Communication studies delve into the ways in which words, images, gestures, and symbols reflect and influence human behavior. They explore the various ways in which communication can be used – and sometimes misused – to bring about change in culture, law, politics, business, and any other area where people express themselves.

In one of your classroom days, your professor may present a social media post from a politician or a celebrity. You and your classmates analyze, critique, and discuss this post from different angles, such as its medium, message, explicit and implicit meanings, and the cultural impact of the message. Then, you write your own social media post in response to it.

Here’s a possible response post:

“Today in class, we dissected a post from [Politician/Celebrity’s Name] on social media. It’s fascinating how this post uses not only the words but also the visual elements and tone to convey a particular message. We discussed the potential impact this post can have on culture, politics, and society at large. It’s a reminder that communication is a powerful tool, and we should always critically analyze the messages we encounter. #MediaAnalysis #CriticalThinking”