This course introduces the student to basic concepts and approaches in the critical analysis of communications media. Drawing on contemporary critiques and historical studies, it seeks to build an understanding of different forms of media, such as photography and cinema, television and video, the internet and hypermedia, in order to assess their role and impact in society. Since media are at once technology, art and entertainment, and business enterprises, they need to be studied from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. The readings for the course reflect this multi-pronged approach and draw attention to the work of key thinkers and theorists in the field. Moreover, the readings build awareness of the international dimensions of media activity, range, and power. Satisfies one of the Introductory requirements for the Culture and Media and Screen Studies majors and is equivalent to LCST 2450. [Students must register for both the lecture and discussion section for this course. Students who have completed LCST 2450 Intro to Media Studies cannot receive credit for this course.] Students must register for both the lecture and discussion section of this course. [This ULEC is in category 3, Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Arts & Humanities.]