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.

Semiotics is the study of meaning within society. It deepens our understanding of culture, communication and philosophy, and provides us with a theoretical and practical framework for analyzing the world. The course will introduce and develop the semiotic approach, using literature, politics, film, TV, music, and our everyday surroundings and conversations.

Key events and representative films that mark the history of motion pictures since 1950 worldwide. Emphasis on films made in the United States within the mainstream and at the margins during the last five decades.

Key events and representative films that mark the history of motion pictures since 1950 worldwide. Emphasis on films made in the United States within the mainstream and at the margins during the last five decades.

The purpose of this course is to examine media development and communication policies that have influenced their use. Students will: (1) Explore the technical, political, economic, and cultural approaches that have influenced the emergence and growth of electronic media, (2) Broadly examine their social force, and (3) Historically situate different electronic forms from the telegraph and telephone, to broadcast technologies, satellites, cell phones, and the Internet.

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This course introduces non-majors to a variety of competing theories of interpersonal behavior and everyday social interaction and provides them with new ways of thinking about the social situations in which they participate and interact (and observe others doing so). Theoretical frameworks may include Cultural Discourse theory, models of Relational Communication, Coordinated Management of Meaning, Identity Management, and the Ethnography of Speaking. (Gen.Ed. SB)

This course introduces non-majors to a variety of competing theories of interpersonal behavior and everyday social interaction and provides them with new ways of thinking about the social situations in which they participate and interact (and observe others doing so). Theoretical frameworks may include Cultural Discourse theory, models of Relational Communication, Coordinated Management of Meaning, Identity Management, and the Ethnography of Speaking. (Gen.Ed. SB)

The nature and several functions of film, including narrative and nonnarrative approaches to film communication. Topics include: the components of film expression (composition, movement, editing, sound, setting, and acting); designs in screen narrative; film's relationship to other arts and media; and its role as an instrument of social reflection and change.

The nature and several functions of film, including narrative and nonnarrative approaches to film communication. Topics include: the components of film expression (composition, movement, editing, sound, setting, and acting); designs in screen narrative; film's relationship to other arts and media; and its role as an instrument of social reflection and change.