COM 222 - Media Literacy in the Digital Age

Description:
This course enables students to be discerning, perceptive, ethical and responsible consumers and creators of the mass media that pervade their lives in the digital age - whether that be news, entertainment, advertising or social media. Course will be offered every year (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer).

Credits: (5)

General Education Category: K6 - Individual & Society

General Education Pathways: P2 Health & Well-being, P3 Perspectives on Current Issues, P6 Ways of Knowing

Learner Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Explain the role that mass media play in shaping societal and cultural norms
Explain how the digital universe has upended traditional theoretical models of mass media creation, profitability, consumption and influence.
Explain the role that mass media play in impacting individual health and well-being by influencing our thoughts, attitudes and actions.
Explain how individuals receive and interpret mass media differently, based on their cultural background, their prior knowledge and experience, their values and beliefs.
Distinguish “fake news” based on rumor, opinion, assertion and lies from legitimate news based on objective, verifiable evidence.
Evaluate a news source’s reliability and credibility, using digital tools.
Identify the techniques that advertisers and influencers - whether corporations, political parties or activist groups - use to motivate people to take action (e.g. flattery, repetition, fear, humor.)
Identify the techniques that the makers of TV, films and games employ to entertain and inform their viewers and users (e.g. narrative structure, character representation.)

Learner Outcomes Approval Date:
12/21/17

Anticipated Course Offering Terms and Locations: