Philosophy, Media & Politics in International Relations and Cultural Studies

Course Lecturer: Androvish G Berrian, LLM, MA, PhD

Androvish G. Berrian, LLM, MA, and PhD in Philosophy, is a distinguished scholar in art media. With advanced degrees in law and arts, he brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to his work. Androvish’s research and expertise span philosophy, media studies, and the intersection of art and law.

Course Overview

This course explores the intersection of arts, politics, and philosophy within the context of international relations and cultural studies. It aims to provide undergraduate students with a comprehensive understanding of how artistic expressions and philosophical ideas influence political landscapes and cultural dynamics globally.

Course Objectives

• To understand the role of arts in shaping political and cultural narratives.
• To analyze philosophical concepts and their impact on international relations.
• To explore the interplay between politics and cultural expressions in a global context.
• To critically engage with case studies that illustrate the integration of arts, politics, and philosophy.

Week 1: Introduction to the Course

• Overview of course objectives and structure
• Introduction to key themes: arts, politics, philosophy, and international relations
• Discussion on the significance of interdisciplinary approaches

Week 2: Theoretical Foundations

• Overview of major philosophical theories related to arts and politics
• Readings: Selections from Plato, Aristotle, and Kant on aesthetics and politics
• Discussion on the relevance of these theories in contemporary international relations

Week 3: Art as Political Expression

• Case studies: Propaganda art in different political regimes (e.g., Nazi Germany, Soviet Union)
• Readings: Susan Sontag’s “Regarding the Pain of Others”
• Analysis of the role of visual arts in political movements

Week 4: Philosophy and International Relations

• Exploration of philosophical concepts such as justice, freedom, and power in international relations
• Readings: Excerpts from John Rawls’ “A Theory of Justice” and Michel Foucault’s “Discipline and Punish”
• Discussion on the impact of philosophical ideas on international policies

Week 5: Cultural Diplomacy

• Definition and significance of cultural diplomacy in international relations
• Case studies: UNESCO, cultural exchanges, and global festivals
• Readings: Joseph Nye’s “Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics”

Week 6: Globalization and Cultural Identity

• Impact of globalization on cultural identity and artistic expressions
• Readings: Appadurai’s “Modernity at Large: Cultural Dimensions of Globalization”
• Analysis of the tension between global homogenization and local cultural preservation

Week 7: Art and Human Rights

• Exploration of how art advocates for human rights and social justice
• Case studies: Human rights-themed art exhibitions and performances
• Readings: “Art and Politics: A Small History of Art for Social Change Since 1945” by Claudia Mesch

Week 8: Media, Politics, and Culture

• The role of media in shaping political and cultural perceptions
• Case studies: The impact of films, literature, and music on public opinion and policy
• Readings: Marshall McLuhan’s “Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man”

Week 9: Arts in Conflict and Post-Conflict Societies

• The role of arts in conflict resolution and peacebuilding
• Case studies: Art initiatives in post-conflict zones (e.g., Rwanda, Bosnia)
• Readings: “The Art of Peace: Art and Peacebuilding in Global Perspective” edited by Juliana Flinn

Week 10: Philosophy, Ethics, and International Policies

• Ethical considerations in international relations and their philosophical underpinnings
• Readings: Peter Singer’s “One World: The Ethics of Globalization”
• Discussion on the ethical implications of international policies and interventions

Week 11: Student Presentations

• Students present their research projects on selected topics related to the course
• Peer feedback and discussions

Week 12: Conclusion and Reflections

• Recap of key concepts and discussions from the course
• Reflections on the interdisciplinary nature of arts, politics, and philosophy in international relations
• Final thoughts and evaluations

Assessments

• Weekly reading reflections (20%)
• Mid-term essay (30%)
• Research project and presentation (30%)
• Class participation (20%)

Recommended Reading List

• Plato’s “Republic”
• Kant’s “Critique of Judgment”
• Susan Sontag’s “Regarding the Pain of Others”
• John Rawls’ “A Theory of Justice”
• Michel Foucault’s “Discipline and Punish”
• Joseph Nye’s “Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics”
• Arjun Appadurai’s “Modernity at Large: Cultural Dimensions of Globalization”
• Claudia Mesch’s “Art and Politics: A Small History of Art for Social Change Since 1945”
• Marshall McLuhan’s “Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man”
• Peter Singer’s “One World: The Ethics of Globalization”
• “The Art of Peace: Art and Peacebuilding in Global Perspective” edited by Juliana Flinn