CST 301: Media & Society

Professor Lovejoy

This course is a critical study of all forms and practices associated with mass communication, including news, magazines, books, film, radio, television, the Internet, public relations, and advertising- most of which we encounter entirely online and on a screen. We will examine these media couched in their political, cultural, and economic contexts in order to critically analyze, evaluate, and discuss the power and influence that media have in our public life. Timely related topics in the areas of gender, race, ethics, climate change, politics, environment, globalization, and law will be explored in current media news. We will question how mass media affect us, our communities, our society, and our world; how mass media affects our relationships and the functionality of our communities; how media operate (or not) for the public’s interest; and, finally how media may help diminish (or enhance) injustices and inequalities. The primary goal of this course is to lead you to a critical understanding of the role of mass media in shaping our politics, democracy, privacy, culture and civic life.

CST 300/500: Quantitative Research Methods

Professor Lovejoy

This course examines scientific methodology and its application in communication studies research. Research methods are used to measure the content, process, and effects of communication on attitudes, knowledge, and behavior. This course aims to provide you with knowledge and experience of basic concepts and strategies in practical research. We will discuss research ethics, how to develop research ideas, how to evaluate and critique others’ research, the importance of peer-reviewed research and how to conduct scientifically rigorous research. In this course you will work in research groups to design and conduct an original quantitative research project from conception to finished manuscript that addresses a specific research question in a communication subfield generated from the groups area of interest.