SCY2021

Sociology of the mass media

Proposed to be offered next in 1999

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Caulfield
* Prerequisites: First-year SCY sequence or equivalent

Objectives Students in this subject can expect to acquire an overview of the range of sociological perspectives used in analysing the mass media and their impact in the wider society; a deeper understanding of the ownership, structure, and power of the Australian mass media in particular; an enhanced awareness of the processes involved in the `construction' of media content such as news and advertising; an increased knowledge of basic techniques of media analysis, both quantitative and qualitative; an enhanced and critical understanding of the relationship between the various mass media and the audiences who `consume' media messages and interpretations of reality.

Synopsis Critical analysis of the function of the popular media in the social distribution of knowledge. The mass media as legitimators of order and the status quo. Media organisations and their place within structures of economic and political power. News and the social construction of reality. The media and images of deviance: folk devils and moral panics. Advertising: symbols and stereotypes. The media and women's roles. Techniques for media analysis in empirical sociology.

Assessment Essay (2000 words): 40%
* Seminar paper (1000 words): 20%
* Book review (1000 words): 20%
* Test (2 hours): 20%

Recommended texts

To be advised.