Qualitative approaches to research, conceptualizations of problems, questions, and methodologies for the field of communication. Emphasis on, interpretive, feminist, critical, and cultural approaches. Introduction to methodological specialties of departmental faculty. Required of all Communication graduate students.

This course provides an introduction to theories of social interaction and research. It is designed as a selective overview with specific focus on language and social interaction approaches (e.g., pragmatics, discourse analysis, conversation analysis, ethnography of communication, critical discourse analysis). These views of communication can be applied across various channels, across various contexts, and at various levels (from individual and relational to societal and political). Required of students specializing in this area.

Process of theory construction, theory testing, and paradigmatic change in communication. Theory relationships among normative and scientific studies. Theory types and their causal mechanisms, units of analysis, and research methodologies. Major theories compared in terms of their theoretical and metatheoret-ical bases. Required of all Communication graduate students; taught in fall.

The Commonwealth Honors College thesis or project is intended to provide students with the opportunity to work closely with faculty members to define and carry out in-depth research or creative endeavors. It provides excellent preparation for students who intend to continue their education through graduate study or begin their professional careers. The student works closely with their 499Y Honors Research sponsor to pursue research on a topic or question of special interest to them in preparation for writing a 499T Honors Thesis or completing a 499P Honors Project.

Honors Thesis expectations are high. The intended end-product is a traditional research manuscript with accompanying artifact(s), all theses: - are 6 credits or more of sustained research on a single topic, typically conducted over two semesters. - begin with creative inquiry and systematic research. - include documentation of substantive scholarly endeavor. - culminate in an oral defense or other form of public presentation.

Honors Project expectations are high. The intended end-product is a traditional project manuscript with accompanying artifact(s), all projects: - are 6 credits or more of sustained research on a single topic, typically conducted over two semesters. - begin with creative inquiry and systematic research. - include documentation of substantive scholarly endeavor. - culminate in an oral defense or other form of public presentation.

In this Honors capstone class, students will theorize and read about media influence on individuals as well as conceptualize and carry out an original research study on a specific topic of their choosing within the broad research tradition known as "media effects." The first semester of this two-semester, 6-credit experience will feature the introduction of theories and relevant research findings on the ways in which television, video games, the Internet and/or social media, print media and other media forms shape the thoughts, attitudes, emotions, values, and/or behavior of individuals of var

This class introduces students to actors, institutions and public interest battles fought nationally, regionally and globally for the control of the Internet. It considers the interaction between law and policy, technological design, industry, organized civil society and social movements in shaping infrastructure, code and content of the global web.

This course blends interdisciplinary theory, analysis, research, applied practice, and creative exploration of the interconnections between fashion and storytelling.

Algorithms and data increasingly power our private and civic life. Companies, nonprofits, and governments have invested heavily in data mining?the bulk collection of user behavior data from web platforms to understand public opinion and to forecast trends. A lot of fashionable terms, such as artificial intelligence and big data, are being thrown around these days. The public and regulators also become increasingly wary of the dark side of algorithms ?