Theories of Communications and New Media

This module provides an overview of the theories and perspectives applicable to the study of communication and new media. While the course takes a broad view of communication and new media, it focuses on contemporary, internet-based systems as objects of inquiry. Students will employ different theories from both critical/cultural and social scientific approaches to analyze various digital phenomena and controversies. We will tackle questions like: how do we relate to others differently through digital technologies; how does social media change our consumption of news; how does the conception of work change in an era of crowdsourcing; how can media content be made more persuasive? This initial foray into concepts and theories will provide students with the foundational knowledge to navigate the exciting and diverse field of communications and media studies.