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The purpose of JTC 316 is to develop a greater self-awareness of our own individual differences, understand the media's role in shaping our understanding of individual difference in society, and learn to communicate more effectively and ethically about areas of individual difference to particular audiences. First, we will explore our own areas of individual difference--such as our social class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, immigration status, race, health, generation--and reflect upon how these features influence our perspective on the world and interactions with others within it. Second, drawing upon communication and media theory, we will consider the media's role in shaping our understanding of these areas of individual difference. Third, we will practice strategies for communicating about areas of individual difference and difference of perspective in ways that avoid stereotype and mitigate bias. Finally, based on one's sense of personal and civic responsibility, we will develop a personal code of ethics that can be used to guide professional practice. As an upper division course, some of the skills you make use of in this course are your research, analytical, public speaking, and writing skills. Credit not allowed for both JTC 316 and ETST 316 (Multiculturalism and the Media).
In a 16-week semester, you should expect to spend about 6-9 hours each week on schoolwork. Meanwhile, in an 8-week semester, you should expect to spend about 12-18 hours per week on course content.
Section 801
Required
Textbooks and materials can be purchased at the CSU Bookstore unless otherwise indicated.
Linnea Sudduth Ward is an instructor in the Department of Journalism and Media Communication. Dr. Ward's recent research interests focus on people's communication about and perceptions of social norms across contexts like technology platforms and culture. For example, her dissertation research considered how a group of "trailing wives"--or, women who move for their partners' needs rather than their own--used social media to practice resilience.
Dr. Ward's personal academic experiences deeply influence her approach to online course instruction. Throughout her time as an undergraduate and graduate student, she completed several online courses. As a result, she is particularly passionate about integrating varied learning activities into courses, providing substantial feedback on course assignments, and clearly outlining course expectations (particularly, grading expectations). Additionally, given her personal interest in popular culture, Dr. Ward enjoys integrating movies and television shows into coursework.