Communication

This course enables students to reflect on the role of information in shaping today’s society and information professions by learning about relevant social, societal, and ethical trends and perspectives, and to consider what information professionals and scholars can therefore do to affect, and hopefully improve, society. Possible course topics include core concepts values in library and information science, information and data ethics, fake news and censorship, surveillance and cybercrime, artificial intelligence, globalization, digital sovereignty and regulation, sustainability, and equity and diversity. Seminars consist of student presentations, discussion activities, and writing tutorials.

This course covers the history, basic concepts, theories, and research methods of communication. 

This course studies two major components of political, social, and cultural life in France in the age of democracy. The development of public media lends to ideological debates and participates in the forming of public opinion as well as reflecting it. Mass media, diversified in the 20th century, accompanies the changes in French society. Between freedom of tone and public control, media is a player in political and social crises that France has seen. In the era of television and internet, the new media has strengthened its role in the forming of public opinion.

Evolving management practices and the proliferation of an online, interconnected, global business world have led to greater interaction between employees, management, clients, and the public at a global and intercultural level. These include written correspondence with clients; messages targeting mass public audiences; critical business and product presentations, and event self-presentation. It is no surprise that Business Communications skills are listed as a top workplace skill by employers and recruiters. This course aims to develop written and spoken communication proficiency for various scenarios in the business setting. 

This class examines the role of investigative journalism with attention to public and private powers that might avoid, limit, or corrupt it. It covers the techniques, purpose, dangers, and modes of transmission of the journalist. In addition to discussion of the history and theories of investigative journalism, the course draws examples from the personal experiences and reflections of the professor, an active French journalist. It discusses the role and difficulties faced by journalists globally who are confronted by powerful regimes to consider how investigative journalism can survive in the face of oppression and authoritarianism, and how it can be utilized to provide society with more knowledge and equity. Each course session explores these questions and hears from a guest speaker investigative journalist to better understand their work and methods of journalism.