Solving Problems in Media and Communications

(4 Credits)

How can we combat disinformation? How do we address the personal isolation that social media engenders? What is the impact of the monopolization of media ownership and what can be done about it? These are just a few of the problems that we face in our ever-expanding media landscape. In this course we start from the premise that one of the functions of the university is to address problems like these, and through collaborative research arrive at solutions. Over the course of the semester students will identify problems, create research groups, develop research questions, assemble relevant literature, conduct original research, and publicly present their research findings. Central to this approach will be creating and sustaining a space for exploration, experimentation, and, importantly, failure and learning through our failures.