Interactive Syllabus

The purpose of this course is to provide a space in which we can analyze and discuss the role of the mass media in and between societies through the lens of our personal perspectives and cultural analysis. Our goal is to develop critical thinking (meaning to question that which is most obvious), so as to discern how ideas and experiences are produced and disseminated through the mass media within and across cultures, and how specific cultural, social, political, and economic forces influence and inform these processes.

Caveat: You may encounter ideas and thoughts in this course you may not agree with or that may even offend you. Understand that this is part of the strategy behind the course design – to challenge you -- as we seek to engage alternative and opposing perspectives. A suggestion: before drawing impulsive conclusions, pause first, really think about what is being communicated, consider the texts, statements, images, and arguments, reflect on them, and then respond in a respectful manner. Passion is fine for this course; disrespect, condescension, and outright dismissal of your colleagues is unacceptable. The goal is to build dialogue in this course. This requires respect, honesty, decorum, and most of all, that you initially suspend judgment. No topic or perspective is off limits, but they must be presented and engaged with maturity and critical thinking. Finally, do not think that your opinion is valued only if it agrees with mine. I expect us to disagree on many points as we move towards critical understandings and consciousness of alternative perspectives.