Analytical Paper Optional: All enrolled students have the option of completing a research paper of at least 20-25 pages, with faculty and peer review of a substantially complete draft. This paper can be used to satisfy the analytical paper requirement for J.D. students. Students who choose to satisfy the analytical paper requirement through this course may not also count the course toward their experiential learning requirement.

Prerequisites: None

Exam Type: No Exam

This seminar examines the role of mass media depictions and imagery in shaping perceptions within our increasingly fast-paced and turbulent modern era. It situates this loaded imaging process within an appropriate social and historical context while considering how the quest to maintain a normalized national identity competes with law and evolving notions of culture, race, and gender. Such imaging-commonly a dual process involving contestation between a group’s projected image, and one being projected upon them-will be discussed through law, literature, journalism, and visual media. It further considers such relevant and compelling issues as immigration, citizenship, diversity, propaganda, and the ultimate role of journalism/news media.

Note: This course is not available for cross-registration.