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Media Theory


Course Description

An overview of how people have thought and talked about media production and consumption, through critical and cultural frameworks. Special emphasis is placed on how theory informs and understands media content and creative practices.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
In addition to above, graduate students will develop through the course of the semester a scholarly paper that engages the course material in a significant and original way. Specific subject matter, approach, research scale/scope, and argument are negotiated with the instructor.


Athena Title

Media Theory


Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in EMST 3410


Undergraduate Prerequisite

EMST 3320 and permission of department


Graduate Prerequisite

Permission of department


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

This course in media theory is designed to provide students with a vocabulary and an array of lenses to analyze and discuss media texts, their audiences, and influence. Students will read and apply theories to media case studies. By the end of the course students will develop individual understandings of how theory informs their creative practices.


Topical Outline

Mass Society Theories Media Effects and Propaganda Critical Theory Structuralism/Post-Structuralism Cultural Studies Theories of Race and Representation Feminist Theory Queer Theory


Syllabus