BMET 27A23 - Topics in Media Theory: Vision, Culture, Politics

This course is an introduction to current theories and topics in media studies and theory. Students will explore the varied cultural, social and political implications of media forms that circulate in contemporary society. We will investigate how representations of race, sexuality and social categories enter into relation with media’s production and circulation across time and space. Here, we must ask: What are the multiple, plural trajectories of media studies? How does this enhance our understanding of ourselves—through developments so vast and complex as climate change or neoliberal capitalism—in our lives as consumers and authors of media? This course is suited to introduce students from diverse disciplines to different approaches, both contemporary and historical, for thinking through these questions. Course texts will guide our inquiries through a range of theoretical frameworks emerging from political theory, literary studies, art history and the history of science.

Learning Outcomes:

• Students will learn to parse and asperse complex media forms.
• Students will develop proficiency in their use of relevant vocabularies and theoretical paradigms. ▪ Students will be think comparatively about different questions and manifestations of media. ▪ Students will develop a textured awareness of media theory’s histories and trajectories. ▪ Students will understand the limits and possibilities of media theory as an academic discourse. ▪ Students will be able to generate meaningful connections between media theory and their own interests outside of the immediate field of inquiry.
• Students will advance their proficiency in written and oral analysis of media.