Communication

This introductory course covers theories and research findings in the area of intercultural communication, providing a basic understanding of intercultural communication theories and their relevant issues in global society.  

Topics include Cultural identity and categorization, High vs low-context communication, Verbal codes and intercultural communication, nonverbal codes, Communication accommodation, Intercultural conflict and negotiation, Acculturation and adaptation, Intercultural competence and development, Intercultural relationships and dialog, Group dynamics, Ethics and power in intercultural work, Digital media and global dialog.  

Students can take this course without a prerequisite, but preferably students have taken an Intro to Media course before or while taking this course.  

This course introduces and discusses some of the key areas of media sociology. It looks at important figures of the field and their representative work. The point is to get an overview of the complex relationships between media and society. The course pays particular attention to social aspects of journalism and new media.

This course examines the complex relationships between media and multiple varieties of communities, including national, local, ethnic, and subcultural groups. Through readings from multiple academic fields, the course addresses the media’s potential to change one’s understanding of cultures and how one relates to cultures they see as ‘other,’ as well complicating the divisions between the two. 　 
　 
The first half of the course discusses the role of nations and national cultures in the production, transmission, and consumption of media texts. Then, the course examines the complexities of community in the digital age, focusing on the spread of ideas across national and cultural borders through online participation. 

This course equips students with essential skills for effective communication and collaboration in diverse, global environments. The course explores various aspects of intercultural competence, from understanding cultural differences to fostering diversity in the workplace. Through readings, discussions, presentations, and projects, participants develop a nuanced understanding of cultural nuances and societal themes.

This course examines the topic of branding through the lens of Barcelona. It focuses on how Barcelona strategically crafted its brand identity and global image to become a beacon of innovation and culture. The course includes field trips to iconic landmarks, business, and cultural hubs in the city to complement class topics.

This international collaborative learning course is designed to develop practical and empathetic communication skills through group work and experiential practices in holistic communication. It focuses on enhancing one's self-awareness, interpersonal communication, and empathy by studying mindfulness, deep listening, and storytelling techniques. 

This course analyzes how whales and the practice of whaling is portrayed across a variety of film and print sources by Japanese and foreign directors and authors.  In Japan, whale meat is still available in restaurants and supermarkets, and while national whale consumption is falling, the majority of the Japanese public supports the country's whaling industry. In contrast, the idea of hunting whales or consuming them is anathema to much of the western world, where whales have in recent decades become a symbol of the environmental movement. The techniques and ideas utilized in the course aims to help students form educated opinions about whaling issues, and serve as for examining other controversial issues in the future.

This course focuses on management, execution, and innovation skills in the field of communication. It explores emotional intelligence and leadership skills and qualities for successfully leading communication projects and initiatives, as well as managing teams.

This course is an introduction to communication technology. Students learn about the adoption, use, applications, effects, and implications of communication technologies. More specifically, we discuss communication processes and dynamics in various contexts (e.g., social media, gaming, online communities) and at different levels (e.g., intrapersonal, interpersonal, group), as well as their psychological, societal, and ethical implications. Throughout the course, we read relevant literature selected from academic journals, reports, and articles targeting the general public, and watch pertinent videos. 

This foundational course provides knowledge, techniques and understanding of marketing principles. It provides students with a conceptual framework to analyze and interpret marketing phenomena and to suggest courses of action in response to marketing problems. Topics include the marketing concept, the marketing environment and the marketing mix which includes product, pricing, distribution and promotion. Other related topics include consumer behavior, market segmentation and targeting, marketing research and information system, marketing planning, implementation and control, and public issues in marketing.