In 2024, the average U.S. consumer spent about 12 hours and 42 minutes daily with media. Most people know very little about the history of media or its economic and societal impacts. Over four classes, students will learn about the evolution of media from the invention of the printing press to everyone having a world of information at hand. No prior knowledge is required. There are no outside assignments or required reading. Topics: the origins of print, radio, TV, social media and the size of their audiences; how different types of media generate income; how media is or is not regulated; news versus journalism; an attempt to forecast what might be in the future for media. Discussion will be encouraged, but the course will not be about blame, anger, grievance, opinions or entertainment.
NOTE: There is no class on Monday, Jan. 19.
