May 02, 2026  
MCOs for Faculty and Staff 
    
MCOs for Faculty and Staff [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

CMST 208 - Media & Society


Credits: 5
An overview of the evolution of mass media-from the printing press to modern social media platforms-and their continuing influence on our culture and society, with an emphasis on developing strong media literacy skills.
Course Outcomes:
  1. Identify the major historical and technological developments in mass media.
  2. Analyze the lasting impact of landmark legal cases and legislation on our media landscape.
  3. Utilize best practices to assess intent, veracity, and reliability of media sources.
  4. Develop critical thinking skills through examination of media messages and their impact at individual, social, and governmental levels.
  5. Identify the effects of media convergence and consolidation on our society and the job market
  6. Analyze the positive and negative impacts of our current media technologies

Course Topics:
  1. History and evolution of mass media technology
  2. Process and theory of mass media
  3. Media literacy and message assessment
  4. Effects of media on culture and society
  5. Social media, convergence, and consolidation

LEC Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 5
Course Attribute(s): Communication, Humanities
OEE Permitted: Yes
Grading Basis: Graded
Instructor/Department Consent Required: No Consent
CIP Code: 09.0102
Default Section Size/Cap: 30
Quarter(s) offered:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Spring