ZUR354 Community Media

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2009
Extent and Intensity
1/1. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Henry G. Loeser, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. PhDr. Jiří Pavelka, CSc.
Department of Media Studies and Journalism – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Drahomíra Soldánová
Timetable
Tue 12:00–13:30 Studio 527
Prerequisites
none
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 20 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/20, only registered: 0/20
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 14 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
As a true alternative to traditional public service and commercial media, the "Third Sector" Community Media provide access to otherwise inaccessible mass communication channels as well as content perhaps not readily available elsewhere. Thus, Community Media can represent an important component of civil society. The primary objective of the course is to introduce students to the fundamentals of Community Media, and the operation of a self-sustaining community media organization. The course presents a foundation of knowledge in media management, including the nature of media, the platforms for delivery, structure and mandates, and a survey of the varying Community Media landscapes across Europe and the world. Also the ability to speak and make simple yet effective presentations will be emphasized.
Syllabus
  • FUNDAMENTALS OF MEDIA I - Defining the terms of media, establishing the concept of mass communication from content to medium to consumer. A basic survey of media platforms, including print, broadcast, telephony networks and others. Also an examination of commercial and noncommercial influences on the media landscape FUNDAMENTALS OF MEDIA II - A detailed survey of media, introducing concepts, terms, systems, and structures. Also a specific and detailed explanation of the various types of radio & TV operations including state, public, commercial, non-commercial, community, institutional, internet, and others. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES I - Detailed examination of internal structure of media organization. “Seed-to-flower” flow chart for building a media entity, and standard organizational chart. Further details of media operations including engineering, programming, administration, marketing, and development. COMMUNITY CONCEPTS I – Defining the term “community” in its many forms. Also how the concept of community relates to society, democracy, pluralism, politics, and power. BROADCAST STATION VISIT – Class will visit the student community broadcast operation with tour and introduction to actual working organization. Students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience utilizing actual broadcast systems and materials. COMMUNITY CONCEPTS II – Further examination of the term “community” in the context of mass communication, media, and Community Media; including a survey of Communities and Community Media worldwide. GUEST LECTURER – A prominent international expert in the sector of Media and/or Community Media will visit the class and conduct a lecture in his/her specific area of expertise. PROJECT PRESENTATIONS – Student groups will make their midterm and final project presentations, demonstating their understanding ot the fundamental concepts, and ability to speak publicly.
Literature
  • Rennie, Ellie (2006): Community media : a global introduction. Lanham, Md. : Rowman & Littlefield
  • Coyer, Kate; Tony Dowmunt, and Alan Fountain. (2007): The alternative media handbook. New York : Routledge
  • Linda K. Fuller (ed.) (2007): Community media : international perspectives. New York : Palgrave Macmillan, 2007
Assessment methods
GRADING Students will be graded on a pass/fail basis. The requirements listed below will each be graded pass/fail and MUST be fulfilled to pass the course. REQUIREMENTS 1. Attend a minimum of 75% of the lectures and actively participate in discussions of the course subjects. 2. Read the assigned literature 3. Write a position paper of approximately 600 words on any assigned reading, summarizing the content and critiquing the author’s viewpoint. 4. Produce and present a MIDTERM presentation on an assigned Community Media entity, focusing on the fundamnetal external and internal structures and priorities from the point of view of a director. 5. Produce and present a FINAL presentation on a proposed Community Media entity, focusing on the fundamental external and internal structures and priorities from the point of view of a director.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2008, Spring 2010, Autumn 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Autumn 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2009, recent)
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