PMCb1134 Globalization, Culture and Communication

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2026
Extent and Intensity
1/1. 6 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Charles Michael Elavsky, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Iveta Jansová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Iveta Jansová, Ph.D.
Department of Media Studies and Journalism – Faculty of Social Studies
Supplier department: Department of Media Studies and Journalism – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Thu 14:00–15:40 P24a
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
there are 44 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Abstract

 This course explores the complex relationships between globalization, culture, and communication in an increasingly interconnected world. Students examine how global flows of media, technology, and people shape cultural identities and influence communication practices across diverse societies. The course also analyzes power dynamics, including issues of representation, inequality, and cultural exchange in global contexts. Through case studies and theoretical frameworks, learners develop critical skills to interpret cross-cultural interactions and global communication systems. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to navigate and engage thoughtfully with cultural diversity in both local and global environments.

Learning outcomes

This course seeks to familiarize you with the skills and analytical tools necessary to engage with the concept of globalization in theory and praxis. and the way its formation and processes intersect your lives and understanding of the world. The goal is to provide a toolbox and framework by which you will be able to more effectively engage globalization as a part of your personal and professional development – philosophically and pragmatically -- as engaged global citizens. Engaging your curiosity and stimulating ourselves intellectually are similar goals.  To that end, we expect to utilize your own international perspectives and experiences to augment our understanding of the subject matter at hand. Utilizing the affordances of new media, dialogue, research, and critical reflection, we will endeavor to enhance our mutual comprehension and perspectives related to conceptualizing and understanding globalization in all its complexity. 

Key topics

Globalization: A Contested Concept

Information, Representations, and Frames of Reference

 Globalization and History:

The Political Dimension of Globalization

The Economic Dimension of Globalization:

Ideology, Symbolism, Structures, and Sentiments

The Global Flow of People/Ideas

The Cultural Dimension of Globalization

The Media Dimension of Globalization

The Ecological Dimension of Globalization

Negative Global Flows and Processes and The Future of Globalization

Approaches, practices, and methods used in teaching
lecture 

readings

In-class discussions as a collective

group projects/dialogues outside of class

Method of verifying learning outcomes and course completion requirements
exams (midterm/final)

participation grade

Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
Teacher's information
C. Michael Elavsky

Ph.D (Communications; University of Illinois, 2005)

M.A. (English Language and Linguistics; Binghamton University, 1995)

BA (English; Binghamton University, 1990)

AA (Liberal Arts: SUNY Broome, 1988

The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2025, Autumn 2026, Spring 2027.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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