POL 345 - Politics and Mass Media

This course is an introduction to the dynamics of mass media in American democracy. It examines how mass media shape Americans’ political attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. The course discusses a) the major theoretical frameworks which structure our thinking about politics and media systems, b) the social function of mass media and its impact on politics and c) methodological and substantive problems in measuring the influence of media on the social world. Special attention is given to the growing politicization of the Internet by both political elites and the mass public.

Credits: 4
Terms Offered: As Needed