Media and Communications in Japan

Sachihiko Kondo

Goal of Class
   This lecture is designed for students who wish to study critical readings on news stories (i.e. media literacy). In this series of lectures, not only theories of communication, but also the history of mass media in modern Japanese society will be discussed. In so doing, several aspects of the mass media will be studied, such as newspapers, broadcast (TV), magazine journalism, and so on. Also students are expected to make brief presentations concerning the media in their own countries. Based on lectures, presentations and discussions, students will be asked to formulate ideas about the contribution of the media to the maintenance of 'democratic' societies, and the problems the media faces.

Course Syllabus
   Topics Discussed in Each Week (These may be revised at the beginning of the semester.)
   1. Introduction / What is 'Communication', what is 'Media'?
   2. General Background of Japanese Media / Media and Communication Theories 1
   3. News Papers 1 (general information) / Media and Communication Theories 2
   4. News Papers 2 (history / problems) / Theories of Social Psychology
   5. News Papers 3 (problems such as the 'club system') / Stereotypes 1
   6. Broadcasting 2 (history / problems) / 'Banal Nationalism'
   7. Magazine Journalism (scandalism) / 'Making News
   8. Imperial Coverage and Japanese Media
   9. Mid-semester Examination
   10. Publishers / Student Presentation
   11. News Agency / Student Presentation
   12. New Media 1 / Student Presentation
   13. New Media 2 / Student Presentation
   14. Summary
   15. Examination

Textbooks
   Billig, M. (1995). Banal Nationalism. London: Sage.
   Lippmann, W. (1922). Public Opinion. New York: MacMillan.
   Said, E. W. (1981). Covering Islam: How the Media and the Experts Determine How We See the Rest of the World. New York: Pantheon Books.
   Tuchman, G. (1978). Making News: A Study in the Construction of Reality. New York: Free Press.
   Wetherell, M. (ed.). Identities Groups and Social Issues. London: Sage.
   Watanabe, T. (1996). Japan's Media at Present
  
   Handouts will be distributed at each lecture.

Grading Policy
   Assessment:
   Class participation:40%
   Examination/Term Paper:60%