AP/POLS 4185 6.00

Culture and Communication

Since at least the mid-nineteenth century, the growth of modern mass media industries has transformed the culture of advanced capitalism. This course will introduce some of the theories of culture and society, particularly in the critical Marxist tradition, which have responded to the social, economic, aesthetic and, most vehemently, political dimensions of this process. We will emphasize the kinds of analysis which come from broader theories as well as issues of political practice - state policy, propaganda and "effects", oppositional media, relationship to social movements and political parties.  Among the themes for close discussion: women and media, advertising and class, race and gender, media in elections and wars, state and culture in Canada, aesthetics of particular media, the media picture of the world and imperialism, corporate organization and control, and particular features of Canadian media.  We will emphasize film and television.