Effective Critical Media Literacy Pedagogy in Higher Education: Turning Social Justice Theory into Practice

• Main Author: Higdon, Nolan Ray
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest LLC 2017; ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
• Subjects: Activism; Civics; College Faculty; College Students; Communication; Course Descriptions; Critical Literacy; Education; Educational Policy; Higher Education; Journalism Education; Learner Engagement; Literacy Education; Mass Media; Media Literacy; Outcomes of Education; Resistance (Psychology); Social Justice; Social Problems; Social studies education; Social Theories; Student Empowerment; Student Surveys; Teacher Characteristics; Teaching Methods; Theory Practice Relationship
• ISBN: 9780438704930; 0438704932

This mixed methods dissertation explores the application of critical media literacy pedagogy in higher education. A review of the scholarly literature found that there are five hypothesized outcomes of a critical media literacy education: student engagement, empowerment, civic engagement, critical awareness of media, and adoption of a social justice agenda. The study then explored whether these outcomes were achieved in eleven classrooms (one community college, four public universities, and two private universities) across the United States. It was found that the outcomes of a critical media literacy pedagogy are likely to be achieved in college classrooms that: (1) have an engaging and inspiring instructor; (2) offer a critical perspective on media; (3) discuss issues of inequality and oppression; (4) provide space for student participation; (5) rely on contemporary content and tools; and (6) cover materials that discuss resistance and activism. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]