Media literacy focus of Salzburg Academy

Six Emerson students and two faculty members participated in the three-week Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change in Austria this summer, joining about 75 students from 20 countries to discuss and learn how digital media can tackle issues of both local and global concern.

Working with the United Nations Development Program and the Red Cross Climate Centre and Global Voices, the Academy seeks to develop innovative media tools to better understand media literacy and address global challenges—from climate change to women’s rights.

Students participated in skill-enhancing workshops, intense small-group discussions, and expert-led lectures to ultimately develop case studies, innovative strategies, and media tools.

Associate Professor Paul Mihailidis of Marketing Communication, who is director of the Salzburg Academy, attended with Associate Professor Eric Gordon of Visual and Media Arts, who is also director of Emerson’s Engagement Lab.

The participating students were Vilma Diaz, MA ’15; Nourah Al Sadoun, MA ’16; Samantha Manns ’15; Spencer Shannon ’15; Hannah Zwickerhill ’16; and Giulia Rho ’16.

Associate Professor Eric Gordon (left) interacts with participants of the Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change in Austria this summer. (Courtesy Photo)