Communication and Society

Course Description

This course explores the relationship between communications, media, society, and culture. Within historical and contemporary contexts, the subject addresses how audiences and participants negotiate media in their lives. The course focuses on different media forms, from newspapers to television, and from books to mobile technology. Topics covered include the effects of media on audiences; issues of race and gender in the media; media ownership and regulation; the impact of technological development and institutional pressures on media uses, content, and patterns of communication. Ultimately the course assesses ethical and legal issues which media users and practitioners may face.