Romanian Students’ (Mis)Perceptions of U.S. Culture: A Case for Global Media Literacy

• In Event: Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: New Perspectives on Literacy in School, Higher Education, and Global Contexts

Abstract

This qualitative case study examines an experienced teacher in the Transylvanian region of Romania, and two of her sixth grade classes, as they complete and present group cultural projects about life in the United States. Findings indicate that mass media and Internet use in the emerging democracy of Romania complement the dominant Western narratives of pro-capitalism, the romanticization of celebrity life, and the idea of a post-racial United States after the presidential election of 2008. Implications for social studies education are discussed in terms of critical media literacy on a global level.

Authors

• Elizabeth Bellows, Appalachian State University

• Sorana Necula, Colegiul Ghe. Cosbuc