the introduction and conclusion.
→ This is not an English course. Grading is based primarily on how well you convey your ideas on paper. Please be sure proof read your work carefully after completing your exam. Please write clearly in English. Points cannot be awarded if the writing is illegible.
Course Requirements
Attendance:
Course attendance is not mandatory, and attendance will not be taken. It is, however, expected that students attend class regularly. Course notes will not be distributed in any form. Be sure to acquire all information from a colleague when absent.
Punctuality:
Please arrive on time to class. Students more than five minutes late may be refused.
Special Accommodations:
All exchange students are guaranteed special accommodation for all in-course examinations. These accommodations include: a one-third time extension for the exam period (20 additional minutes per hour), permission to utilize a dictionary during the exam (Please note that you must provide your own dictionary), and the right to indicate "Exchange student" or "Erasmus" on their exam sheet.
These provisions are designed to facilitate a more equitable and supportive examination experience for international exchange students.
Examination feedback:
All students may consult their final exam copies with their professor after corrections have been completed. Faculty administrators will organize a meeting with the professor for the consultation of exam corrections.
Plagiarism:
Please do not plagiarize. Plagiarism will be dealt with according to the standards of the ICP.
Course Schedule and Bibliography
*Course readings and videos will be provided in class
Topics of Discussion
Class 1
→ Course Introduction
Fake news? Misinformation, Mal-information and Disinformation
Class 2
→ Media Ownership and Influence
Class 3
→ Money & (Social) Media Coverage: Super Pacs & US Electoral System
Class 4
→ The “CNN Effect”, the 24h news cycle and social media
→ Case studies: Somalia and The Balkans
Class 5
→ Case study: The Radicatlization of USFP & Selling the Iraq War of 2003
Class 6
→ Media and gender in theaters of war and post-conflict zones
Libraries
Practical information
