More good news for the department: Dr. Serazio and former Fairfield undergraduate Wanda Szarek (2011) received word last month that their article, “The art of producing consumers: A critical textual analysis of post-communist Polish advertising” was accepted for publication in the European Journal of Cultural Studies. Here’s the abstract:

“This article offers a critical textual analysis of hundreds of advertisements that appeared in Polish magazines at a pivotal historical juncture: following the collapse of communism and at the rise of a capitalist market economy in the early 1990s. It draws out from the visual and rhetorical data emblematic themes and sociocultural undercurrents concerning entrepreneurial opportunism and financial reassurance, status envy and post-rationing excess and interconnected solidarity with the West through brands and the English language itself. By studying the anxieties and aspirations represented in this symbolic material, we might better understand how new consumers were ideologically shepherded through a moment of profound political transition. The study represents a starting point for future investigation into how advertising produces its subjects in the aftermath of communism.”

Congratulations to Mike and Wanda!

A panel of practitioners and professionals will be discussing the blossoming field of digital marketing on Wednesday, February 13 at 6:30 in the Schine Auditorium at Sacred Heart University.

The event is intended to shed light on a field that has seen a lack of talent in the area and to “highlight the diversity of players, career paths and skill sets within the field. ”

For more information, click here.

To register online for the event, click here.

Wednesday, November 28 at 7:30 p.m. has been chosen as the new date/time of the faculty research presentations discussed in an earlier post. The venue has changed to the Dolan School of Business dining room.

Try to make it so you can have a better idea of what your professors spend their own time studying and how they approach the field of Communication!

To help with choosing classes, rather than waiting a week, here’s another adjunct professor profile. This time you’ll meet Dr. Luiz Duarte. He holds a BA in Journalism from the University of São Paulo, a MA in Telecommunication Managment from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in Mass Media also from MSU.

Why Communication?

Communication is what got us from the caves to today. If you ever visit Epcot’s first ride on the giant ball you got a a good sense of how Communications technologies are so relevant to everything we are and do.

What has been your favorite course to teach?

I liked teaching about the history of communication technologies because there are so many interesting anecdotes to tell.

What’s the best course you’ve ever taken in or related to the field of Communication?

My great professor Thomas Muth from MSU used to provoke some animated discussions on Telecommunication policies and that was very interesting and useful for learning the multiple aspects of legislation, with winners and losers.

Do you have any interesting hobbies?

I am traveling throughout Latin America extensively these days for work and there is no time for much else.

The next adjunct Communication professor in our series is Julie Scher-Smith. She holds a degree in Economics from Emory University and a MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago. Along with that background, she has this to say about her experience teaching:

Why Communication?

Teaching public speaking is a passion of mine. As a management consultant and manager of recruiting and training I realized that communication skills were paramount to being successful and being promoted. Analytical skills could get you answers but communicating them and attaining understanding and agreement required another skills set. Consultants often deliver presentations to share findings and to solicit new business; they lead team meetings and conduct informational interviews; yet they are seldom trained on the soft skills.  So—- while working at Bricker & Assoc in Chicago, I got certified in public speaking so that I could then create my own course and train my colleagues (the other consultants). I have also taught adult education programs.

What has been your favorite course to teach?

CO101 is my favorite course to teach as every student is capable of being a success. It is not uncommon to have real anxiety about public speaking and this class is a wonderful means for overcoming that and attaining real skills that are leverageable in one’s personal and professional life.  I like that although students might at first dread this course and enroll reluctantly to fulfill a requirement for the major, they soon come to enjoy class and embrace learning.  I am a life-long learner and this class offers opportunities for growth and success for everyone.

Do you have any interesting hobbies?

Outside of the classroom… I enjoy yoga classes, and long beach walks. Last year I trained and became a cyclist to bike the Pan Mass Challenge (200 miles in 2 days) to raise money for cancer. I have two daughters who have recently gotten me to test my fear of heights numerous times at the new Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum (zip lines in the trees).