The purpose of the course is to offer a introductory description of mass nad network media and their - real as well as desired - role in contemporary society. The participants will get a survey of various theoretical and normative perspectives on relation between media (as institutions and organisations) and their content on one side and society and individual on the other side. Specifically, we will discuss various dimensions of media-society relation: (1) the typology of media as communication means, organisations and institutions and the social context as a framework for specific media systems; (2) media products as a social practice; (3) types of audiences as a social enviroment; (4) the (possible and probable) media effects, as well as positive or negative expectations; and (5) the specific role of media in society heading towards democracy (Czech example). The course requires only some basic knowledge of sociology and communication science on introductory level, some basic knowledge of world (American and European) history and of American and European literature. The course also requires some interest in popular culture.
Aim of the course
Last update: Ing. Pavel Kot (11.07.2023)
The aim of the course is to offer an interpretation of mass media and their - real as well as desired or feared - role in society, with focus on media in Europe and the Czech Republic. the course is strenghening the quality of media literacy among students.
Literature
Last update: Ing. Pavel Kot (11.07.2023)
Requred readings
Curran, J. (2002): Media and Power. London: Routledge Holmes, D. (2005): Communication Theory. Media, Technology and Society. Thousand Oaks - London: Sage Thompson, J.B. (1995): The Media and Modernity. Lonodn: Polity Press
Complementary readings
Curran, J. (2011): Media and Democracy. London:Routledge Hallin, D. C.-Mancini, P. (2004): Comparing Media Systems. Cambridge: CUP Herman, E. (1999): The Myth of the Liberal Media. New York: Peter Lang Jakubowicz, K. (2007): Rude Awaking. Cresskill: Hampton Press Poster, M. (1995): The Second Media Age. Cambridge: Polity Press Thompson, J.B. (1995): The Media and Modernity. Lonodn: Polity Press Williams, K. (2005): European Media Studies. London: Hodder Arnold
Teaching methods
Last update: Ing. Pavel Kot (11.07.2023)
Lectures, regular (individual) news presentations, team projects, discussions, interactive presentations.
Requirements to the exam
Last update: Ing. Pavel Kot (11.07.2023)
Grading policy
Class participation/attendance (50%): Attendance in class and the readiness for and the contribution to the discussions, including regular homework "Media News" (the monitoring of mediated events related to media as they appear in the world?s daily press between two sessions of the class).
Project (50%): A comprehensive text and its presentation based on research of literature and analysis of interviews with chosen age groups about their media experience during the period of adoption of "new media" in 1990s (app. 6-8 pages)
Syllabus
Last update: Ing. Pavel Kot (11.07.2023)
1. The role of media in everyday life I 2. Media news + The role of media in everyday life II 3. Media news + Media as means of communication (Media Technology and Social Change) 4. Media news + The Media in Society I: The Media and Modernity / Communication and Social Context 5. Media news + The Media in Society II: Radio and TV programs: comparing USA and Europe / The media as part of the specific culture 6. Media news + Trends in Media Development: The Globalization of Communication / Mass and Network Media 7. Media news + The Media Production II: Making News 8. Media news + How to Study Media Content I: The Interpretation of Meaning / Stuart Hall: Representation and the Media 9. Media news + Media and Audiences: The Interpretation of Meaning 10.-12. Topic presentations.
13. Conclusion, evaluation
Entry requirements
Last update: Ing. Pavel Kot (11.07.2023)
Being enrolled as a regular students of FSV or registered as a visiting student. There is a priority for students of study programs with Media and Society course as an obligatory course.
