MEDC 5310: Media and Culture

Course Description

This course examines the mass media as it reflects and influences the attitudes, values, behaviors, myths, and preoccupations that define a given culture. The course considers the functions of mass media in society and the effect on the individual.

Prerequisites

MEDC 5000 Media Communications

Incoming Competencies

Students are expected to perform graduate level work, including writing and basic research. Also, as for all Internet courses, students must be disciplined and self-motivated.

Learning Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between media and culture;

Understand how media both reflect and shape societal attitudes, values and behaviors;

Understand two major theories of media and culture: media literacy and cultural studies.

Develop analytical skills to make independent judgments about popular media texts (film, television, advertising, news, music, etc.) using theories of both media and culture;

Demonstrate a mastery of qualitative media literacy methodologies by conducting primary research that applies media literacy methodology to the media and/or media content;

Understand and master writing skills necessary for preparation of written analysis, reports and case studies, including English grammar, punctuation, sentence construction, word choice, and syntax;

Required Textbooks and Course Materials

Please go to MBS Direct to find the appropriate textbooks and other materials for this course.

Please be aware when purchasing your textbooks that the International versions of the text may differ from the Domestic (North American) version required for your course.

Course Activities

Reading
Participation in online discussions
Written assignments
Quizzes
Final paper

University Policy Statements

This course is governed by the University's policies, as published in the University catalog. They can also be found online at http://www.webster.edu/gradcatalog/policies.shtm.

Any student caught cheating or committing plagiarism may fail the class and be subject to further disciplinary action.

This syllabus may be revised at the discretion of the instructor without the prior notification or consent of the student.

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