Course Description
ELAN 102 ADVANCED ENGLISH GRAMMAR
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: None
The course is designed to provide students with the grammar skills necessary for success in professional, academic, and social situations. The course will deepen students’ insights into English grammar and the linguistic analysis of English. The course helps students improve their ability to interpret what they read and express themselves accurately orally and in writing. It includes study of editing, active/passive voice, verb tenses, modals and modal-like expressions, conditionals, the subjunctive, phrases, clauses, and different kinds of transitions. The course emphasizes grammatical fluency in English speech and writing.
ELAN 103 CRITICAL MEDIA LITERACY
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: None
This course equips students with the analytical skills needed to critically engage with media messages in a digital and globalized world. It explores how media shape public perception, construct social realities, and influence cultural and political discourses. Students will examine issues such as media bias, propaganda, representation, misinformation, and the role of corporate and political interests in media production. Through hands-on activities and critical discussions, students will develop the ability to deconstruct media texts, assess credibility, and become more informed and responsible media consumers and creators.
ELAN 130 INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS
Credits: 3 (3,1,0) Prerequisite: None
This course provides a foundational overview of linguistics, exploring key areas such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Students will examine how language functions at different levels and how it is shaped by cognitive, social, and cultural factors. The course introduces major linguistic theories and analytical methods, emphasizing language as a dynamic system. Through practical exercises and real-language analysis, students will develop critical skills for studying language systematically. Topics such as language acquisition, language variation, and language change will also be covered, offering insight into the diverse fields within linguistics.
ELAN 131 PHONETICS AND PHONOLOGY
Credits: 3 (3,1,0) Prerequisite: ELAN 130
The course introduces students to the study of speech sounds, focusing on both the physical properties of sounds (phonetics) and their abstract, systematic organization in language (phonology). Students will learn to recognize, transcribe, and analyze the sounds of human speech. Through practical exercises, students will develop the skills necessary for IPA transcription, sound analysis, and the identification of phonological patterns in various languages. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of how sounds function in speech and how they are organized in different languages.
ELAN 234 THE STUDY OF MEANING
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELAN 130
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and theories of semantics, the study of meaning in language. Students will explore how words, phrases, and sentences convey meaning through key topics such as lexical semantics, compositional semantics, and pragmatics. The course examines how meaning is constructed, interpreted, and influenced by language, culture, and context. Through practical exercises and discussions, students will develop skills to analyze meaning in spoken and written texts, enhancing their understanding of how language conveys ideas, emotions, and social signals.
ELAN 235 ANALYZING ENGLISH DISCOURSE
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELAN 234
This course examines how language functions in communication, focusing on the structures and patterns of spoken and written discourse. Students will explore discourse analysis as a method for studying language in context, analyzing how meaning is constructed through social interactions, texts, and communicative situations. Key topics include coherence, cohesion, turn-taking, speech acts, politeness strategies, power, identity, and ideology in discourse. Through the study of various genres such as conversation, media, academic texts and everyday communication, students will develop analytical skills to examine language use and its role in shaping social relationships.
ELAN 244 LITERATURE IN CONTEXT
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: None
This course explores literature as a product of its historical, cultural, and social contexts. Students will analyze how literary texts reflect and respond to the political, philosophical, and artistic movements of their time. Through the study of diverse genres, including fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction, students will examine themes such as identity, power, gender, and media representation. The course encourages critical reading and discussion, connecting literature to contemporary issues and digital narratives. By engaging with different interpretive approaches, students will develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between literature and society.
ELAN 308 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELAN 103
This course explores the role of media in shaping communication across cultures. Students will examine how cultural differences influence media creation, interpretation, and representation in global contexts. Key topics include culture, identity, representation, stereotypes, bias, and cultural diplomacy in media. Through case studies and practical projects, students will analyze television, film, social media, and news to understand how media portrays cultural values and identities. The course also examines the impact of globalization and technology on intercultural communication, equipping students with skills to create media content that fosters cross-cultural understanding.
ELAN 333 ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELAN 235
This course explores the principles of argument construction, evaluation, and debate strategies. Students will develop skills in logical reasoning, persuasive communication, and critical analysis while learning to construct, present, and defend arguments effectively. Key rhetorical concepts such as claims, evidence, reasoning, and counterarguments will be examined. Through practical debates and real-world case studies, students will learn to engage diverse perspectives, identify logical fallacies, and refine their argumentation techniques for media, politics, and public discourse.
ELAN 336 SOCIOLINGUISTICS
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELAN 235
This course examines the relationship between language and society, focusing on how social factors such as culture, class, gender, age, and ethnicity influence language use and variation. Students will explore how language shapes and reflects social identities, power dynamics, and hierarchies, as well as its role in social change. Key topics include dialects, sociolects, code-switching, bilingualism, and linguistic inequality. Through theoretical frameworks and empirical research, students will analyze language in relation to social roles, norms, and values. Case studies from diverse linguistic communities will offer practical insights into how language both shapes and is shaped by societal structures.
ELAN 441 STYLISTICS: LANGUAGE IN LITERATURE, FILM AND VIDEO GAMING
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELAN 244
This course examines how linguistic choices shape meaning, style, and reader/player perception in literature, film, and video games. Students will analyze stylistic features such as tone, register, diction, syntax, and figurative language, exploring how language functions within these media to achieve specific communicative goals, evoke emotions, and reflect cultural and social contexts. The course also focuses on the relationship between language, power, identity, and ideology, helping students understand how stylistic choices influence the interpretation of texts in different formats.
ELM 151 DIGITAL MEDIA & COMMUNICATION THEORIES
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: None
This course explores major communication theories and their application in the digital media landscape. It examines how digital platforms have transformed communication processes, audience engagement, and media consumption. Students will analyze traditional and contemporary communication theories, including media effects, agenda-setting, uses and gratifications, network society, and participatory culture. Special attention will be given to the impact of digital media on interpersonal, organizational, and mass communication. Through critical discussions, case studies, and practical analysis, students will gain a deeper understanding of how digital technologies shape modern communication.
ELM 251 ANALYZING MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELM 151
This course explores key approaches to analyzing media and communication, equipping students with critical tools to examine how messages are produced, distributed, and interpreted across different platforms. It introduces various theoretical frameworks, including semiotics, discourse analysis, audience reception theories, and media framing. Students will apply these methods to analyze news, advertising, entertainment media, and digital communication. Through case studies and practical exercises, they will develop a deeper understanding of the power dynamics, cultural implications, and persuasive techniques embedded in media texts.
ELM 252 DIGITAL PLATFORMS & MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELM 151
This course explores the role of digital platforms in creating, distributing, and consuming multimedia content. Students will examine various media formats such as text, images, audio, video, and interactive media and analyze how platforms shape communication and audience engagement. Key concepts include media convergence, transmedia storytelling, user-generated content, platform algorithms, and content optimization. Students will gain practical experience in producing and editing multimedia content for platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, and streaming services. The course emphasizes video editing, storytelling techniques, and strategies for engaging audiences. By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio showcasing their ability to create dynamic multimedia content tailored to different digital platforms.
ELM 253 NEWS REPORTING
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELM 251
This course introduces students to the core principles and techniques of news reporting. It covers essential skills such as news writing, fact-checking, interviewing, and source verification. Students will learn how to structure news stories, adhere to journalistic ethics, and report across multiple platforms, including print, broadcast, and digital media. Emphasis will be placed on accuracy, clarity, and the ability to distinguish between objective reporting and opinion. Through practical assignments and newsroom simulations, students will develop the ability to report news effectively and responsibly.
ELM 354 NON-FICTION & DOCUMENTARY WRITING
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELM 351
This course explores the unique challenges of non-fiction storytelling, focusing on research-based script development, narrative structure, and ethical considerations in documentary writing. Students will learn how to balance factual accuracy, investigative depth, and engaging storytelling techniques, distinguishing documentary writing from traditional screenwriting. The course covers various documentary formats, including expository, observational, participatory, and investigative, and examines how narrative voice, interviews, archival footage, and visual scripting contribute to storytelling. Emphasis is placed on writing for real-world impact, teaching students how to craft persuasive treatments, develop interview frameworks, and structure compelling narratives for platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Al Jazeera, and BBC Documentaries.
ELM 355 COPYWRITING FOR DIGITAL MEDIA
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELM 254
This course focuses on the art and science of creating persuasive and engaging written content for various digital platforms including websites, social media, email campaigns, blogs, and digital ads. Students will learn how to craft concise, compelling copy that resonates with target audiences while optimizing content for SEO and user engagement. The course covers the essentials of digital writing techniques, tone, voice, and storytelling to enhance brand messaging and drive audience interaction. Practical exercises and projects will provide students with the skills to develop effective copy for different digital formats and channels.
ELM 356 PODCASTING & AUDIO STORYTELLING
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELM 351
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to podcasting and audio storytelling, focusing on the techniques, tools, and creative processes involved in producing compelling audio content. Students will explore the art of narrative audio, voice performance, sound design, and the technical aspects of recording and editing podcasts. The course emphasizes story structure, audience engagement, and digital distribution strategies to equip students with the skills needed to create high-quality audio productions. Ethical and legal considerations in podcasting, including copyright, licensing, and fair use, will also be covered.
ETH362 DIGITAL MEDIA LAW & ETHICS
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELM 352
This course examines the legal and ethical issues surrounding digital media in the modern communication landscape. Students will explore key concepts in digital rights, privacy, intellectual property, content regulation, and cybersecurity, with a focus on how these issues impact the creation, distribution, and consumption of digital content. The course will also address ethical challenges in the digital realm, such as misinformation, data manipulation, and the responsible use of technology in media practices.
ELM 451 TRANSMEDIA STORYTELLING
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELM 351
This course explores transmedia storytelling, where narratives unfold across multiple platforms like film, TV, video games, social media, and VR. Students will learn to craft cohesive, multi-platform stories that engage audiences through interactive and immersive experiences. Key topics include audience participation, story world development, and the role of emerging technologies like AR and VR in expanding narratives. Through case studies and hands-on projects, students will develop skills to create compelling cross-platform stories for entertainment, marketing, and brand storytelling.
ELM 452 MEDIA PROJECT DESIGN & MANAGEMENT
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELM 352
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in designing, planning, and managing media projects from concept to completion. This course covers key principles of project management, including goal setting, resource allocation, budgeting, and timeline management, with a focus on the unique challenges of working within the media and communication industries. The course emphasizes practical skills in team coordination, client relations, and quality control, while also addressing the critical ethical considerations and legal aspects of media production.
ELM 453 INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELM 253
This course focuses on the advanced skills and methodologies required for investigative journalism. Students will explore techniques for in-depth research, data journalism, public records analysis, and source protection. The course examines the role of investigative reporting in exposing corruption, uncovering social injustices, and holding powerful entities accountable. Emphasis will be placed on ethical considerations, digital security, and storytelling techniques for long-form journalism. Through case studies and hands-on projects, students will develop investigative skills necessary for producing compelling, well-researched reports.
ELM 454 AI FOR CONTENT CREATION & PRODUCTION
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELM 351
This course explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in content creation and production, examining how AI-driven tools and technologies are reshaping digital media industries. Students will engage with AI applications in text generation, image and video production, automated editing, voice synthesis, and personalized content recommendations. The course provides a theoretical foundation in AI’s impact on media workflows while offering hands-on experience with industry-standard AI-powered platforms for content generation, enhancement, and distribution. Ethical considerations, including bias in AI models, intellectual property, and the future of human-AI collaboration in media, will also be critically analyzed.
ELM 459 CAPSTONE PROJECT
Credits: 3 (3,0,0) Prerequisite: ELM 352
The Capstone Project serves as the culmination of the student’s academic journey in the Language & Media program. In this course, students will apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their studies to a comprehensive, independent project. The project will require students to conduct original research or produce a significant piece of work that reflects their understanding of the intersections between language, media, and communication. Students will have the opportunity to choose a topic related to their area of interest within the field, whether that involves digital media production, media analysis, public relations, journalism, or transmedia storytelling. The project will involve several stages, including proposal development, research, data collection, analysis, and presentation of the final outcome. Students will also receive guidance on professional practices, project management, and effective communication.
ELM 492 COOPERATIVE LEARNING