Skip to main content

MDST 363 Children, Adolescents and the Media

This course examines the influence of television, radio, film and new media on children and the family. Students discuss the unique production considerations involved when producing a media program for children and explore the research on media literacy, media violence, advertising, education, online privacy, gender roles, new technology and the child's response to programming. Includes critical viewing of media programs produced for children on broadcast and cable television, video, radio, computer, feature films, video games as well as international programs for children.
4 Undergraduate credits

Effective May 2, 2012 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Students will understand the history of electronic media in the United States and public policy issues in broadcasting, especially as they relate to the child/adolescent audience and can demonstrate this understanding in essay and objective exams and/or book reviews.
  • Students will locate and critique communication research studies of historical significance related to the child/adolescent audience and will locate and critique the most current communication research on the same topic. Students will respond to these readings in papers and online class discussions.
  • Students will develop skills in media criticism and media literacy through viewing a wide variety of media materials for young people (including current films/television programs/video games), writing about current media issues in the popular press and using journal writing assignments to document individual media use.
  • Students will explore some of the major issues in the study of children, adolescents and the media including but not limited to advertising, violence, media literacy, cultural representations, gender, educational media, media campaigns for social issues, animation and new technologies and can demonstrate their understanding of the issues through response papers, book reviews and/or projects .
  • Students will learn about future trends in electronic media and international programs for young people.
  • Students will develop the ability to generate a new programming idea for children and/or adolescents and "pitch" the idea in an industry simulation.
  • Students will develop skills in online communication and demonstrate these skills through individual and group presentations, industry simulations and discussion activities.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 1: Communication

  • Understand/demonstrate the writing and speaking processes through invention, organization, drafting, revision, editing and presentation.
  • Participate effectively in groups with emphasis on listening, critical and reflective thinking, and responding.
  • Locate, evaluate, and synthesize in a responsible manner material from diverse sources and points of view.
  • Select appropriate communication choices for specific audiences.
  • Construct logical and coherent arguments.
  • Use authority, point-of-view, and individual voice and style in their writing and speaking.
  • Employ syntax and usage appropriate to academic disciplines and the professional world.

Spring 2024

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 Children, Adolescents and the Media Liang, Ming-Ching Books for MDST-363-50 Spring 2024 Course details for MDST-363-50 Spring 2024

Fall 2024

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 Children, Adolescents and the Media Carlson, Andrew F Books for MDST-363-50 Fall 2024 Course details for MDST-363-50 Fall 2024