Class meeting times:

Tuesdays and Thursdays

2:15 – 3:35 P.M.

Location:           

Blake 131

Cook Campus

A map is here at http://maps.rutgers.edu/building.aspx?id=36

Prerequisite:

11:374:101 – Introduction to Human Ecology

Course web site:

All the information that is extremely critical to your success in this class is available via this web site. Visit early and often. I will not print out copies of the syllabus. The information is on this web site and is frequently updated throughout the semester to reflect actual events.

I encourage you to save paper (paper = trees, carbon emissions, industrial by products, etc.) and not print it out as well or if you must, print it out on two-sided paper. Every act is an environmental act.

Course description:

This course will provide a detailed introduction to the patterns and styles of mass media coverage of environmental and health issues. Particular examples of media coverage will be used to provide an insight into the workings of the mass media and theories of media effects on society. The course will provide students added insight into the challenges of addressing environmental and health issues that go beyond traditional approaches based on ‘just getting the science right’.

Students will explore how knowledge, attitude, behaviors, and social structure influence public perceptions of environmental and health risk and influences public opinion. We will focus on mass media depictions of the environment and health issues, what effects those depictions do and do not have in viewers, readers, and listeners of the mass media, and the implications for those working to address environmental and health issues in society.