COM 148 - Diversity and the Media

1. Research current media effects on the consequences of stereotypical media portrayals and under-representation of alternative images
   1. Give examples of negative media portrayals of various minority groups.
   2. Discuss basic facts and concepts of the U.S. as a diverse country
   3. Evaluate the social and psychological effects of the portrayals of underrepresented groups in the media
   4. Identify and challenge portrayals, especially stereotypical representation, of underrepresented groups in the media.
2. Examine theories of social construction of race, disability and age
   1. Assess common assumptions of diversity
   2. Compare and contrast theories of stereotypical representation of underrepresented groups in the media
3. Evaluate the function and effects of the mass media on today’s society
   1. Discuss current mainstream media and its target audiences
   2. Analyze the print and electronic media as they relate to gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, mental or physical disability, and age issues.
4. Distinguish alternative media voices and creators, multicultural contributions to media, the image rebuilding process, and corrective stereotypes.
   1. Analyze the needs and interests of diverse communities, and how they are being met by the mainstream media
   2. Investigate the role of nonmainstream media’s sources and outlets
5. Evaluate various minority groups’ representations in the media.
   1. Analyze popular media products
   2. Infer the media’s cultural influence and become a more informed consumer and enlightened participant in our media/consumer culture
6. Communicate clearly and concisely in professional contexts involving mediated communication in regards to diverse social groups
   1. Conduct a research project on the representation of an identified group
   2. Present results of a research project in both oral and written forms
7. Integrate a variety of materials to critically address issues about media, race, religion, disability, sexuality and gender
   1. Analyze how images of diverse groups have changed over time and why
   2. Reframe a sense of responsibility as a media consumer and citizen
8. Predict changes in the diversity of media images
   1. Examine active campaigns against the perpetuation of media stereotypes.
   2. Develop a course of action of what can be done to promote positive change of diverse groups
   3. Brainstorm what can be done to promote change.
9. Critique ethical obligations and responsibilities of media.
   1. Analyze the role of ethics of media to diversify its images of race, religion, disability, sexuality and gender
   2. Compare and contrast popular media’s success at representing minority groups