This course surveys various media systems in the contemporary world with a particular focus on the key political, economic, cultural and philosophical factors that underlie these systems. It explores the spirit and practice of journalism in the major regions/nations of the world, and will provide students with the necessary analytical tools to understand complicate issues concerning global media and communication. Through a comparative lens, particular attention will be paid to the press, radio, television and digital media platforms, with a focus on some select countries of major interest in Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe and Latin America.

A comparison of the communications media in different countries of the world and the theories used to justify them. How various political and social systems affect the media and how the media affect the societies in which they exist.