COMM 300 - Mass Communication & Society

Credit(s): 3-6
3-6 hours lecture, 3-6 hours contact
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 287 Modes of Analysis and an introductory level course in communications or social sciences.
This seminar examines the interrelationship between media and the current social and political environment. Class discussions focus on the attitudes and values of a media (film, television, radio and print), content and style of the information presented through the particular media, and the impact of each media upon family, religion, education and political-economic institutions. Topics to be covered are: the power of the media to change values and attitudes, reinforce stereotypes, and mold public opinion; media as a mass market tool; commercial vs alternative media; ethics of production; censorship; media as a political tool; bias in news; and future developments in communications (cable TV, federal subsidies). A Life Arts Project is required.

Only open to students in the B.A. Liberal Arts and Sciences program.