Mass Media: History and Development (MASS 001) – Syllabus

Description: A survey course, from colonial times to the present, emphasizes the social and political roles of the media against a historical background and against evolving changes in society. An international and cross-cultural approach is used to examine the contributions made by media pioneers in different parts of the world.

Media Literacy: Criticism and Analysis (MASS 012) – Syllabus

Description: Media literacy is designed to help students develop an informed and critical understanding of the nature of the mass media as information sources, as entertainment, and as an industry as well as to examine, interpret, and evaluate the messages conveyed therein, and their social, cultural and political implications. This course prepares the student to develop the critical thinking skills, the methods of analysis necessary to interpret media content, and methods of critical writing appropriate to media analysis.

Theories of Media (MASS 15) – Syllabus

Description: This course provides a survey of diverse theoretical perspectives and conceptual frameworks underpinning the study of media. Historical and current theories are explored which seek to explain what the media are, how media are used and how media affect society and audiences.

Research in Mass Media Studies (MASS 120) – Syllabus

Description: Written and oral reports on selected topics concerning major issues relating to the functions and influence of mass communications. Comprehensive studies of areas not covered or only briefly touched in preceding courses. In particular, this course will focus on the ways in which people research about and within the media industries. To that end, we will survey, critique, and enact a number of approached to media research. By the end of the semester, each student will be familiar with a variety of research approaches to make use of in subsequent projects.

Media and Popular Culture (MASS 125) – Syllabus

Description: This course examines the content, effects, and relationships of the media, mass culture, and mass society. The influence of media industries and media environments on popular culture are explored. Topics will include theories of media; theories of popular culture, distinctions between “high” and “low” culture, subcultures, and fan cultures. The Media and Popular Culture class also offers an opportunity to explore the ways in which popular culture influences our understanding of socio-economics, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, health, disability, and a variety of other identity factors.

Sports, Media, and Culture (MASS 135) – Syllabus

Description: Sport is one of the largest facets of our popular culture. Sport has the potential to influence one’s identity, consumption choices, relationships and general ideology. Although spectator sports serve as an escape from the “real” world and from our everyday troubles, the sports world is more than just an escape. Indeed, sports mirror contemporary society to the extent that it influences and is influenced by the social issues of the day including race, gender, sexuality, disability, law, ethics and politics. This course will examine how sports, culture and media converge to profoundly influence society.