MCOM 250 - Mass Media and Celebrity 3 s.h.

This course will explore the pervasiveness of celebrity culture in the United States - an inordinate amount of media content is currently dedicated to the professional and personal lives of entertainment celebrities. A focus will be place on the role of the mass media in the production of celebrity, as well as the historical antecedents and potential psychological effects of modern-day celebrity. In 1962, Daniel Boorstin defined “celebrity” as a “person who is known for his well-knowness,” and claimed that, “Every year we experience a larger number than the year before.” This sentiment certainly holds true in the 21st century, which is why the topic warrants examination in a semester-long seminar.
LA
Prerequisite(s): JrS.