Students, as they make use of evolving technologies, need to be able to present themselves effectively in front of any number of different audiences through any number of different outlets. Whether in an interview on radio, a guest presentation at a conference, in comments on a video blog, in commentary on TV, in the lead on a self-produced YouTube video, or as spokesperson in front of investors or management, professionals need strong oral communication skills. This class focuses on strengthening those skills through active individual and group presentations, as well as, through discussion of key techniques and group critique of presentation publicly available in the social media space on sites such as YouTube.

An analysis of the information, values and underlying messages conveyed via television, newspapers, the internet, magazines, radio and film. Examines the accuracy of those messages and explores how media shape views of politics, culture and society.

How has social media changed the world, and how has the world changed social media? This course explores how social media has influenced relationships, culture, industry, politics, and the information environment, as well as how significant global events and technological advancements have contributed to the evolution of social media. This course gives students a broad contextual understanding of social media that they may apply in their daily lives as well as future academic inquiry.

What are the ingredients of a juicy scandal? Money? Sex? Power? How are scandals uncovered? Why does society punish some scoundrels but not others? Come explore both serious and salacious scandals with a professor who's an expert in both--and who once exposed many scandals himself when he was an investigative reporter. This class examines scandals in politics, science, religion, social media, business, government, sports, and higher education; feeding frenzies, tabloid scandalmongering, undercover reporting, apologies, and cancel culture. Learn why even trivial scandals matter--and how scandals reflect what we value and ultimately who we are.