Provides an overview of the nature, functions, and responsibilities of the mass communication industries in a global environment with an emphasis on the media's role in American society. On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
demonstrate an understanding of the reciprocal influence of the media and contemporary society;
apply communication theories to analyze the influence of mass communication systems on American society;
analyze representative research in mass communication;
trace the historical development of various media forms;
distinguish media functions-information, persuasion, entertainment, and transmission of culture;
comprehend methods of media organization, finance, and regulation in a global environment;
describe usage and impact of the various media; and
critically analyze legal and ethical media issues.