Advanced Topics
- Rhetoric & Persuasion
- Digital Communication Systems
- Applied & Professional Communication
- Advanced Analysis & Theory
- Final Project
The remaining four sections are optional specialization tracks. You do not need to study all of them. Pick one (or at most two) that match your personal interests, career goals, or curiosity after you finish the core.
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IV. Rhetoric & Persuasion Choose this track if you want to learn how to create convincing messages, speeches, advertisements, campaigns, or public arguments.
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VI. Digital Communication Systems Choose this track if you are especially interested in social media platforms, algorithms, online networks, data, and digital life.
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VII. Applied & Professional Communication Choose this track if you want practical skills for jobs in public relations, marketing, corporate communication, international work, or professional settings.
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VIII. Advanced Analysis & Theory Choose this track if you are very interested in deep critical thinking, academic-style analysis, or if you plan to continue into graduate-level study later.
Rhetoric & Persuasion
| Subject | Why study? | Book | Videos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classical Rhetoric | You master ancient techniques for constructing powerful, logical, and emotionally engaging spoken and written arguments. | Silva Rhetoricae (BYU) | HarvardX Rhetoric |
| Persuasion Science | You learn the research-proven psychological principles that make people say yes and change their behavior. | Cialdini | Coursera Michigan |
| Visual & Multimodal | You develop the ability to create and critically analyze messages that combine words, images, sound, and design. | Visual & Multimodal Communication | Coursera Illinois |
Digital Communication Systems
| Subject | Why study? | Book | Videos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platforms & Algorithms | You understand how major digital platforms shape what people see, say, and believe every day. | Networked | — |
| Networks & Social Media | You learn how connections between people online create patterns, influence behavior, and spread information. | Networks, Crowds & Markets | Coursera SNA |
| Data, Privacy & Ethics | You can identify and think critically about the ethical challenges of collecting, using, and protecting personal data online. | Ethics of Emerging Media | — |
Applied & Professional Communication
| Subject | Why study? | Book | Videos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic Communication | You learn how organizations plan and execute purposeful communication campaigns to achieve specific goals. | Strategic Communication | Coursera Colorado |
| Professional Writing | You master the formats, tone, and clarity needed for emails, reports, proposals, and other workplace documents. | OpenStax Writing Guide | — |
| Intercultural Practice | You practice real-world skills for navigating cultural differences during work, travel, and international teamwork. | Intercultural Comm (LibreTexts) | Coursera Shanghai |
Advanced Analysis & Theory
| Subject | Why study? | Book | Videos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cultural & Critical Theory | You gain powerful frameworks for analyzing how communication maintains or challenges power, inequality, and culture. | Carey – Communication as Culture | — |
| Discourse Analysis | You learn systematic ways to examine language use in talk and texts to reveal hidden ideologies and power relations. | Doing Discourse Analysis | — |
| Global Media Systems | You understand how media operate, flow, and influence people differently across countries and regions. | Global Communication | — |
| Advanced Research | You master complete research designs, from question to final report, at a graduate-level standard. | Creswell | — |
| Scholarly Writing | You learn the advanced conventions, structure, and style needed to publish research articles in academic journals. | Writing for Scholarly Publication | — |
Final Project
| Project Type | Why study? | Book | Videos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empirical Research Project | Apply method to real study. | Communication Research Methods (Merrigan & Huston) | Understanding Research Methods (Coursera – SOAS) |
| Strategic Communication Campaign | Real campaign buildout. | Strategic Planning for Public Relations | Strategic Communication Campaigns (Coursera – Colorado) |
| Media/Cultural Analysis Portfolio | Theory + analysis synthesis. | Media and Cultural Studies: Keyworks | |
| Digital Communication Prototype | Prototype a digital artifact. | Design Thinking for Strategic Innovation | Prototyping and Design (Coursera – Minnesota) |