You may have heard a college student refer to their experiences outside the classroom as “real life.” How can we dispel the impression that what happens in the classroom is somehow disconnected from students’ lives? How can we make our courses more “real” to students? And how might this infusion of “real life” into the classroom motivate student learning and engagement? Read on for small changes that can make your assignments more authentic and encourage student motivation and learning.
News
A global hub for Hollywood history
UW–Madison’s Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research preserves priceless materials from the entertainment industry.
The Builder
As she heads into retirement, Sue Zaeske reflects on a career expanding the scope of the College of Letters & Science.
Searching for Answers on “Forever Chemicals”
UW–Madison study reveals what people want to know about PFAS in drinking water and how insights can guide better public health communication.
Advancing Digital Studies with New Faculty Professor Matthew Hannah
As the digital world expands, Communication Arts is building a team of scholars whose research and teaching can propel the field forward. We are honored to have Matthew Hannah join our department as faculty in …
An Inside Look from the Telluride Film Festival
Buoyed by the generosity of the Hamel family and of the festival itself, for the last ten years, a professor and a small group of grad students have been welcomed to the Telluride Film Festival. …
Visiting Assistant Professor, Paxton Haven, Joins Communication Arts
Each time we welcome a new visiting assistant professor to our department, their ideas and methods of studying communication make large impacts on our student curriculum. This year, we are thrilled to be joined by …
Professor Diana Leon-Boys Officially Arrives to UW–Madison
Communication Arts is proud to announce that our newest faculty member, Professor Diana Leon-Boys, has arrived at UW–Madison. Leon-Boys joins us as an Assistant Professor of Media and Cultural Studies, and we are sure she …
New study shows Americans searching for ways to reduce PFAS exposure through drinking water
A new study recently published in the “Journal of Environmental Health” shows that large numbers of Americans are searching online for ways to reduce their exposure to PFAS, a group of synthetic “forever chemicals” found in everything from nonstick pans to takeout containers.
Robert Asen Named One of Ten University-Wide 2025-26 WARF Professors
Communication Arts faculty member Robert Asen has received a significant honor with his recent award of a WARF Named Professorship. This university-wide recognition was given out to just ten faculty members across campus in 2025 …