COMS306-26S2 (D) Semester Two 2026 (Distance)

Media and Communication in International Context

30 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 13 July 2026
End Date: Sunday, 8 November 2026
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 26 July 2026
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 27 September 2026

Description

The course sets out to provide a critical insight and analysis into the role of media in contemporary international contexts. Its focus is on political communication during conflicts and wars, as well as its contribution to international collaborations and cross-border and cross-culture dialogues. Through a series of in-depth case studies, the course provides a comprehensive review of the key concepts and theories on the media's impact on, and role in international political communication. This course includes group work with students in the course collaborating with students from different countries, and requires active in-class engagement. It has on-campus and distance options. It features internationally-recognised top experts as our guest speakers. Research, team work, international collaboration, creativity, writing, presentation and cross-cultural skills are among the core skills this course aims to advance.

Can the media drive foreign policy towards war or peace? What was the media’s role during the major wars of the 20th century? Why do the media ignore most wars? What about the other side of the coin - can the media facilitate peace and reconciliation?  Can foreign governments and politicians from powerful states play a key role in influencing nation brands? How can small states succeed in their global projection of soft power using media tools? Do social media influence the course of international relations in the 21st century? How can we, as members of the general public, influence the course of foreign policy and international relations through our use of media? What is digital diplomacy?

These are some of the questions that are critically debated throughout this course. This course offers a comprehensive review of the key concepts and theories on the relationship between the media, communication and international affairs.  It also provides an examination of the media’s role during the major international political conflicts and breakthroughs to preserve and achieve peace by means of media through a series of in-depth case studies.

Learning Outcomes

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:

Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award

Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.

Employable, innovative and enterprising

Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.

Globally aware

Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.

Prerequisites

Any 30 points at 200 level from COMS or POLS, or
any 60 points at 200 level from the Schedule V of the BA.

Restrictions

Equivalent Courses

Contact Person

Natalia Chaban

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage  Description
Participation and Attendance 10% "tweet"-format reactions "tweet"-format reactions to be posted in the LEARN Forum by 9am every Thursday in Weeks 2 - 11
Essay 31 Aug 2026 30% Essay #1: "Research Case Report"
Poster Presentation 09 Sep 2026 15% Poster presentation (individual) September 10 (in class)
Group Blog Post 26 Oct 2026 15% Group Blog Post
Essay 09 Nov 2026 30% Essay #2: "Reflection Essay"

Textbooks / Resources

Please, note that every week will contain a selection of key and recommended readings, typically articles linked to UC Library.  Video materials are also provided every week. Check LEARN every week for readings and videos.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,896.00

International fee $8,525.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see Language, Social and Political Sciences .

All COMS306 Occurrences

  • COMS306-26S2 (C) Semester Two 2026
  • COMS306-26S2 (D) Semester Two 2026 (Distance)