Bachelor
2025/2026
Media and Politics in Asia and Africa
Type:
Elective course (Asian and African Studies)
When:
4 year, 1 module
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Contact hours:
32
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This course examines the influence of media on the political landscape across Asian nations. It begins with a brief introduction to media studies, setting the foundation for understanding the subject. The next section offers a comprehensive overview of Asian media systems, charting their historical evolution, comparing their development, and analyzing their contemporary legacies. This part also discusses current state-media dynamics in the region, including national media policies, their objectives, and the key institutions involved. Subsequently, the course investigates how media is utilized within domestic politics, highlighting actions taken by both state entities and non-governmental actors. The following module shifts focus to the links between international relations and media practices. Students explore various academic frameworks and theories that analyze media's role on the global stage, alongside empirical case studies illustrating how media influences foreign policy in Asia. Examples include the use of digital diplomacy and external propaganda by Asian countries. The final section provides an overview of how global phenomena are portrayed in Asian media and considers different methodological approaches for studying these representations. Student assessment is based on participation in group activities during seminars, periodic tests, and the final exam.
Learning Objectives
- To provide students with basic knowledge of media research, its key theories and methods.
- To acquaint students with the development of media systems in Asian countries.
- To develop students’ understanding of the interplay between media and politics.
- To provide students with an understanding of the role media plays in politics of Asian countries in historical perspective and today.
- To develop students’ skills in applying theories and concepts to the analysis of interconnections between media and international relations in Asia, including media discourses on global topics.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Explains and analyses contemporary debates on global issues in Asian media using appropriate methodology;
- Applies academic approaches and theories to the analysis of the role of media in politics of Asian countries;
- Recognises the variety of roles different media play in politics of Asian countries;
- Traces historical development and contemporary trends in media systems and governance in Asia;
- Uses conceptual apparatus of media research, including key theories and concepts;
Course Contents
- Part 1. Introduction
- Part 2. Media systems in Asia and Africa
- Part 3. Media and domestic politics
- Part 4. Media in international relations of Asian and African countries
- Part 5. Studying media discourses in Asia: approaches and methods
Assessment Elements
- TestsStudents take three tests that cheсk their acquisition of the required literature. Tests have two types of questions: multiple choice and questions with short open answers. Altogether there are 10 questions, and students have 15 minutes to complete the test. Test 1 takes place during seminar 1, test 2 takes place during seminar 5, test 3 takes place during seminar 6.
- Group workLecturer evaluates students’ participation in the group work on seminars 2, 3, 4, 7, 8. For all these seminars students have to fulfill tasks at home in groups and present their findings at the seminars. The component is calculated as an average grade achieved on all seminars.
- ExamThe final exam will take the form of a test (20 questions of different types, 30 minutes), based on the materials of all the lectures and seminars.
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Mancini, P., & Hallin, D. C. (2012). Comparing Media Systems Beyond the Western World. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=415671
- Robert M. Entman. (1993). Framing: Toward clarification of a fractured paradigm. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.28A41BC
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Dietram A. Scheufele, & David Tewksbury. (n.d.). ORIGINAL ARTICLE Framing, Agenda Setting, and Priming: The Evolution of Three Media Effects Models. Http://Www.Facoltaspes.Unimi.It/Files/_ITA_/COM/3-Framing-AgendaSetting.Pdf.
- Hallin, D. C., & Mancini, P. (2004). Comparing Media Systems : Three Models of Media and Politics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=164266