Communication

S. Mendez-Mendez, Chair; J. C. DelAma, R. M. Fischbach, G. Fitzgerald, Y. Ju, A. Moemeka, C. Pudlinski, K. Ritzenhoff, B. Sevitch, H. Shiau, C. B. Tyson, C. White (Dept. phone 832-2690)
 

The Department of Communication offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree which are designed to challenge students interested in the study of human communication. Communication, broadly conceived, is the purposeful exchange of symbolic information. Communication viewed as human behavior can be examined both in terms of its process and its outcomes and effects. The program of study defines a range of communication problems, determines the appropriate method of inquiry, and searches for answers to the important questions involving the role of communication in individual relationships, in societal settings, in corporate structures, and in global interdependence.

Major in Communication, B.A.

39 credits in the department and related courses, including 12 credits of departmental electives, 18 credits within an emphasis area (as noted below) and 9 credits of core requirements: COMM 140, 240, and 301 or 302. As part of their 39 credit major, students must take a total of 21 credits from 300/400-level courses, with a minimum of 9 credits from 400-level courses.

Courses are grouped according to certain emphases within the broad field of Communication, allowing the student the choice of an emphasis that is compatible with his or her aims and interests. These emphases are: (1) broadcast journalism (for students interested in careers in radio, television, or film); (2) media studies (for students who want to gain a better understanding of the systems and institutions distributing mediated information in society); (3) promotion/public relations (for students who wish to develop communication skills for commercial, as well as non-commercial, employment in publicity, promotions, sales and corporate communication, and community services); and (4) organizational communication (for students interested in pursuing consulting or in serving as managers for private and public institutions). In addition to these educational and occupational opportunities, a student might choose to pursue directions which could lead to an advanced degree in Communication.

In addition to the 9 credit core, each track has the following selected requirements:

Broadcast Journalism: Required courses (12 credits): COMM 230, 305, 330, and 336 (or 338). Electives: 18 credits, of which at least 6 credits must be from a list of selected Broadcast Journalism courses

Media Studies: Required courses (12 credits): COMM 230, 305, 330, and 336. Electives: 18 credits, of which at least 6 credits must be from a list of selected Media Studies courses

Public Relations/Promotions: Required courses (12 credits): COMM 215, 230, 234, 443. Electives: 18 credits, of which at least 6 credits must be from a list of selected Public Relations courses)

Organizational Communication: Required courses (12 credits): COMM 215, 230, 253, 453. Electives: 18 credits, of which at least 6 credits must be from a list of selected Organizational Communication courses

Students should obtain a Curriculum Guide Sheet from the Department of Communication to determine the appropriate departmental electives for their emphasis area.

The Department of Communication maintains a policy for admission to the major. To be admitted to the Communication major, students must complete 30 credits (15 credits for transfer students with 45 or more credits transferred to CCSU) of general education or courses in their minor and obtain a 2.00 GPA or better. An additional requirement is that the students must complete three required Communication core courses at CCSU: COMM 140, COMM 240, and either COMM 301 or COMM 302. A minimum GPA of 2.50 must be achieved in these three courses, with no grade lower than a C- in any course. Students who have taken one or more of these courses at another institution should see the department chair for a substitute(s).

Students should not take any 300- or 400-level communication courses (except for COMM 301 and/or 302 and/or 303 and 330) until they have been admitted to the major. Pre-Communication students are allowed to take 200-level courses. Students who have been denied admission to the major may apply courses they have taken in the core to a minor in communication provided there is no grade lower than a C-. Alternatively, they may repeat courses in which they received a C- or lower in order to raise their GPA.

Students in the process of completing the admission requirements to the Communication major are considered Pre-Communication majors. They should go to the Advising Center, located in Willard 100, for academic advising, until their admission to the Communication major. Pre-Communication majors, when enrolled in the last Communication course needed for admission to the major, should go to the Communication Department office and complete a Major and Program Change Form. The chair will sign this form, after evaluating the student’s transcript to determine if he or she meets the admission requirements. Upon being admitted to the major, the student will be assigned a Communication Department faculty member as an advisor. The Registrar’s Office will also be notified that the student’s major has been changed from Pre-Communication to Communication.

Curriculum Guide Sheets listing required and recommended courses for each emphasis are available in the department. A maximum of 6 credits in related courses from outside the department (also listed on Curriculum Guide Sheets) may be counted toward the major. The student may also request to use up to six credits of related coursework outside of the major that are not listed on the Curriculum Guide Sheets. In such cases, students should obtain permission from their advisor and department chair as well as complete a course substitution form. Furthermore, completion of a minor in a related field of study in another department at the University is required. Students should complete a Program Change Form as soon as possible to declare their minor.

Note: Some courses offered by the Department are open to majors only. See course descriptions for information.

Minor in Communication

21 credits in Communication, including COMM 115 or 140, 215, 230, and 12 credits in Communication courses, 6 of which must be numbered 300 or 400. Students may not count both COMM 115 and COMM 140 towards the minor.