Course Description
This course provides a survey of media theory from the 1920s until the digital age. Major schools of media and communications studies will be covered, including the cultural critique of the Frankfurt School of Social Research, the technologist paradigm of media analysis associated with Marshall McLuhan, Chomsky’s critique of media power structures, and poststructuralist/cultural studies analysis of representation and discourse. In addition, the class will look at behavioralist approaches as well as more contemporary quantitative approaches. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the connection between media theory and methods by looking at current media studies practice.

Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify major media theories and schools from the past century.
• Compare and contrast media theories.
• Understand the connection between media theories and methods.
• Apply media theories to primary media sources.
• Coherently present ideas aboutmedia theory through public speaking.
• Write structured essays about media theory.

*Course content subject to change