Teaching

Social influence is a powerful driving force for human behavior. Understanding the fundamental mechanism of social influence is essential for strategic communication and decision making, whether you are in communication, data science, or management. In this course, students learn why and under what conditions our attitudes and actions can be influenced by those around us. Students explore key theories and research findings in social psychology and economics, and apply persuasive communication techniques through case studies and hands-on projects.

* offered to Communication Undergraduate & DACSS Masters students

This course develops creative thinking and public presentation skills essential for any career. Students will refine their ability to communicate visually and verbally, mastering professional presentations. Emphasizing effective communication design, it explores crafting messages that connect with target audiences. Through hands-on projects, students will create social media campaigns for products, brands, and non-profits, honing their strategic and design skills. 

* offered to UMass Honors College students

Social media continue to evolve and interact with our existing patterns of communication. Individuals, organizations, as well as policy makers are tasked with evaluating the risks and merits of information spread through online social networks. In this course, students examine the current state of research and key findings on the uses and effects of social media. The course will cover a wide range of theoretical perspectives to understand complex issues that emerge on social media platforms, such as big data and ethics, digital youth and privacy.

* offered to Communication Undergraduate & DACSS Masters students

Digital technology has transformed the news environment and diversified how public opinion is formed and expressed. This course is designed to offer a framework for understanding the broad impact of these changes on citizens as well as the democratic system. Students will discuss foundational theories of political communication and address emerging issues in the digital news environment, ranging from the use of artificial intelligence in the newsroom to the changing perceptions of information credibility. This course fulfills the IE (Integrative Experience) requirement at UMass Amherst.

* offered to Communication Undergraduate & DACSS Masters students

This seminar introduces students to the major areas of research concerning the impact of emerging information technologies on society. Discussions will focus on the role of technology and networked communication in information diffusion, social change, and the evolving dynamics of public and private spheres of social life. The course will examine the influence of communication technology on social networks, civil society, democratic processes, and global interconnectedness. The course begins with foundational theories explaining the relationship between media and society. Building on this theoretical foundation, students will explore contemporary perspectives on the effects of information technology. Finally, the course will investigate various issues documenting the impact of technology on different aspects of our society, political ecosystem, and global environment.

* offered to Communication Doctoral students & DACSS Masters students

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the theory and practice of quantitative research in communication studies. Students will learn the fundamental principles of scientific inquiry, emphasizing the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of numerical data. Students will develop a strong foundation in the logic and methodologies used in social science research, gaining the skills necessary to critically evaluate and conduct empirical studies.

* offered to Communication Doctoral students & DACSS Masters students