Special Topics in Cultural Studies: Political Media

Catalog description

Explores the changing nature of film, TV, radio, the internet, blogs, and social/interactive media in the political firmament of U.S. Taking into account powerful influences from YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media outlets, the course considers whether such new media technologies and their rapid diffusion among diverse population blocs represent a paradigm shift in how contemporary politics function. Organizations such as MoveOn.org, Obama for America, American Crossroads, and additionally, the consequences of net neutrality regulations, the 'Viral Civil Rights Movement,' the Arab Spring uprising, local and global online political economies, 'Citizens United,' and more will come under scrutiny.