Finance and Society

Have we entered a new Era of Social Organization: the Era of Financialization? Financialization is the increasing role of financial motives, financial markets, financial actors, and financial institutions in the operations of domestic and international economies. We could add, that financialization also increases all of these roles in the interaction with society more broadly. If we have have entered a new era of financialization: what does this mean about the way our economy works? Does it mean that the economy serves finance instead of finance serving the economy?

Humor in Society

This course examines humor as a significant form of creative expression in social and political life, especially as it negotiates issues of race, gender, class, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. This course also introduces students to the burgeoning field of humor studies. Topics include the different theories of humor, the relationship between humor and creativity, the political use of humor, the role of humor in maintaining personal and social identity, and the social aspects of laughter. Although the focus lies on contemporary humor in U.S.

Social Impact of Mass Media

This course explores research on the influence of mass media on audiences. The course examines the effects of television (and some other media) on thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. Topics include politics and the media, the influence of news, public service campaigns and advertising, and media influence on health. Students will take three in-class exams and will do in-class writing in each class session.
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