Peter L Haratonik

This course is an investigation of how media communicate messages and how we interpret them. From political propaganda to advertisements, television news to ?tweets?, we examine a process of critically 'reading' the many messages that we encounter on a daily basis. Through readings, class discussions, presentations and writing assignments we come to grips with what critic Stuart Ewen has called a world of 'all consuming images.' Readings include works by Plato, Marshall McLuhan, Neil Postman, Susan Sontag, Stuart and Elizabeth Ewen, and Henry Jenkins. Assignments include short critical essays on contemporary media, an in-depth at home exam based on class activity and readings, and a term paper or media presentation that analyses a current critical issue in media.

This seminar explores various media industries from both US and Global perspectives. A number of major topic areas are examined. We historically compare the media industries before the Internet era. We then take an overview of a variety of today's media businesses followed by an examination of current global television business and management structures. We also survey the competitive and creative outlook in areas such as programming, distribution, markets and seek to develop a basic knowledge of nomenclature, practices and career paths. Readings include work by media theorists such as Theodor Adorno and Marshall McLuhan and by contemporary business strategists Jim Collins and Morten Hansen. Screenings include documentaries by Adam Curtis and Douglas Rushkoff. Assignments include responses to weekly readings, a commentary on current research, an at home exam that examines readings in-depth, and a project that explores each student’s interest in the media industries.

This seminar explores various media industries from both US and Global perspectives. A number of major topic areas are examined. We historically compare the media industries before the Internet era. We then take an overview of a variety of today's media businesses followed by an examination of current global television business and management structures. We also survey the competitive and creative outlook in areas such as programming, distribution, markets and seek to develop a basic knowledge of nomenclature, practices and career paths. Readings include work by media theorists such as Theodor Adorno and Marshall McLuhan and by contemporary business strategists Jim Collins and Morten Hansen. Screenings include documentaries by Adam Curtis and Douglas Rushkoff. Assignments include responses to weekly readings, a commentary on current research, an at home exam that examines readings in-depth, and a project that explores each student’s interest in the media industries.

This course is an investigation of how media communicate messages and how we interpret them. From political propaganda to advertisements, television news to ?tweets?, we examine a process of critically 'reading' the many messages that we encounter on a daily basis. Through readings, class discussions, presentations and writing assignments we come to grips with what critic Stuart Ewen has called a world of 'all consuming images.' Readings include works by Plato, Marshall McLuhan, Neil Postman, Susan Sontag, Stuart and Elizabeth Ewen, and Henry Jenkins. Assignments include short critical essays on contemporary media, an in-depth at home exam based on class activity and readings, and a term paper or media presentation that analyses a current critical issue in media.