This course walks students through a number of most influential theories of journalism regarding the performance, role, function and effects of journalism and media in modern society, with a specific emphasis on issues in the greater China region. We have three primary tasks: (1) to provide a basic understanding of journalism and mass media as social institutions; (2) to give students an ability to critically evaluate the interplay between journalism and the larger socio-political environment; and (3) to enhance students' knowledge about the production, content, meaning and impact of news.