Theories in Communication and New Media
Theories in Communication and New Media
Fall Semester
Sharon Avital
rhetoricavital@gmail.com
Office Hours: by appointment
Short description:
This class introduces important schools of thoughts in the field of communication and takes a critical perspective by examining the relations between media, technology, and culture.
We will ask how everyday messages shape people’ perceptions and behaviors and how they are related to and dependent upon media institutions and societal considerations.
Taking into account recent accusations regarding the importance of news, media, and the very notion of “fact” and “truth”, this class will examine classic and recent approaches to communication and different media with the aim of understanding the politics of information.
By the end of the class students should be able to:
- Identify and understand important schools of thought in the field of communication
- Understand the cultural, institutional and technological considerations shaping the texts in the media
- Understand the role of technology and culture in shaping audience’ responses to the media
- Evaluate and analyze messages in the media
Assessment:
4 quizzes (18% each) Total 72% (Choose the top 4 out of 5)
One paper - 20%
Participation 8%
Attendance is mandatory. Students are permitted a maximum of three unexcused absences without penalty. Any additional absences will affect the final grade and may result in failure of the course.
