Hispanic & Intercultural

Communicating in today's world often involves sharing ideas and information with others from very different backgrounds and life experiences. Whether its face to face, through a video conference call, through the web, or more traditional media, communicating with others from different cultures is an increasingly common part of our lives. Even within a single state like Texas, cultural boundaries can inhibit effective communication within many settings including business, healthcare, or interpersonal communication. Scholars in the College of Media & Communication are experts in intercultural communication—the study of how different cultural backgrounds impacts the exchange of ideas and information in both interpersonal and mass communication.

One particular area of focus within the College of Media & Communication is the study of communication within the Hispanic community. Hispanics represent the largest minority group in the United States, and research by CoMC faculty aims to create knowledge and encourage greater intercultural awareness by promoting a better understanding of Hispanic-related and intercultural communication.

Smartphone Use Among Hispanics in Three Countries

Smartphones have become an integral part of our day-to-day lives, and that's true for many people across the globe. But research by Regents Professor and Director of the Thomas J. Harris Institute for Hispanic and International Communication Dr. Kent Wilkinson partnered with scholars from three different countries to explore how smart phone use can differ. Their research highlights both common uses of this technologies, as well as ways that smartphone use can differ. Read more.

The Evolution of Spanish Language TV

Since its introduction in the early 1960s, Spanish-language television in the United States has grown in step with the Hispanic population. This shows no signs of stopping. Industry and demographic projections forecast rising influence through the 21st century. Regents Professor and Director of the Thomas J. Harris Institute for Hispanic and International Communication Dr. Kent Wilkinson is a leading expert on Spanish-language TV in the U.S., and his book on the subject is a comprehensive review of Spanish-language television's development from the 1960s to 2013. Read more.