This lecture first addresses the economic and political determinants and impacts on mass media production. Based on this, methods and theories are discussed of how to analyze media content and media use. The domain of media effects finally takes a psychological and sociological standpoint to address the question which impact mass media have on individuals and the society.
Objective
The students learn important models, theories and empirical results of mass communication research. They know the circumstances of media production, are able to analyse media contents in a systematic way and are able to reflect the role of media in their field of future practice.
Lecture notes
All slides will be provided as handouts. Relevant literature will be either listed or distributed.
Literature
Heinz Bonfadelli, Otfried Jarren und Gabriele Siegert (2010): Publizistik- und Kommunikationswissenschaft - ein transdisziplinäres Fach. In: Heinz Bonfadelli, Otfried Jarren und Gabriele Siegert (Hrsg.): Einführung in die Publizistikwissenschaft (3. Aufl.). Bern: Haupt