Why do we put certain films into categories? What constitutes a film genre, how do we recognize it, and what do we do with it? This course examines these questions and more by considering a specific genre over the course of the semester. We will learn to think of genre as a way of comparing and contrasting different films. Genre will also be thought of as a way of creating expectations and measuring experience and meaning. The power of film genre is that it allows us to understand film as a text and film as a social practice at the very same time.

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Introductory survey of media theory and research.

Why do we put certain films into categories? What constitutes a film genre, how do we recognize it, and what do we do with it? This course examines these questions and more by considering a specific genre over the course of the semester. We will learn to think of genre as a way of comparing and contrasting different films. Genre will also be thought of as a way of creating expectations and measuring experience and meaning. The power of film genre is that it allows us to understand film as a text and film as a social practice at the very same time.

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 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.

Exploration of the types of writing associated with the discipline of communication. Development and improvement of the student's writing, research, and critical thinking skills. Fulfills Junior Year Writing requirement.

This course explores research on the influence of mass media on audiences. The course examines the effects of television (and some other media) on thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. Topics include politics and the media, the influence of news, public service campaigns and advertising, and media influence on health. Students will take three in-class exams and will do in-class writing in each class session.

This course explores research on the influence of mass media on audiences. The course examines the effects of television (and some other media) on thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. Topics include politics and the media, the influence of news, public service campaigns and advertising, and media influence on health. Students will take three in-class exams and will do in-class writing in each class session.

This course will provide an overview of the theories, tensions, and debates within the study of media literacy and media education as they apply to K-12 classrooms and community endeavors. Current research studies in this area will be examined and students will have the opportunity to design their own media literacy curricula.