Dr. Figueroa's research interests focus on media representations, media sociology, and sports communication. He primarily utilizes qualitative methods, such as textual analysis, critical discourse analysis, ethnography and in-depth interviewing.
keywords
media sociology, sports communication, journalism studies, digital media, cultural studies, media studies, critical discourse analysis
APRD 7002 - Research Design
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025
Adopts a holistic and creative approach to bridging theory with method for the purpose of research design. Students learn how to bridge theory and method, exploring research designs that effectively address research questions and hypotheses through elaboration of theoretical and operational linkages. Same as JRNL 7002.
APRD 7003 - ProSeminar in Mass Communication Theory II
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2026
Continues introducing and discussing theoretical and methodological points of view in areas of communication, journalism and persuasion. Discusses the most important qualitative and quantitative methodological points of view, and from theoretical viewpoints that range from social science to critical studies. The idea is to develop an appreciation for theories and methodologies that can be employed depending upon the research question. Same as JRNL7003.
APRD 7004 - Doctoral Professionalization Seminar
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2025
Introduces you to the university and gives you a chance to think out loud about what your academic future might look like. The course is designed to be responsive to your needs regarding your career, getting a job, getting tenure and teaching. In short, the course prepares you for a career in academia. Same as JRNL 7004.
APRD 7051 - Qualitative Research Methods
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2025
Provides a survey of various qualitative modes of inquiry, attending to the philosophical, conceptual, and practical foundations of qualitative research in media, communication, and information. The course is designed to support students in developing a critical understanding of the different considerations in and stages of qualitative research, including the development of research questions, theoretical and conceptual frameworks, methodological approaches, data collection, data analysis, and assessment of reliability and validity of qualitative data. Previously offered as a special topics course. Same as JRNL 7051.
CMCI 4931 - Internship
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024 / Spring 2025
Internship experience in CMDI areas. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Formerly CMCI 4931.
JRNL 2000 - Reporting and Writing
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024
Introduces students to writing news for a range of news media platforms, and teaches them how to use the appropriate grammar and style conventions. Also introduces students to reporting and writing various types of stories, from breaking news to features to profiles.
JRNL 2301 - Journalism Ethics and History in Film
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024 / Spring 2026
Examines how the depiction of journalists evolves over time through watching classic films. Also, the course studies how journalists depicted in film enact (or do not enact) ethical norms of the profession. Through the reading of cinema as text, and in conjunction with written texts, the class will discuss how these depictions in popular culture have, over time, impacted the way American society views the media.
JRNL 3241 - History of Journalism
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024
Explores the foundations of journalism practice in a historical context. Students study the evolution of the news industry and analyze examples of contemporary broadcasting, photography, online and print media in light of the past.
JRNL 3804 - Sports, Media and Society
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024 / Spring 2025 / Fall 2025
Examines how sports, culture and especially the media, with a specific focus on journalism, all come together to influence society. Explores how sports communication affects, and is affected by, the issues and tension that touch society at large, such as law and politics, race, gender, sexuality and disability.
JRNL 4931 - Internship
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2024 / Spring 2025 / Summer 2025 / Fall 2025 / Spring 2026
Internship
JRNL 7002 - Research Design
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2025
Adopts a holistic and creative approach to bridging theory with method for the purpose of research design. Students learn how to bridge theory and method, exploring research designs that effectively address research questions and hypotheses through elaboration of theoretical and operational linkages. Same as APRD 7002.
JRNL 7003 - ProSeminar in Mass Communication Theory II
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2026
Continues introducing and discussing theoretical and methodological points of view in areas of communication, journalism and persuasion. Discusses the most important qualitative and quantitative methodological points of view, and from theoretical viewpoints that range from social science to critical studies. The idea is to develop an appreciation for theories and methodologies that can be employed depending upon the research question. Same as APRD 7003.
JRNL 7004 - Doctoral Professionalization Seminar
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2025
Introduces you to the university and gives you a chance to think out loud about what your academic future might look like. The course is designed to be responsive to your needs regarding your career, getting a job, getting tenure and teaching. In short, the course prepares you for a career in academia. Same as APRD 7004.
JRNL 7051 - Qualitative Research Methods
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2025
Provides a survey of various qualitative modes of inquiry, attending to the philosophical, conceptual, and practical foundations of qualitative research in media, communication, and information. The course is designed to support students in developing a critical understanding of the different considerations in and stages of qualitative research, including the development of research questions, theoretical and conceptual frameworks, methodological approaches, data collection, data analysis, and assessment of reliability and validity of qualitative data. Previously offered as a special topics course. Same as APRD 7051.
