1) Course overview, methods of evaluation, defining terminology 2) A history of the development of democratic principles, from Ancient Greece to the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and the fledgling democracies of the post-colonial world.

This class examines the founding principles of free speech in the pursuit of self-realization and democratic values. It aims to highlight the paradoxical nature of the democratic system as a dialectic, and raises issues of the Self and Other as posed by Hegel.

Looking at the theories of four key thinkers (Lippmann, Dewey, Bernays, and Habermas) the ideas of the public sphere and public opinion will be examined. Additionally, Adam Curtis’ landmark documentary The Century of the Self, will be used to help understand the development of public relations in 1920s United States, and the resulting explosion of psychoanalysis as a tool of public persuasion.

To examine the impact of big business and corporate media oligopolies on the dissemination of information. Special attention will be paid to Chomsky and Herman’s five point ‘Propaganda Model.’

Using investigative research from a series of press freedom NGOs, students will examine the rates of journalistic freedom worldwide, establishing what are the current trends and in what direction are they moving? Several international case studies will be used in our analysis: Gaza, Georgia, Kashmir, Mexico, Myanmar, and Serbia

Based on all classes and readings up to this point of the semester, the exam will be in the form of multiple-choice questions and short essays.

To understand the role of whistleblowers and the rise of Wikileaks, its role in journalism, the arguments for and against the dissemination of classified information, and ultimately its impact on an informed citizenry. Snowden's revelations of NSA and GCHQ mass surveillance will also be central to our discussion.

An investigation into the seismic impact of the internet on information dissemination; specifically examining issues regarding: social media, open source, blogging, fake news, and the impact of algorithms on the polarization of political opinion.

Task: Students will present an 8-10 minute case study on a selected theory or topic from the course readings. Students: 1) Matan & Celia (The Media of Authoritarianism) 2) Jack & Ayana (The Role of Propaganda) 3) Berlyn & Michelle (The Role of Government in Safeguarding the Informed Citizenry) 4) Quade & Andrew (War Correspondence in the 21st Century) 5) Olympia & Briana (The Role of Female Journalism)

Task: Students will present an 8-10 minute case study on a selected theory or topic from the course readings. Students: 1) Gabriella & Beatriz (The Impact of Social Media on How We Learn) 2) Isabella & Bridget (The Role of Media in Political Violence) 3) Ella & Holly (The Role of Cinema in Political Messaging) 4) Volodymyr & Clara (Where Documentary Film Meets Journalism) 5) Sofia & Nils (The Role of Political Satire)

Some defended democracy and ethics, some spread disinformation or propaganda. Looking back at both the most prolific and the most controversial journalists in Czech history - along with the media outlets that supported them - Martin Maška from Slovak NGO European Dialogue will reaffirm the importance of the independent pluralistic fourth estate and our critical thinking in times of sociopolitical change. Followed by Q&A.

"Santiago Maza’s riveting, eye-opening State of Silence follows four committed [Mexican] journalists — Jesús Medina, Juan de Dios García Davish, María de Jesús Peters and Marcos Vizcarra — who recall their experiences and express their strong commitment to following leads despite the constant threat to themselves and their families." (Tribeca Film, 2024)

The ideas in this class will revolve around the theories of James Curran in his book 'Media & Democracy,' regarding the ways in which both film and TV entertainment media often present a wide array of political persuasions; from the empowering rhetoric of liberal individualism, to the tight social bonds of conservative collectivism.

Based on all classes and readings from the whole course. The exam will be in the form of multiple-choice questions and short essays.

Understanding the paradoxical position of the government in the regulation of media outlets in the interest of democratic values. The Fairness Doctrine of 1949 and issues of net neutrality in the 21st century will be central to the class.