Communications

Media literacy explores the critical role media plays in shaping truth and reality in today's digital age. Students will examine the business dynamics of media, the construction of target audiences, and the impact of mixed messages and content. The course delves into social justice messages, civic engagement, and the evolving landscape of technology in media. Through analytical frameworks and practical exercises, students will develop the skills to critically evaluate media content, understand media's influence on public perception, and engage responsibly as informed citizens in a media-saturated world.

This course examines the fundamental role of communication in establishing and maintaining relationships. By surveying leading research and theories in interpersonal communication, students explore scholarly perspectives on how individuals enter into, maintain, and terminate relationships. Conceptual perspectives examined will include communicative competence, relational development, interaction process, codes, and context. This course has a prescriptive orientation, meaning that it is geared toward learning how to be a more competent communicator by being oriented towards others.

Professional Communication for Diverse Populations will explore the complexities of intercultural communication by exploring obstacles affecting intercultural communication, understanding the relationship between communication and various cultures, comparing intercultural communication dynamics, and learning about communication theories and models in diverse contexts. Additionally, students will develop ethical and culturally competent communication skills to engage effectively in our interconnected world.