101. Introduction to Communication (B)
Uses a topical approach to explore issues and controversies raised by
the powerful presence of mass media in contemporary society. Provides
students with analytical tools necessary to think critically and self-consciously
about media. Develops understanding of the forces which shape mass media,
their products, and their effects on society. Topics that may be explored
include children and television, violence in the media, media and social
inequality, news, audience response and resistance to mediated messages.
201, 202. Media and Society (B)
Examines influences of mass media on participatory democracy and its cultural
forms. Introduces students to social science approaches to the study of
communication phenomena including the logic of inquiry, standards of evidence,
and grounds for making claims about communicative behaviors. Explores
landmark studies within the discipline. Topics may include: media effects,
persuasion, cultivation theory, agenda-setting, and opinion leadership.
230, 231.Documentary Research
Introduces documentary genres, methods, evidence, and interpretive practices,
and positions documentary work in relation to the broader traditions of
communication research. Conventions for sense-making and truth-telling
in personal documents, visual forms, journalism, and social science are
explored. Students acquire fundamental skills in investigative research,
fact-checking, assessing qualitative and quantitative evidence, gathering
and interpreting documentary information, and using print and electronic
archives. Prerequisite: Com 201.
301, 302. Media Theory & Methods
Explores classic and contemporary media theories and research methodologies including the historical and philosophical foundations of paradigm formation in media research, the social and institutional contexts that led to the emergence of the communication discipline, and current controversies within the field. The course builds upon principles and concepts introduced in Media and Society Prerequisite: Com 201 or 202 and Com 230 or 231.
CORE COURSES