Session dates and times for courses are available in Axess under the Guest Menu. Course day, time, and units are subject to change. Courses are eight weeks long unless otherwise noted in the course description or details.
The impact of media entertainment on individuals, social groups, and societies. Sources include a diverse cross-section of entertainment. Introduction to psychological and socio-psychological theories. Empirical findings relating to media entertainment as a stimulus and a reception phenomenon. What renders diverse genres of media content and format enjoyable? Why do individuals pursue entertainment experiences in ever-increasing numbers? What is the political impact of apolitical media entertainment?
Note: Tue. class meets in rm 120-101A.
The impact of new media technologies on electoral campaigns, the political process, and democratic practice. Major theoretical perspectives on new media and collective action, political communication, the public sphere, and social movements. Are digital media altering the balance of political power in American democracy? Do digital networks reshape the way we elect presidents and contest public issues? Is the Internet undermining the ability of journalists and political elites to set the public agenda?