Communication 494KI - News and Public Opinion

Digital technology has transformed the news environment and diversified how public opinion is formed and expressed. This course is designed to offer a framework for understanding the broad impact of these changes on citizens as well as the democratic system. We will discuss foundational theories of political communication and address emerging issues in the digital news environment, ranging from the use of artificial intelligence in the newsroom to the changing perceptions of information credibility. This course fulfills the IE (Integrative Experience) requirement at UMass Amherst.

Open to Senior and Junior Communication majors only. This course was formerly numbered COMM 497NP. If you received credit for taking COMM 497NP, you cannot receive credit for taking this class. This course serves as an Integrative Experience (IE) requirement for BA-COMM majors.