Analyzes the effects of a variety of media on society, social interaction and communications. Examines the structure and organization of traditional (such as printed media, television or radio) and new (such as electronic and digital) media and social networking technologies (such as MySpace, Facebook or Second Life) as well as their cultural, political, economic and social impacts. Specific topics include the role of the media in shaping or creating social issues and influencing the public, the ways in which organizations, interest groups and social movements gain access and use diverse media to shape public discourse on a global scale. (3 lecture hours)

Prerequisite: Course requires Reading Placement Category One.

Course types: Contemporary Life Skills (A.A., A.S., A.A.S., A.G.S.), Human Relations (A.A., A.S., A.A.S., A.G.S.)