The Nature of Media | COMM 251

Penn State Greater Allegheny | Spring 2018 | Web

Dr. Zack Furness | zackfurness@psu.edu

Course Description

COMM 251 is a point of entry for students interested in critical, cultural studies of communication and the ensemble of technologies, practices, and content we call “media.” This course is designed around specific themes and case studies that highlight timely philosophical and political questions about the nature of media in the modern era. Topics include (but are not limited to): radio, TV, gaming, comics, zines, social media, music recording & distribution, Internet culture, porn, digital privacy & surveillance, culture jamming, political activism, and media convergence. Since this is a web version of the course, we will also reflect on both the experience of being in an online classroom and the claims that are often made about the relationships between media and higher education.

Credit Information

There are no prerequisites for enrollment in this course and it is open to all students across the Penn State system. COMM 251 fulfills requirements or elective credits in various communication(s) programs throughout the commonwealth campuses, including BA degrees and minors offered at:

• Greater Allegheny, Beaver, New Kensington, Brandywine (COMCC)
• Erie (COMBA)
• Altoona (COMAL)
• Harrisburg (COMCL)

This course can also be used toward the completion of requirements for various minors, including the Communications minor at Harrisburg (COMCL) and the  Communication Arts & Mass Media minors offered at Erie and Greater Allegheny (CASCM). Please see an academic advisor on your Penn State campus if you have any questions.