COMM 4301: Mass Media and Society   Tags: communication, mass media, society  

Students will learn how mass media theories are used to understand the effects of media on today’s society. Students will view and critically analyze mass media research, as well as actual mass media content, for depth, accuracy, production methods, and aesthetic elements.

1. Learn more about the nature and functions of mass media theories.
2. Learn how mass media theories have been used and are currently being used to better understand the pervasive and constantly changing mass media, as well as how and why audiences may respond to mass media messages.
3. Read (or view) and analyze both mass media content, as well as research, for relevance, validity, depth, accuracy, and (for media) production methods and aesthetic elements.
4. Improve research and writing skills by producing short, descriptive papers analyzing mass media research, as well as issues prsented via mass media, how they are presented, and ways mass media audiences may access and process these issues.