This course provides an analysis of the nature, development and impact of communication media in society. It introduces students to the approaches for understanding the role of mass media in society. It also examines a number of substantive issues concerning the actual functioning of modern communication media. Topics covered will include: changing technologies of communication, the ideology, ownership and control of modern media, ideals and practices of journalism, the uniqueness of different media forms like television, cinema, print and the internet, the political impact of media, the social impact of new communication technologies, the regulation of and access to broadcasting, and the globalization of communication media.