Communication Resources
An academic examination of communication and cultural studies, whereby critical theories and literary criticisms are studied, provides a deeper understanding of historical and contemporary influences within the global environment. By defining the distinctive traits, characteristics and conflicts of advertising, business communications, film, radio, television, the media, journalism and politics in society, cultural phenomena generate new meaning and insight into social, economic and cultural dynamics. Social structures are oftentimes defined within cultures by the way in which messages and meaning is generated and produced through various forms of communications, leading to cultural belief systems and practices. Communications, therefore, have the capability to shape ideologies related to social class, race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality.
Advertising is a media-based communication and representation of a company’s products or services, which not only makes consumers aware, but is intended to create favorable attitudes and opinions in order to compel consumers to act on their desires, thus increasing sales and profits. Businesses build credibility and develop their reputations by successfully communicating with clients, customers and employees. Therefore, effective advertising, flourishing businesses and an increase in consumer spending stimulates the economy and produces jobs. By emphasizing these factors in combination with a linked analysis of historical, social and cultural factors, students begin to discover the impact communications have in the world. Historically, advertising, media and journalism have formed and characterized social and cultural attitudes and beliefs. Performing a critical and theoretical analysis in order to interpret these relationships enables communicators to respond to changing business demands, shifting consumer attitudes and cultural contexts, as well as contemporary media mediums and communication technologies.
These resources are intended to assist students in their studies and critical analysis of historical, popular and contemporary communications, as well as their cultural implications, with regard to advertising, business, the arts, music, semiotics, film, gender, ethnicity, race, public relations, journalism, politics, television, radio and photography. The way in which information is disseminated and communications take place within today’s multicultural, diverse and technologically innovative environment are complex and diverse, and the dynamics continue to evolve.
Advertising and Business Communications
- Analysis of Advertisements
- American Advertising: A Brief History
- The Economic Analysis of Advertising (PDF)
- Effective Communication and Public Relations (PDF)
Cultural Studies
- Music and Pop Culture in America
- How the Arts Impact Communities (PDF)
- Cultural Differences in Business Communication (PDF)
- Semiotics and Qualitative Research in Education: The Third Crossroad
Film Studies
- Society for Cinema & Media Studies
- Framework, The Journal of Cinema and Media
- The Uses of Film in Education and Communication
- American University School of Communication-Center for Social Media
Gender, Ethnicity and Race
- Visual Culture & Gender
- Identities and Social Action
- Cultural Studies, Multiculturalism and Media Culture
- Virtual Sexuality: The Influence of Entertainment Media on Sexual Attitudes and Behavior
General Communication Resources
- Federal Communications Law Journal
- Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
- Association for Business Communication (ABC)
- International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR)
Journalism
- Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
- International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
- Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism, Journalism.org
- Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)
Political Communication
- Political Communication Lab
- Political Communications (PDF)
- Commission on Presidential Debates
- Political Speeches
Media Studies
- ScreenSite
- E-Media Studies
- The Interaction of Traditional and New Media (PDF)
- Media Globalization and It’s Effect Upon International Communities
Visual Communication