Not-for-profit and community-based organizations rely on strategic digital communication to drive social change. In this course, students gain in-depth knowledge of communication theories and practices while collaborating with local organizations through the John Cardinal Program for Media and Civic Engagement.

This course examines how not-for-profit organizations use strategic digital communication to drive social change. Students will explore communication theories and apply social media strategies while conducting research projects with local organizations through the John Cardinal Program for Media and Civic Engagement.

In this experiential course, we combine the study of communication theory with mindfulness training. Mindfulness is about paying attention on purpose to what’s happening in the present moment –without judgment. We will explore a range of research topics related to mindful communication, including attention, engaged listening, and emotional intelligence.

Justice by Design examines how oppression and inequity are designed and how they can be reimagined toward justice, reciprocity, and collective flourishing. Through speculative storytelling, media analysis, and iterative design work, students imagine and communicate more just futures.

Hone in on your audience, purpose, and mission by understanding the role of visual communication in storytelling. This course puts the spotlight on image and visual design and invites you to use Instagram (an image-first platform) as a creative sandbox for your own cause-based initiative.

Through media analysis and production, students learn to leverage platforms to strategize and advocate with community organizations. Students apply writing theories as they conduct research with communities and produce new knowledge with their community partners.