A practical overview of and information portal for media literacy and education.

Introduction

In almost every act of our lives whether in the sphere of politics or business in our social conduct or our ethical thinking, we are dominated by the media.

Media is the plural of medium. The word medium (from Latin, in which it means, “the one in the middle”) can have different meanings in different contexts. In communications and technology it can mean a transmission medium, mass media, a recording medium, or interactive media.

Media can be used for a variety of purposes such as advocacy, enrichment and education, entertainment, journalism, public service announcements, personal, or artistic expression.

Some types of media include newpapers, magazines, film,
radio, television, World Wide Web, books, CDs, and DVDs.

Media literacy is defined as the ability to read, analyze, evaluate,
and produce a communication in a variety of media forms
(television, print, radio, Web, etc.). Regarding media literacy
there are several topics to consider such as

  • The processes involved in critically analyzing and creating media messages
  • The business of mass media or the globalization of media
  • The intersection of media and government
  • The nature of journalism and the issue of media bias
  • The sociopolitical nature of the media’s content such as the depiction of stereotypes and violence

Course

For more information about the course at UMass Boston view the Media Literacy Syllabus.