Sociology 216MD - Sociology of Media

This course explores the social organization of;mass media systems as well as the various factors;-- cultural, economic and political -- that have;influenced their development. It asks: what is;the connection between mass media and the large;modern, democratic societies we inhabit? The;first part of the course examines the historical;development of mass media and the social theories;that sought to interpret and explain its social;impact. The second part considers the political;and economic factors that structure contemporary;mass media, paying particular attention to media;deregulation and conglomeration. In the third;part of the course, we explore the emergence of;newer media forms such as the internet and;digital/satellite television.

Prereq: SOCI-123.