Sociology 285 - Media and Society

Media constantly surrounds us. So how does reading, watching, posting, scrolling—and then scrolling some more—influence what we think, act, and become? This course explores how traditional, digital, and social media shape individuals, groups, and societies. We will ask questions like: How did a word coined by Kai Cenat and his friends become Oxford’s word of the year? How do music streaming platforms influence what becomes a hit song? How do photographs in the news, ads on TikTok, paintings in museums, and dusty old books influence how we think about society and ourselves? To answer these questions and others like them, students will gain hands-on experience with sociological theories and methods. The course equips students with tools to critically analyze systems of media production, communities of media reception, and messages transmitted through media.

Limited to 30 students.  Fall semester.  Visiting Assistant Professor Price.

How to handle overenrollment: Prospective (FY, SO) and declared SOCI and ANTH majors have priority for enrollment

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Students will engage in lecture, reading, and discussion-based modes of learning. Students will engage in critical thinking by applying sociological insights to media they consume. Students will be assessed throughout the course for their participation in classroom discussions, written tests, and a content analysis project.