PSY208 - Media Psychology

Subject Title
Media Psychology

Subject Description
A combination of art and science, media psychology is one of the applied sub-fields of psychology. The psychological analysis of human media interaction is a fascinating exploration of the human mind. Each new media innovation raises new psychological questions.  Media Psychology addresses both human behavior and mental processes related to media: Which thoughts and feelings, which physical reactions and actions emerge in different individuals in different situations and cultures, before, during, and after the use of various forms of media? Students will explore issues such as the connection between children, violence, and the media, online infidelity, cyber-sex addiction, child online safety, and video game addiction. Research methods and evaluation tools will play an important role in this course.

Credit Status
One General Education elective credit in the Sciences & Social Sciences category

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:


1.  Define and explain the subject matter of media psychology.        
2.  Relate how context, age, exposure and attention relate to effects of media.
3.  Explain how basic psychological principles apply to media effects
4.  Understand media research theories
5.  Explore media psychology issues such as news, violence and sex in an analytical way
6.  Appreciate the relative impact of media on the child versus the adult
7.  Recognize the difference between intended and unintended effects of media
8.  Apply theories of media psychology to emerging technology

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.