CMN 596 (03) - Special Topics in Media Studies

SpcTop/Analysis of News

Durham Liberal Arts::Communication
Credits: 4.0
Class Size: 25 
Term:  Spring 2025 - Full Term (01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025)
CRN:  54490
Grade Mode:  Letter Grading
Selected topics not covered by existing courses in media studies. Topics vary; course descriptions are available in department office during preregistration. May be repeated for credit if topics differ.
Instructor Approval Required. Contact Instructor for permission then register through Webcat.
Cross Listed With : CMN 596 (06)
Prerequisite(s): CMN 455 with minimum grade of C
Equivalent(s):  CMN 595
Only listed majors in section: CMN:BUSAPPL:: Communication: Business Applications||CMN:MEDIA:: Communication: Media Practices||COMMUNICATION:: Communication
Instructors:  Michael Soha

Times & Locations

Start Date End Date Days Time Location
1/21/2025 5/5/2025 MW 11:10am - 12:30pm HORT 215

Additional Course Details:

Analysis of News
This course explores the social, political, economic, and cultural forces shaping news in the U.S., emphasizing how institutional practices, economic pressures, and dominant social values influence reporting. Students will engage with critical literature that interrogates the ideal of objective journalism and examines the role of an informed citizenry in a democratic society.

Topics include the history of U.S. journalism, the rise of modern news media, the evolution of news in the Internet age, and critical questions for contemporary democracy: What defines a journalist today? What constitutes a news outlet? How do institutional and new media shape the news? Can a shared reality exist in an era of personalized algorithms, profit-driven media corporations, and polarized social media?

This is not primarily a course on becoming a journalist, though it offers valuable insights into the profession. Rather, it focuses on cultivating skills for news and information consumption, including evaluating sources, analytical and critical thinking, clarity and precision in communication, and subject matter expertise. By the end, students will be better equipped as critical, informed citizens and better prepared to navigate our evolving media landscape.