Communication Studies Research Seminar (394-0-20)

Topic

Dissecting 'Sticky' Messages

Instructors

Camille Jacquelyne Saucier

Meeting Info

Frances Searle Building 2378: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

Ever wondered why rumors about tampered Halloween candy seem to persist in our memory for years, but messages correcting these stories quickly fade? How about why this message ‘amnesia' seems to disproportionately happen to important content like public health announcements or perhaps to your last class lecture? This course draws on theories from communication and psychology to dissect what message elements tend to make content ‘sticky'—the elusive quality of messages that seem more engaging, understandable, memorable, and shareable. We will discuss how these elements can be applied and how you can leverage them to more effectively change thoughts, attitudes, and behavior. The course and assignments are structured to help you think about the mechanisms associated with ‘sticky' messages and complete a research paper where you dissect a message of your choosing. At the same time, you will also learn critical steps in constructing a well-researched argument, defending a claim, planning and outlining, drafting, and peer-editing.

Class Materials (Required)

Heath, C., & Heath, D. (2007). Made to stick: Why some ideas survive and others die. Random House.

Class Attributes

Department Majors Only
Juniors Only
SDG Reduced Inequality
SDG Quality Education

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Comm Studies juniors. Majors who study abroad a full year may enroll senior year. Comm_ST 394-0 may not be repeated.