CMST 215 - Critical Analysis of Media

Credits: 5
Examines basic theories of media analysis and effects. Covers stereotypes, persuasive messages, and violent and sexual imagery. Applies media theories to a variety of media including movies, television, radio, and print.

Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL 099  or instructor’s permission.

Satisfies Requirement: Humanities/Fine Arts/English

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

1. Explain the prevalence of media in our daily lives.
2. Analyze different types of media.
3. Apply theories and methods to existing media.
4. Compare the historical effects of different types of media.
5. Illustrate various impacts media have on our society.
6. Generate critical analysis of various forms of media. 

1. Create messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context.

2. Use, synthesize, or produce needed information ethically.

3. Form, analyze, and assess beliefs while demonstrating intellectual humility and respect towards the beliefs of others.

4. Analyze cultural perspectives and values of a multicultural world.

• Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
• Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.