6 ECTS credits
150 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 4016225FNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.

Semester
2nd semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
English
Faculty
Faculty of Economic & Social Sciences & Solvay BS
Department
Communication Sciences
Educational team
Jan LOISEN (course titular)
Activities and contact hours

26 contact hours Lecture
45 contact hours Independent or External Form of Study
Course Content

The content of the course has been developed around the following topics, approaches and questions:

- Historical contextualization and critical discussion. How has the field of (media and cultural) globalization developed historically? Is globalization new? What have been turning points in globalization’s development and in the globalization of media and culture? Are these developments positive / negative and for whom? Theories and concepts are put in their historical perspective.

- Pioneering and groundbreaking work in theorizing media, culture and globalization (e.g.,  Ang’s Watching Dallas; Appadurai’s scapes, …).

- Research traditions in media studies on media, culture and globalization (Political economy of communications; Cultural studies; Flow studies; Cultural Globalization, …).

- Fundamental concepts that will be contextualized, elaborated and evaluated on their strengths and weaknesses (e.g. globalization, glocalization, internationalization, multilevel governance, cultural imperialism, one-way and contra flows, cultural differentialism & convergence, hybridization & creolization, cultural diversity, etc.).

- Interdisciplinary approaches to media, culture and globalization, ranging from political sciences and International Relations over economics and law to anthropological approaches.

- Contemporary approaches in the field and relationship with research in terms of new media and society in Europe in economics and markets, regarding policy, and on users.

Course material
Course text (Required) : Reader with texts on media, culture and globalization, Miscellaneous, Not applicable
Digital course material (Required) : Slides of lectures published on the online learning platform PointCarré, Jan Loisen, Not applicable
Digital course material (Recommended) : Videofragments used to support the lectures, Miscellaneous, Not applicable
Additional info

 

Practically, the course will consist of traditional classes, albeit that interactivity and discussion will be encouraged during these classes. In addition, texts on media, culture and globalization will be provided on the VUB learning platform Pointcarré. Students will be required to read compulsory reading materials before each class in order to grasp the contents of the classes more swiftly and to make debate easier and fruitful. Finally, students have to prepare an essay on a topic of choice related to the field of media, culture and globalization

 

 

Learning Outcomes

Algemene competenties

This course contributes to the following learning resultats of the Master program ‘New Media and Society in Europe’:

  • Students show in-depth knowledge, understanding and insight within the field of communication sciences and in relation to the latest evolutions and discussions at both the national and international level.
  • Students demonstrate the ability to critically contextualise and evaluate current national and international developments and discussions, and are able to independently deepen insights related to complex problems on the basis of an original framework of analysis, thereby expanding the theoretical basis related to their own fields of interest.
  • Students show an open and constructive attitude whilst having respect for other views and beliefs.
  • Students are open to scientific doubt and societal pluralism. They demonstrate courage, ambition and perseverance in questioning both established insights and alternative points of view.
  • Students act upon an open attitude in a culturally diverse international context. They critically reflect on their own (geographical, social, cultural, local, personal, …) position.
  • Students demonstrate the skill to discuss and debate current societal and scientific topics and theoretical developments within the field of communication studies. The students discuss issues on the basis of critical and substantiated reflections and research findings, open-mindedly and willing to acknowledge other arguments.
  • Students are able to independently elaborate, organise, plan and conduct their own original research, interpret its results and groundedly, coherently and convincingly communicate it orally and in writing.
  • Students are able to communicate their point of view in a clear and scientific-grounded argumentation to various target groups.

 

The specific aims of this course are:

 

  • to provide students with an overview of theoretical perspectives and an understanding of how globalization processes affect media and culture and vice versa;
  • to get acquainted with a variety of relevant concepts, theoretical schools and authors for the purpose of identifying and applying key concepts and theories that explain the relationship between media, culture and globalization;
  • to take into account both pioneering work in the field and contemporary research and analysis;
  • to stimulate critical reflection and have interactivity and discussion among staff and students;
  • to offer a multi- and interdisciplinary approach to the course’s topic; and
  • to connect theory to practice by making use of examples that illustrate the concrete and research relevance of media, culture and globalization theories.

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 50% of the final mark.
Practical Exam determines 50% of the final mark.

Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Oral Exam with a relative weight of 50 which comprises 50% of the final mark.

    Note: Oral exam on course's contents, reader and essay

Within the Practical Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Active participation with a relative weight of 10 which comprises 10% of the final mark.

    Note: Active participation during the course, based upon preparation of reading materials is required.
  • Essay with a relative weight of 40 which comprises 40% of the final mark.

    Note: Written essay on a topic of choice related to the course's contents.

Additional info regarding evaluation

The evaluation procedure in the first and second session is the same

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Science in Educational Sciences: Standaard traject