Interactive Syllabus

In this course, we will explore the role of the mass media in fostering democracy and democratic practices, as well as civic awareness and engagement more broadly. In doing so, we will consider the concept of democracy itself and the media’s theoretical and practical relationship to nurturing its principles. We will also consider the role of government and its relationship to the media in constructing political knowledge, conceptions of representative democracy, and an informed populace. Critical to all of this is discerning how culture impacts the mass media, how the mass media both contribute to and are shaped by culture, and what civic responsibilities and obligations you have within this framework.

Caveat: You may encounter ideas and thoughts in this course you may not agree with or that may even offend you. Understand that this is part of the strategy behind the course design – to challenge you -- as we seek to engage alternative and opposing perspectives.