Welcome to Media, Culture, Identity

Course Information

Description: This course introduces students to the basic theoretical frameworks and concepts in media studies. Through close analysis of a variety of texts including, but not limited to, films, music, television programs, and magazines, students will explore the ways in which culture is produced and consumed. Case studies and other examples will provide entry points into thinking about how culture shapes and also is informed by individual and collective identities.

Objectives

  • To introduce students to different conceptual themes and theoretical approaches to the study of media.
  • To examine the means by which various media are produced and consumed by audiences.
  • To examine the basic theoretical frameworks which underlie social scientific approaches to media.
  • To evaluate a variety of mass media texts using critical approaches.

Required Texts

Baldwin, J. (Writer), and Peck, R. (Director). (2016). I am not your Negro [Video]. Kino Lorber. [Free on-demand streaming video available from UR Library via Kanopy]

Liman, D. (Director). (2014). Edge of tomorrow [Film]. Warner Bros. [Free on-demand streaming available from UR Library via Swank]

Ouellette, L., & Gray, J. (Eds.). (2017). Keywords for media studies. NYU Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt1gk08zz [Free etext available through UR Library]

Sakurazaka, H. (2011). All you need is kill. (J. Reeder & A. O. Smith, trans.). Haikasoru/VIZ Media. (Original work published 2009). [Requires purchase, available as ebook $7.49]

Zeldes, J. (Director). (2021, July 30). Auto-Tune [Streaming series episode]. In M. Ronson & M. Neville (Executive Producers), Watch the Music with Mark Ronson. Tremolo Productions. [Requires purchase or free 7-day trial on Apple TV+]

Expectations

Attendance: I expect on-time attendance in all class sessions. If you are unable to attend class, please let me know ahead of time. Multiple absences and/or late arrivals will affect your grade.

Participation: I expect participation in class discussions, both during class and on our class blog. Failure to offer meaningful contributions to class discussions will affect your grade.

Academic Integrity: I expect you to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity, making meaningful efforts to cite external sources that are not your own thoughts and ideas. We uphold the Honor Code. Failure to adhere to the Honor Code has serious repercussions and will also affect your grade.

Accommodations: If you have a documented special need for which an accommodation is needed, please confirm with the Office of Disability Services and let me know before or after class, or by email.

COVID-19 Response: These are trying times that require flexibility. I will follow University. VDH, and CDC guidelines, and I will expect you to do the same. If you are feeling ill, please report the illness and do not come to class. We’ll work together to ensure you have access to the instructional materials needed to complete work.

Grading

Your final grade will be calculated and assigned on a 4.0 scale. Individual assignments will receive letter grades (possible with – and +) as follows. Grading rubrics are available for viewing in our course site and with the grade in Blackboard.

A Excellent work that exceeds expectations as described in the grading rubric.
B Good work that meets all, and exceeds some, expectations.
C Average work that meets, or nearly meets, expectations.
D Poor work that doesn’t meet expectations in significant ways.
F Missing, incomplete, or poor work that can’t be accepted in its current form.

I will address any concerns or issues you have with grades on a case by case basis. You may make an appointment to discuss with me. Grades, along with supporting grading rubrics, will be posted in Blackboard once assigned for you to view.

Additional Course Information