COMM 1100 - Introduction to Communication and Digital Media Studies

Communications and digital media are everywhere and in everything. Journalists, public affairs officers, content creators, entertainment makers, branding experts, digital storytellers, social media influencers, consumers, activists and citizens use all kinds of media every day to produce, send, and receive digital messages and images about the world, to change it in some way. In this broad survey course, we learn about the key topics, theories, methods, and debates in contemporary communication and media studies and establish foundational knowledge of the economics, politics and policies, texts, technologies, and audiences of all kinds of media forms. The course introduces students to what communication and media studies is, how communication and media in modern society is analyzed, and why knowledge of the history, sources, roles, goals, uses, messages, and impacts of communication and media is integral to becoming media literate citizens and communications professionals.