We will view, analyze, and discuss films by modern documentary masters such as Michael Moore ("Sicko"), Chris Paine, ("Revenge of the Electric Car"), Seth Gordon ("The King of Kong - A fistful of Quarters"), Pamela Yates ("Granito") and many others to further the understanding of the documentary craft and art from a filmmaker's perspective. Students will also do preproduction (research and treatment) for their own short documentary, along with shorter hands-on exercises in writing narration, interview techniques, etc.

This course serves as an introduction to folklore studies with a special focus on its intersection with social and cultural theory. The word "folklore" usually refers to traditional expressive practices, ranging from verbal arts (such as proverbs and legends) to material culture (such as costumes and handicrafts) to customs (such as rituals and festivals). But as this class demonstrates, the study of folklore has changed over the years. We now recognize that all communities, not just traditional ones, have folklore.

This course examines humor as a significant form of creative expression in social and political life, especially as it negotiates issues of race, gender, class, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. This course also introduces students to the burgeoning field of humor studies. Topics include the different theories of humor, the relationship between humor and creativity, the political use of humor, the role of humor in maintaining personal and social identity, and the social aspects of laughter. Although the focus lies on contemporary humor in U.S.

This course examines humor as a significant form of creative expression in social and political life, especially as it negotiates issues of race, gender, class, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. This course also introduces students to the burgeoning field of humor studies. Topics include the different theories of humor, the relationship between humor and creativity, the political use of humor, the role of humor in maintaining personal and social identity, and the social aspects of laughter. Although the focus lies on contemporary humor in U.S.

This course examines humor as a significant form of creative expression in social and political life, especially as it negotiates issues of race, gender, class, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. This course also introduces students to the burgeoning field of humor studies. Topics include the different theories of humor, the relationship between humor and creativity, the political use of humor, the role of humor in maintaining personal and social identity, and the social aspects of laughter. Although the focus lies on contemporary humor in U.S.

This course examines humor as a significant form of creative expression in social and political life, especially as it negotiates issues of race, gender, class, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. This course also introduces students to the burgeoning field of humor studies. Topics include the different theories of humor, the relationship between humor and creativity, the political use of humor, the role of humor in maintaining personal and social identity, and the social aspects of laughter. Although the focus lies on contemporary humor in U.S.

As forms of communication contribute to the growing integration of the planet, the planet itself is threatened by unprecedented environmental and economic crises. This course will examine ecology and sustainability through the mediating logic of communication technologies, institutions and texts, as well as insights drawn from fields like Anthropology, Geography, Biology, Physics, and Spirituality. Students will develop an interdisciplinary framework to examine conflicts over nature and the social construction of nature and ecology.

This is a graded introduction to the Communication major, designed to welcome first year students into the major and inform them of opportunities for their advancement in the department and beyond. The course introduces students to the five subject areas offered in the major and provides a brief overview of the field of communication as well as the major issues and topics that motivate the inquiries conducted in courses and in research.

This is a graded introduction to the Communication major, designed to welcome first year students into the major and inform them of opportunities for their advancement in the department and beyond. The course introduces students to the five subject areas offered in the major and provides a brief overview of the field of communication as well as the major issues and topics that motivate the inquiries conducted in courses and in research.

This is a graded introduction to the Communication major, designed to welcome first year students into the major and inform them of opportunities for their advancement in the department and beyond. The course introduces students to the five subject areas offered in the major and provides a brief overview of the field of communication as well as the major issues and topics that motivate the inquiries conducted in courses and in research.