Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/role-of-advertising
In today’s fast-paced world, advertising is everywhere. From the billboards we pass on our daily commute to the ads that pop up on our social media feeds, it shapes our perceptions, influences our choices, and reflects societal values. If you’re curious about the intricate relationship between advertising and society, the ‘Advertising and Society’ course on Coursera is a must-take.
Course Overview
This course delves into the multifaceted connections between advertising, culture, history, and the economy. It employs contemporary theories of visual communication to help students analyze the complex meanings embedded in both print advertisements and television commercials. The syllabus is rich and varied, covering topics such as the origins of advertising, the creation and interpretation of ads, and the depiction of race, class, gender, and sexuality in advertising.
What You Will Learn
The course is structured around several key themes:
- What is advertising and where did it come from? This module explores the definitions of advertising, tracing its evolution from face-to-face salesmanship to the digital age.
- Am I being manipulated by advertising? Here, students examine the concept of subliminal advertising and the ethics surrounding it, including the role of regulatory bodies.
- What’s in an ad beyond that which meets the eye? This section encourages students to consider the audience’s role in interpreting ads and the deeper meanings behind them.
- How do ads get made? Students gain insight into the inner workings of ad agencies, from strategy development to media placement.
- What do ads teach us about race, class, gender, and sexuality? This module analyzes the secondary messages in advertising and their implications for societal norms.
- Does sex sell? The course investigates the use of sexual imagery in advertising and its impact on cultural perceptions of sexuality.
- What’s the future of advertising? Finally, students explore the evolving landscape of advertising in the digital age and the challenges it faces.
Why You Should Take This Course
Whether you’re a marketing professional, a student of sociology, or simply someone interested in understanding the media that surrounds us, this course offers valuable insights. The combination of historical context and contemporary analysis equips students with the tools to critically evaluate advertising’s role in society.
The course is well-structured, with engaging content that encourages active participation. The use of real-world examples, such as the analysis of the popular TV show ‘Mad Men,’ helps to ground theoretical concepts in practical scenarios.
In conclusion, the ‘Advertising and Society’ course on Coursera is an enlightening journey into the world of advertising. It challenges you to think critically about the messages we consume daily and the societal implications of those messages. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of advertising and its impact on our lives.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/role-of-advertising