RTF 316M Communication and Ethics

Faculty: Willis

Class Time: TTH 330-5P

Room: WCH 1.120

Writing Comp: No

Comm/Culture Req: Yes

Cross-listed: COM 316M

Prerequisites

A major in the College of Communication. Additional prerequisite for RTF majors: RTF 305.

Consent requirements

This course does not require consent. Registration is open via the online registration system to all students.

First class day policy

The RTF Department strongly advises students to refrain from adding this course after the first two days of class or the first discussion meeting.

Course description

The purpose of this course is to help students learn the fundamentals of media issues related to ethnic groups and their interrelations in the U.S. We will use documentary and fictional films in considerable measure to contribute to discussion and learning. We will examine: (1) How we have always been a multiethnic society, how our multiethnic make-up is developing currently, and the implications of this for smart Communication professionals and researchers. (2) Past and present media portrayals of the major ethnic groups in the U.S. (Anglos, African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans). This will include discussion of the 'racial'/racist images and rhetoric in US culture. Part of the course will be dedicated to studying these issues as they pertain to how non-citizen residents and people of related regions (e.g. Latin America, Africa and Asia ) have been referred to and portrayed in various media. (3) Discussion of the impact of limited and/or hostile portrayals of ethnic groups in the media on people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. (4) A brief history and current status of minority-ethnic media in the US . Essential to the course are the Discussion Sections: these are complex and sometimes emotive issues, and their discussion in smaller sections is essential. As a result, attendance is mandatory and unexcused absences will negatively impact course grades. Students will be assessed through tests, a mandatory final exam, and a substantial analytical essay.