College campuses in America have become buzzing media centers. Educators who are serious about maximizing student learning and facilitating social, moral, and civic development must now also become serious about understanding the influence of media on their students. Today's students are largely socialized through the media, a reality that calls…

Recounts the recent debate over family values, civic culture, and cinematic violence and considers the implications for educators. Uses this national debate as a case study to investigate efforts to exercise control over and limit the democratization of culture. Argues for an expanded notion of civic culture. (MJP)