Advertising & Society

This course introduces students to the links between advertising and society. It is premised on the belief that advertising helps shape human attitudes and behaviors, just as the latter two in turn help direct and shape advertising. The emphasis is however firmly on advertising as a shaping agent - how it influences individuals and societies, the dynamic nature of the relationship, and the impacts (both positive and negative) that advertising may have on individuals and societies. It takes a critical and dispassionate view of advertising, rather than a managerial or practitioner's view. Various criticisms of advertising are flagged, and these are used as a basis for further coverage and discussion of the criticisms and issues raised.