As communications worldwide continue to constantly evolve, understanding the media environment can be critical, and an upcoming speaker at Grand Valley State University will tackle the issue.

GVSU will host Dr. Lance Strate, professor of communication and media studies at Fordham University, for a discussion about media ecology.

According to the Media Ecology Association, which Strate co-founded, media ecology the study of media with the idea that technology and communication play a pivotal role in human affairs.

The discussion will include topics from Strate’s newly released sixth book, “On the Binding Biases of Time and Other Essays on General Semantics and Media Ecology.” According to Strate’s website, the book explores the relationships
of symbols, language and media and examines how these things are perceived by humans in the environment of communication.

This will be Strate’s second trip to GVSU.

“Dr. Strate came here last year briefly,” said Dr. Valerie Peterson, associate professor of communications at GVSU. “We wanted to bring him back and share him with more people.”

Strate will appear partly because of the efforts of his colleague and personal friend Corey Anton, associate professor
of communications at GVSU. Anton has served as a trustee on the Board of Directors of the MEA and as an editor for the MEA’s publication, “Explorations in Media Ecology.”

“Strate is a very professional, polished speaker,” Anton said. “He really puts on a show.”

Anton has dedicated much of his academic career to media ecology. He has published multiple books, including “Communication Uncovered: General Semantics and Media Ecology” and “Valuation and Media Ecology: Ethics, Morals,
and Laws.”

Strate is considered a leading mind in the field of media ecology; he sits on numerous boards and councils, many dealing directly with media ecology.

His current teaching position at Fordham University allows him to teach a diverse range of subjects including science fiction and popular culture.

Peterson said the extensive communications department at GVSU makes it a good fit for Strate to visit.

“GVSU has film programs, theatre programs, photography programs and more,” she added. “Some schools just don’t have the media programs that we do.”

Strate writes and maintains a blog about his work and research at www.lancestrate.blogspot.com.

Strate’s guest lecture will be held in the Loosemore Auditorium in the DeVos Center at the Pew Campus on Monday
at 7:30 p.m.

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