Courses Taught & Qualified to Teach

This is a graduate level course that is designed to introduce students to theories, models, and concepts of interdisciplinarity. The class uses the special topic of Fandom as an example of an interdisciplinary field. Students deliverables include response papers in addition to: annotated bibliography, academic autobiography, theory synthesis paper, project proposal. 
 

This class relies on American Studies approaches to communication & culture to develop knowledge of how superheroes continue ideological traditions of American storytelling and continue impact social life. These impacts include the globalization of Western values through major markets and influencing moral & political decision-making for fan groups. 

An introductory course on concepts of pop culture in the US, as well as the history of mass media from the industrial revolution and forward. Students are also asked to develop various "close reading" skills and demonstrate those abilities in papers, speeches, and activities. They must complete readings of visual, auditory, written, and integral media texts.
 

Provided students with overview of writing [social] scientific papers, including lessons on: organizing academic papers, research paradigms, data collection techniques, and study ethics
 

Students learn preparation and delivery techniques related to public presentations. The skills cultivated in the class include organizing and outlining content, preparation techniques, coping mechanisms for speech anxiety, audience engagement, and live delivery strategies. 
 

Students develop oral interpretation and staging skills corresponding with principles and theories of public, performative communication. Class activities include practicing the basics of literary and rhetorical analysis, formulating insight, and embodiment of content through staging and presentation. 

Cultivated student knowledge of cinematic language, especially the ways in which film may archive history, express argument, and encourage empathy. Film history and industry standards of visual communication constitute the thrust of the course.