Course Overview

From “traditional” media, such as newspapers and television, to new media formats including websites, blogs and social media channels, in this course, students will examine the intersection between media and politics from historical and theoretical perspectives. Special emphasis is placed on the use of the internet and “new media” by political actors for the purpose of effecting political outcomes.

Learning Achievement

(1) Enhance student knowledge about the relationship between media and politics;
(2) Provide discussion forum for students to discuss topics related to media and politics in a learning atmosphere; and
(3) Provide guidance to students with regards to their written work for the class.

Competence

This course will combine instructor-centered models of knowledge acquisition (lectures) with student-centered models (discussion, expression, and the creative integration of lecture materials and readings.

(1) General-propose competence: communicative ability, critical and creative thinking skills, broad perspective and internationalism, collaborative, independent & autonomous skills.
(2) Special competence: analytical skills on international relations, ability of logical expression on international relations, analytical skills on international development, ability of logical expression on international development.

Course prerequisites

All class materials are distributed using Manaba, and students are expected to be familiar with it. Assignments are also submitted using Manaba.

Grading Philosophy

Short Papers about lecture content (30%);
Short quizzes about readings (1 or 2 quizzes) (20%);
Group presentations (20%);
Final examination (30%)

Short papers about the lecture content and group presentations will be marked on the basis of: (1) Technical quality and presentation (grammar, spelling, and structure); (2) Integration of material (how well the assignments reflect what you learned in class); (3) Expression, quality, and completeness (ability to communicate and express yourself in written work, group discussions, and presentations); and (4) Creativity and critical thinking.

Course schedule

This course will combine lectures and discussions. Please note that the course outline shown below will change, depending on the numbers of students in the class and their interests. If any changes are made, the updated course outline will be distributed to students by the second class.
Class 1-1: Introduction, distributing syllabus, and discussing class conduct
Class 1-2: Lecture and Discussion about how to do the assignments for this class
Class 2-1: Lecture: Introduction to Mass Media Theories I, Part 1
Class 2-2: Lecture: Introduction to Mass Media Theories I, Part 2
Class 3-1: Lecture: Introduction to Mass Media Theories II, Part 1
Class 3-2: Lecture: Introduction to Mass Media Theories II, Part 2
Class 4-1: Lecture: Evolution of Campaign Media 1
Class 4-2: Lecture: Evolution of Campaign Media 2
Class 5-1: Quiz on the readings
Class 5-2: Group Discussion on theories and evolution of campaign media
Class 6-1: Lecture: Analyzing Television Advertisements
Class 6-2: Exercise: Analyzing Television Advertisements
Class 7-1: Lecture: Communicative types and functions of televised political advertising 1
Class 7-2: Group exercise in communicative types and functions of televised political advertising
Class 8-1: Lecture: Internet technologies in political campaigns 1
Class 8-2: Lecture: Internet technologies in political campaigns 2
Class 9-1: Group Project Presentations 1
Class 9-2: Group Project Presentations 2
Class 10-1 and 10-2: Final examination and class wrap-up. Review of lecture materials and learning objectives.

Course type

Lectures

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

Kawasaki Leslie Tkach

Other information

Students are expected to abide by the University of Tsukuba regulations concerning academic ethics, as well as the treatment of plagiarism during this class. If a student plagiarizes all or part of a short paper or group presentation, the student will receive a failing grade in that short paper or group presentation, and the plagiarism will be reported to the college head.

Site for Inquiry

Link to the syllabus provided by the university