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The Cult of Celebrity: Mass Media and Idolatry in the Digital Age
University of Westminster - Arts, Business & Sciences Program
London, England
Dates: 6/17/17 - 7/8/17
The Cult of Celebrity: Mass Media and Idolatry in the Digital Age
OVERVIEW
CEA CAPA Partner Institution: University of Westminster
Location: London, England
Primary Subject Area: Sociology
Other Subject Area: Media Studies
Instruction in: English
Course Code: 4SOCL009X
Transcript Source: TBD
Course Details: Level 200
Recommended Semester Credits: 4
DESCRIPTION
The class aims to provide students with the understanding that the current media obsession with ?celebrities? is not a 21st century phenomenon but a social need that has occurred throughout the ages. Students will explore the role of the celebrity from Helen of Troy via Lord Byron and Lillie Langtry to Oscar Wilde and, more recently, Princess Diana, and the Beckhams. They will understand when and why the cult of celebrity flourishes as well as being able to analyse how and why publications with different target audiences report on the same celebrity (in word and images) to appeal to their readership. Students will be able to identify news or features that are generated by public relations offices/press agent hacks. They will learn how to conduct successful interviews as well as analyse how and why journalists use interviews to manipulate public opinion about public figures.