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University Bulletin: Undergraduate Programs 2003-2004 The George Washington University  

 
    
 
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MEDIA AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Professors C.H. Sterling, J.B. Manheim, S.V. Roberts, S. Hess (Research), R.M. Entman, L. Huebner (Director), F. Sesno
Associate Professors J.E. Thiel, J.E. Steele, S.L. Livingston, L.S. Harvey, A.L. May III, L. Willnat, M. Feldstein, P.F. Phalen, S. Aday, R. Russell
Assistant Professors S. Keller, K.A. Gross, N. Seavey (Research)
 
Master of Arts in the field of media and public affairs—Prerequisite: An undergraduate degree in mass or political communication, journalism, electronic media, or a related program.
Required: the general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and completion of 36 credit hours, including SMPA 201, 202, 210, 240, and 241; 6 credit hours outside SMPA as approved by the advisor; 9 credit hours of SMPA topic courses or related credits outside SMPA as approved by the advisor; 6 hours of thesis research or additional course work approved by the advisor. A written comprehensive examination must be passed after completion of the five required SMPA courses.
With permission of the director of graduate studies, a limited number of 100-level courses in the department may be taken for graduate credit; additional course work is required. See the Undergraduate Programs Bulletin for course listings.

201   Media Processes and Institutions (3) Sterling, Phalen
  Analysis of the interactions among media organizations, societal institutions, and citizens in a democracy. How economic pressures, audience behavior, history, and technology shape the content and character of American mass media.    (Fall)
202   Media Theory and Effects (3) Willnat, Aday
  Survey of media effects research. Focus on the individual attitudinal, affective, and cognitive effects resulting from media exposures of various types and on other institutional, social, and cultural effects.    (Fall)
210   Media and Public Affairs (3) Livingston, Manheim, Gross
  Examination of the influence of media in the shaping and conduct of public affairs. Topics include politics of news making, political uses of media content, role of media in shaping dialogue on public issues, and theoretical basis of strategic communication.    (Spring)
240   Qualitative Media Research Methods (3) Staff
  Qualitative research methods and conceptual approaches to studying media, including case studies, history, biography, interviewing, ethnography, participant observation, and fieldwork. Sources and databases and other archival collections. Various social, cultural, and historical approaches to media analysis.    (Spring)
241   Quantitative Media Research Methods (3) Manheim, Willnat
  Design, applications, and limitations of quantitative research as applied to the field of media and public affairs. Framing of research questions, identification of variables and formulation of hypotheses, measurement, sampling, data gathering techniques, data analysis, and preparation of research reports. Prerequisite: an undergraduate statistics course.    (Fall)
250   Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (3) Steele, Sterling, Phalen
  Topics address such issues as the history of media content, institutions, and process; impact of changing communications technology on culture; history and development of mass-produced culture in the United States; and professional ideology and practice of journalism. May be repeated for credit provided the topic differs. Prerequisite: SMPA 201 or permission of instructor.
260   Topics in Theory and Effects (3) Willnat, Aday
  Topics address such issues as the relationship between broadcast content and the construction of social perceptions; anthropology of media; and viewership, readership, and the changing American audience. Prerequisite: SMPA 202.
270   Topics in Media and Public Affairs (3) Livingston, Manheim, Gross
  Topics explore such areas as social theories of public opinion and mass media's response; effects of global news media on conduct of U.S. foreign and military policy; and the role of mass media in constructing social perceptions of the scientific process and its relationship to cultural and material life. Prerequisite: SMPA 210.
280   Topics in Research (3) Staff
  Courses under this topic examine advanced research methods used in the study of media effects, history, law, and policy. May be repeated for credit with departmental approval. Prerequisite: SMPA 240, 241.
296   Directed Readings and Research (3) Staff
  Independent research with SMPA faculty member. Must be approved in advance by supervising professor and director of graduate studies. May be repeated for credit with departmental approval.
297   Field Experience (1 to 3) Staff
  Students spend 12–20 hours per week in an approved position. Outside reading and/or research under the supervision of an SMPA faculty member. Grades are credit only. May be repeated for credit with departmental approval.
298   Independent Study (1 to 3) Staff
  Independent research project conducted with a faculty advisor. Must be approved by director of graduate studies.
299–300   Thesis Research (3–3)


 

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Information in this bulletin is generally accurate as of fall 2006. The University reserves the right to change courses, programs, fees, and the academic calendar, or to make other changes deemed necessary or desirable, giving advance notice of change when possible.