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?

Lecture, studio lab. This course introduces concepts and techniques of television production through weekly lectures and lab meetings. During the first seven weeks, basic field camera concepts and techniques, as well as other video production information, are introduced in the lecture. Under the supervision of their lab instructor, they will produce a short program that puts the concept of the week to work.

Lecture, studio lab. This course introduces concepts and techniques of television production through weekly lectures and lab meetings. During the first seven weeks, basic field camera concepts and techniques, as well as other video production information, are introduced in the lecture. Under the supervision of their lab instructor, they will produce a short program that puts the concept of the week to work.

Lecture, studio lab. This course introduces concepts and techniques of television production through weekly lectures and lab meetings. During the first seven weeks, basic field camera concepts and techniques, as well as other video production information, are introduced in the lecture. Under the supervision of their lab instructor, they will produce a short program that puts the concept of the week to work.

Lecture, studio lab. This course introduces concepts and techniques of television production through weekly lectures and lab meetings. During the first seven weeks, basic field camera concepts and techniques, as well as other video production information, are introduced in the lecture. Under the supervision of their lab instructor, they will produce a short program that puts the concept of the week to work.

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.

Social influence is a powerful driving force for human behavior. Understanding the fundamental mechanism of social influence is essential for strategic communication and decision making, whether you are in communication, data science, or management. In this course, we will learn why and under what conditions our attitudes and actions can be influenced by those around us. We will explore key theories and research findings in social psychology and economics, and apply persuasive communication techniques through case studies and hands-on projects.

This is a stand-alone independent study designed by the student and faculty sponsor that involves frequent interaction between instructor and student. Qualitative and quantitative enrichment must be evident on the proposed contract before consent is given to undertake the study.

This is a 1-credit course that can only be taken as Pass/Fail. It will be held in conjunction with a long-running film festival at UMass: screenings, performances, workshops, and more, that extend across the academic semester. Students are required to attend at least 5 of the events and complete and submit surveys afterward, including a final retrospective survey at the end of the semester. Students may also be able to participate in Moodle forums dialogues and submit creative work for curatorial consideration. Open to all undergraduate students, all majors.

This course provides students with an introduction to the fundamental approaches, theories, and perspectives essential for an understanding media and sexuality in the twentieth and twenty-first century. Throughout the term we will explore many ways in which our symbolic environment shapes, constructs, and resists our comprehension of sexuality in the media. This course will pay close attention to how culture informs and shapes media production and how media, in turns, affects sexuality.