This course is designed to explore how communication creates, and is created in, social and cultural contexts. By "communication" we are drawing attention to all means and media of communication. By "social contexts" we draw attention to specific scenes of social interaction in which communication occurs.

In this course we explore ways in which communication and culture are intertwined, focusing on cultural and social variability in patterns of perception, interaction, and meaning making. Topical foci include implications of subjectivity for communication; types of meaning in language and interaction; cultural and ritual organization of talk; language socialization; interethnic and intercultural communication; and gender and interaction. (Gen.Ed. SB, U)

This course examines the changing role of "race" in American politics and society, focusing in particular on change over time in public opinion, media portrayals, and campaigns and elections. As we investigate these themes, we will analyz the impact of political communication on race relations, and evaluate strategies that could help to improve interracial relations in society. (Gen. Ed. HS, DU)

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.

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 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).

This course examines humor as a significant form of creative expression in social and political life. In recent decades, scholars of all persuasions from the humanities, social sciences, and even hard sciences have examined this subject through a critical lens, leading to the development of an interdisciplinary field known as humor studies. This course provides an introduction to that burgeoning field.

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.

Current approaches to communication theory. Emphasis on a comparative approach to communication problems, and on a critical analysis of theoretical foundations. Theories considered include: systems theory, 20th-century rhetorics, reductionism, ethnographic studies, critical indicators, and critical cultural studies. Prerequisite: COMM 118.