JOUR 8602 Seminar: History of Mass Communication will be taught by Prof. Giovanna Dell'Orto this fall 2012 semester on Wednesdays 11:15am to 2:15pm. Continue reading for a course description.
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Dear American Studies graduate students,
I'm a professor of journalism history in the SJMC and I'd like to invite you to consider taking my history of mass communication seminar in the Fall.
The seminar, "History of Mass Communication," provides opportunities to explore communication history's scholarly traditions and dimensions, as well as some core literature and new trends in research (both quantitative and qualitative). In addition to critical analysis of specific assigned readings, which range from civil rights to cinema
and advertising, the course includes:
1) Mass communication historiography (or, how come we study what we do);
2) Evolution of explicit and implicit theories and models (or, how come we insist on a
theoretical framework in your research papers);
3) Different types of mass communication histories (from print to the Internet, by way of
cultural studies, political science, popular culture, etc.).
I choose readings and lecture topics to reflect diversity in communication history--in scholarly approaches, in fields of interest, in conceptual frameworks, and in reflections of multiculturalism. But I also shape the syllabus based on who's taking the class and your interests -- another great reason to register now!
Most importantly, I want you to use this class to further your own research agenda, even if it is not about "history" meaning old stuff -- previous papers for this seminar have looked at topics as diverse as the Korean candlelight vigil, the evolution of framing theory, documentary film in the Reagan era, healthy eating advertising and "The Jungle."
I hope you will consider registering for this seminar, and I'm happy to answer any questions you might have. Have a terrific summer!
-Giovanna Dell'Orto
Assistant Professor
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
University of Minnesota
217 Murphy Hall
206 Church St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 626-2951
