Major Schools Of Interpretation

Question 0

Romantic

Answer 0

• Press was important to the advancement of humankind
• America was the height of civilization
• Focused on roles of “Great Men” in history; larger than life figures
• Focused on New England/New York area

Question 1

Nationalist

Answer 1

• Mass media were influential and important to the progress of the nation.
• Freedom of the press was a particular interest
• Viewed in terms of America’s struggle for freedom from oppressive British

Question 2

Developmental

Answer 2

• Most pervasive and long-lasting school of thought for media history
• Provides underlying assumption for most American mass media histories
• Based on concept of the professional development of the press, focused on continuing improvement of journalistic practices and standards
• After WWII, also began seeing clash between media and established institutions.

Question 3

Progressive

Answer 3

• Focused on ideological conflict
• Saw the past as a struggle, who fought for freedom,democracy, and equality, and the powerful forces of wealth and class, owners were selfish profiteers
• Believe media should crusade for liberal/social class causes and fight for working people
• Saw media as tools for social change

Question 4

Consensus

Answer 4

• Diametrically opposed Progressive view
• Historically marked by basic agreement and unity more united than divided
• Belief in democracy human freedom constitutional govt. overshadowed smaller differences
• Media should work with public/govt to solve problems
• Press should be responsible some restrictions are okay

Question 5

Neo-Conservative

Answer 5

• Media owners have made lasting, constructive contributions to American media
• Celebrate achievement in American industry

Question 6

Cultural

Answer 6

• Pay little attention to philosophical or ideological viewpoints
• Fundamental premise is the media operates in a close interrelationships with environment
• Media is influenced by society
• Moved away from focus on media of the north east

Question 7

Gender and Minority

Answer 7

• Emphasis on struggles against discrimination

* Two distinct approaches: feminist and militant