This course aims to provide students with an introduction to the development of selected modern mass media, including the popular press, telegraph, radio, and television, in the United States between 1865 and the present. After examining some theoretical explanations and forecasts of the role of modern media in society, both historical and contemporary, the course will explore the ways in which each succeeding wave of communication media has confirmed or confronted the received culture of the United States. Lectures and tutorial readings will focus upon the ways in which these media have altered perception and practice of political and popular cultures over time and space in the United States. Where appropriate, materials dealing with the impact of mass media within and upon British and Australian societies will also be used. The course will conclude with an examination of the impact, both present and future, of the networked computer upon the politics and popular culture of the United States.

One essay (50%), tutorial participation and assignments (10%), and a final examination (40%).

One ninety minute lecture and one tutorial per week. Lectures will be streamed.

Any first year History courses to the value of twelve units or with permission of the Convener.

Meyrowitz, J, No Sense of Place, Oxford University Press, 1985.
Grossman, L,K, The Electronic Republic, Penguin Books, 1995.

This course can be counted towards a History, Gender, Sexuality and Culture or American Studies major.