The Department of Mass Communication considers communication studies from multiple perspectives. From the foundations of communication to social media, the ethics and cultural divergences of communication, communication and society, and creative and alternative applications of communication tools, the department's courses examine the dynamic nature of mass communication today.
3 semester credits. In a pluralistic and multicultural society, it is important to provide individuals with the appropriate tools to develop balanced and integrated personalities that are capable of social interaction with sensitivity and a wide understanding. A skillful communication creates positive relationships and working teams as well as social groups including individuals from different cultures, religious beliefs, sexual preferences, age, and physical characteristics. In order to arrive at this form of intercultural communication, it is necessary to acquire basic competencies and psychological knowledge of the logic-verbal, intuitive, and creative areas. Course topics analyze the subjectivity of perception, the influence of cultural patterns on identity, the interdependence of contemporary life and working contexts, and the capacity to acquire useful skills and experience for effective communication.
3 semester credits. This course introduces students to the strategic roles and functions of the Public Relations (PR) practitioner. Students evaluate the context in which PR is practiced, gain an understanding of the potential and practice of PR as a management function, and critically analyze the structure of PR management, its role, and techniques. In addition, students will be introduced to the rhetorical arguments that impact PR activities and will be made aware of the importance of professionalism and ethics in the practice of public relations.
6 semester credits. This course introduces students to the strategic roles and functions of the Public Relations (PR) practitioner. Students evaluate the context in which PR is practiced, gain an understanding of the potential and practice of PR as a management function, and critically analyze the structure of PR management, its role, and techniques. In addition, students will be introduced to the rhetorical arguments that impact PR activities and will be made aware of the importance of professionalism and ethics in the practice of public relations. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
3 semester credits. This interdisciplinary course helps students from all areas of study to develop their critical thinking skills. The principles of reasoning, analysis, logic, and rhetoric will be introduced in both ancient and modern contexts during lectures. Students will be asked to participate in classroom exercises, examine arguments from both sides, learn to better analyze materials and therefore acquire a more thorough analysis of evidence, and apply these concepts to decision-making situations. The aim of the course is to arrive at a real-life application of these practical techniques that are relevant to all individuals, from the managerial level for professionals to everyday contexts.
3 semester credits. This course examines ethical issues in the field of communication. As globalization continues to spread and a world of differences continually comes into contact, a critical need for the study of ethics in communication across contexts, cultures, the various media used in communication, and on both public and private levels becomes essential. Ethical issues will be applied to the study of communicational behavior, decision-making, the quality of communication, public and private dialogue, and how the need to consider the ethical approach to this field impacts the individuals, communities, and societies that populate the world today.
3 semester credits. This course is based on the examination of personal and small group communication with particular emphasis on methods of perceiving information and transmitting messages, gender bias in communication, nonverbal behavior, and methods of communicating ideas and emotions. Students also learn about decision-making in groups and forces that influence group behavior. Course topics include a review of the ways in which people communicate with each other and an introduction to the skills needed to communicate effectively in professional environments. Students participate in small and large group discussions and problem-solving situations involving listening skills, interviewing skills, verbal and nonverbal communication, and public speaking.
3 semester credits. This course explores the realm of communication in Italy through non-verbal communication and body language. As a millennial crossroads of cultural contamination due to its central position in the Mediterranean area, Italy has always been a point of collision and absorption of communication and language. The course topic explores the evolution of non-verbal languages that arose as a universal mode of communicating across cultures, with a particular focus on contemporary uses in Italy. Considering the infinite diversity of spoken Italian due to a linguistic history of regional dialects, Italian non-verbal communication is a unique example of how bodily gestures have become a codified form and occupy a significant role in Italian culture and society. Various socio-cultural-political contexts, areas of scholarly research/study, and field experiences will be regularly examined and applied throughout the course.
3 semester credits. This course further examines topics gained in introductory public relations courses. PR is considered in terms of strategy and development when building relations. Coursework involves research and campaign building in the context of diverse communication and marketing environments. Course participants will analyze from an advanced perspective the uses and best practices of the visual aspects, professionalism and ethics, and relations management in public relations. Prerequisites: One communication course, introductory PR course, or equivalent.
3 semester credits. What do we mean by "community"? How do we encourage, discuss, analyze, understand, design, and participate in healthy communities in the age of many-to-many media? With the advent of virtual communities, smart mobs, and online social networks, old questions about the meaning of human social behavior have taken on renewed significance. Although this course is grounded in theory, it is equally rooted in practice, and much of the class discussion takes place in social cyberspaces. This course requires the active engagement of students and a willingness to experience a full immersion in social media practices. Much of the class discussion takes place in a variety of virtual world environments during and between face-to-face class meetings. Students who participate in this course will actively and productively engage in established and emerging forms of social media - and have some notion of how these practices affect the self and the community.
6 semester credits. What do we mean by "community"? How do we encourage, discuss, analyze, understand, design, and participate in healthy communities in the age of many-to-many media? With the advent of virtual communities, smart mobs, and online social networks, old questions about the meaning of human social behavior have taken on renewed significance. Although this course is grounded in theory, it is equally rooted in practice, and much of the class discussion takes place in social cyberspaces. This course requires the active engagement of students and a willingness to experience a full immersion in social media practices. Much of the class discussion takes place in a variety of virtual world environments during and between face-to-face class meetings. Students who participate in this course will actively and productively engage in established and emerging forms of social media - and have some notion of how these practices affect the self and the community. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Prerequisites: One communication course or equivalent.
3 semester credits. This course explores the major concepts and theories of the psychology of bargaining and negotiation, and the dynamics of interpersonal and inter-group conflict and its resolution. Students will familiarize with negotiation strategies and planning, as well as with ethics in negotiation. This course will also focus on international and cross-cultural negotiation strategies.
3 semester credits. This course explores the varied aspects of digital communication through an approach that considers both theory and practice for building effective communication strategies. Students will examine advanced topics related to web and social media communication, the role of research in digital strategies, development and implementation of communication planning, and the evolving positioning of digital communication within organizations. Communication design will be a key focus of the course through the analysis of relevant case studies and the evaluation of applicability of communication strategy through course projects. Important areas of investigation will address creative content creation, communication building based on organizational identity and branding, user trends and interaction, data and performance analysis, concept diversification for multi-platform communication operations, integrated marketing practices, and management and oversight of digital strategy. Prerequisites: Successful completion of an undergraduate degree is required for this course.
3 semester credits. This course focuses on the role of communication in public health, the development and practice of health communication strategies, and how health campaigns, medical journalism, and an increasing community participation in online health outreach impact society and wellbeing. Starting from theories of past and present health communication, students will examine how health information is delivered and perceived, the influence of media on public health outcomes, and the cons/risks of media strategies on healthcare practitioners and beneficiaries. Case studies will be analyzed to gage effectiveness and to discuss the findings of current research and scholarship on communication management in medical systems. Students will be asked to compare communication strategies in international contexts, as well as gain perspective on the implications of health communication as practiced in a country like Italy where healthcare is highly state-subsidized. Prerequisites: Introduction to Public Relations or Communication, an introductory health systems course, or equivalent.
3 semester credits. This course examines the development of international tourism from its historic beginnings to current growth. Emphasis will be placed on the topics of tourism marketing and communucation, the role of governments in international tourism, the effect of tourism in a country's infrastructure and society, and the impact of tourism in developing countries.
3 semester credits. Through the public relations placement, students will learn how to promote an organization's business and image. Public relations activities will focus on managing an organization's key messages through content management. Communication strategies, including those related to special events, will be a major emphasis in public relations-related projects. Students will be guided throughout their involvement in PR operations and measuring PR results. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require PM shifts, shifts that take place on weekends, or ongoing research-based activities for remote placements. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Remote option students will gain international community exposure through a virtual setting. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Main tasks: Corporate communication projects, community-based outreach proposals, market research, client and audience analysis, brief and press release creation, engagement measuring, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. Participation in on-site PR operations at events require: Black or navy blue outwear (blazer and pants/skirt, no miniskirts), dress shirts or tops in the above colors or white (necklines that are not revealing), no t-shirts, tennis shoes, or sneakers. Not applicable to remote option. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
3 semester credits. Through the public relations internship course, students will learn how to promote a client's business, image, or product. Public relations focus on managing a client’s key messages through media releases, editorial content, and promotion. An emphasis is placed on the strategic management and evaluation of key communication systems employed in public relations-related projects. Tasks may include general administrative and logistical tasks, content creation and editing, and tracking media results. This placement may require PM shifts, shifts that take place on weekends and holidays, or ongoing research-based activities for remote placements. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances student knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor who regularly monitors the internship progress and development, and guides the student’s preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the student’s language and professional skills. Main tasks: Corporate communication projects, community-based outreach proposals, market research, client and audience analysis, brief and press release creation, engagement measuring, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. Not applicable to remote option. Prerequisites: B2 level of Italian language. Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
3 semester credits. This course is an examination of personal and small group communication with particular emphasis on methods of perceiving information and transmitting messages in order to foster and build strong relationships with the customer. Such links will be learned by several role playing exercises that are a part of the coursework. Students will review the ways in which people communicate with each other, the skills needed to communicate effectively in work situations, group decision-making, and the forces that influence group behavior. The course will also analyze the two basic principles of the Quality System regarding the bottom-up model and doing things correctly the first time.
3 semester credits. Through this special project course, the student will be able to research and develop web content for professional websites. Guided by a Communications Office, the student will be involved in web-based projects to develop written and visual content for digital platforms. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. The placement may require weekend hours or ongoing research-based and editorial activities for remote placements. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Remote option students will gain international community exposure through a virtual setting. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Main tasks: Digital content creation and revision, visual content development, audience/reader-oriented research, SEO analysis, site performance review, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. Not applicable to remote option. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview. Portfolio of previous work, web back office experience.