Advertising and Society (PRAD308)
The aim of this course is to familiarize the student with the local, national and international dimensions of the interplay between advertising and society. These include, without being limited to, legal and legislative regulation frameworks on the practice of advertising in different societies around the world; concerns about the effect of advertising on national politics, on children; on people’s images of self or successfulness; promotion of consumerist culture; truth-telling in or and advertising; use and possible abuses in the portrayal of different groups (such as women, minorities and marginalized groups) in advertisements; a variety of ethical issues/concerns in advertising in different societies; concerns about promotion of harmful habits and lifestyles in advertising, among others. Efforts by professional advertising bodies at self-regulation through codes of conduct and other efforts would also be examined.