Course syllabus

Global Communication, 7.5 credits

Course code: MK036G Credits: 7.5
Main field of study: Media and Communication Studies Progression: GXX
Last revised: 12/09/2023    
Education cycle: First cycle Approved by: Head of school
Established: 04/12/2018 Reading list approved: 12/09/2023
Valid from: Spring semester 2024 Revision: 6

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course, the student shall have

  • Basic knowledge about global communication, and
  • Basic knowledge about the international development of mass media.


Skills and abilities
On completion of the course the student shall be able to

  • Describe the global media landscape using political, economic and cultural perspectives, and
  • Critically assess contemporary media phenomena.

Content

The module examines globalisation theory, the global mediascape and social media using political, economic, technological and cultural perspectives. The module also investigates the relation between national, regional and global media systems, and media markets, in terms of flows, contra-flows and the digital divide.

Examinations and grades

Examination, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).


According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Modes of assessment

Examination, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Oral and written presentations and participation in seminars.

Comments on modes of assessment
Examination deadline
An examination shall be carried out at the time decided by the university. If an examination, which involves that the student can do the assignment in another place than in the university's premises (for example take-home examination), can not be submitted on time, the examiner decides how the examination shall be handled.

Supplementary assignments for a passing grade
The examiner may decide that a student who has not received a passing grade on the examination may submit supplementary assignments instead of taking a re-examination. Supplementary assignments must be carried out according to the teacher’s instructions and submitted to the teacher within one week after the student is notified of the failing grade.

Absence from compulsory components of the course
Upon absence from compulsory components, the university's general rules for re-examination apply. If there are special reasons to deviate from the time frame, the examiner decides when the compulsory component should be carried out. However, the examiner can decide that a make-up assignment should be given.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

General entry requirements for university studies.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Artz, Lee (latest edition)
Global Entertainment Media: A Critical Introduction
Singapore: John Wiley & Sons

Bennett,W. Lance (latest edition)
Communicating the Future. Solution for Environment, Economy and Democracy
Polity Press: Cambridge

McPhail, Thomas L (latest edition)
Global Communication: Theories, Stakeholders, and Trends
Chichester, UK: John Wiley

Additions and Comments
Additional reading includes articles of 200 pages.