At the end of the course, students should be able to
This course is an overview of the world’s media systems. The focus will be on the flow of information between the industrialized and advancing nations; how ideology, culture, economy and international market structure have all contributed either in hindering or advancing the international flow of news and entertainment among nations. The scope, characteristics, peculiarities and current issues in international communication will be exhaustively treated so as to acquaint the student with a thorough knowledge of the politics and ideological nature of international communication. The course will examine issues like globalization, ICTs and communication development, new/social media platforms, ownership and control, cultural imperialism, the role of international News Agencies and such other media organization like CNN, BBC, Al-Jazeera in global politics. The course will take a critical look at Africa’s place in the digital/cyber world.
The course should also discuss relevant theories of imperialism and dependency technological determinism. Discussions in the course should not be limited to the news but should include all the products of the media and cultural industries. The role of the English language should also be considered.
