Course Number: T205

Title: Introduction to Media and Society

Section: 4438

Instructor: Nancy Schwartz

Course Prerequisites: None.

Course Objective: To learn about the complex relationship between
media and society. This will be done by examining questions such as:
How do audiences use the media available to them? In what ways do
media affect public opinion and popular tastes? Do media operate in
the public interest? Who should be responsible for media content?
Can individuals or groups influence media? How does ownership of
media affect what is seen and heard? How do monopolies affect media
content? Are there limits to the rights of free speech and the
press? Can privacy be protected in the information age? By the end
of the semester students should have a better understanding of the
ways in which media both reflect and shape society.

Course Format: Large lecture format. No discussion sections.

Requirements Course Fulfills: 	COAS Social and Historical Studies
distribution requirement, Part of Media and Society Track, Required
of Telecommunications Majors
	
Required Texts:
Potter, J.W. (2001). Media Literacy (2nd edition). Thousand Oaks,
CA: Sage.
Alexander, A. & Hanson, J. (Eds.) (2003). Taking Sides: Clashing
Views on Controversial Issues in Mass Media and Society (6th
edition). Guilford, CT: McGraw-Hill/Dushkin.

Meeting Times: MWF 10:10A – 11:00A