Department of Advertising
Prof. Chambers' first book is published
Professor Jason Chambers has written a new book, "Madison Avenue and the Color Line," about African American employees and entrepreneurs in the advertising industry. The book was published early in 2008 by the University of Pennsylvania Press and is available online and in bookstores.
Chambers has presented his research into the African American consumer market both nationally and internationally, and his work has been published in books and journals in Europe and the United States. He has been invited to speak in numerous countries, has appeared on The History Channel discussing advertising issues and has provided opinions to a vareity of magazines. He also served as a consultant on advertising history programs appearing on the BBC and consulted with numerous organizations on matters of diversity, stereotyping, the impact of new media and various consumer issues. "Madison Avenue ..." is his first book.
Find out more about Chambers' book and African Americans in advertising:
- "A Minute With ..." features Chambers on campus Web site
- Chambers' book is highlighted in UI News Bureau story
Prof. Oswald on symbolic communications
During the past 10 years or so, brand strategy researchers have come to recognize the importance of brand communication in building and sustaining brand equity — the value attached to a brand, name or logo that supercedes product attributes and differentiates brands in the competitive arena. Semiotics, the study of symbolic communication, has important applications to strategic brand management by helping researchers clarify brand identity, personality, and associations the brand communicates in relation to its history (in diachronic perspective) and in relation to the current competitive environment (in synchronic perspective). By locating the meaning of logo, packaging, and advertising messages in the broader system of the brand positioning discourse, semiotic analysis enables marketers to tie brand communication to marketing strategy and brand legacy, and remain relevant in a changing cultural environment. Professor Laura Oswald shares insights about this cutting-edge methodology in her paper, "Semiotics and Strategic Brand Management" (PDF).
The Department of Advertising — the first such academic department in the country — was established at the University of Illinois in 1949. The department was created by Charles Sandage, known as the "father of advertising." Like virtually every other advertising program that rose in its shadow, it reflected the structure and functions of the modern advertising agency.
Find out more about Illinois' advertising history in this article written by Jason Chambers: adv_education_chambers.doc. (Word, 48k)
Advertising isn't what it used to be. Media have changed dramatically. Consumer engagement with advertising is taking paths that no one could have imagined more than 50 years ago. The Department of Advertising at Illinois has changed right along with the industry, and today it is still pioneering the way consumer communications is taught. In addition to learning the elements of agency creative and account responsibilities, advertising students work toward an understanding of the relationship between consumers, consumption and consumer-oriented messages.
This cutting-edge approach teaches students to think intelligently, not only about advertising but about all of the cultural messages with which they engage.
Advertising students at Illinois are well prepared for fulfilling careers in all facets of the consumer communications industry. It's what makes the program unique. And it's what repeatedly places it among the top-ranked programs in the country:
Top Undergraduate programs as ranked by faculty
1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2. University of Texas
3. University of Florida
Most mentions as a "Top 3" undergraduate program
1. University of Texas
2. Michigan State University
3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Most mentions as a "Top 3" graduate program
1. University of Texas
2. Northwestern University
3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Michigan State University
Top graduate programs as ranked by U.S. News & World Report
1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2. University of Florida
3. Northwestern University
4. University of Texas
SOURCE: University of Texas at Austin Web site.
Student organizations
The Department of Advertising encourages students to get involved in a student organization such as the American Advertising Federation, which offers connections to real-world experiences, competition and advertising professionals.
Faculty expertise
The faculty in the Department of Advertising combine professional experience with wide-ranging scholarly interests in the study of advertising consumer communication.
Networking opportunities & alumni connections
Advertising majors have traveled to Los Angeles, New York, Detroit, Chicago and other cities to visit agencies and network with industry professionals, many of whom are College of Communications alumni. Alumni also provide portfolio reviews, professional guidance and updates on industry trends. In January of each year, the College sponsors a Student/Alumni Interface during winter break, at which students can network with alumni working as advertising professionals in the Chicago area.
Career placement
The Department of Advertising offers assistance in acquiring internships and jobs, including an annual career night devoted to connecting students with advertising professionals.