What this course can offer you: Media, both traditional "mass media" and social media/digital media saturate our lives, and we are living through a revolution in communication. The internet and social media have transformed nearly every aspect of our lives: work, play, relationships, entertainment, knowledge, politics, education (like this online course!), and so much else. Anxieties surrounding media use are widespread and growing, yet so is excitement and awe over technological progress.  This course is an introduction to the critical study of media, with the broad aim of helping students think about and analyze the impact(s) of media in their own lives. You'll learn about media history, media theory, contemporary issues and debates surrounding media, media & social change, all through topical lessons on everything from 'YouTube Stars' to digital journalism. One of my favorite parts about teaching this course is that students are already very knowledgeable about media in many respects (you're already experts!), which I provide are tools and perspectives for putting that knowledge to work. This course really is for everyone: developing an critical and informed understanding of media is essential in today's world, and this course aims to help students develop a concept-based knowledge of media that will serve you for life, even as the specific forms of dominant media change and transform. 

Class flexibility: The course is designed with flexibility for students to fit their work time in with their schedules, however it is also structured to help make sure students stay on track to complete all the work. You can absolutley take the class from anywhere (I've had students complete the class from many different time zones and countries!). Even if you've never taken an online class before, the course is designed to be intuitive and easy to manage. 

Course book costs: the class has just one book, used copies of which can be found for around $10-$15 (+shipping) on Amazon and similar online retailers. 

About your instructor: I've taught this class online half a dozen times now, and have worked to make it a smooth and enjoyable experience for students, despite the fact that it's a condensed schedule (a 4 credit course in just 3-4 weeks). I try to make the class as personal and interactive as I can, even though it's a purely virtual format. I also teach this same course "face-to-face", so I've enjoyed the challenge of shaping it into the online format. 

Questions? Want more info? Contact me! (michael.soha@unh.edu)