1. Degree of Bachelor or equivalent.

2. The equivalent of English course B in Swedish secondary school.

This course introduces communication strategies in the area of Communication for Development, as well as in-depth analysis of texts or media examples of 'ComDev at work'. It is divided into two modules; ‘Communication and Development Cooperation’ (7,5 credits) and ‘Culture and Media Analysis’ (7,5 credits). The modules are connected in the sense that the first module focuses on the organizational and strategic level (focus on a range of communication for development organizational setups and discourses and how they are linked) while the second entails an in-depth analysis of selected media texts and/or practices.

The aim of the first module is to investigate how communication strategies and development cooperation relates. The students will be examining communication strategies in organisations, networks or/and partnerships working with development/social change. The second module focuses on analytical approaches to media/texts as practices and examples of communication for development/social change. The module combines questions of identity and representation into an in-depth analysis of selected media texts in their cultural and historical environment and in a context of social change and development processes.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

After completing the course, the student shall demonstrate:

• an in-depth knowledge of the relationship between development cooperation (i.e., bilateral and multilateral agencies) and their communication for development plans and strategies,

• an understanding of communication policies and practices of selected development organizations and movements,

• in-depth knowledge of theories related to communication, culture and media studies, with particular focus on identity and representation, and

• a synergized understanding of different theories of communication and development, and a deeper understanding of the integration of both traditions and their practical application.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

After completing the course, the student shall demonstrate:

• that he/she is equipped with in-depth tools to analyse the content of particular media, communication for social change and cultural products,

• the ability to independently analyse media and cultural artefacts and articulate the importance of media and culture – including new information and communication technology – for global development and social change,

• an analytical approach to media/texts as practices and examples of communication for development/social change,

• the capacity to work in a group with participants from different cultural backgrounds and accordingly to critically reflect upon his/her own background and power position.

CRITICAL SKILLS AND APPROACH

After completing the course, the student shall demonstrate:

• an awareness and ability to critically analyse communication, media and cultural products,

• a critical perspective which enables him/her to see and reflect upon issues of power, identity, gender, race/ethnicity, first world vs. third world, and globalization related to media and culture products and analysis,

• capacity for intercultural dialogue and co-operation and consequently critical self- reflection of his/her own background and position of power, including reflection upon ethical issues in relation to his/her work, and

• ability to identify his/her own need of further knowledge and take responsibility for his/her own learning.

The course is given as distance learning, with two week-end seminars. A collaborative pedagogy is applied, based on the productive use of group dynamics through peer reviewing and other forms of interactive communication on the Internet. The seminars at Malmö University are compulsory. They are broadcast via streaming video and can be followed online by those international students who are not able to attend in person.

In the first module (7,5 credits) the students will be assessed through a combination of collaborative group work, and an individually written assignment. The second module (7,5 credits) is assessed through the individual writing of a larger academic essay, and peer review.

Joint reading module 2:1 (Communication and Development Cooperation)

Easterly, William (2007) The White Man’s Burden: Why the West's Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good. US: Oxford.

Eriksson Baaz, Maria (2005) The Paternalism of Partnership. A Postcolonial Reading of Identity in Development Aid. London: Zed Books.

Hemer, Oscar and Thomas Tufte (eds. 2005) Media and Glocal Change. Rethinking Communication for Development. Buenos Aires, Göteborg: CLACSO/Nordicom. (Chapters 4 - 7 and 14; Available at: http://bibliotecavirtual.clacso.org.ar/ar/libros/edicion/media/media.html)

Pieterse, Jan Nederveen (2009) Development Theory. 2nd edition. London: Sage.

Quarry, Wendy & Ramírez, Ricardo (2009) Communication for Another Development: Listening Before Telling. London: Zed Books.

Warnock, Kitty, Emrys Shoemaker and Mark Wilson (2007) The Case for Communication in Sustainable Development. London: Panos Institute. (Available online at www.panos.org.uk/?lid=296)

See also Glocal Times thematic issues on Participatory Communication (9) and the WCCD (7)

Lists of further recommended and additional reading for the module are listed under the course site.

Joint reading module 2:2 (Culture and Media Analysis)

Hall, Stuart, (ed.) (1997) Representations. Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices. London: Sage.

Hemer, Oscar and Thomas Tufte (Eds) (2005) Media & Glocal Change. Rethinking Communication for Development. Buenos Aires; Göteborg: CLACSO Books/Nordicom

(Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 14; Available at: http://bibliotecavirtual.clacso.org.ar/ar/libros/edicion/media/media.html)

Lists of further recommended and additional reading for the module are listed under the course site.

An anonymous electronic course evaluation is made at the end of the course. The electronic evaluation is accessible for all students.

Access to computer with Internet connection (broadband) is required.