Voices of Democracy: Insights from Communication Studies Faculty

At this pivotal moment for American democracy, our faculty members are advancing important dialogue and scholarship about democratic systems and participation. Throughout the fall semester, their work has sparked important conversations through innovative research and media engagement. Whether analyzing political discourse, exploring gender dynamics, or engaging students in civic life, their expertise helps us understand […]

“The Refractive Comic: Nanette and Comedy From Inside Identity”

Kiah Bennett’s paper published in Television & New Media Ph.D. student Kiah Bennett has published the paper “The Refractive Comic: Nanette and Comedy From Inside Identity” in Television & New Media. Abstract: This essay theorizes a millennial-era iteration of stand-up comedy: refractive comedy. Through close textual analysis of Hannah Gadsby’s Nanette (2018), I argue refractive […]

“That’s not funny: How the right makes comedy work for them”

Nick Marx’s new book published by University of California Press Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies Nick Marx and Boston College Associate Professor and Chair of the Communication Department Matt Sienkiewicz have published the book That’s Not Funny: How the Right Makes Comedy Work for Them. About the book: A rousing call for liberals […]

“Home economics: Sitcom capitalism, conservative comedy, and media conglomeration in post-network television”

Nick Marx’s article published in Communication, Culture & Critique Associate Professor Nick Marx has published the article “Home economics: Sitcom capitalism, conservative comedy, and media conglomeration in post-network television” in Communication, Culture & Critique, volume 16, issue 1, March 2022. Abstract: This article argues that conservative comedy has become a considerable cultural force in the service […]