International Communication

School of International Service - American University

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Shalini Venturelli, International Communication Program, SIS
Ajay Adhikari, Kogod School of Business
Shyam Chidamber, Kogod School of Business

The transformation of India’s economy and development is being driven by rapid growth in information technologies, media industries, information services and financial markets. India is quickly becoming the “new China” -- a previously stagnant third-world society surging to recapture significance as a formidable global economic power. The objective of this course is to deepen students’ understanding of this economic and development phenomenon through hands-on exposure to the dynamic new information economy, including its culture and business environment. Students will develop a research strategy for field investigation of India’s distinctive path to socio-economic development through growth in such sectors as: information technology, media, content production, information services, and financial services.

The course meets every other week during the Spring 2007 semester, with a field research trip to India during Spring Break. Students will develop a research strategy and design of a project to implement during the trip. They will also participate in panel discussions of international relations and India’s foreign policy, faculty research on India, industry strategy in India, and the culture and society of India. Following return from the field research trip, students will analyze and discuss their experience and findings, and present their final research projects.

This course is an intensive practicum for individuals with an interest in the fields of international journalism/media, and in programming for international relations, international exchanges, and cross-cultural relations. The International Communication Program in SIS has been designated by the U.S. Department of State as one of a select group of programs nationally to participate in the distinguished Edward R. Murrow program. Through this special program, the course will provide AU students the opportunity to engage and interact with eminent foreign journalists from print, broadcasting and the Internet representing many nations, while also developing skills in international program design. Using a hands-on, skills development approach, students will design and implement a training program of professional development seminars, an international symposium, and field visits focused on international journalism and foreign policy for a group of visiting foreign journalists competitively selected from a dozen different countries. Program content will include the role of a free press in society, social and cultural aspects of media institutions, American vs. foreign press practices, new media and digital social networks, and the role of the press in foreign policy and international relations. Each student will develop a demonstration portfolio of projects undertaken in the course for use in career advancement. This course meets every other week on Tuesdays from 5:30-8:00 p.m. with a week-long conference April 12-17.