Inside The Classroom

Over the past three years at the University of South Carolina, I’ve had the privilege of learning from several professors who have offered invaluable advice and guidance. Two experiences stand out as particularly influential in shaping my career outlook: Professor Maye’s JOUR 303 course and Professor Moscowitz's JOUR 506 class. These courses not only deepened my understanding of the media landscape but also boosted my confidence to pursue a career in the media and entertainment industry.

First, I'd like to reflect on my classroom experience in JOUR303 Journalism, Law, and Ethics with Professor Maye. When I first arrived in college, I had a strong interest in law and considered pursuing a career in the legal field, but I wasn’t sure if it was the right fit for me. However, once I enrolled in Professor Maye’s course, I immediately saw that it combined the two areas I was most passionate about: law and communication.

What fascinated me most about the class was learning about the intersection of mass communications and the U.S. legal system. We studied several landmark court cases that explored the rights and freedoms granted to us as U.S. citizens—freedoms that are fundamental to both law and journalism. One of the first cases we examined was Schenck v. United States. In this case, Schenck was arrested for distributing flyers that opposed the draft during World War I. His defense was that he was exercising his First Amendment right to freedom of speech. Ultimately, the case went to the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of Schenck but established the "clear and present danger" test—a legal standard still in place today that limits free speech when it poses a direct threat to public safety.

This case, along with others we studied, demonstrated how the legal system has shaped the laws that govern freedom of speech and press—laws that we, as communication majors, must follow in our professional work. Learning about the historical foundations of these rights has given me a deeper understanding of the ethical and legal responsibilities that come with a career in communications.

In JOUR 506, Mass Media Criticism, I learned a great deal, but perhaps the most impactful aspect of the course was how it pushed me out of my comfort zone. One of the major challenges was presenting in front of the class for 45 minutes with a group, and discussing a movie we were assigned to analyze. This experience not only strengthened my public speaking skills but also deepened my appreciation for the art of film analysis. The class helped me develop a new perspective on how to watch movies—not just focusing on the actors and plot, but also on the underlying themes, visual techniques, and cultural messages embedded in the film. Concepts like "breaking the fourth wall" and "the male gaze" became tools for dissecting the deeper meanings of films, and this approach has completely changed the way I engage with media.

For example, one of the key takeaways from the class was learning to identify different "gazes" within a film, such as the male gaze, and understanding how these perspectives affect the representation of characters. The film I was assigned to analyze for our project was Bulworth, a politically charged film that explores the complexity of race, politics, and personal identity. My specific focus was on how the male gaze was portrayed in the movie and the struggles faced by various characters, particularly in the context of race and class.

In Bulworth, the male gaze is presented in a way that reflects both race and power dynamics. For instance, the white women in the film are often shown in expensive, elegant clothing, while African American women are depicted in looser, less fashionable attire. This contrast highlights the racial and social divides within the narrative. The gaze is also evident in the character of Bulworth, particularly in his interactions with his wife, who is shown repeatedly flirting with other politicians, exposing the infidelity and moral decay in his personal life. On the other hand, Bulworth’s relationship with Nina, an African American woman in the film, is portrayed in a way that creates tension, with her being objectified in a sexualized manner by his gaze.

The film also touches on the struggles faced by marginalized communities, particularly African American youth growing up in disadvantaged areas. One poignant scene shows Bulworth witnessing two white police officers harassing young black children simply for walking with ice cream down the street. This moment of police brutality highlights the systemic issues of racism and inequality that permeate the film, further deepening its critique of society.

Studying Bulworth in such depth opened my eyes to the intricate details that go into filmmaking—how every shot, camera angle, and costume choice is intentional and serves to communicate a deeper message. This process of analyzing films through the lens of sociocultural issues made me more aware of the power of media in shaping public perceptions.

Ultimately, this project not only pushed me to think critically about the content I consume but also helped me build confidence in presenting my ideas in front of a group. It was challenging, but rewarding, and it’s something I’ll carry with me as I move forward in my studies and career in communication.

The experiences I've gained at the University of South Carolina have inspired me to approach every opportunity with a deeper level of insight once I graduate. They've also broadened my perspective, revealing potential career paths in media law or other fields related to the media industry.