This course blends theory and practice in exploring public speaking. The theory of speech composition, presentation, and evaluation is discussed in relation to public discourse, civic engagement, and the ethics of persuasion. Students also practice and develop their own skills by giving several formal and impromptu speeches. Requirements include the ability to pre-record speeches.

This course examines the folklore of New England and adjacent regions. It introduces students to the fundamentals of the study of folklore, including notions of tradition, the vernacular, expressive culture, performance, storytelling, material lore, customs, folk groups, community, and worldview. It surveys folklore genres including legend, myth, folktale, folk songs and ballads, proverbs, folk medicine, superstition, folk arts and crafts, rituals, holidays, festivals, and foodways.

This course examines the vast store of folklore inspired by and directed at alcoholic beverages and their cultural reach. Folklore means traditional expressive practices ranging from the verbal arts (such as stories and songs) to material culture (such as crafts and medicine) to customary activities (such as rituals and beliefs). The range of folklore herein is both global and ancient; that is, it concerns the entire history of alcohol, which necessitates attention to the entire history of humanity in a global perspective. Virtually all kinds of alcoholic beverages will be examined.

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? Are political advertisements and news coverage creating a more or less informed voter?

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? Are political advertisements and news coverage creating a more or less informed voter?

By examining the theories and practices of communication as applied to sustainable social change, students will participate in formulating communication and media strategies to explore ways that ensures target audiences are reached to effectively enhance knowledge transfer and create social change.

This course is an introduction to the Communication major, designed to welcome advanced transfer students into the program and address some of your specific needs. It is recognized and respected that you are familiar with college; this course is to help you become more familiar with UMass as seamlessly and efficiently as possible so you can be done feeling like a transfer student and be prepared to be a UMass Communication student.

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 course offers an introduction to the study of film as a distinct medium. It introduces the ways in which film style, form, and genre contribute to the meaning and the experience of movies. Topics include film as industrial commodity, narrative and non-narrative form, aspects of style (e.g. composition, cinematography, editing, and sound), and the role of film as a cultural practice. Examples are drawn from new and classic films, from Hollywood and from around the world. This course is intended to serve as a basis for film studies courses you might take in the future.

This course offers an introduction to the study of film as a distinct medium. It introduces the ways in which film style, form, and genre contribute to the meaning and the experience of movies. Topics include film as industrial commodity, narrative and non-narrative form, aspects of style (e.g. composition, cinematography, editing, and sound), and the role of film as a cultural practice. Examples are drawn from new and classic films, from Hollywood and from around the world. This course is intended to serve as a basis for film studies courses you might take in the future.