This course delves into the relationship between advertising and various aspects of society, culture, history, and the economy. By utilizing contemporary theories regarding visual communication, students will learn how to analyze the intricate layers of meaning found within print advertisements and television commercials.
Covering a broad range of topics, this course explores the origins of advertising, the process of creating ads, the interpretation of ads, the portrayal of race, class, gender, and sexuality in advertising, the influence of sex in selling products, ethical considerations in advertising, and the future of the industry.
Throughout the lectures, students will be exposed to theoretical frameworks that will be applied to specific advertisements. By doing so, they will gain a deeper understanding of how these frameworks can be used to decipher and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of various advertisements.
Overall, this course provides a comprehensive exploration of advertising and its role in society. Students will develop critical thinking skills that enable them to assess advertisements from a multitude of perspectives, including historical, cultural, and economic. By taking this course, individuals will gain valuable insights into the world of advertising and its influence on our daily lives.
