The document outlines the topics that will be covered in a course on public communication contexts and cultures. It discusses the political power of communication technologies from Samizdat publications in the Soviet Union to social media's role in the Arab Spring. It provides expectations for academic integrity, critical thinking, and meeting deadlines. Upcoming lecture topics are listed including government control of media, citizen journalism, media constraints in Central Asia, and peace journalism.

1. Public Communication Contexts & Cultures Introduction to Course and “From Samizdat to the Arab Spring ” Professor Eric Freedman 9 September 2011 [email_address]

12. Quick Quiz Hypothesis? Barak Obama is more handsome than George W. Bush. Hypothesis? Svyturys alius tastes better than Volfas Engelman.

16. Samizdat in the Soviet Era , "I myself create it, edit it, censor it, publish it, distribute it, and ... get imprisoned for it.” Vladimir Bukovsky самиздат Laisves Sauklys Vytis

17. “ Recent developments demonstrate how blogging and social media tools may fulfill a crucial role for non- journalists and oppositional groups that journalism serves in more democratic societies.” Bowe, Freedman & Blom, 2011

18. Theory: UNESCO Model for Digital Rights—Part 1 Goals Main Stakeholders Strategies/Objectives Access-Freedom of connection E-businesses; governments; civil society advocates; consumers of info & com Infrastructures/services; media literacy/skills; public access facilities; lower access costs Freedom of expression Civil society & human rights groups; press & media Challenge laws, practices & regulations interfering with free expression Censorship Governments; ISPs; political & interest groups; regulators; human rights advocates Filtering; block websites; arrest bloggers; impose other legal restrictions Equality Press & media groups; developing & developed countries Rebalance coverage; reduce inequities; decentralize news production; reduce dominance of global media

19. Theory: UNESCO Model for Digital Rights-Part 2 Goals Main Stakeholders Strategies/Objectives Freedom of information Civil society; politicians, NGOs; citizen groups Promote access to government & public info through policies & laws Privacy & data protection Courts; law enforcement; government agencies; citizens; users Enable data-sharing; try to protect personal information from unauthorized disclosure; avoid unjustified surveillance

20. Reality: Prisoner of Free Expression in an Electronic World

21. Scenes from the Arab Spring

23. Readings for Next Week MAIN READING “Diplomacy and Journalism” in International Reporting: Frontlines & Deadlines (2009) SUPPLEMENTAL READINGS “Assad Legalizes Opposition Parties” (Agence France Press, 2011) “French Deal to Sell Ships to Russians Is Criticized” ( New York Times , 2010) “Poland: Immigration to UK is back for good life despite economic crisis” ( Guardian , 2011)