Calendar

LEC # TOPICS KEY DATES
I. Core Concepts
1 Introduction to the Course: A Comparative Approach to Media Studies: Storytelling Across Media
2 Media Studies: An Interdisciplinary Field
Technology and Meaning: Concepts of "High" and "Low" Culture
3 Lab/Discussion Section: Show and Tell (Media Artifacts) - See Handout
Note: Sections meet in extended session for 1.5 hours
4 Approaches to Studying Media: The Concept of Commodity - The Frankfurt School and the Birmingham School
Questions of Ownership and Control of Media
The Challenge of Cultural Pluralism
5 Applying the Frameworks: Advertising
6 Screening/Discussion Section: The Power of Advertising
Documentary Film Screening
7 Key Media Debates: Influence, Representation, Control
Guest Speaker: Prof. Mark Lloyd
Paper 1 and Cover Letter Due to Discussion Section Leader
II. Comparative Media Over Time
8 Comparing Oral and Print Cultures: Different Forms of Storytelling
9 Written Media: The Press: Technology, Power and Influence
Library Presentation with Reference Librarians
Bring Proposal for Final Research Project (1-1 ½ Pages, Typed)
See Handout for Description of Project
Submit Revised Proposal for Research Project to Section Leader
10-11 The Rise of Entertainment Culture in Late 19th Century America and the Growth of Modern Mass Media in Early 20th Century America
12 Screening/Discussion Section: The Rise of Modern Mass Media: Early Silent Film in the U.S.
13 The Documentary Mode: Photography and Film
Media and Social Reform
14 The Star System: Origins in the Silent Era
15 Screen Culture: Movies and Music
Paper 2 Due to Section Leader
16 Screening/Discussion Section: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (Piano Accompaniment and Discussion: Prof. Martin Marks)
17 Sound Genres And Audiences: Storytelling Across Media: Melodrama and Horror
18 The Social Problem Movie: Storytelling Across Media
19 Filmic and Ethnic Images
20 Storytelling Across Media: Film and Colonialism
21 Broadcasting: Radio and Television: The Public Interest, Public Entertainment and the Commercial Imperative
Paper 3 Due to Section Leader
22 TV as Consensus Narrative: Critiques of TV
23-24 Cable TV and Independent Film
Draft, Final Research Paper 4 Due to Section Leader
25-26 Globalization and Media Culture
27-28 Models of The Digital Revolution
29-30 Contemporary Issues: Media Convergence and Power in the Digital Age Audiences as Producers and Receivers
31-32 Discussion Section: Extended Section 7-10 Oral Presentations, Final Research Project
33 Last Day of Class Final Essay Due