Media Literacy: Persuasion, Power, and the Modern Information World

How do advertisements, news outlets, social media platforms, films, influencers, and political campaigns shape the way we see the world? Why do certain stories spread rapidly online while others are ignored? And how can we tell the difference between reliable information, misleading claims, propaganda, and entertainment designed to capture attention?

In this twelve-week humanities course, students will examine the modern media landscape and learn how messages are created, distributed, and interpreted in the digital age. Through the study of journalism, advertising, film, social media, political messaging, and popular culture, students will develop the tools to analyze media critically rather than simply consume it passively.

The course will explore how media industries use language, imagery, emotion, music, editing, algorithms, and storytelling techniques to influence audiences. Students will investigate topics such as clickbait, conspiracy theories, internet misinformation, targeted advertising, influencer culture, propaganda, political cartoons, and the economics of attention in the online world.

Along the way, students will study both historical and modern examples of persuasive media, from wartime propaganda posters and early television advertising to TikTok trends, YouTube commentary, podcasts, and twenty-first century political campaigns. We will examine how media has shaped public opinion during moments of crisis and social change, and how ordinary people can both challenge and contribute to the spread of information online.

Students will regularly practice close analysis of texts, images, videos, headlines, speeches, and digital content while learning how to evaluate sources, recognize bias, identify persuasive techniques, and construct evidence-based arguments of their own. Class discussions and writing assignments will encourage students to think carefully about free speech, censorship, ethics, technology, and the responsibilities that come with participating in a connected global media environment.

No previous background in journalism, communications, or media studies is required. The course is designed to introduce students step-by-step to the major concepts of media literacy while building confidence in reading, discussion, analysis, and written communication.

By the end of the course, students will better understand how media shapes culture, politics, and everyday life — and how thoughtful, informed citizens can navigate an increasingly complex information world.