The course offers an interpretation of mass and network media and their – real as well as desired or feared – role in society, with a focus on comparison of social, political and cultural aspects of media communication in the USA, Europe and the Czech Republic. The participants will get an overview of normative perspectives on relation between media, society, and culture. The focus will be on what enables people to relate so many expectations, fears, and prejudices to the media. Specifically, we will discuss
(1) the typology of media as a means of communication, organizations and institutions,
(2) various media outputs (journalism, entertainment, etc.),
(3) the types of audiences,
(4) the (possible and probable) media effects,
(5) the specific role of media and journalism in various cultures, and
(6) the contemporary trends in media culture (online media).
 
The course requires some knowledge of social theory and communication studies on introductory level, basic knowledge of world (American and European) history and of American and European literature. The course also requires some interest in popular culture.
 

Jan Jirák

Professor of Media Studies at Charles University and Metropolitan University Prague. He belongs among the prominent figures of the Media studies in the Czech Republic as well as on the international media studies scene. He is member of editorial boards of International Journal of Media and Cultural Politics and of European Journal of Communication. His research focuses namely on media education and on the relationship of media and society from cultural as well as political point of view.