Overview
All acts of communication and self-expression are performative. The media through which humanity communicates and expresses itself is constantly evolving. Effectively engaging in that media becomes a key skill in remaining versatile, marketable, and relevant within the larger cultural, social, and economic landscape. An individual with a comprehensive background in Strategic Communication can more easily interpret, analyze, and participate in the collaborative arenas of organizational and interpersonal communication, and emergent media, remaining a step ahead of trends instead of struggling to keep up with them.
The Communication Arts major develops the analytical and practical skills necessary for life-long learning, preparing students to adapt as their careers evolve. Majors may select a standard emphasis in Communication Arts or a comprehensive emphasis in communication. All students complete a liberal arts foundation supplemented by specialized courses within each emphasis.
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The Strategic Communication Emphasis provides the study of complex organizations and their use of applied communication in connecting with their audiences. Students in Strategic Communication explore interpersonal and media-based communication, and our courses often require creative work tied to real-world situations. Graduates in the Strategic Communication Emphasis have moved on to careers in public relations and advertising, government relations, issues management and events management.
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The standard Communication Emphasis allows for the greatest flexibility and efficiency for transfer students, double majors, and those students seeking the broadest possible experience across all Communication Arts emphases, while still providing a balance between theory and practice.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
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demonstrate an understanding of the complexity of communication from both a practical and theoretical perspective.
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become adaptable producers and users of communication acts across multiple contexts
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pursue further studies or professional training in the field of communication or utilize their skills in a communication-related field of employment.
Communication Arts Minor Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
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develop strong communication, presentation, and writing skills to succeed in any career path and be capable of critically analyzing, crafting, and delivering compelling messages to diverse audiences
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acquire in-depth knowledge of human communication across different contexts, cultures, and systems, with the goal of building practical and relevant communication skills needed in both personal and professional settings
Public Relations Minor Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
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demonstrate mastery of public relations concepts, principles, and trend to prepare a public relations campaign for a client
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apply public relations concepts and principles to design and implement an impactful public relations campaign
Capstone Course Requirement
The following course fulfills the capstone course requirement for the Communication Arts Major: COM 405 Senior Capstone Seminar.
Capstone Course Requirement
The following course fulfills the capstone course requirement for the Communication Arts Major: COM 405 Senior Capstone Seminar.
Communication Arts Courses
A focus on the fundamentals of journalistic storytelling for the digital age, including American journalism standards and ethics and using text, audio, and photos to tell powerful stories. Stories will be published on the Top O’ The World website, print edition, and other platforms.
Combines the basic theories of communication with public speech performance skills. Emphasis is on speech preparation, organization, support, audience analysis, and delivery.
An examination of media-related industries (broadcasting, journalism, advertising, public relations and online communications), and the issues related to those industries that affect contemporary public discourse. GT-AH2
This course is a study of the theory and associated terminology of visual communication including the application of concepts to film, theatre, and convergent media. Topics include aesthetics, design elements, mimesis, performance, semiotics and introduction to the primary techniques of the various communication arts. Prerequisite: ENG 102 with a minimum grade of C- or instructor permission.
An analysis and practice of the major forms of media writing, including print, broadcast and web-based publication, with an introduction to the ways that production varies the writing of each. Prerequisite: ENG 102 with a minimum grade of C- or instructor permission.
A study of the use of communication to establish credibility, trust, and confidence between and among communities, employees, public agencies, civic organizations and business institutions.
Special Topics
Entry-level supervised experiences in organizational communication and journalism/mass media. Prerequisite: instructor permission required.
An exploration of the philosophical and theoretical foundations of human communication, concentrating specifically on textual analysis and interpretation. Using a wide range of media, students will investigate how the particular method of communication informs, alters, and shapes the messages being consumed, and how those messages both constitute and affect self-expressive acts. Prerequisite: minimum junior standing; or instructor permission.
An introduction to the basic principles and structure of management as it applies toCommunication Arts. Particular focus is given to management of small and mid-size nonprofit media and arts organizations, and to the interrelationship between those two areas. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of the instructor.
An examination of media from a theoretical, organizational perspective. Topics covered include departmental functions and duties, programming, formats, regulations and finances. Also, in the context of media theory, empirical data is explored. Prerequisite: minimum junior standing; or instructor permission.
An exploration of various concepts and types of conflict and the role of argumentation in managing and/or resolving conflict. The study examines the theory and practice of communication within small groups, as well as problem solving and decision making as common contexts in which argument occurs and conflict arises, and a continuum from formal to informal modes of conflict management/resolution is discussed and practiced by the students. Examples of specific areas covered include formal debate, negotiation, and arbitration. Prerequisite: ENG 103; or instructor permission.
An introduction to the tools, techniques and concepts of social media resulting in the creation of online and mobile content. Particular emphasis on analyzing and employing user data and analytics to meet strategic objectives. Prerequisite: minimum junior standing; or instructor permission.
A theoretical and practical survey of intercultural communication. Topics may include: the interpersonal dimensions of intercultural communication online and offline, the distinctive cultural orientations, behaviors, expectations, and values that affect intercultural communication situations, including strategic and computer-mediated communication. Prerequisite: Junior standing or instructor permission.
A detailed study in a specific area of communication emphasizing individualized approaches toward development of creativity and scholarship. Prerequisites: minimum junior standing and 10 credits in Communication Arts or instructor permission.
Special Topics
A capstone course in which students complete their individual Communication Arts portfolios, based upon their cumulative work through the COM program and guided by their specific career or graduate school goals. The seminar provides an opportunity for the students to work individually, in small groups, and with the instructor to evaluate the overall effectiveness of their finished portfolios, and revise accordingly, using the critical techniques, cultural awareness and technical skills students have developed throughout the COM program. Prerequisite: COM 305; or instructor permission.
An analysis of the many facets of information campaign planning. It explores concepts like persuasion and audience behavior, researching attitudes and effectiveness, campaign objectives and strategies, media choices, and relevant social and ethical issues. In addition, students are expected to build their own information campaigns. Prerequisite: COM 274 or instructor permission.
A detailed study in a specific area of communication and theatre, emphasizing individualized approaches toward development of creativity and scholarship. Prerequisites: junior or senior status and 10 credits in Communication and Theatre; or instructor permission.
Special topics in Communication Arts.