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

After successful completion of this course, students should:

• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the development of the most significant forms of the modern media, with particular reference to the telegraph, the telephone, radio, TV and the networked computer;
• Have an appreciation of the ways in which economic, social, and cultural factors affected the development of the modern media in the United States;
• Continue to develop strong research, writing and analytical skills
• Be able to critically reflect upon the insights provided by combining knowledge of the various media and the ways in which the development of those media was effected by that of their predecessors,
• Understand and demonstrate the significance of the subject matter for the development of the modern United States.

The assessment package will be based on written work, made up of a historiographical essay of 2,000-2,500 words (worth 30% of the final mark) and a research essay of 3,500-4,000 words (worth 70% of the final mark).

The course is offered on campus via lectures (which will be streamed) and tutorials.

One ninety minute lecture and one tutorial per week. Lectures will be streamed. Students will be expected to spend an average of seven hours per week outside these contact hours to prepare for tutorials and for research and writing of written work.