COMM 4479 Representing Reality
Satisfies one of two writing intensive courses required within the Communication major. This course examines the possibilities of representing and recreating reality in visual media. To what extent is what we perceive as authentic, in fact, constructed, mediated, and performed? What is the relevance of the notion of truth in this context? We will consider films, television shows, and other forms of media that blur the boundaries of reality and allow a rethinking of received definitions and established forms of perception. As a class, we will reconsider realism in visual media, treated both thematically within a narrative and as a foundational question of media more broadly.
Course overview
- Department
- Communication
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Periodically
Requirements fulfilled
- Communication: Electives (four courses, 12 credits): any 3-credit class offered by the department; COMM5589 Internship Practicum may count once (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Communication: Writing Intensive Seminars (two courses numbered COMM4425-COMM4499, excluding COMM4485) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 3.79 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.04 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 3
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Renee Pastel | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 4–6 hrs/week | 12 of 16 |
| Fall 2025 | Renee Pastel | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.8 | — | 9 of 12 |
| Spring 2025 | Renee Pastel | 4.1 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4–6 hrs/week | 11 of 16 |