International Communication Division
School of International Service
American University
Comprehensive Exam
August 2003

INSTRUCTIONS: You must answer question number one in Section A. Then select one question to answer from Section B, and also one question to answer from Section C. Please be sure to copy the question you are answering at the beginning of each response. Note: You have four hours to answer a total of three questions, as specified above.

Section A

1. There have been major international events during the past several years including global terrorism, tensions in the UN Security Council, the war in Iraq, the spread of Anti-Americanism, the political rift among the Western allies, the continuing violence in the Middle East, etc. Select and discuss one school of thought, field of inquiry, or major approach in international communication that helps to explain such events. Be certain to cite and discuss the work of relevant scholars.

Section B

2. Analyze a significant communication policy issue in a country or multilateral institution of your choice. What is the cultural, political or economic significance of this issue for the country you have chosen, or for international relations? Support your argument by applying the relevant communication policy models and literature in the IC field.

3. Identify one major approach to information technology and development. Provide an in-depth example of how this approach helps us to understand communication and development.

Section C

4. Many contrast models have been developed to compare cultures. Discuss the contrast models of two of the following theorists: Tönnies, Hall, Glenn, or Hofstede. How do these models help us to understand communication and conflict between people of different cultures? Compare the two theorists you have chosen.

5. Does culture matter when it comes to national economic and political development today? Please explain your answer. Cite relevant scholars in your response.