We live in a nation that marks education as a sign of, and route to, success. This course provides an overview of the American education system, its structure and how it is represented in and by the mainstream media. We will address the following questions: What is the purpose of education? Education is often constructed as "the solution;" what is potentially solved through education? How do we understand and make sense of education including, but not limited to, public, private, homeschool, and higher education? What message of education is constructed by the mainstream media?

Not available at this time

Not available at this time

Not available at this time

Not available at this time

This course explores the genre of Experimental Film and Video with a critical eye toward the history and current articulations of this form of production in both feature film and short form movies and videos. The course begins with an introduction to the genre, then explores Experimental Film; video according to three different categories: Experimentation with Narrative, Experimentation with Structure/Form, and Experimentation with the line between Fact and Fiction.

This course examines theories and key research findings in the field of persuasion and social influence through the lens of communication. We will examine theories in social psychology to understand the underlying process of persuasion and apply this knowledge to explain how attitudes and behaviors are spread through interpersonal and mass communication. Taking COMM 121 (Intro to Media + Culture) or COMM 122 (Intro the Media Programming + Institutions) prior to enrollment in this course is highly recommended.

This course explores the influence of the mass media on the social world, particularly the media's impact on audiences. We will investigate various approaches utilized to determine if, when, and how media influence viewers, listeners, and readers. We will examine this issue from both scientific and cultural studies perspectives. Some of the questions we will consider include: How does television violence impact society and individuals? Can watching sex on television and film lead to teenage promiscuity?

This pro-seminar is designed for new graduate students (although all are welcome) has three broad foci: (1) teaching/instructional development; (2) professional development for graduate students; and (3) topics of scholarly expertise in the Department. A variety of speakers, workshops and panels will cover topics ranging from instructional techniques and pedagogical concerns, to building expertise and networks toward a professional career, to discussion of various approaches among faculty in the department to common topics (e.g., culture, media, power, identity/ies, publics/citizenships).

An exploration of the counter-cultural movements of the 1960s and 70s and later, hosted by someone who was there and lived to tell the tale. Through the medium of documentary and fiction films, we will delve into the musical, sexual, artistic, political and spiritual upheavals that rocked America and Europe back then and that continue to reverberate today. This course satisfies the Integrative Experience requirement for BA-Comm majors.