General Course Information

Media, Culture, and Society — Summer1 2016 — MSCR 1122050:01 CRN#40394
Class: MTWR 11:45am-1:20pm (Behrakis Health Sciences Center 210)
Course Prerequisites: None

N.B. This syllabus functions very much like a living document and the course website will reflect updates or changes to the syllabus, assignments, etc. The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course and deviations may be necessary. Thus, check the website regularly.

Course Description

This course assesses developments in media to provide broader understanding about the impact media have on culture and society. Throughout the semester, we explore how media impact society and culture. We will accomplish this by exploring how media and technological products are developed (from inception to consumption), and how media are situated within industries that influence cultural practices and continue to influence our daily lives.

 

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Define terms, concepts, and theories fundamental to the study of media.
  • Understand and explain why culture and society are central to media analysis.
  • Read and critically analyze research specific to media studies.
  • Employ these terms, concepts, and theories in class discussion and academic writing.
  • Write analytical/critical essays that show understanding of, engagement with, and thoughtful use of media studies vocabulary and concepts.

The critical, argumentative, and written skills gained in this course are those required for upper-level courses in studies of media as well as for other critical engagements with the world.

 

Required Texts

  • Paul du Gay, et al. Doing Cultural Studies: The Story of the Sony Walkman, second edition (Thousand Oaks, Sage Publications: 2013). Available on Amazon.com.
  • Additional readings available online.
  • Course screenings (held during class time unless otherwise noted).

 

N.B. This course will contain materials that some students may find offensive (e.g. controversial readings and/or media clips with foul language, nudity, sexual scenes, etc.). Review the syllabus carefully to determine your commitment to the course and the required readings/screenings.

Printable Syllabus (original version without web updates)