Communication in Everyday Life, Media, and Society
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Program
Summary
Why do some ideas catch on while others are ignored? What makes an argument convincing? How do people change their minds, and why do certain messages influence what we believe, buy, share, and do? This course explores the power of persuasion and communication in everyday life, media, and society. From social media and advertising to political debates, public speaking, and everyday conversations, students investigate how messages shape attitudes, influence decisions, and inspire action. Drawing on real-world examples and insights from communication, psychology, rhetoric, and media studies, students learn what makes messages persuasive, how to understand different audiences, and how to communicate ideas in ways that resonate. Students will explore the diverse fields of study and career pathways within communication, including strategic communication, journalism, public relations, advertising, social media, political communication, organizational communication, media production, and communication research. Through discussions of academic and professional opportunities, students will gain insight into how communication skills are applied across industries and how communication-related majors can lead to a wide range of careers. Through interactive workshops, debates, case studies, and creative projects, students practice crafting compelling arguments, telling persuasive stories, navigating disagreements, and presenting ideas with confidence. Students also examine how persuasion operates in digital media, public discourse, and contemporary social issues, developing the skills to both influence others effectively and critically evaluate attempts to influence them. Whether students aspire to become engineers, entrepreneurs, scientists, lawyers, policymakers, or creative professionals, this course equips them with practical skills to communicate their ideas, connect with others, and make an impact. By the end of the program, students will better understand not only how persuasion works, but also how to use it thoughtfully, ethically, and effectively in their academic, professional, and everyday lives.
Student profile
Important dates
Application deadlines
Application opens: Jan. 12, 2027
Deadline: Apply by May 1, 2027
Tuition deadlines
The first half of tuition is due by May 15. The second half of tuition is due by June 1.
