🔵 1. Foundational Media & Communication Core (15 credits)

Course Code	Title	FCNS	CIP	Credits
MCED 701	Foundations of Digital Media Literacy	MMC 7000	09.0702	3
MCED 702	Theories of Communication and Society	MMC 7100	09.0702	3
MCED 703	Media, Culture, and Global Perspectives	MMC 7700	09.0702	3
MCED 704	Leadership and Innovation in Educational Media	EDG 7921	13.0401	3
MCED 705	Policy, Media Law, and Education	EDF 7656	13.0401	3

🧠 2. Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, and Society (15 credits)

Course Code	Title	FCNS	CIP	Credits
AISO 721	AI in Education and Learning Environments	EME 7602	13.0501	3
AISO 722	Ethical Dimensions of Artificial Intelligence	PHI 6625	38.0101	3
AISO 723	AI and Media: Critical Perspectives	MMC 7510	09.0702	3
AISO 724	Human Agency, Automation, and Identity	SYD 7935	45.1101	3
AISO 725	AI, Inequality, and Educational Justice	EDF 7627	13.0401	3

⚠️ Note: All AISO courses (AI & Society) are designed with a humanistic, critical, and interdisciplinary approach. No technical knowledge is required.

📊 3. Research & Dissertation (18 credits)

Course Code	Title	FCNS	CIP	Credits
RESD 741	Qualitative Research in Communication & Culture	EDF 7475	13.0601	3
RESD 742	Critical Methodologies in Educational Media	EDF 7486	13.0601	3
RESD 743	Doctoral Writing & Research Framing	EDF 7493	13.0601	3
RESD 799A	Dissertation Seminar & Proposal	EDF 7980	13.0601	3
RESD 799B	Dissertation Research & Defense	EDF 7981	13.0601	6

🎓 4. Electives / Special Topics (Choose 4 – 12 credits)

Course Code	Title	FCNS	CIP	Credits
ELEC 751	Media, Power, and Algorithmic Culture	MMC 7540	09.0702	3
ELEC 752	AI in Popular Culture and Visual Media	RTV 7601	09.0702	3
ELEC 753	Culturally Responsive Teaching with Digital Media	EDF 7720	13.0401	3
ELEC 754	Futures Thinking and Technological Imaginaries	HUM 6935	24.0103	3
ELEC 755	Critical Data Studies in Education	EDF 7658	13.0603	3

Syllabus – MCED 701 Foundations of Digital Media Literacy

1.Course Description

Explores key concepts in digital media literacy, including access, analysis, creation, reflection, and action. Focuses on the role of digital media in education and society.

2.Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3.Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4.Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5.Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6.Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – MCED 702 Theories of Communication and Society

1.Course Description

Examines classical and contemporary communication theories, with emphasis on their application in digital and media contexts.

2.Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3.Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4.Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5.Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6.Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – MCED 703 Media, Culture, and Global Perspectives

1.Course Description

Analyzes the interplay between media and culture in a globalized world, exploring themes such as identity, representation, and cultural flows.

2.Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3.Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4.Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5.Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6.Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – MCED 704 Leadership and Innovation in Educational Media

1.Course Description

Prepares students to lead innovation in educational settings using digital and media tools with a focus on organizational change and instructional design.

2.Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3.Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4.Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5.Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6.Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – MCED 705 Policy, Media Law, and Education

1.Course Description

Surveys policy and legal issues related to media use in education, including copyright, intellectual property, privacy, and digital equity.

2.Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3.Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4.Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5.Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6.Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – AISO 721 AI in Education and Learning Environments

1.Course Description

Explores the implications of artificial intelligence in educational systems, including adaptive learning, personalization, and ethical concerns.

2.Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3.Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4.Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5.Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6.Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – AISO 722 Ethical Dimensions of Artificial Intelligence

1.Course Description

Critically examines ethical theories and frameworks related to the use of AI, including fairness, accountability, and transparency.

2.Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3.Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4.Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5.Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6.Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – AISO 723 AI and Media: Critical Perspectives

1.Course Description

Investigates how AI is transforming media production, consumption, and discourse, with an emphasis on critical analysis.

2.Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3.Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4.Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5.Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6.Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – AISO 724 Human Agency, Automation, and Identity

1.Course Description

Analyzes how automation and AI impact concepts of human agency, identity, and labor in media and education.

2.Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3.Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4.Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5.Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6.Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – AISO 725 AI, Inequality, and Educational Justice

1.Course Description

Explores how AI can both challenge and reinforce inequality in education, with a focus on justice-oriented frameworks.

2.Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3.Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4.Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5.Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6.Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – ELEC 751 Media, Power, and Algorithmic Culture

1. Course Description

Examines the power dynamics embedded in algorithmic systems and their cultural implications in media contexts.

2. Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3. Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4. Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5. Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6. Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – ELEC 752 AI in Popular Culture and Visual Media

1.Course Description

Analyzes representations of AI in film, television, and digital media, exploring their impact on public perception.

2.Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3.Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4.Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5.Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6.Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – ELEC 753 Culturally Responsive Teaching with Digital Media

1.Course Description

Explores frameworks and strategies for integrating culturally responsive pedagogy using digital tools.

2.Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3.Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4.Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5.Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6.Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – ELEC 754 Futures Thinking and Technological Imaginaries

1.Course Description

Engages with speculative and futures thinking approaches to technology in education and media.

2.Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3.Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4.Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5.Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6.Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – ELEC 755 Critical Data Studies in Education

1.Course Description

Introduces critical approaches to data use in education, including surveillance, datafication, and power.

2.Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3.Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4.Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5.Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6.Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – RESD 741 Qualitative Research in Communication & Culture

1. Course Description

Introduces qualitative methodologies for researching communication and culture, including interviews, ethnography, and discourse analysis.

2. Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3. Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4. Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5. Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6. Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – RESD 742 Critical Methodologies in Educational Media

1.Course Description

Focuses on critical theory-based research approaches in media and education studies.

2.Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3.Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4.Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5.Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6.Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – RESD 743 Doctoral Writing & Research Framing

1.Course Description

Supports students in developing academic writing and conceptual frameworks for their dissertation research.

2.Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3.Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4.Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5.Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6.Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.

Syllabus – RESD 799A Dissertation Seminar & Proposal

1.Course Description

Guides students through the development of their dissertation proposal, including literature review and methodology design.

2.Course Objectives

- Understand and critically analyze the course theme.

- Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies and contemporary issues.

- Develop research or media-based projects aligned with course topics.

- Engage in reflective discussions on the societal impacts of technology and media.

3.Course Format

This course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, with optional synchronous sessions for discussions and presentations.

4.Assessment Methods

- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)

- Midterm Project or Essay (25%)

- Discussion Participation (15%)

- Final Research Project or Media Artifact (40%)

5.Required Readings

A list of readings and media resources will be provided through the LMS platform at the beginning of the course.

6.Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow university guidelines for academic honesty and integrity in all submitted work.