Course type:: Elective course

When:: 2 year, 2 module

Instructor

Abstract

This course explores the role of media in international relations of Asian countries. It is tailored for students majoring in MA program “Cross-Cultural Studies of Asia and Africa in the Context of International Relations”. The course starts with the short introduction to the media studies. The next section presents an overview of media systems in Asia, traces history of their development, compares and discusses its legacy nowadays. It also introduces contemporary state-media relations in Asian countries, namely, national media policies, its aims and institutions. The following section is focused on the interconnections between international relations and media. It includes an overview of academic approaches and theories used to analyse of the role of media in international relations, as well as discussion of empirical cases of media influence on foreign policy in Asia. For instance, the students compare how media is used in digital diplomacy and external propaganda of Asian countries. Finally, the course provides an overview of different global phenomenon’s representation in Asian media and evaluates possible approaches to such kind of studies. The students’ progress is evaluated by assessing their participation in discussions during seminars, three tests and an exam (an essay).

Learning Objectives

To provide students with basic knowledge of media research, its key theories and methods;
To acquaint students with the development of media systems in Asian countries;
To develop students’ understanding of the interplay between media and international relations;
To provide students with an understanding of the role media plays in politics and international relations of Asian countries in historical perspective and today;
To develop students’ skills in applying theories and concepts to the analysis of interconnections between media and international relations in Asia, including media discourses on global topics;

Expected Learning Outcomes

Uses conceptual apparatus of media research, including key theories and concepts.
Traces historical development and contemporary trends in media systems and governance in Asia.
Recognises the variety of roles different media play in politics and international relations of Asian countries.
Applies academic approaches and theories to the analysis of the role of media in international relations of Asian countries.
Explains and analyses contemporary debates on global issues in Asian media using appropriate methodology.

Course Contents

Part 1. Introduction
Part 2. Media systems in Asia: national, transnational and global
Part 3. Different roles of media in international relations of Asian countries
Part 4. Media discourses in Asia: cases and approaches

Assessment Elements

Test 1
Test 1 is a written test with two types of questions: multiple choice and questions with short open answer. Altogether there are 10 questions, and students have 15 minutes to complete the test. Test 1 takes place during seminar 3 and checks students’ knowledge of lecture and seminar materials presented and discussed in Part 1 and Part 2 of the course (lectures 1, 2 and 3; seminars 1, 2 and 3).
Test 2
Test 2 is a written test with two types of questions: multiple choice and questions with open short answer. Test 2 takes place during seminar 5 checks students’ knowledge of lecture and seminar materials presented and discussed in Part 3 of the course (lectures 4 and 5; seminars 4 and 5). Altogether there are 10 questions, and students have 15 minutes to complete the test.
Test 3
Test 3 is a written test with two types of questions: multiple choice and questions with open short answer. Test 3 takes place during seminar 7 checks students’ knowledge of lecture and seminar materials presented and discussed in Part 4 (lectures 6 and 7; lectures 7 and 8). Altogether there are 10 questions, and students have 15 minutes to complete the test.
In-class participation
Lecturer evaluates students’ progress, including comprehension of lecture materials and assigned readings, as well as contribution to discussions. The component is calculated as an average grade achieved on all seminars.
Exam
Exam is an essay (2000 – 3000 words, including references) that is due on the exam day by 3pm. It should be sent to the email address of the instructor (edsoboleva@hse.ru). Essays submitted after deadline are graded with “0”, unless documental proof is provided that a student was not able to submit the assignment on time due to illness or any other legitimate reasons (relevant document should be provided). The essay is a state-of-art critical review of the field with the aim of outlining key debates and drawing out apparent gaps, as well as new research directions. The list of recommended topics will be provided by the instructor, the students can also select their own topics upon the instructor’s approval.

Interim Assessment

2024/2025 2nd module
0.25 * Exam + 0.15 * In-class participation + 0.2 * Test 1 + 0.2 * Test 2 + 0.2 * Test 3

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Mancini, P., & Hallin, D. C. (2012). Comparing Media Systems Beyond the Western World. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=415671
Robert M. Entman. (1993). Framing: Toward clarification of a fractured paradigm. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.28A41BC

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Dietram A. Scheufele, & David Tewksbury. (n.d.). ORIGINAL ARTICLE Framing, Agenda Setting, and Priming: The Evolution of Three Media Effects Models. Http://Www.Facoltaspes.Unimi.It/Files/_ITA_/COM/3-Framing-AgendaSetting.Pdf.
Hallin, D. C., & Mancini, P. (2004). Comparing Media Systems : Three Models of Media and Politics. Cambridge University Press.

Authors

KOROBOCHKINA Alena VALEREVNA
SOBOLEVA ELENA DMITRIEVNA

Master’s Programme 'Cross-Cultural Studies of Asia and Africa in the Context of International Relations'

Contact information

Cross-Cultural Studies of Asian Countries through the Media