Understanding Media

Catalog description

This course examines how media reflect and influence cultures and societies. Through the study of historical developments, key concepts, and major theories in media studies, students investigate how media content, technologies, and institutions shape values, identities, and power structures. Addressing a wide range of contemporary media, including news, entertainment, advertising, social media, artificial intelligence, and emerging digital formats, the course adopts a critical cultural studies approach to analyze media’s political economy, production, content, and audience engagement. As students deepen their understanding of media theories, practices, and effects, they learn to apply theoretical frameworks to everyday experiences, enhance their media literacy, and strengthen their research and academic writing skills.