Study of the economics, policy, and technology of the emerging global communication system. The study of the special roles media may play in childhood. The effects of television, video games, computers, and comics on youth are considered, including issues of violence, self-actualization, and sexual development. Also, the economics of childhood in terms of media advertising and programming are studied. Exploration of techniques used in information campaigns regarding health, energy conservation, environmental protection and other topics, and campaigns' effects on public knowledge and behavior.
Students conduct an actual campaign on campus.
Research and theory concerning the contemporary psychological significance of media. Examination of how media act as agents of collective memory and how such memories may be tied to issues of identity, community, and power. In addition to general theory and research in social memory, the course considers a few key events to illustrate how social memory has influenced and been influenced by different media. Sociological analysis of mass media artifacts. Students engage in content analysis projects for subsequent publication. 0351.