Apr 24, 2025

INST 3026 - Banned! Case Studies in Censorship and Freedom of Expression

Hours: 3
Approaches the topics of censorship and freedom of expression from two distinct disciplinary perspectives in conversation. What is freedom of expression? Why is freedom of expression important and what responsibilities come with this freedom? When and how is censorship enacted by governments, communities, and/or individuals? Cultural conversations occur in many different arenas: art, media, education, religion, government. By examining complex and controversial topics from multiple disciplinary lenses students will gain understanding of how different kinds of communication (art, literature, film, journalism, etc.) impact socialization and cultural understandings of important issues and questions. Depending on specific course instructors, likely course topics may include multiple areas from the following: gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, and their social constructions; the motivations that dominant groups in society may have for censoring the cultural expressions of less powerful groups; the stigmatization process, including how stigma contributes to perceptions of what is (or is not) considered offensive.
Prerequisites: Jr standing or above, and a minimum of one course from at least four of the following INST threads: 2000, 2200, 2400, 2600, and 2800. Not open to students with credit for any INST 3000-level course.

INST 3026 - Banned! Case Studies in Censorship and Freedom of Expression

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