This course is a study of the technological growth and impact of our media environment on the individual and society as a whole. Special emphasis is placed on the political-legal, economic, sociological, and psychological effects of mass media on American life. Students will study various media for communicating information, entertainment, and persuasion. They will develop an overall perspective of multiple media and its impact on democracy. Overviews are provided for newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television, Internet, sound recording, and movies as well as advertising and public relations.