INTRODUCTION The Manchester Communications program, initiated in 1970, is one of a number of Education Abroad Programs conducted by Penn State in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and Asia. More than 600 students from a wide variety of majors participate annually in these programs. The Communications program is jointly administered by the College of Communications and the Office of Education Abroad Programs. COLLEGE OBJECTIVES The Communications program at the university of Manchester in Manchester, England, functions within the context of the objectives characterizing all of Penn State's study abroad opportunities, especially to: -- enable students to receive instruction in several disciplines within the context of another culture, and to enrich their general academic studies. --provide adequate professional training when a study abroad experience is especially desirable, and to add to the intellectual and professional development of students in specialized fields of study; -- enable students to expand their knowledge of the culture of a country or region of the world by living and studying abroad, and at the same time to gain a more objective perspective of the values and way of life in their own country. -- promote the educational goals of the University by providing an overseas program designed to increase the international understanding of students. Specifically, the Manchester Communications program aims to: -- allow students to compare the media systems of Great Britain and selected European countries with American media systems; -- directly expose students to the British academic perspective on mass media, both in practice and in theory. -- introduce students to the British and European historical, cultural, and political context within which the British mass media system functions; -- provide students with practical experience in working with the mass media in Great Britain. THE CITY OF MANCHESTER In 79 AD the Roman legions arrived in Mancenion, "a place of tents," and remained there for more than 300 years. From these beginnings Manchester grew to emerge in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as the commercial center of Britain's industrial revolution. Today, the bustling city of 2.75 million provides one of the most stimulating and varied urban environments in Britain. As a result of its diverse population, Manchester has a wide variety of ethnic restaurants, the most distinctive of which can be found in the dozens of Chinese restaurants in Chinatown and the Indian cafés and restaurants in nearby Rusholme. The city is a major cultural center, rich in theatre, arts, music, and fashion. Eight of its art galleries are 19th century (or earlier) and its main concert hall was originally built in 1843. Its theatres have helped make the Manchester area second only to London as a theatrical center. Located 180 miles north west of London, (about 2 hours by train,) Manchester lies at the center of a network of rail, highway, and air links that provide simple and rapid access to places of interest throughout the country. Manchester is second only to London as a major broadcasting and journalism center in Great Britain. The major national morning newspapers have large operations in the city, and the Manchester News has a circulation of approximately 400,000. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and the Independent TV network have major production centers in Manchester. There are also two local radio stations with a weekly audience of nearly 2 million. THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER Founded in 1851, the University of Manchester was the first of England's great civic universities. Today it is famous worldwide as a center of learning and research. With 12,500 students, it offers a wide choice of courses and many amenities--including one of the top three university libraries in Britain as well as excellent laboratory and sporting facilities. The atom was first split there by Rutherford, the first computer was built there, and the world's largest steerable radio- telescope was built there at Jodrell Bank. Building on the foundation of more than a century, the University continues to strengthen the traditional disciplines while pushing forward into new fields as well. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Students engage in comprehensive comparative analyses of the similarities and differences among American, British and European media through a combination of classroom lectures, tutorials, case studies, and direct, on-location observations. The lectures are given by Britain's leading media scholars and senior media professionals from a wide range of British media organizations. Some of the topics covered include the structure of the British Press and British Broadcasting, European Media Systems, Documentary Television/Film the BBC World Service, Advertising, Politics and Mass Media. Student register for a total of 15 credits as follows: 1. British Culture and Society (HUMANITIES 399 - 3 credits) The study of the cultural, institutional, and social development of Great Britain. This course serves as the cultural foundation for the study of British media in a European context. 2. British Media Structures and processes (COMM 419 - 3 credits) An intensive introduction to the history, organization and processes of British media. 3. Euromedia Structures and Processes (COMM 499 - 3 credits) Overview of European media systems, followed by intensive, selective case studies. Comparisons are made with British media. 4. Media and the State (COMM 499 - 3 credits) The role of the media in British and European politics. 5. media Practicum (COMM 499 - 3 credits) Students develop and/or analyze a specific media product on the basis of selected practical communications issues. This component typically involves a basic production experience that is preceded by archival and field research. Since each major in the College of Communications has its own distinctive plan for assigning study-abroad credits, students should consult with their academic adviser about the best way to incorporate each of the three-credit course components described above into their particular academic program of study. PROGRAM PREREQUISITES Students selected for participation in the Manchester Mass Communications program must complete, prior to departure, the following course prerequisites: 1. One 3-credit course in British History, Art, Culture (Literature or Drama), British Society, or British Politics. 2. One 400-level Communication course that provides an orientation to the structure and function of American Mass Communications, for example, COMM 413, COMM 410 etc. Participation in the program is limited to 30 students per semester. Students interested in applying should consult with the College of Communications. GRADING As with any course at Penn State, responsibility for assessing the students' academic achievement rests with the course instructors. At the conclusion of each course, instructors will prepare an evaluative statement to be translated into the appropriate Penn State grade. ACCREDITATION All courses are accredited under the course numbers indicated, as listed in the Penn State Baccalaureate Degree Bulletin. No transfer of credit is necessary since the student remains registered at Penn State while enrolled on this program. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS Students are housed in University of Manchester dormitories. Students are responsible for the costs of their room and board on-site and therefore do not pay room and board fees at Penn State. ELIGIBILITY While this program is open to all regularly enrolled Penn State students and can accommodate students from any academic discipline, it primarily meets the growing interest of Communications majors. Generally speaking, a 2.5 cumulative grade-point-average is the minimum academic standard for most programs. Applicants must show evidence of maturity, stability, adaptability, self-discipline, and strong academic motivation. ORIENTATION A specially-designed orientation program, conducted during the semester before departure, is intended to prepare participants for the adjustment to living and studying in Great Britain. Attendance at all orientation sessions is mandatory. COSTS Tuition for the Manchester Program is the same as at the University Park Campus and is payable to Penn State at the Bursar's Office in accordance with the standard procedures and deadlines for regular charges at University Park Campus. Students are responsible for paying their room and board costs on-site. In addition, students pay a $150 nonrefundable fee a the time of accepting an enrollment offer. Round-trip air transportation is an additional cost to the student. Students are responsible for making their own flight arrangements. Textbooks and personal expenses are extra. The Office of Education Abroad Programs has a cost-estimate-sheet detailing the overall expenses for each semester. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The standard forms of financial assistance are available through the Office of Student Aid. Since students remain registered at Penn State while abroad, financial aid packages continue during the time students are enrolled in this program. The Office of Education Abroad Programs coordinates closely with the Office of Student Aid to help needy students obtain funds to cover the additional costs incurred by study abroad. The Office of Education Abroad Programs also has a modest Grant- in-Aid Fund that can be drawn upon for exceptionally needy and qualified students. HEALTH INSURANCE All participants are expected to carry sufficient health and accident insurance. Personal liability insurance is strongly recommended. PLANNING AHEAD To exploit the many advantages and opportunities of a study abroad experience, it is essential that students, in consultation with their academic advisers, plan well in advance. With careful planning every participant, regardless of major, not only gains regular Penn State credit while maintaining normal progress toward graduation, but can often apply the credits earned abroad to General Education, elective, and/or major or minor requirements. Like all of Penn State's semester and academic-year Education Abroad Programs, this satisfies the University's cultural diversity requirement. Students are required to check with their advisers or deans to discuss what impact study abroad may have on their progress toward graduation. For further information, contact your campus Education Abroad adviser or: College of Communications The Pennsylvania State University 201 Carnegie Building University Park, PA 16802-5101 Tel: (814) 865-5-6597 or Office of Education Abroad Programs The Pennsylvania State University 222 Boucke Building University Park PA 16802-5900 Tel. (814) 865-7681 This publication is available in alternative media on request. The Pennsylvania State university is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. The Pennsylvania State University does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability, or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director,The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Willard Building, University Park PA 16802-2801; tel. (814) 863-0471; TDD (814) 865-3175. The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Employee Benefits Division at (814) 865-1473 in advance of your participation or visit. U.Ed. OIP 96-32 PS6053ez 4/96