Communication Studies

COMM – Communication Studies course descriptions

Faculty

Mary Stark (chair), Shelley Bradfield, Mary Donato, Linda Laine, Stavros Papakonstantinidis

 

Statement of philosophy

The Communication Studies program provides students with broad-based exposure to the academic discipline that examines the process of creating messages, meaning, and relationships in a broad array of contexts.  To cultivate critical thinking, clear writing, articulate speaking, and proficiency with technology, our students study communication in a variety of contexts, particularly those related to professional engagement, interpersonal, and media citizenship.  Through a combination of theoretical grounding and applied experience, we prepare our majors for a range of careers, enable them to participate productively in a democratic culture, and instill in them a desire for lifelong learning.  Coursework is supplemented by internships, and service learning experiences.

 

Major Communication Skills

Competency in oral communication is demonstrated throughout the curriculum. Competency in written communication skills is assessed by the completion of COMM 280 Communication Research and Writing with a minimum grade of “C” for the course. Communication Studies majors attaining less than this level of proficiency must retake the course until achieving a satisfactory level of performance. Students are urged to complete COMM 280 in their second year.

Communication Studies Major Requirements (39-42 credits)

  1. Complete all of the following:
    COMM 160       Communication in Everyday Life (3)

    COMM 180       Introduction to Communication Theory (3) (minimum grade of “C” required)
    COMM 280       Communication Research and Writing (4) (minimum grade of “C” required)

           

  1. Complete at least 1 credit from the following:
    COMM 383       Service Learning Module in Communication Studies

    COMM 397       Internship in Communication Studies
         Internships completed as part of off campus programs may count if pre-approved by the department.

 

  1. Complete 8 elective courses in communication studies, including a minimum of 3 upper-level courses at the 300-level or above. Students are encouraged to take a diverse range of upper-level courses representative of the communication discipline.  An additional 3-4 credits of COMM 397 or 383 may be used in place of one elective course if pre-approved by the department.   

        

Communication Studies Minor Requirements (19-22 credits)

Students interested in pursuing a minor in Communication Studies should meet with a faculty member in the department for advisement early in their program.

  1. Complete the following:
    COMM 160       Communication in Everyday Life (3) 

    COMM 180       Introduction to Communication Theory (3)

 

  1. Complete 4 elective courses in communication studies, including a minimum of 2 courses at the 300 level or above.