COM 346 - Communication and Civil Discourse

Prerequisites, any declared School of Communication major, or instructor consent. Junior standing. How did Americans get so politically polarized-and what communication skills, tools, and strategies can enable us to bridge divides and engage in civil discourse with each other? This course develops students’ knowledge of structural-, community-, and individual-level factors that constrain or enable communication on complex, contentious issues, including the roles of mass media, social media, and new communication technologies. Students will develop deep knowledge of contentious, contemporary political issues and work collaboratively to develop their civil discourse skills to debate and engage others with whom they disagree. Letter grade. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits