Why is there a resurgence of nationalist sentiments and populist politics across the world in the past decade? Why and how are media implicated in the rise of nationalism and populism? With a critical survey of major theoretical positions on nationalism and populism, and prominent strands of media theory, this course will prepare the students to examine the role of media in these turbulent times. We will focus on Internet enabled media as well as organized legacy media, to see how media channels and media cultures have facilitated, shaped and contested sentiments of exclusivist nationalism. The readings will draw comparative examples from across the world, including North America, Europe and Asia, with a special focus on online media and nationalism in India.
As part of the course, students will do an experimental media project to locate and critique sentiments of nationalism and populism in their own immediate neighborhoods. With this exercise, students will apply theoretical discussions in the classroom to ask, challenge and analyze the varied media practices and the institutional structures of media that have augmented the conditions for exclusivist boundary marking to flare up in the current times.
Grading
· Class Participation and Questions: 15%
· Final presentation on experimental media project: 40%
Final Paper with theoretical discussion on social media campaign: 45% (3000 words)- Teacher: Max Kramer
- Teacher: Sahana Udupa