We live in a modern society where social values change rapidly. A sense of dissatisfaction toward exploitative aspects within the capitalist system is unavoidable and public opinions around the world have high expectations of business corporations and their owners, governments, civil servants and public figures. Mass communication channels have become increasingly influential as stakeholders shape and are mutually shaped by many fast growing commercial media institutions. The interlocking relationships that link social values, public expectations of the roles played by businesses and the media are the foci of this course. This course therefore combines inter-disciplinary perspectives of business, mass communication and sociological theories to examine the triangular relationship among business, media and society. It aims to train students to use critical thinking skills and exercise independent judgement drawing upon their encounters involving global, Greater China and local social contexts. The course will use a combination of lectures and tutorials involving students’ cases studies and presentation.
