Course Catalogue

This course provides an introduction to fundamental concepts of psychoanalysis, such as the unconscious, repetition automatism, transference and drives, as proposed by Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) and further elaborated by Jacques Lacan (1901-1981).  This course is composed of selected classic case histories by Freud (and one by J. Breuer) and  includes  methods of interpretation employed by Lacan. Topics for analysis include neurotic disorders (hysteria and obsession), psychopathology of everyday life, jokes, dreams and other formations of the unconscious.  Finally, the course takes up the order of language (along with the death drive) as what constitutes the human.

This course offers a basic understanding of the history of major world cultures, and globally interconnected systems around the globe. Although its primary aim  is an overview course  of world history, the course will also touch upon different themes that help promote a better understanding of how various historical forces such as culture, society, and politics shaped the courses of  the developments of various civilizations and global interconnections. In addition, the end of the course will critically focus on deconstructing the “Eurocentric” viewpoint in history. The course provides a crucial overview of cultures and the interactions between them, which are essential for the accelerating movements toward an increasingly integrated globe.

This course brings together the theories and practices of communication among individuals in different contexts, especially in an intercultural setting. The course is divided into two parts. The first part focuses mainly on the basics of interpersonal communication, which provides learners the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills for effective interpersonal interactions. These include techniques in message production, relationship building, interpersonal adaptation, and impression management. The second part deals with intercultural communication, which explores communication skills, models, and theories in a cross-cultural context, particularly on how different cultures filter experience through their own understandings of time, space, conventions, and structures, verbal, and nonverbal communication.

The advent of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has created new realities for the media as well as other organizations around the globe. The traditional ways of production, distribution, and consumption of contents, especially news, are constantly being reshaped- redefined. Media, as well as other organizations around the globe, now have a critical need for connecting with audiences on digital platforms to increase impact in literally everything- be it sales or community cohesion. As such, knowing the answers to the following questions has become mandatory to all media organizations: (1) Who are the people who make up digital audiences? (2) How do digital audiences behave? (3) Why is it important to research, identify, and monitor digital audiences and their engagement with your organization?

The course covers the very essence of the digital audience, exploring how community, consumer, social psychology, and theory converge on digital platforms and social networks. Through interactive discussions and case-study analyses, the course teaches how audiences differ across industries and platforms, the elements that engage or dissuade users, and how media organizations use audience data to manipulate growth strategies. The students are required to submit a case study related to digital audience in Bangladesh.