Course description
The communication major is an interdisciplinary study of messages, audiences, media, and persuasion. Communication students study the methodology, prevailing theories, history, and questions that define this field. They learn the following:
* effective oral and written communication with a variety of audiences.
* analysis and interpretation of modern media.
* analysis and composition of arguments and other persuasive discourses.
* analysis and practice of ethical communication.
* design and completion of research-based study.
* application of the above to discipline or career specific concerns.
By choosing an appropriate minor, which is required for the communication major, students prepare themselves for graduate study or careers in entertainment, broadcasting, journalism, advertising, law, education, politics, non-governmental organizations, or public relations.
Communication majors must complete course work in these areas:
* a sequence of six required core courses: Introduction to Communication Theory, Fundamentals of Oral Communication, Argumentation and Debate, Media and Society, Propaganda and Persuasion, and Media Ethics.
* two Communication electives (non-core courses numbered 300 or higher)
* two tools courses selected from the following list or approved by the mentor: Introduction to Graphic Design, Analytic and Persuasive Writing, Resourceful Writing, Group Dynamics, The Human Instrument, The Living Theatre, Visual Problem Solving, Drawing Fundamentals, Photography as Image Gathering, Experimental Film and Video, New Genre Art, Introduction to Computer Art, The Art of Web Page Design, Introduction to Computer Science, Introduction to Filmmaking.
* a minor in one of the following disciplines (five or six courses): American Studies, Art, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Creative Writing, Film, Geology, History, Human Development, International Business, International Relations and Global Affairs, Environmental Studies, Law and Justice, Leadership Studies, Literature, Management, a modern language, Marine Science, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Theatre, or Women's and Gender Studies. With the approval of the mentor and appropriate discipline coordinator, students may substitute a minor in a field not listed. No course work applied to the major may be counted toward the completion of the minor.
* Senior Comprehensive Course
Many students supplement course work by undertaking internships locally or overseas.
A typical course sequence for a major in communication might be as follows:
Freshmen
CM 101A Introduction to Communication Theory
CM 121 Fundamentals of Oral Communication
Sophomores
CM 223 Argumentation and Debate
CM 221A Media and Society
Tools course
Course work for minor
Juniors
CM 360A Media Ethics
CM 303A Propaganda and Persuasion
CM elective
Tools course
Course work for minor
Seniors
Course work for minor
CM elective
Senior Comprehensive Course
Internships
