MDST 380 Mass Media Effects
An examination of the actual and potential effects of mass media communication. Initially the course will focus on the theories which have been, and are, used to evaluate the impact of the mass media. Then the course will examine specific mass media effects, including: television and cognitive development, the impact of the mass media emphasis on violence and sex, the media and role stereotyping, agenda setting, the impact of the media on politics, the U.S. media and the world, and the potential of the mass media to educate for positive social change. Mass media effects receiving emphasis will vary from semester to semester.