RTF 331M New Communication Technologies

Unique No. 07135

Faculty: Phillips

Class Time: TTH 2-330P

Room: CMA 3.112

Writing Comp: No

Comm/Culture Req: No

Closing Limit: 35

Cross-listed: STS 331

Prerequisites

Must be an RTF major with a UT GPA of at least a 2.25 and have upper division standing. The following coursework with a grade of at least C in each course: RTF 305, RTF 309 and 6 additional semester hours of lower-division coursework in RTF.

Consent requirements

This course does not require consent. Registration is open via TEX to all RTF majors.

First class day policy

Students must attend the first class day or make prior arrangements with the instructor.

Course description

This course explores technological, industrial, and social structures of communication and information. We will start with a brief overview of the history of U.S. telephone, broadcast, and computer industries. Then we will explore how technological and political developments in the last two decades profoundly altered the products these industries offer, the markets they serve, their relations with each other and with policy makers, and their effect on the daily life of various cultural groups. Throughout the course, we will keep a critical eye on the ends and means of government policy regarding communication and information technologies.