Media Literacy in Higher Education Environments

Abstract

In this introductory chapter, the author seeks to establish an easy-to-follow narrative of media literacy implementation in higher education, which would potentially encourage personal experiences and student needs to be considered when individual faculty members seek to enhance existing curricula and courses. This introduction also provides a brief outline of each chapter within the volume and the various ways in which contributing authors illustrate their own incorporation of media literacy principles into existing curriculum at their respective colleges and universities. The author also details her personal journey and experiences with media literacy as a student, professional journalist, and an academician ultimately detailing the pathway to enhancing the curriculum in her current department while highlighting some of her own experiences teaching media literacy in higher education. This chapter also provides key takeaways and tips for adding media literacy to existing courses and department curricula.