Professor Profile: James Katz

Feld Professor of Emerging Media; Director, Division of Emerging Media Studies; Executive Director, Center for Mobile Communication Studies

How did you become involved in the emerging media field?

I have had a lifelong interest in interpersonal communication technology, starting with the rotary dial telephone in the days before there was such a thing as a cell phone, and did early experiments in looking at alternative ways for people to communicate. The world finally caught up with me!

What was your occupation prior to joining BU’s Division of Emerging Media Studies?

Immediately prior to joining the Division, I was on the Board of Governors Distinguished Professor of Communication and Chair of the Department of Communication at Rutgers University.

What classes do you teach at COM? Overall, what are the main topics and discussions addressed in these classes?

Currently I teach doctoral and masters seminars in emerging media studies.

What is your advice to students interested in joining the EMS program at COM?

Learn to think clearly, write well, and be ready to study hard.

What was the most current research you’ve published? Why was this topic of interest to you?

My most recent book is called, The Social Media President: Barack Obama and the Politics of Citizen Engagement. Social media has the power to affect elections, get politicians’ views distributed to the public, and enable citizens to meaningfully share their views with those in power. What is of interest to me is why only the first two of these activities seem to be flourishing, but not the third, which, unlike the first two, is truly a transformative use of social media.

When you have free time, what is your favorite activity to do in Boston?

Reading.

What is your favorite emerging media platform/device?

Yik Yak. At least for this moment.