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 looks at advertising from the viewpoint of social theory (that is, of how we can understand advertising's broad political, economic, social, and cultural role in modern society).

This course examines humor as a significant form of creative expression in social and political life. In recent decades, scholars of all persuasions from the humanities, social sciences, and even hard sciences have examined this subject through a critical lens, leading to the development of an interdisciplinary field known as humor studies. This course provides an introduction to that burgeoning field.

This course approaches stories and storytelling through critical communication and performance studies. Stories and storytelling are sites of encounter: between speaker and listener, social/structural and personal, language and place. To consider ?what stories do? means simultaneously engaging in practices of listening, analysis, and response. The stories we will look at include contemporary non-fiction authors who lend their perspectives to pressing cultural issues and social in/justice.

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.