Concentrates on the production, social reproduction and effects of the mass media, drawing on the theories of classical sociologists, including Marx and Weber, as well as more contemporary ones including Bourdieu, Habermas and Lazarsfeld, and Merton. Students learn to think sociologically and critically about diverse mass media, including the print media, radio, television and the Internet. Use of course Web site and small group discussions facilitates the accessing and understanding of peer-reviewed articles in contemporary media sociology. Students develop a reflexive awareness of their own role in media production and consumption.
