American Mass Media

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. (COMM 1307) American Mass Media. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores the development and role of mass media in the United States across print, broadcast and digital platforms. Surveys ways journalism, entertainment, advertising and/or social media industries have evolved alongside major legal, economic and technological changes. Examines how media shape public understanding of news, culture and community life. Course content may reference current events or contested media topics for purposes of analysis. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds media literacy essential for participation in contemporary information environments. Supports workforce preparation for fields involving communication, marketing, journalism, public relations, policy and content creation. Strengthens ability to interpret media systems and evaluate messages. Provides academic grounding for further study in media, communication and related social sciences, while promoting informed engagement with public discourse. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Considers ways media messages are not neutral transmissions of facts or entertainment, but are reflections of institutional structures, economic incentives and cultural values. Clarifies differences between news, opinion, analysis, persuasion and/or misinformation, enabling critical comparison. Considers responsible media as involving critical interpretation, evidence assessment and awareness of perspective. Applies media literacy concepts to support informed citizenry through an understanding of First Amendment protections. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of media history and industry development; journalism and press freedom; advertising and entertainment business models; media law and ethics; corporate ownership and consolidation; social media platforms and audience participation; representation in film, television and news; and the role of media in elections, crisis coverage or cultural debate. Course materials may include real-world examples that involve political and/or social controversy, examined for purposes of understanding the role of media in the United States and around the globe.