COM 425

Prof. C. Anthony Giffard

E-mail: giffard@u.washington.edu
Office: COM 235

Spring Quarter 2008

Syllabus

European nations have been enormously influential in the development and spread of communications media throughout the world. A prototype of the newspaper appeared in Rome more than 2,000 years ago. The invention of printing in Germany spurred the growth of reading material for the common man. European inventors were at the forefront of such technological innovations as the telegraph, undersea cables and the steam press. Many of the world’s nations are former colonies of European powers, and established their print and broadcast media on the European model.

Today, media systems in Europe are undergoing a "baptism of fire". The region's traditional concept of public service broadcasting, with its emphasis on information, culture and education, is being challenged by a brash newcomer -- American-style commercial programming aimed at entertaining mass audiences. New technologies, including direct-broadcast satellites, multi-channel cable systems and on-line information services are greatly expanding the number of channels and range of programs available. Deregulation, privatization and international networks offer new opportunities for independent broadcasters. Newspaper circulations and revenues are declining as readers switch to online news sources for the information they need.

Now the European Union has set the ambitious objective of making Europe the most dynamic and competitive economy in the world. Member states plan to harness information and communication technologies to create an Information Society, with its promise of enormous benefits to be gained from the growing convergence between computing and communications. While much of the emphasis is on economic development, EU policy initiatives stress also the potential of new information tools and services to improve the quality of life of its citizens, to provide a wider choice of information, education and entertainment, and to express the cultural identities of its diverse populations.

This course will examine European information society and media policy in the context of the changing cultural, economic, political and social conditions. It will cover European Union audio-visual policies as well as media systems in individual nations.

Text: The Media in Europe

Course requirements:

Research term paper on a media system or contemporary issue in European media. Papers are due May 19. Discuss your proposed topics with Prof. Giffard before you begin writing your paper.
Working in groups, present short reports on some aspect of European information society or audio-visual programs, to be presented to the class.
A final exam, covering lectures and readings.

Library resources:
On-line bibliography of research materials for your term papers and presentations: http://www.lib.washington.edu:80/subject/communications/bi/com425/

COMPILED BY:
Jessica Albano
Communication Studies Librarian
Suzzallo Library Box 352900
Seattle, Washington 98195
Phone 206.685.1637
Email jalbano@u.washington.edu

Several book topics relevant to COM 425 are on reserve in the Odegaard Undergraduate Library.