The Social Construction of Travel

This course may be used to satisfy one of four electives required within the Communication major. Communication shapes how individuals perceive, experience, and articulate travel. In this course, we will delve into thought-provoking questions that encompass the essence of travel: Why do we set our bodies in motion? What profound insights can we glean about others through travel, and how do such insights enrich our understanding of ourselves? To tackle these intriguing questions, we will tap into an array of theoretical frameworks, including Intercultural Communication Theory, New Media Theory, Cultural Studies, Visual Communication and Representation Theory, Media Literacy, and Postcolonial Theory, among others. These frameworks will serve as cognitive maps, illuminating the intricate interplay between communication, travel, media, culture, and self-perception.