Investigation of one or more topics of interest with the guidance of an instructor. Presentation of a research paper or project at the end of the term.

Major social scientific theories and concepts that examine mass media and computermediated communication. Use of foundational and contemporary concepts to examine the role of communication and information technologies in shaping interactions among economics, politics, culture, and the broader society. Study of media and communication as objects of social scientific inquiry in relation to issues such as politics of representation, social movements, inequality, affect, and the state.

Introductory course on the role and function of the film critic; core principles of film criticism including film theories and approaches; social and political implications of film. Developing skills to write insightful reviews of a specific film. Demonstrate an understanding of the socio-political implications of film-making.

The purpose of this course is to survey research and theorizing on the psychology of attitudes and persuasion. The course will explore issues such as attitude formation and change; the structure, function, strength and measurement of attitudes; principles of persuasion and social influence; resistance and susceptibility to persuasion; designing persuasive communications for behavior change interventions. Applications in consumer, health, and political psychology are reviewed throughout the course.

Design fundamentals of video and computer games. Practical aspects of game development. Study the components of game design process. History and type of computer games, gameplay mechanics and challenges.

Application of strategic marketing planning frameworks to analysis of marketing problems, dynamic study of marketing strategy with a market customer and competitor perspective. In depth examination of strategies for building new brands as well as extending and defending the equity in established brands.

Introduction to the field of political communication, conceptual approaches to analyzing communication in various forms, including advertising, speech making, election campaigns, and candidates' and office-holders' uses of news. Interplay between mass media and politics.

An introduction to picturebook design and research. Evaluating the educational, cultural, social and economic impact of children's books and interactive electronic storybooks. Overview of projects in relation to language development. Understanding how picturebooks work. Analysis of multilingual, multicultural, experimental, creative, postmodern books.

Introduction to developing creative ideas for interaction design. Interaction Design Principles and breaking the rules in the principles. Re-reading of designs developed by ancient cultures for interpretation in interactive design. Design analysis within evolving technologies. Utilization of a workshop format: the description of the task, video-sketches presentation, individual and group practice and critique, collective overall evaluation.

Images of race, ethicity and gender in media and particularly the ways in which gender, ethnicity and race are constructed and represented in different communication contexts, the reproduction of prejudice and discrimination, media policy, structural factors associated with inequalities regarding access to media, and information, communication and media policy.