Communication

Language and communication are important aspects of how societies and individuals understand and deal with health and well-being. This course examines key aspects of communication in relation to health and well-being across a range of scales, including the societal and community scales, within health and social care settings and between individuals. Students are introduced not only to ideas and theory on these topics but also to practical activities, which enables them to reflect on their own experiences of communication styles across these settings and to further develop specific skills. Through lectures/workshops and tutorials students explore the ways in which (1) health matters are represented and discussed in public media, (2) language and communication shape individuals' experiences of health and wellbeing, and the role talk plays in help-seeking and health-related behaviors, and (3) language and communication are constitutive of the delivery of health and social care. 

The course provides an overview of working in the United Kingdom and examines 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 the sociology of work; trade unions; oppression at work; generational changes at work. 

This course examines how businesses excel (or stumble) based on how well they tap the widening power and reach of persuasive communication nationally and across borders in today's digital age. Students explore how persuasion theories, corporate storytelling, thought leadership, advocacy, negotiation, and other strategic elements are applied through the organizational communication disciplines to strengthen companies and brands. Primary attention focuses on corporate social responsibility's role in building a positive reputation, driving sales, and enhancing customer loyalty. Lectures, readings, and video clips also provide insight about communicating persuasively when developing new markets, managing ongoing business issues, and dealing with controversies.

This course introduces various aspects of English used in American and British newspapers and magazines. Topics include general features, headlines, idioms, loanwords, polysemy, bias in reporting, cultural factors, advertising, and editorial.

This course examines learning how to communicate scientific ideas and findings to broad audiences—including policy makers, newspaper subscribers, and high school students. Specifically, it looks at communicative frameworks (focused on rhetoric, as well as audience, purpose, organization, and style) to guide analyses of existing texts and your development of writing that balances subject knowledge with audience awareness.