Syllabi for Dr. Barr
Specific Syllabi for each term will be provided at the start of that term
Course Description: We live in an age where the media dominate our social, political, and interpersonal interactions. In this age of ‘mediocracy,’ it is vital for us to become active, critical consumers of media. The purpose of this course is to provide you with knowledge and skills to critically analyze media contents and institutions. Topics examined in the course include, but not limited to, media economics, media and political regulations, media representations of the real world, media audiences, and globalization and media. By the end of the course, you should be able to develop a critical awareness of media institutions and the social environment they are situated in. You should also be able to present your critical thinking in coherent writing.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course you should be able to:
- Understand the goals and methods of various media industries
- Identify and understand the effects media has on us
- Understand benefits and potential negative effects of media content
- Identify techniques to become more media literate as individuals and a society
These objectives require that you learn to see social organization, understand the individual’s relation to the powerful conditioning forces of culture and social structure, acquire a healthy skepticism regarding oversimplified conceptions of the social world, discover the relevance of social thought to your own personal life, and appreciate the need to know what is in order to achieve what ought to be. Several methods will be employed to implement these objectives including the use of popular culture films for application of concepts. Some of these films may be rated “R” due to language, sexual situations, violence or nudity. Each film has been chosen because of its ability to highlight or expand upon specific sociological concepts in an entertaining format for the purposes of an assignment and discussion. Each film’s rating will be announced and the reasons for an “R” rating presented prior to the viewing of any film. Students who may find the content objectionable or traumatizing will need to inform the instructor prior to the film being shown.
One method of teaching and learning utilized in this class is the debate. Previous students have found this practice both entertaining and informative. The instructions for debates will be explained in detail prior to a debate taking place. It is important for the student to remember that all opinions must be respected and presented in a calm and courteous manner. Any student who does not behave appropriately during debates will be asked to leave and counted as absent for that class period.
Course Outlook: In this class the primary goal is to see old information with new eyes. Therefore, discussions, videos, or readings may challenge students’ thinking and belief systems. Students are strongly encouraged to share their opinions and life experiences in a non-judgmental environment. This type of environment allows students to challenge their own belief systems as well as those presented. However, due to the controversial nature of the subject matter, differences in opinion will occur. Everyone, including the instructor, must keep an open mind and be respectful. While you are not expected to always agree, and are free to express your disagreements, they must be presented with respect and not issued as a personal attack against other students or the instructor. Students who do not relay their opinions and disagreements to a topic or idea in a courteous manner will be asked to leave the classroom. If students feel that a challenge to their moral view or overall belief structure will traumatize them or inspire them to be abusive then they should talk to me about reconsidering this course.