Communication Studies Research Seminar (394-0-1)

Topic

Media Power of Influencers: Industry, Publics, and

Instructors

Fatima Gaw

Meeting Info

Frances Searle Building 2378: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This research seminar examines social media influencers as new media actors that wield a distinct kind of influence over media industries and culture, public opinion and behavior, and other domains like politics, education, and science. It engages foundational and emergent concepts such as micro-celebrities and content creators, respectively, and investigates diverse sets of influencers of varying genres, platforms, and social, cultural, and political contexts. This research course is interdisciplinary, drawing from fields like communication, sociology, and cultural studies, and thus introduces a range of perspectives in studying influencer media content, practices, and effects. Throughout the quarter, students develop components of their research paper, scaffolded by research skills development workshops, instructor and peer feedback, and guest lecturers, that allow them to apply and hone their research reading, analysis, and writing skills.

Class Attributes

No Freshmen

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Communication Studies Majors only until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites.