PMCb1126 Media in Authoritarian and Hybrid Regimes: Perspectives from Asia and the Middle East

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2025
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Khin-Wee Chen, PhD. (lecturer)
Mgr. Iveta Jansová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Iveta Jansová, Ph.D.
Department of Media Studies and Journalism – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: doc. Mgr. et Mgr. Vlastimil Havlík, Ph.D.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 25 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/25, only registered: 0/25, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/25
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 47 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
• This course presents an introductory exploration of media systems within semi-authoritarian governments, focusing on the Middle East and Southeast Asia. It critically examines the complex dynamics involved in crafting an "illusion of freedom" within these media landscapes. Participants will analyze media control using Herman & Chomsky’s Propaganda Model, shedding light on the mechanisms shaping narratives favoring the regime. The course also delves into Herman & Chomsky’s Propaganda model, Media Capture Theory, Foucault’s Panopticon as well as Framing, Agenda-setting, Gatekeeping theories as lenses for providing insights into how issues are presented and emphasized. Through in-depth analysis, students will gain insights into strategies employed by media organizations to navigate constraints imposed by semi-authoritarian rule, including subtle information manipulation aligned with state interests. Guest speakers from the respective case study countries, could be invited to provide firsthand insights into the media landscapes of these societies. Key topics include digital authoritarianism, information manipulation, and the nuanced balance between compliance and subtle resistance in media operations. The overarching objective is to explore intricate media systems in authoritarian and semi-authoritarian societies, shedding light on covert and overt strategies used by media organizations to navigate challenges such as propaganda, censorship, and political control.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will: - Acquire a critical comprehension of media systems within semi-authoritarian governments in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. - Analyze the intricate dynamics employed by regimes to construct an 'illusion of freedom' in their media landscapes. - Utilize theoretical frameworks, including Herman & Chomsky’s Propaganda Model, Framing, and Agenda Setting theories, to dissect mechanisms shaping narratives and highlighting issues in favor of the regime. - Gain insights into the strategic maneuvers employed by media organizations and practitioners to navigate the complexities of semi-authoritarian rule. - Understand subtle information manipulation aligned with state interests in media operations. - Explore key topics such as digital authoritarianism, information manipulation, and the nuanced equilibrium between compliance and subtle resistance. - Develop a comprehensive understanding of operational strategies in authoritarian and semi-authoritarian societies. - Gain a wider, global perspective of diverse media landscapes - Navigate through propaganda and disinformation, sharpening analytical skills to discern underlying narratives and agendas.
Syllabus
  • 19 February Introduction (add/drop) 26 February The media in authoritarian and semi-authoritarian societies 4 March Theoretical Frameworks [1] 11 March Theoretical Frameworks [2] 18 March Propaganda 25 March Understanding Censorship 1 April Easter Monday 8 April Control and Agenda Setting 15 April Case study: HK & China 22 April Case study: GCC 29 April Case study: Malaysia & Singapore 6 May Overcoming Restrictions 13 May Poster presentations
Teaching methods
The course delivery integrates diverse teaching methods to ensure a comprehensive exploration of media systems within semi-authoritarian governments. Traditional lectures and discussions, both by course instructors and guest speakers, establish foundational knowledge. Regular pop quizzes serve as checkpoints to assess and reinforce media theory comprehension, while personalized consultation sessions during Office Hours enhance final project quality. Peer review activities foster collaboration and diverse perspectives. The incorporation of an integrated reflective analysis assignment encourages students to connect seminar content with the course material through reflective essays and critical analyses. Collaborative group projects and a self-reflection component further promote teamwork, research skills, and personal growth. This multifaceted approach creates an immersive learning environment, aiming to provide students with a holistic understanding of media operations in semi-authoritarian contexts.
Assessment methods
Attendance (10%): - To achieve full marks, students should attend a minimum of 80% of classes. - Regular attendance is crucial for active participation and a comprehensive understanding of the course material. 2. Pop Quizzes (3x5% - Total 15%): - Designed to assess comprehension and mastery of media theories covered in the early weeks. - Quizzes serve as checkpoints to ensure students are keeping up with essential concepts. 3. Attending Consultation (10%): - To enhance the final project, students must consult with instructors at least twice during Office Hours. - This ensures personalized guidance and support in project preparation and execution. 4. Peer Review of Classmates' Presentation (10%): - Students actively contribute by critiquing and justifying evaluations of peers' final poster presentations. - Fosters a collaborative learning environment and provides insights into different perspectives. 5. Integrated Reflective Analysis Assignment (20%): - Compose an integrated reflective analysis combining elements of a reflective essay and a critical analysis paper based one seminar or talk attended during the course. - Word Count: 800-1200 words. 6. Group Final Poster Presentation (30%): - Involves collaboration to review the media ecosystem of a chosen country, evaluating its freedom. - Findings presented as a research poster, promoting teamwork, research, and communication skills. 7. Reflection (5%): - Complete the descriptor for self-reflection. - This component encourages students to thoughtfully reflect on their learning experiences throughout the course, connecting theoretical concepts with practical applications and personal growth.
Language of instruction
English
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2025, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/spring2025/PMCb1126