1 - 10 of 112 results for: COMM

(Graduate students register for COMM 211.) Open to non-majors. Introduction to the concepts and contexts of communication. A topics-structured orientation emphasizing the field and the scholarly endeavors represented in the department.

The institutions and practices of mass media, including television, film, radio, and digital media, and their role in shaping culture and social life. The media's shifting relationships to politics, commerce, and identity.

The impact of media entertainment on individuals, social groups, and societies. Sources include a diverse cross-section of entertainment. Introduction to psychological and socio-psychological theories. Empirical findings relating to media entertainment as a stimulus and a reception phenomenon. What renders diverse genres of media content and format enjoyable? Why do individuals pursue entertainment experiences in ever-increasing numbers? What is the political impact of apolitical media entertainment?

Techniques of news reporting and writing. The value and role of news in democratic societies. Gateway class to journalism. Prerequisite for all COMM 177/277 classes. Limited enrollment. Preference to sophomores and juniors.

(Graduate students register for COMM 206.) Conceptual and practical concerns underlying commonly used quantitative approaches, including experimental, survey, content analysis, and field research in communication. Pre- or corequisite: STATS 60 or consent of instructor.

An introduction to social science research methods for those who have little or no prior experience in statistics. Designed to provide students with a critical framework and a set of tools to examine social problems - especially those related to the area of communication and the media. Students will be guided through the process of formulating real-world research questions, parsing them into analyzable statements, engaging in systematic data collection and analysis, and finally, thinking about value and limits of its outcome. Hands-on research experience provided.

(Graduate students register for COMM 208.) The process of communication theory construction including a survey of social science paradigms and major theories of communication. Recommended: 1 or PSYCH 1.

Various interventions are employing virtual rewards, teams, and badges to incentivize real world behavior ranging from commercial purchases to reductions in home energy use. These are examples of motivational design, in which the engaging qualities common to games and other enjoyable activities are leveraged to drive particular behaviors. Using scientific research and industry examples we will examine the key processes and concepts that make up such designs. Along the way we will compare different theoretical approaches to motivation, consider the potential application of emerging technologies for new motivational designs, and discuss the ethics of designing for behavior change.

(Graduate students register for 216.) Laws and regulation impacting journalists. Topics include libel, privacy, news gathering, protection sources, fair trial and free press, theories of the First Amendment, and broadcast regulation. Prerequisite: Journalism M.A. student or advanced Communication major.