Communication and Media Culture : Comunicación y cultura mediática

Abstract

The purpose of this handbook is to empower students with the skills to analyze, reflect on, and understand communication and media in contemporary societies. Specifically, the course theoretically examines the social, cultural, media, and identity-related impact of communication and explores how it can be improved to contribute to a better world, fostering students’ civic and critical spirit. This course provides the scientific and rigorous knowledge necessary to deepen the critical understanding of communication and media. The book is structured into four chapters that cover the fundamental aspects of communication and media studies: • Chapter 1: Introduces the basic concepts and key dimensions of the field of communication and media studies. • Chapter 2: Examines media representations, exploring the main ideas and narratives conveyed through media messages such as news, TV shows, films, documentaries, social media, etc. These messages often present challenges, especially for marginalized groups such as women, immigrants, or the LGBTQ+ community. Here, students will learn how to critically consume and analyze these messages. • Chapter 3: Focuses on audiences and users, addressing fundamental questions such as: How do media messages influence us? What effects do they have on our thoughts, behaviors, and social meanings? • Chapter 4: Focuses on the senders: the large media corporations that control the creation and dissemination of content.