SCY2021

Sociology of the Mass Media

(ART)

Cathi Lewis

6 points + 3 hours per week + Second semester + Clayton, Caulfield + Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in Sociology or permission + Prohibition: SCY3021

Synopsis: This unit will investigate the role of the popular media in the social construction of reality including such issues as the social distribution of knowledge; political dimensions of the information industry; competing ideologies with competing technologies; legitimation (or subversion) of the status quo; the construction and dissemination of cultural symbolism, myths and stereotypes. This will involve regular viewing of films and videos in the lecture periods.

Assessment: Class tests (1 hour): 30% + Research report (2500 words): 50% + Oral presentation (equivalent 1000 words): 20%