CCTP-626 Intro to Brainwashing: Conceptualizing Media Effects

Fr. Eric Zimmer

In this course we will look at the major mass media theories of audience effects. We will consider such things as uses/gratifications, the third person effect, theory of weak ties, two-step flow, agenda setting, heuristic analysis, campaign theory, bias in the media, identity, cultivation theory, and issues of cultural imperialism (among others). We will read some primary and some secondary sources, use as much multimedia as is legal, and work on a project either outlining some of these effects or actually determining how one might use these theories in real life. Skills taught would include content analysis, introductory focus groups, and basic survey construction.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None

CCTP-626-01 Intro to Brainwashing: Conceptualizing Media Effects

Eric Zimmer

*Fulfills Core Theory requirement.
In this course we will look at the major mass media theories of audience effects. We will consider such things as uses/gratifications, the third person effect, theory of weak ties, two-step flow, agenda setting, heuristic analysis, campaign theory, bias in the media, identity, cultivation theory, and issues of cultural imperialism (among others). We will read some primary and some secondary sources, and work on a project either outlining some of these effects or actually determining how one might use these theories in real life. At the end of this course, students will have mastery of the major theories of media effects and be able to determine their presence in the world around us.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None

Other academic years
There is information about this course number in other academic years:

• 2005-2006 Fall and Spring
• 2006-2007 Fall and Spring
• 2007-2008 Fall and Spring
• 2008-2009 Fall and Spring
• 2012-2013 Fall and Spring

More information
Look for this course in the schedule of classes.

The academic department web site for this program may provide other details about this course.