Global Media Governance
You choose one and I will upload the materials for u.
Choose 1 of the following 3 questions, and answer it in a paper of no more than 1000 words. Submit that paper by November 4 at midnight PST in the appropriate IICS515 Moodle dropbox.
4. Monday October 27 lecture
Themes: Global Media Governance and Regulation; The Internet and Digital Media
Readings: Chapter 5, “The Medium: Global Technologies and Organizations,” and Chapter 6, “The Internet”
In this lecture, we discussed the definition and history of communication rights as one element or dimension of communication policy, and used it to bring to life a subject—policy—that sometimes seems abstract and technical in nature.
In doing so, we noted the evolution from a “negative” rights view of communication rights, as expressed in Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, to the more “positive” definition of communication rights explained in the lecture content derived from the work of Marc Raboy (and Jeremy Shtern).
Remember that “negative” does not mean “bad” here nor “positive” good. “Negative” and “positive” rights—which are ways of thinking about all human rights, not just communication rights—are instead ways of characterizing the orientation of rights toward individuals and society. Negative rights are defined in terms of freedom from things, and positive rights in terms of freedom to have or do certain things. Both negative and positive rights derive their legitimacy from fundamental and universal consideration of what it means to be human and to be treat people as human beings.
In our case study at the end of the lecture, we then discussed how a “positive” approach to communication rights could help us better understand and perhaps act against cyberbullying.
In your paper, and in your own words, define “communication rights,” and then briefly explain the evolution from the negative to the positive rights approach to communication rights.
Once you have done that, and with reference to the cyberbullying pamphlet from the Canadian government attached to your lecture notes, demonstrate how a “positive” rights approach to communication rights can help us better understand and prevent cyberbullying. In other words, what are the limitations of approaching cyberbullying from a “negative” rights perspective, and what does a “positive” approach to communication rights do to help us understand and perhaps act against cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is a problem in international communication that affects many, especially vulnerable teenagers, as illustrated in the case of the late Amanda Todd (from British Columbia).
You do not need to use the McPhail chapter here, as it is not directly relevant to this question. Rather, draw on the lecture notes and the podcast as your sources here.
5. Wednesday October 29 lecture
Themes: Global Media Case Study in Media and the Arab World; Orientalism
Readings: Said, Edward (1978). Introduction and Chapter 1, “The Scope of Orientalism.” Orientalism and Chapter 13, “Arab Media and the Al Jazeera Effect”
Explain, in your own words, Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism and the idea that supports it, Michel Foucault’s concept of power/knowledge. As you do so, reflect on how and why understanding Orientalism can help all of us to better relate to the Middle East today.
6. Monday November 3 lecture
Themes: Global Media Case Study and Asia; International Communication Theory from An Asian Perspective
Readings: Chapter 14, “Toward Globalization: The Approaches and Accomplishments of the Four Media Giants in Asia” and Chen, Guo-Ming, “Asian Communication Studies: What and Where to Now”
Describe, in your own words, the major ideas that define the Asian approach to communication outlined in the article, “Asian Communication Studies.” As you do, discuss how and why this Asian approach differs from the general Western orientation to communication outlined in the lecture, and what benefits such an Asian approach might thus offer us as we study communication.
