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Dec 21, 2024
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PSY-533 Foundations of Media Psychology4 semester credits
Media psychology is the application of psychological theory and research to the analysis of media and technology use, development and impact. This course introduces six major domains in psychology–cognitive, social, developmental, biological/neuroscience, individual differences and positive–to provide a foundation for approaching media technologies from multiple dimensions. We will spend time exploring the question “what is media psychology” to think about why a definition matters and to give students the chance to examine their assumptions about media and technology. Each week we will address different topics in the current media landscape, such as social media, collective behaviors, games, media immersion, transmedia messaging, mobile devices and global impact, to see how different perspectives in psychology provide relevant theoretical and practical anchors. In every area, we will be evaluating media technologies based on: 1) inherent physical and psychological attributes; 2) impact on individuals and society; 3) design implications; and 4) user experience. The final project will focus on media’s ability to leverage ideas, cross boundaries, and connect people applied to the question: how can media technologies create social change?
Delivery Method: In person/Blended
Grading Default: Letter
Learning Outcome(s):
- Understanding of what it means to be a leader in field of media psychology as a scholar and practitioner.
- Understand the complex interaction of media technologies with human behavior and society. Explanation: Ability to understand and explain the reciprocal influence of environment, behavior, emotion and human psychosocial and biological development with media and technology content, creation and use to think critically about impact and use.
- Understanding the appropriate application of psychological theory to the complex media environment. Explanation: Ability to identify theoretical relevance and to synthesize theoretical perspectives to critically analyze media use, impact and development. Growing familiarity with basic tenets of social, cognitive, developmental and positive psychologies and demonstrate their applicability to the development, use and impact of media technologies, particularly as they related to individual and collective welfare, identity and wellbeing.
- Extend media psychology scholarship to identification of real world problems where media technologies have impact or offer viable solutions. Explanation: Ability to apply media psychology in the field, to identify problems and develop appropriate interventions and solutions that take advantage of media and technology affordances and leverage.
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