Dr Ellen Helsper

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Global Media and Communications (LSE and Fudan), MSc in Global Media and Communications (LSE and UCT) and MSc in Global Media and Communications (LSE and USC). This course is not available as an outside option.

The aim of this course is to explore and demonstrate the role of the media and communications in the processes of globalisation by introducing the relevant literature, by examining various theories of globalisation and by identifying their relevance in understanding the media. Topics taught include: Globalisation theories, Media imperialism, Global generations, Global media production, Cosmopolitanism, Global representations, Global consumption, and Comparative research.

10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars in the MT.

All students are expected to complete advance reading, participate actively in seminar discussions and record a presentation with two other students which links concepts of the course to their personal experiences and those of their family members (due MT 7).

A reading list will be provided for each topic. General works relevant to the course include:

Balnaves, M. et al (2009) Media Theories and Approaches: A Global Perspective. London: Palgrave: MacMillan;

Eriksen, T. (2014) Globalization. London: Bloomsbury;

Helsper, E.J. & Gerber, M. (2012). The plausibility of cross-national comparisons of Internet use types. The Information Society: An International Journal, 28(2), 83-98;

Hesmondhalgh, D (2012) The Cultural Industries. 3rd edition. London, Los Angeles and New Delhi: SAGE;

Pickering, M. (2001). Stereotyping: The Politics of Representation. Basingstoke: Palgrave;

Rantanen, T. (2004). The Media and Globalization. London: Sage;

Said, E. (1985). Orientalism. London: Penguin;

Silverstone, R. (2007). Media and Morality. Cambridge: Polity Press;

Tomlinson, J. (1999). Globalisation and Culture. Cambridge: Polity Press;

Turow, J (2011) The Daily You. New Haven: Yale University Press. 

Essay (100%, 3000 words) in the LT.

Single authored essay using the material from the recorded presentations for the formative assignment to reflect on and answer 1 out of 5 essay questions (100%) in the LT .

There is no globalisation without media and communication and now there is no media and communication without globalisation.