ZUR254 The Right to Know: Military, Politics and Governemnt in America from Wotld War II to Today

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2003
Extent and Intensity
1/1. 6 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
M. S. & M.Sc. Wayne Svoboda (lecturer), prof. PhDr. Jiří Pavelka, CSc. (deputy)
Guaranteed by
prof. PhDr. Jiří Pavelka, CSc.
Department of Media Studies and Journalism – Faculty of Social Studies
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
THE RIGHT TO KNOW IN PEACE AND WAR Citizens, journalists, soldiers, politicians and government officials have dissimilar interests and agendas. This is true during peacetime and is even more true during times of conflict: World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War of 1990-1991, the War on Terror after Sept. 11, 2001 and the escalation of tensions involving Iraq today. The "Right to Know" is a journalistic catch-phrase revered by media practitioners, but resented by many other groups who believe journalists are a collection of self-serving special pleaders. Reporters believe information exists to be disclosed, while many in the military and government believe information should be kept confidential. These differing attitudes represent a conflict of cultures--journalists embody one culture, soldiers a second, politicians and government officials a third, the general public a fourth. This seminar will look at the traits and characteristics of these different cultures, with special attention paid to the attitudes and workstyles of the media and the military. Topic to be discussed include the civilian-military gap, the public's attitudes toward the media and the military, and the workings of media and military organizations. We will talk about what journalists do, and what soldiers do. We will read about how journalists determine what is worth covering, and we will read how soldiers attack enemy troops in urban hideouts. We will look at examples of wartime reportage since WWII, military documents, interviews with journalists and soldiers, texts and academic studies of the Right to Know as it has evolved over the past sixty years in America, Europe and elsewhere.
Assessment methods (in Czech)
Students will write a research paper on a topic selected in consultation with the professor. Short-answer quizzes on the reading will be administered. A final exam will be given. Regular attendance is essential.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught only once.
The course is taught: every week.
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