COMM303

Media Theory

Prerequisite: COMM130 and COMM250; and one of STAT100, BMGT230, EDMS451, CCJS200, PSYC200, or SOCY201; and one of COMM107, COMM200, or COMM230; and must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in COMM304. Restriction: Must be in the Communication major. Provides students with an introduction to media theory from multiple perspectives. We will begin by understanding how the history of mediated communication has been connected to ideology and lived experiences. Through readings, discussions, and activities, you will understand how technical, historical, economic social, and political forces have helped shape media content and the media themselves. You should also become familiar with the debate over how much influence the media have over their audiences, and what types of influences are present. The course will introduce issues relevant to consideration of media and historically underrepresented and marginalized groups, as well as individual and societal functions of the media.