Have you ever wondered what happens to a whole culture when its systems of communication shifts?
Students in Dr. Kevin Schut’s Media, Culture & Criticism course tackle these types of questions and more — all within a creative and atypical classroom environment.
Being faithful communicators in a world of digital culture
On a Friday afternoon, Dr. Schut, who teaches in TWU's School of the Arts, Media + Culture, welcomed his students to class as usual. But this time, students sat not at desks but on armchairs next to warm cups of coffee.
It was a lesson brought to life.
“The goal of the course is to learn to think deeply and responsibly about how to be faithful in a world of digital culture and artificial intelligence,” Dr. Schut says, noting that this creative session is just laying the foundations for further conversations throughout the semester.
"The goal of the course is to learn to think deeply and responsibly about how to be faithful in a world of digital culture and artificial intelligence."
Memorable learning experiences
By bringing in the warmth of a café vibe to his classroom, Dr. Schut led students to experience how context shapes communication and meaning.
It produced both thought-provoking and memorable learning as students reflected on the action of reading digital versus non-digital material and even of engaging in non-reading digital material, like games and watching videos.
Culture shifts and communication changes
Through this activity, students quickly realized the shifts in one’s cognition and emotion while engaging in the various communication mediums, which challenged them to consider: How might an entire culture shift when its system of communication changes?
These questions spark deeper discussions about communication, meaning, and the importance of context. The conversations, fueled by refills of coffee, all made for a memorable class experience.
About TWU's School of the Arts, Media, and Culture
Immerse yourself in what you love best, whether it’s visual or performing arts, media, or communication. Grow with others who are just as passionate and exceptional as you. That’s the beauty of learning in community. You’ll find your people here. Learn more at School of the Arts, Media + Culture.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.