:cjn 704 issues in communication: consumer society: (graduate level)

This semester CJN 704: Issues in Communication will examine the development of consumerism in the 20th and 21st centuries. The class will trace the history of industrialization and the mass production of goods; the influence of advertising on consumption practices; key decisions in land development policy and the creation of malls and shopping centers; legal precedents and the establishment of corporate rights; the redefinition of citizenship; the environmental impact of manufacturing; the social and emotional costs of conspicuous consumption; and reactions to and alternative visions of consumer-oriented ideology. While North America is the geographical focus, the global reach and consequence of the rise in consumption is addressed. By its nature this course is interdisciplinary, engaging history, anthropology, sociology, psychology, economics, political science, environmental science, and communication.

syllabus: Course purpose, attendance policy, grading structure and contact information (PDF document).

assignments: Weekly reading assignments.

midterm exam: Essay questions, due by 5:30pm on March 5.

final paper: Guidelines and deadlines for the final paper option. Thesis statement due March 26.

final exam: Essay questions, due by 5:30pm on April 30.

resources: Various websites, books and articles to further explore consumer society and sustainable consumption topics.

overheads: Audio/visual examples used in class.

group projects: Class presentation groups listed here.