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Updated in [May 25th, 2023]

This course, Advertising and Society, examines the relationship between advertising and society, culture, history, and the economy. Through the use of contemporary theories about visual communications, students will learn to analyze the complex levels of meaning in both print advertisements and television commercials.

The course syllabus covers a wide range of topics, including the origins of advertising, the creation of ads, the interpretation of ads, the depiction of race, class, gender, and sexuality in advertising, sex and selling, adverting and ethics, and the future of advertising. The lectures will discuss theoretical frameworks and apply them to specific advertisements.

The course is designed for students of all backgrounds and no prior knowledge is required. Suggested readings include the free online textbook ADTextOnline.org, as well as other free resources that will be suggested for each week’s module.

The course format consists of lectures with instructor talking, illustrated with PowerPoint slides, print advertisements, and TV commercials. Each week will have one quiz that will appear as stand-alone homework. All resources beyond lectures will be available online to students at no charge.

By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the relationship between advertising and society, culture, history, and the economy. They will also have the skills to analyze the complex levels of meaning in both print advertisements and television commercials.

[Applications]
Upon completion of this course, students will have a better understanding of the history, theory, and practice of advertising. They will be able to analyze and interpret advertisements, and understand the implications of advertising on society, culture, history, and the economy. Students will also be able to apply the theoretical frameworks discussed in the course to specific advertisements.

[Career Paths]
Career Paths:
1. Advertising Account Manager: Advertising account managers are responsible for managing the relationship between an advertising agency and its clients. They are responsible for developing and executing advertising campaigns, negotiating contracts, and managing budgets. They must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as a strong understanding of the advertising industry. This is a growing field, as more companies are turning to digital marketing and social media to reach their target audiences.

2. Advertising Copywriter: Advertising copywriters are responsible for creating compelling copy for advertisements. They must have a strong understanding of the target audience and be able to craft copy that resonates with them. They must also be able to work with designers and other creative professionals to create effective campaigns. This is a growing field, as more companies are turning to digital marketing and social media to reach their target audiences.

3. Advertising Creative Director: Advertising creative directors are responsible for leading the creative team in developing and executing advertising campaigns. They must have a strong understanding of the target audience and be able to create campaigns that resonate with them. They must also be able to work with account managers and other professionals to ensure that campaigns are successful. This is a growing field, as more companies are turning to digital marketing and social media to reach their target audiences.

4. Advertising Research Analyst: Advertising research analysts are responsible for analyzing data to determine the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. They must have a strong understanding of the target audience and be able to analyze data to determine the best strategies for reaching them. They must also be able to work with account managers and other professionals to ensure that campaigns are successful. This is a growing field, as more companies are turning to digital marketing and social media to reach their target audiences.

[Education Paths]
Recommended Degree Paths:
1. Bachelor of Arts in Advertising: This degree program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the advertising industry, including the history, principles, and practices of advertising. Students learn how to create effective campaigns, analyze consumer behavior, and develop strategies for reaching target audiences. This degree also covers topics such as media planning, market research, and public relations.

2. Master of Science in Advertising: This degree program provides students with advanced knowledge of the advertising industry. Students learn how to create effective campaigns, analyze consumer behavior, and develop strategies for reaching target audiences. This degree also covers topics such as media planning, market research, and public relations. Additionally, students learn how to use data analytics to measure the effectiveness of campaigns and develop strategies for improving them.

3. Doctor of Philosophy in Advertising: This degree program provides students with an in-depth understanding of the advertising industry. Students learn how to create effective campaigns, analyze consumer behavior, and develop strategies for reaching target audiences. This degree also covers topics such as media planning, market research, and public relations. Additionally, students learn how to use data analytics to measure the effectiveness of campaigns and develop strategies for improving them. Additionally, students learn how to conduct research in the field of advertising and develop new theories and models.

Developing Trends:
1. Digital Advertising: Digital advertising is becoming increasingly popular as more people use the internet and mobile devices. Digital advertising includes search engine optimization, social media marketing, and display advertising. Companies are using digital advertising to reach their target audiences more effectively and efficiently.

2. Programmatic Advertising: Programmatic advertising is a form of automated advertising that uses algorithms to target specific audiences. This type of advertising is becoming increasingly popular as it allows companies to target their ads more precisely and efficiently.

3. Data-Driven Advertising: Data-driven advertising is a form of advertising that uses data to target specific audiences. Companies are using data-driven advertising to better understand their target audiences and create more effective campaigns. Additionally, companies are using data-driven advertising to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns and develop strategies for improving them.