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)
- 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) - 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. - 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.
- Complete the following:
COMM 160 Communication in Everyday Life (3)
COMM 180 Introduction to Communication Theory (3) - Complete 4 elective courses in communication studies, including a minimum of 2 courses at the 300 level or above.