COMM 428 History of Mass Communications
This course is intended to provide students intending to enter any of the fields of Mass Communications, including: structured traditional journalism (magazines, newspapers, broadcast reporting), today’s fast-paced social media, or the entertainment fields (film, television, online), with a solid grounding in the history of the mass media beginning with an overview of the pre-Gutenberg era of communications through the periods of historical media developments that have altered humanity’s perception of itself by directing and fueling the debates over science, religion, politics and social order. By understanding the role that mass media has played in the course of history students will develop a more complete understanding of the importance of the role mass media, at all levels and technologies, in humanity’s continuing development. This understanding helps the communications professional more clearly define his or her role in the mass media and maintain their professional standing in this highly competitive and rapidly expanding field. Fall, odd years.