Author Archives: Nicole Maurantonio

It’s that time of year again. It’s Oscar season. Since we were in class when this year’s nominees were being announced, you can check out the full show below:

To summarize, here are the nominees:

The nominee list has sparked much debate and criticism. Consider: are there actors who you might add to this list?

The criticism has also led some to argue that this is “just an awards show.” Is it? Why are we discussing the Oscars? Thinking about yesterday’s introductory discussion of celebrity, image, and visual culture, what do the Oscars mean?

Welcome to the course blog for RHCS 105: Media, Culture, and Identity.

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.

 Course 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.

I look forward to working with you this semester!

All the best,
Dr. Maurantonio