Independent study in special subjects.

Independent study in special subjects.

Independent study in special subjects.

This seminar examines the theoretical perspectives that lie behind the formation of cultural studies. Instead of discussing works claiming to do cultural studies, we will read a number of authors, from whom cultural studies draws its concepts and analytic procedures. Special attention will be given to structuralist and poststructuralist writings. Authors we will read include Derrida, Foucault, Nancy, Althusser, Laclau, Hamacher, and others.

This course provides a historical and critical framework for understanding the literature and research traditions within the field of media studies. Starting from the history of "mass society" as a concept in social thought, we will examine media as institutional actors, technological artifacts, systems of representation, and meaningful cultural objects. We will discuss the links between media, culture, and power from a broad range of perspectives, including political economy, media effects, cultural studies, racial capitalism, postcolonialism, and technology studies.

Qualitative approaches to research, conceptualizations of problems, questions, and methodologies for the field of communication. Emphasis on, interpretive, feminist, critical, and cultural approaches. Introduction to methodological specialties of departmental faculty. Required of all Communication graduate students.

This course provides an introduction to theories of social interaction and research. It is designed as a selective overview with specific focus on language and social interaction approaches (e.g., pragmatics, discourse analysis, conversation analysis, ethnography of communication, critical discourse analysis). These views of communication can be applied across various channels, across various contexts, and at various levels (from individual and relational to societal and political). Required of students specializing in this area.

Process of theory construction, theory testing, and paradigmatic change in communication. Theory relationships among normative and scientific studies. Theory types and their causal mechanisms, units of analysis, and research methodologies. Major theories compared in terms of their theoretical and metatheoret-ical bases. Required of all Communication graduate students; taught in fall.

The Commonwealth Honors College thesis or project is intended to provide students with the opportunity to work closely with faculty members to define and carry out in-depth research or creative endeavors. It provides excellent preparation for students who intend to continue their education through graduate study or begin their professional careers. The student works closely with their 499Y Honors Research sponsor to pursue research on a topic or question of special interest to them in preparation for writing a 499T Honors Thesis or completing a 499P Honors Project.

Honors Thesis expectations are high. The intended end-product is a traditional research manuscript with accompanying artifact(s), all theses: - are 6 credits or more of sustained research on a single topic, typically conducted over two semesters. - begin with creative inquiry and systematic research. - include documentation of substantive scholarly endeavor. - culminate in an oral defense or other form of public presentation.