BCM200 - Media and Culture

Subject Title
Media and Culture

Subject Description
This course introduces students to media-facilitated communication, its impact on society and its relationship with culture, identity, and politics. With a specific focus on the concepts of culture and the production, circulation, and use of cultural artifacts, students explore how social structures, ideologies, The importance of media literacy and defining the role strategic communicators play in the management of content and trust in the age of mis/dis/mal-information are explored. 
 
The theories and works of influential contributors to cultural and media studies will be discussed to help students understand the role of media in contemporary life and examine cultural productions. Moreover, students explore the history of media technologies from the printing press to present-day content creation devices, the impact of new media as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each medium. Also, the course enables students to understand the impact of technological advancements in communication and the significance of digital communication in the age of the Internet (IoT) of Things and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI).

** Course descriptions may be subject to change in commitment to align with evolving industry needs.

Credit Status
Mandatory course credit for all students in the Honours Bachelor of Communications and Media degree.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1.        Apply cultural studies frameworks to identify the ideology of culture and cultural information products. 
2.        Identify the political, ethical, and social contexts of cultural productions and their relations of power when examining the role of media in contemporary life.
3.        Describe the impact of globalized media on the cultural and economy aspects of societies. 
4.        Define competing visions of the role and purpose of mass media in a democratic society with reference to Canada and the United States. 
5.        Compare styles, approaches, and the use of media elements for various media platforms.
6.        Describe the importance of media literacy and the role strategic communicators play in the management of trustworthy, fact-based information. 
7.        Apply the principles and best practices of the use of language, visuals, placement/line-up and fact-checking practices when reviewing media stories and productions.
8.        Describe the future of communication in the context of trending technologies. 

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.