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MAC311

International Communication and World Global Systems

This course explores international communication, media systems, and news flow. It examines the concept of international communication, media ownership, and the influence of globalization. Topics include news agencies, audience dynamics, and the impact of cultural ideologies on media messages. The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and challenges in international communication.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
120 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assessments
  • Final examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

MAC311 · UNIT 2: UNDERSTANDING INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION

Patterns and modes of communication vary from one social group, region, nation, state or country to the other. The variations are one of those things that distinguish one culture from the other as communication is one of the cultural entities.

What you should be able to do

  1. Define and explain key concepts in international communication.
  2. Analyze the structure and operation of international media systems.
  3. Evaluate the role of news agencies in shaping international news flow.
  4. Assess the impact of globalization on media and culture.
  5. Understand the dynamics of international media audiences.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Journalist
  • Media Analyst
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • International Communication Consultant
  • Diplomat
Where it is applied
  • Media and Entertainment
  • Government and Diplomacy
  • International Organizations
  • Public Relations
  • Advertising

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 2: International Media and Media System

    Unit 2: Ownership and Control of International Media

    Understanding the various economic and political factors influencing media ownership requires critical analysis.

  • Module 3: International Media Messages and Audience

    Unit 3: Dynamics of International Media Audience

    Analyzing the impact of media ideologies on cultural globalization requires understanding complex theoretical frameworks.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 32 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Concept of International Communication
    • Unit 1: Understanding Communication · 2 hours

      Define communication and its key components.. Explain the etymology of the word 'communication'.. Discuss the importance of communication in various contexts..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Concept of International Communication
    • Unit 2: Understanding International Communication · 2 hours

      Understand the concept of international communication.. Define international communication from different perspectives.. Explain the scope of international communication and its significance..

  3. Week 3Module 1: Concept of International Communication
    • Unit 3: Origin and Development of International Communication · 2 hours

      Trace the development of international communication from oral traditions to new media.. Discuss the impact of writing, printing, telegraph, telephone, radio, and television on international communication..

  4. Week 4Module 1: Concept of International Communication
    • Unit 4: Nature and Characteristics and Modes of International Communication · 2 hours

      Distinguish international communication from other forms of communication.. Identify the characteristics and modes of international communication.. Appreciate examples of international communication activities..

  5. Week 5Module 2: International Media and Media System
    • Unit 1: Forms of International Media · 2 hours

      Understand various forms and development of media system.. Explain the role of books, newspapers, radio, television, film and new media in international communication..

  6. Week 6Module 2: International Media and Media System
    • Unit 2: Ownership and Control of International Media · 2 hours

      Understand the ownership structure of the local and international media.. Understand the ownership influence on international media control..

  7. Week 7Module 2: International Media and Media System
    • Unit 3: Ideologies of the International Media · 2 hours

      Understand what constitute media ideology.. Discuss the relationship between some media ideologies i.e. culture, globalisation etc.. Explain Intercultural communication principles.

  8. Week 8Module 2: International Media and Media System
    • Unit 4: Nature of the International Media Network, Coverage and Reach · 2 hours

      Discuss the nature of international media network.. Explain the length of international media coverage.. Calculate international Media Reach and Rating..

  9. Week 9Module 3: International Media Messages and Audience
    • Unit 1: Sources of International News · 2 hours

      Define international news source.. Identify international news sources.. Understand how international news are sourced.. Understand the effect of news sources on international news flow..

    • Unit 2: Flow of International Media Messages · 2 hours

      Understand the pattern of international news flow.. Identify under-reported and over-reported countries.. Understand the factors that affect news direction and flow..

  10. Week 10Module 3: International Media Messages and Audience
    • Unit 3: Dynamics of International Media Audience · 2 hours

      Understand the characteristics of international audience.. Identify various forms of audience..

  11. Week 11Module 4: International News Agencies and Operation
    • Unit 1: Understanding News Agency · 2 hours

      Know news agency is and what is not.. Explain how news agencies operate.. Identify and discuss forms of news agencies.. Understand the ownership and control of news agencies..

  12. Week 12Module 4: International News Agencies and Operation
    • Unit 2: Notable International News (AFP, AP, and ITAR-TASS) · 2 hours

      Understand the histories of the international news agencies.. Understand the operations of the news agencies.. Identify the strategies of the news agencies..

    • Unit 3: Notable International News (Reuters, UPI, and PANA) · 2 hours

      Understand the histories of the international news agencies.. Understand the operations of the news agencies.. Identify the strategies of the news agencies..

  13. Week 13Module 4: International News Agencies and Operation
    • Final Revision · 4 hours

      Review all course materials.. Revise Tutor Marked Assignments.. Prepare for final examinations..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Review key definitions and concepts from Units 1-4 of Module 1.
  • Create concept maps linking Units 1-4 of Module 2 to understand media systems.
  • Focus on case studies in Module 3 to analyze news flow patterns.
  • Study the history and operations of major news agencies covered in Module 4.
  • Practice applying theoretical frameworks to real-world examples of international communication.

Questions students ask about this course

What is MAC311 about?

This course explores international communication, media systems, and news flow. It examines the concept of international communication, media ownership, and the influence of globalization. Topics include news agencies, audience dynamics, and the impact of cultural ideologies on media messages. The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and challenges in international communication.

How many units does MAC311 have?

MAC311, International Communication and World Global Systems, has 13 units across 4 modules, over 100 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is MAC311?

MAC311 carries 3 credit units, at 300 level in Social Sciences.

Is MAC311 hard?

MAC311 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does MAC311 take to study?

About 120 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.

How is MAC311 assessed?

MAC311 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.

What can I do with MAC311?

Journalist, Media Analyst, Public Relations Specialist, International Communication Consultant and Diplomat.

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