Media Uses & Effects

About the Class

This 4000-level course examines research findings and commentary about mass media impact and use in the United States. Through the lens of media theory, students explore what mass media “do” to users and what users “do” with the mass media, and why these effects and uses are thought to occur. This course is useful for students interested in graduate work in mass media, professional media careers, media literacy, or more conscientious use of mass media and awareness of possible effects on themselves or others.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Identify major theoretical perspectives on the uses and effects of mass media
• Describe, analyze and critique current theories of mass media usage and impact
• Locate, read, and summarize scholarly research related to media uses and effects
• Criticize media messages and images in the context of media theory and research
• Present content related to mass media criticism and theory
• Demonstrate improved media literacy skills