Media Research Methods (DMJ 350)

As a survey course for research methods, students are exposed to a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods in media studies, including emerging digital methods such as the walkthrough method and digital ethnography. Students are expected to conduct original academic research as a group project where they will have a chance to collect, analyze, and report data.

Media and Diversity (DMJ 310)

This course examines historical and contemporary representations of gender, race, class, and sexuality in mass media in order to interpret, evaluate, and contest these meanings. Students investigate how the structure and economic imperatives of the mass media industries influence representations of diversity and consider possibilities for reformation and intervention.

Media Industries (DMJ 224)

In the course, students learn the concepts, frameworks, and case studies that examine media as a channel and industry, rather than content. The course consists of two parts; in the first part, students will learn basic concepts in media industry studies. In the second part, students will apply those concepts to interrogate more specific media industries including journalism, streaming services, and digital platforms.

Media and Society (DMJ 101)

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the complex interplay between media and society. Students will explore the historical evolution, economic structures, regulatory frameworks, and social impacts of various American mass media, including traditional forms like books, newspapers, magazines, film, radio, sound recordings, and television, as well as emerging digital media such as the internet.

Social Impact of Mass Media (COMM 226):

Starting with the question, "Does violent TV make people more aggressive?” I introduce students to theories of media effects. Using a combination of lectures and class discussions, I offer ample opportunity to apply theories to everyday life. The course starts with media effect theories such as Framing, and Agenda-setting theories. It then turns to the era of digital media, including influencer culture, race, and algorithms.

Intro to Media and Culture (COMM 121, online):

As an introductory course that offers a brief overview of Communication theories, the course begins with the definition of communication and medium, then turns to participatory culture on social media activism. Since it is a 6-week online course, the readings and assignments go hand in hand with a mix of weekly quizzes and discussion posts so that students continuously receive feedback from the instructor.

Writing as Communication (COMM 375, online):

It is a junior-year writing course, where I teach critical thinking, reading skills, and research and composition techniques. Throughout the semester, students learn basic components of academic writing skills, such as writing an effective introduction and thesis sentences and searching credible sources. At the end of the semester, students are expected to form an original case study research article. 

Communication Inquiry (COMM 394), Lab instructor:

In this seminar course format, students as teams were expected to conduct two research projects by using qualitative and quantitative methods. I operated a lab session once every week, teaching techniques for both approaches such as in-depth interviews, ethnographic observation, content analysis, surveying, and utilizing SPSS, in assistance to the professor’s lectures on methodologies. I mentored three teams’ research projects, on various subjects such as people’s perceptions of the NFL kneeling protest, the motivation for using the dating app Tinder, and the degree of political engagement on Facebook. I encouraged students to transfer their curiosities and everyday observations of media into research projects using Communication theories and methods.

Colorado College

“Influencer Culture and Race”, Digital Racism and Sexism, Fall 2023

Sogang University

    “Qualitative Methods: in-depth interview and ethnography”, Global Leadership Program, Summer 2023

University of Pennsylvania

“Asian American Influencers”, Gender, Sexuality, and Global Media, Spring 2023

“Asian American Activism”, Modern Social Movements, Fall 2021

  Emory University

         “Racialized Beauty, Visibility, and Empowerment”, Social Media and Culture, Fall 2022

University of Hartford

“Digital Platform and Society”, Communication in the Digital Age, Fall 2021