MDIA 314 Participatory Media
This course will explore the ways in which we interact, engage, produce, and view media in the contemporary world. Inspired by Henry Jenkins' work on "Convergence Culture," students will develop a theoretical foundation for "participatory media" theory through traditional scholarship and examine how "participatory media'' intersects with traditional media - film, television, board games, and music - as well as new ones - video games, social media, internet culture, and emerging technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Students will also analyze the implications "participatory media" has on fandoms, story-telling, and audiences, in addition to ethical and social considerations involving civic engagement, digital activism, journalism, and misinformation.