Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
13086:[2025 Fall]IR18‐EE232 Media and Society (RB) § 13087:IR-ECS204 Media in World Politics (RB) § 13088:RUIR-3521 Media and Society(RB) 2025 Fall Thu3 College　Of　International　Relations AVILES ERNULT JOSE RODOLFO 2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

MEIGAKUKAN　MG001

Language

英語

Course Outline and Method

【+R-Jugyo】
Information for “+R-Jugyo” will be posted on the “Course News” on manaba+R by September 20. Be sure to check the “Course News” on manaba+R.

Student Attainment Objectives

1. Demonstrate a foundational understanding of key theoretical frameworks relevant to the interpretation of media and communication processes.
2. Analyze and interpret a diverse range of media texts
3. Identify and explain the historical and cultural contexts that shape the production and reception of media texts.
4. Develop critical thinking and analytical skills by applying theoretical frameworks to analyze and interpret media texts.
5. Conduct independent research and effectively synthesize information from various sources.
6. Communicate effectively in writing through clear, concise, and well-supported arguments.
7. Engage in thoughtful and respectful discussions about complex and controversial issues related to media and popular culture.

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors) Theme
Keyword, References and Supplementary Information
1

Introduction to Media Studies

* What is media?
* Key concepts: media, culture, society
* Course overview and expectations

2

Representation

Introduction to Image Analysis.
*Speech as communication.
*The medium and message.

3

Image analysis

Form, content (mise-en-scene).
*Context, contact, and the message.
*Codes and color.
*Images in sequence

4

Semiotics I

Introduction to semiotics.
*Saussure and binary opposition.
*C.S. Pierce
*Barthes

5

Semiotics II

Semiotic analysis
*Paradigm and syntagm
*Myths and embedded signifiers.

6

Media Audiences I

* Active vs. passive audiences
* Audience reception theory

7

Media Audiences II

* The impact of media on audience behavior
Cultivation Theory
    Case study: The impact of video game violence

8

Media and Politics I

Ideology, discourse and hegemony
*Propaganda and political advertising
* Media and social movements
 [Case study: Media coverage of a recent political event]

9

Media and Politics II

Ideology and Media
* Hegemony and the role of media in maintaining power structures
* Analyzing media texts for ideological messages

10

Counter Cinema and editing

Alternative methods of editing.
Montage, Diegesesis and divergent forms of composition.

11

Representation and Reality

How to analyze films as historical document.
Images. stereotypes and conventions in historical (re)presentation.
* Case Study: A film that depicts a historical event (e.g., Gladiator, Schindler's List).

13

Media and Technology

* The digital age and the changing media landscape
* Social media and its impact on society

13

Student Presentations I

* Student presentations on media-related research topics

14

Student Presentations II

* Student presentations on media-related research topics

+R Jugyo

+R Jugyo

Students will be assigned a "text" as well as a writing assignment to be submitted by Week 8 of the course.

Class Format

In-person classes

Recommendations for Private Study

All students are expected to complete reading of the materials prior to each class.
Copies of reading materials will be provided at the earlier stage of the program.
Additional reading beside the assigned articles can help with your understanding of the course.

Grade Evaluation Method

Kind Percentage Grading Criteria etc.
Final Examination (Written)

Report Examination
(A report to be submitted by the unified deadline)

Exams and/or Reports other than those stated above, and Continuous Assessment　
(Evaluation of Everyday Performance in Class)		 100

In-class writing assignments (summary of and comments on topics discussed in class): 40 %
Final Presentation (case studies selected by students): 40%
Participation in Discussion: 20%

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

Textbooks

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

There is no textbook for the course. Readings for each week will be provided in the class.

Reference Books

Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）

Web Pages for Reference

How to Communicate with the Instructor In and Out of Class(Including Instructor Contact Information)

Talk with Students,Other (Separate instructions will be provided)

Other Comments

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