CMST 3580 Communicating Space and Place

4 semester hours

Historically, the evolution of communication technologies has had a profound effect on the organization of urban space. Scholars from W.E.B. DuBois to Manual Castells have theorized about the relationship between practices of communication and the urban space. The tension between structure and agency, proximity and distance, weak ties and strong ties, the familiar and the stranger, difference and indifference, are all spatial issues that drive the need for more critical communication practices. This course will take an interdisciplinary approach to the relationship between the built environment, through concepts of space and place, and practices of communication like digital storytelling, journalism, and cartography. Through a service-learning, students will partner with LA Commons, a community storytelling non-profit organization located in the Leimert Park neighborhood to create narrative media projects that reimagine neighborhoods through the stories of residents. These projects serve as counter narratives to dominant, administrative, and disparaging characterizations of South-Central LA. Student will participate with community member in developing and creating these projects and apply their communication studies and journalism scholarship and personal experience in service of social justice within the broader LA community.

Must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.

Junior or senior standing required.

Majors only.

Prerequisites: CMST 1600 , CMST 1700 , CMST 2500 , and CMST 2800 .