Why Does Media Matter for Development?
Explore how the media can help to tackle poverty and inequality all around the world.
Duration
4 weeksWeekly study
2 hours
Why Does Media Matter for Development?
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Learn why the media matters for international development
This comprehensive four-week course will show you the ways that international development is conceptualised, imagined and communicated as an area of study.
You’ll decipher the ways in which these understandings impact individuals living in different parts of the world, and how the media can shape, address and enhance key ideas and debates.
Discover the integral role of the media in international development
Through a range of different case studies - including in Kenya’s capital Nairobi - you’ll discover the integral role of the media and communication in development processes and social change.
You’ll address key ideas, concepts and debates about media representations of development, community media, participatory media, public media and the use of social media within international development campaigns.
Identify how the media can tackle uneven international development
You’ll also get to grips with how the media can tackle uneven international development - and the poverty that comes with it - as well as how the media can promote further development.
Learn from international development experts at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the Public Media Alliance
The School of International Development at UEA is a leading global centre of excellence in research and teaching in international development and the Public Media Alliance is the largest global association of public service media organisations.
You’ll be learning from experts within the fields of media and international development, and will be under the guidance of academics and practitioners who regularly publish research, train journalists and advise on policies.
Syllabus
Week 1
Introduction and representations of development
Introduction
An introduction to the course.
Introduction and representations of development
We focus on the topic of media representations – or the question of how development issues are covered by journalists and by development organisations – and why these representations matter.
Week 2
Participatory and community media
Participatory and community media
We show that the media can also be a means of facilitating conversations between people, or helping to promote inclusive communication within and between communities.
Week 3
Social media and development
Social media and development
We examine the role of social media and development.
Week 4
Public Media
Public Media
We will look the nature of media organisations themselves and how they may be more or less able to promote development.
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- How media can tackle poverty and inequality, around the world
- The key ideas, concepts and debates in media and international development
- A range of case studies to discover the role of media and communications in development processes and social change
- Media representations of development, community media, participatory media, public media and social media in campaigns
- How media promotes development in your country / community and in other parts of the world
Who is the course for?
This course focuses on key debates within the studies of international development and diversity. It therefore will be best suited to anyone considering studying or working within these fields.
Who will you learn with?
Associate Professor in Media and International Development at University of East Anglia - UK.
Lecturer in Media and International Development at the University of East Anglia with research interests in humanitarian communication, media representations of Africa and digital migration studies.
I am an associate professor in Media and International Development at the University of East Anglia, UK. I am the author of 'Media and Development' and study media freedom and humanitarian news.
Who developed the course?
UEA (University of East Anglia)
The University of East Anglia is an internationally renowned university providing top quality academic, social and cultural facilities to over 15,000 students from over 100 countries around the globe.
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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