PSY 280 Psychology of Media

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Introduces the role of media on human behavior and cognition. Explores history of psychology of media, influence on social behavior, audience dynamics, propaganda, and linguistics. Media examined include, but are not limited to, radio, television, film, video, newsprint, magazines, video games, Internet, and social networking. Examines how media is used to perpetuate unequal distribution of power and discrimination, including how media is used to influence perception of similarities and differences between or within social/cultural groups. Focuses on the United States, but discusses how media is used around the globe and how the United States is portrayed in news media around the globe.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher); and completion of PSY 201Z; or consent of instructor. (All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.)
Student Learning Outcomes:

Describe how mass communication and emerging technologies shape values, opinions, beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes of individuals and groups.
Discuss media’s role in the social and emotional development across the lifespan.
Identify the use of psychological concepts and theories across various media types.
Explain how media impacts and is influenced by cultural practices.
Analyze various forms of media using psychological concepts and theories.
Examine ways the media contributes to discrimination by framing socially defined meanings attributed to differences.
Explore how media contributes to the unequal distribution of power.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Apply analytical skills to social phenomena to understand human behavior.
Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse social world in which we live.

Cultural Literacy Outcome:

Identify and analyze complex practices, values, and beliefs and the culturally and historically defined meanings of difference.

Content Outline

Introduction to Psychology of Media
- History of psychology of media and communication
- Language, linguistics, and propaganda.
- Psychological research of media
Media Influence and the Individual
- Across the life span
- Lifestyle choices
- Health and wellness
  - Body image and eating disorders
- Social relationships
  - Persuasion and advertising
  - Influences on prosocial and anti-social behavior
Media and Society
- Public Policy
- Culture
- Race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality
- Violence
- Framing and the psychology of news influence
Media and Education
- Children’s television programming
- Learning software
- Impact on school performance
- Intelligence
Social Media