Module:                                  PS302 – Media and NGOs

Credit value:                         12

Programme:                          B.A. (Hons.) PS General objective:

This module has a dual goal. First, it provides the students with an understanding of the roles of  the  national  and  international  media.  Students  will  gain  an  insight  into  variety  and functions of information channels and in which way they can influence the political process, and conversely, the ways in which politics influences the media.

Secondly, the module involves more practical exercises. Students of political science are expected to follow the media throughout the year. They should be aware of the national and international political scene and be able to use a variety of news sources. Students will be expected to write a paper on a recent theme of national politics. They are also expected to undertake a small-group presentation to the class, focussing on a contemporary theme from the international media.

Learning outcomes:

On the successful completion of the module the students will be able to:

•     Analyse correctly a variety of national and international news sources

•     Recognise media as an important source of information and use on a daily basis

•     Understand the role of NGOs in modern society.

•     Understand the conceptual background of Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

•     Analyze the role of NGO s in modern Bhutan.

•     Link the development of media and NGOS with the strengthening of democracy, with special reference to Bhutanese situation.

Learning and teaching approach:

Lectures (30 hours) Workshops (20 hours) Research (40 hours)

Group discussions and debate (30 hours). This module counts for 12 credits, divided over a period of 15 weeks. With a maximum of 8 hours per week, the number of teaching hours is two per week. Workshops and hours of debate count together for three hours. Three hours are being reserved for self-study and research.

Assessment:

End Semester Examination (40%) Written Assignment (30%) Assignment presentation (20%) Class participation(10%)

Subject matter:

Part 1: Theory on Media

1. Historical introduction

2. Types of media

3. Functions of media

4. Media-influences

Part 2: The Reality of Media: Case Studies

1. Case studies: national politics

2. Case studies: international politics

Part 3: NGOs

 1. Concept and theories

2. Types of NGOs

3. Role and importance

4. NGOs and development

5. Mandates of NGOs in Bhutan

6. A study of some international and national NGOs

7. An assessment of working of NGOs in Bhutan

The module coordinator can decide over the choice of case studies. Topics could be chosen considering their significance such as the ones that deal with a recent issue from the national or international media, and should be linked to the theory of part 1.

Reading list:

Text Books

Curran, J.,(1987) Impacts and Influences: Essays on Media Power in the Twentieth Century.

Routledge.

Kalb, M., Norris, P.,(1997)  Politics and the Press: News Media and Its Influences. Lynne

Rienner Publishers.

Shoemaker, P., Reese, S.D.,(1995) Mediating the Message: Theories of Influence on Mass

Media Content: Theories of Influences on Mass Media Content. 2nd edition, Allyn & Bacon.

Taylor. P.,(1997) Global Communications, International Affairs and the Media since 1945.

Routledge.

Reference Books and Articles

Baverstock(2000) Media and Ethics, Routledge, london.

Pember(2006) Mass media Law, Mcgraw hill College.

 Symor ure(1998) Prime ministers and Media, Blackwell Publishers.

Vohra and Dixit(2001) Media and Developmet, Delhi.

Government  Acts:  Abridged  Journalists  code  of  conduct  Act,  Bhutan  Information

Communication and media Act, Cooperatives Act 2001, Redundant NGOs Act, CSO act.

Publications of Centre for Bhutan Studies