This course is a hands-on investigation into the forces that shape our contemporary world. This semester, we will focus on understanding the structures of global, digital, media, by examining the hidden infrastructures, business models, and cultural power of the platforms that mediate our lives.
Through a series of theory and in-depth case studies on Netflix, Facebook, and TikTok, we will learn how to critically analyze the global systems that deliver our content. The semester builds toward a final creative project where you will step into the role of a Media Analyst, producing your own short documentary, podcast, or website that presents a deep investigation into digital media platforms.
Instructor: David Rheams
Office hours: By Appointment
Email: [email protected]
Credit Hours: 3
🤖 UTD’s AI Policy
This course teaches the complete strategic loop essential for innovation in the media and tech industries. You will learn how to perform a deep systems analysis of any digital product, communicate your complex findings to a public audience, and translate that analysis into an actionable recommendation for improvement or change. These skills are fundamental to the process of developing new media and building the next generation of digital products. Specifically we’ll build on the following skilss;
These are the writing and organization tools I will mention during the semester. They all have a free option. I’ll add to this list as we go through the semester.
Thinking is a team sport, and you'll be assigned group work in labs and presentations over the semester. The class is designed as an in-person class (unless otherwise indicated on the syllabus) so that we can take advantage of all being in the same room together.