CMN 377

Credit: 3 hours.

Traces the social, economic, and political underpinnings of propaganda and public relations. Examines the rise of corporate propaganda in the early 20th century and explores how these strategies were adapted by a wide range of social and political actors. The second part of the course discusses the above issues from contemporary perspectives. The role of WWI, WWII, and the more recent Iraqi war, in solidifying the role of government and commercial propaganda in society and the frequently blurry distinctions between government propaganda and commercial public relations will also be discussed. The relationship between propaganda, PR and the mass media will constitute a constant site of inquiry. This course focuses on theory, especially critical theory.