Communication 208 - DefendingDemocracyDigitalWorld

This course explores the significance of the public sphere - from pamphlets, newspapers and letters to radio, television, the internet and social media - and its relationship to participatory, democratic society. Moving back and forth between the history of the public sphere and contemporary debates about the tensions between media and democracy, students will learn why democracies prescribe protected roles of the media, how media manipulation plays a role in politics, and how media spaces serve as deliberative spaces. Students will write short reaction papers to the readings, which will be used to shape class discussions, and a longer final paper, focused on applying the theories of the public sphere to regulation of contemporary online spaces. (Gen. Ed. SB)

This course was formerly numbered as 297DP. If you have already taken 297DP, you cannot take this course.
The discussion section will not be held this semester. The lecture meets on MW 2:30-3:45.