This course introduces students to foundational critical and cultural theories in communication. It explores how media and communication processes shape power dynamics, identity, and social structures. Students will examine issues such as media representation, ideology, race, gender, and class through the lens of critical theory.The course also provides an overview of essential qualitative research methods, including interviews, textual analysis, and ethnography. Students will learn how to design research projects, analyze qualitative data, and write academic papers in communication studies. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyze media and independently conduct qualitative research.