Class Description (tentative): This class is designed to examine the role media (television, movies,  music, Internet, etc.) does play in our society through the times.  We will be observing and examining pop culture, how it reflects upon the society of its time, and any issues that may arise (roles of men, women, children, and minorities, racism, stereotypes, deviance, etc.).  We will begin in the days of radio by examining the family, society, and comedy of the radio show Baby Snooks, and explore the War of the Worlds episode that terrorized the nation.  We will then go into the 50's with I Love Lucy.  After evaluating women's role in I Love Lucy, we'll discover the 60's with Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, and how that show pushed the envelope on multiple topics of what was taboo.  We will explore the war in Vietnam with the movie Good Morning Vietnam, dealing with issues of war and censorship.  We will watch an episode of Golden Girls  and Empty Nest to explore TV in the 80s, then watch shows from the 90s.  Basically we will relate sociological theories to each media we observe.

 

The second half of the class will explore the area of political media.  Today we live in the age where names like O'Reilly, Scarbourogh, Coulter, Moore, Franken, Springer, etc. dominate the airwaves with their political bias.  We will explore their shows and what they're saying, then relate to how the people take it.  Basically we're going to attempt to answer the question "How much of a role does media play in politics and decision making today?"  I think you'll be surprised once we study this. 

Materials Required: Notebook, Pen, Pencil, Sociology Textbook/Notes, Handouts

Grading: 50% "Political Media" Final Paper, 20% Tests, 20% Activities, 10% Participation (not sleeping, focused on this class)

Disclaimer: In this class we will be discussing controversial issues.  Permission slips will be handed out before we watch any movie/show and must be returned before the date determined by the instructor.  If the instructor does not receive a permission slip before it is due, a substitute assignment will be assigned to the student.  Mr. Fultz is open for any comments/concerns via conference, phone call, or e-mail.