Communication

This course presents and discusses contemporary new propaganda techniques and their applications in various political and national conditions. It introduces the basic concepts of classic propaganda, beginning with an explanation of the classic definitions, and continues with the recent studies in which propaganda is identified as non-consensual, not informed, and/or not free organized persuasive communication. The course covers the history of propaganda using the perspectives of both war and peace times, including the establishment of the influential department of the Curia in Catholic Church in 1622 (Propaganda Fide), the 20th century phenomena of fascist and communist propaganda, as well as more recent information warfare and hybrid wars in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Propaganda techniques are analyzed using the examples of, among others, the information-psychological operations from Russia and the American public diplomacy. Additionally, the propaganda operations that accompanied the military conflicts in Middle East and North Africa are covered. The course discusses the role of the traditional and new media, especially social media, in propaganda wars, as well as the relationship between marketing, public relations, and propaganda.

The Internship Workforce course provides students with an overview of working in the United Kingdom. The course looks at the changing organizational structures of work in Britain. It examines the social and economic changes that affect the workplace in the UK. Topics covered include: sociology of work, trade unions, oppression at work, generational changes at work, and the future of work. An internship while studying in London provides an opportunity to experience a “hands on” working situation and a different perspective on the workplace and working practices, while developing professional skills.

This course studies the psychology of communication, including theories, systems, and applications. Topics covered include the concept of communication; the process of human communication; theories, systems, and models; semiotics of communication; communication in animals; communication and human development; nonverbal communication; interpersonal and intrapersonal communication; and observation, listening, and response skills.

This advanced journalism course reinforces theoretical knowledge and provides practical application of print news writing and broadcast news production based on the western journalism in English. The first part of the semester focuses on learning theories, while the second half of the semester, students work on news writing and broadcast news. 

This course explores the contemporary host culture through the lenses of intercultural studies. It covers current cultural, societal, and political themes in the host city, compares ethnic and racial identities in the host country and the United States., and explores the experiences of diverse populations within the host country. The course examines the complexity of host culture values, beliefs, and practices and how to identify the cultural differences and similarities between the host culture and U.S. American cultures. It also discusses key intercultural communication theories, frameworks, and leadership practices in order to deepen cultural self-awareness, acquire new perspectives, and effectively communicate and interact with culturally diverse populations.