Fall 2004
TEL T205: Introduction to Media and Society
Section 25501

Instructor: 	Dr. J. Alison Bryant

Course Description
This course examines how the media as a social, economic, and
political institution constructs meaning for individuals, groups,
organizations, and society.  Students will actively engage questions
regarding the media industry, media audiences, media effects, media
politics, and entertainment. This is an honors level course.
Therefore, students will be expected to move beyond a
basic “textbook” understanding of concepts and delve into the issues
surrounding the intersections of media and society through
alternative information sources (e.g., novels and films).

Course meeting:
MW 2:30-3:45
Room TBA

Prerequisites
This section is open to honors students only.

Required Texts
Croteau, D., & Haynes, W. (2002). Media/Society: Industries, Images,
and Audiences (3rd Ed.) Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Archer, J. (1997). The Fourth Estate. New York: HarperTorch.

Huxley, A. (1998). Brave New World (Reprint). New York: Perennial.
	

Film Screenings (tentative)
Orwell, G., Jems, G. (Writers), & Radford, M. (Director). (1984).
1984 [Motion Picture]. United Kingdom: MGM/UA.

Lumet, D. (Director). (1976). Network [Motion Picture].  United
States: Warner Studios.

Howard, R. (Director). (1999). EDtv [Motion Picture]. United States:
Universal Studios.

Kaplan, D. & Elfont, H. (Directors) (2001). Josie and the Pussycats
[Motion Picture]. United States: Universal Studios

Moore, M. (Writer and Director). (2002). Bowling for Columbine
[Motion Picture]. United States: MGM.

Townsend, R. (Director). (1987). Hollywood Shuffle [Motion
Picture].  United States: MGM/UA.

Devito, D. (Director). (2002). Death to Smoochy [Motion Picture].
United States: Warner Studios.

Course Format
Small discussion-oriented class with some lecture.  Several evening
film screenings are also required.  This is an honors course.

Requirements the course will meet:
Counts toward the Telecommunications Media and Society area of
emphasis.  Counts toward the COAS Social & Historical Studies
requirement.