Description

MC300 International Communication
Prerequisites: None

Professor: Shelton Gunaratne, Ph.D.
Office: FR 255I
Office Hours:
Phone: 477-4035
Classroom: FR 248
E-mail: gunarats@mnstate.edu
Website: www.mnstate.edu/gunarat/

Semester: Fall 2007

Course description: This course is designed to achieve the following outcomes: Students will
 

• acquire a geographical knowledge of countries (including basic demographic and media data) and world regions;
• acquire knowledge of  non-Western countries from non-U. S. on-line and off-line publications;
• [demonstrate] ability to gather information from diverse sources, to analyze the findings critically and rationally using problem-solving skills, and to communicate effectively through clear writing;
• [gain] an understanding of the ongoing Third Communication Revolution
• acquire a knowledge of the major controversies related to international communication

(The Bulletin, 2006-2007)

International communication "is the interchange of words, impressions and ideas [that] affect the attitudes and behavior of different peoples toward each other" (Research in international communication: An advisory report of the planning committee. Cambridge, MA: Center for International Studies, MIT, 1953, p. v).

Such interchange occurs through a variety of economic, political and cultural activities. This course examines some of the principal channels whose activities affect the attitudes and behavior of the global community: the traditional mass media—print, radio and television; the new media based on the convergence of telecommunication, computers and digitization; and selected international organizations.

See the separate Web-page on grading to see the evaluation procedure for determining outcomes.