MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

This course introduces the student to the history, philosophy, epistemology and analysis of media and mass communication. The class covers social, cultural, and political changes triggered by new media and communication technologies and presents current theory and research models. Students will specifically focus on the implications of the phonetic alphabet, the invention of the printing press, television, and cyberspace and will participate in a mixture of lectures, readings, discussions, experiments and projects.

• CLASS INFORMATION
  • Course Objectives
  • Appointments
  • Course Format
  • Prerequisites
    
• CLASS SCHEDULE

• MATERIAL
  
• REQUIREMENTS

After completing this course, students will have a basic understanding of media and communications and will be prepared for further studies in this field. Participants will know about the major schools of communication theory and will be able to apply these models to past and current changes in public sphere, society, perception and communication.

All students will also gain familiarity with the Internet and find additional, valuable reference and software materials online.

Students are encouraged to use office hours to discuss the assignments and/or course topics. Additional appointments and consultations can be scheduled with the (Teaching) Assistant.

The class will consist of a mix of lecture, discussion, online participation and in-class "critique" sessions. A small set of readings are required to prepare for class and discussion, and an additional reading list will be provided to help student research as they work on their assignments. Throughout the course, students will iteratively critique each other’s assignments, ideas, comments, and works. Eventually there will be guest lecturers.

Familiarity with the Internet