(2017) PhD Seminar: Media Studies Theory and Literature (Social Science Approach) (original) (raw)

Theory is the foundation of knowledge production. Drawing on literature from the fields of media studies, communication, sociology, and management, this course aims to equip PhD students with skills to learn, use, and build media theories. The course has three major components: 1. We start with the foundational theorists and theories, broadly in social science and specifically in media and communication studies. We will examine whether and how these theorists and theories remain relevant in the digital age. We will discuss how digital media have challenged conventional modes of theorizing. 2. In the second part, we will draw on milestone studies to showcase how theories are applied, criticized, appropriated, revised, and reclaimed, crossing disciplinary and national boundaries. 3. In the third part, students are encouraged to engage with media theories through review and research. This course is one of the two RTF 395 courses on key theories of communication and media studies. This fall semester seminar focuses on foundational scholars and theories on communication contexts, processes, and audiences. The readings reflect the diverse theoretical streams and approaches in communication and media studies: historical, critical, and political economy approaches in social science, including the Chicago School, the Frankfurt School, the Columbia School, and the Toronto School. Students will be guided step-by-step to achieve the following goals: A1. Demonstrate a solid understanding of: a. Major theoretical approaches and their confluence in media studies, especially as applicable to recent advancements in digital media studies b. Modes and processes of theorizing media and society A2. Develop skills to apply major media theories to specific research topics A3. Recognize various opportunities, challenges, and implications of doing and communicating media theories in a rapidly changing digital media landscape