Undergraduate Catalog 2009-2011
Communication
Faculty
S. Mendez-Mendez, Chair; J. C. DelAma, R. M. Fischbach, G.
Fitzgerald, Y. Ju, A. Moemeka, C. Pudlinski, K. Ritzenhoff, B. Sevitch, J.
Teitler, C. B. Tyson, C. White (Dept.
phone: 860-832-2690)
Department Overview
The Department of
Communication offers courses leading to the bachelor's degree that 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.
Programs
Major
in Communication, BA
39 credits in the department and related courses, including
9 credits of required courses within an emphasis area, 18 credits of
departmental electives, and 12 credits of core requirements
| COMM 140 |
Public Speaking |
3 |
| COMM 230 |
Introduction to Mass Media |
3 |
| COMM 240 |
Survey of the Field of Communication |
3 |
| and |
|
|
| COMM 301 |
Critical Thinking |
3 |
| or |
|
|
| COMM 302 |
Problem-Solving and Decision Making |
3 |
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:
-
Broadcast journalism (for students interested in
careers in radio, television, or film);
-
Media studies (for students who want to gain a
better understanding of the systems and institutions distributing mediated
information in society);
-
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
-
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
12 credit core, each track has the following selected requirements:
Broadcast Journalism Track
Required courses (9 credits)
| COMM 305 |
Principles and Processes of Mass Communication |
3
|
| COMM 330 |
Basic Video Production |
3 |
| COMM 336 |
Media Literacy |
3 |
| or |
|
|
| COMM 338 |
Analysis of News |
3 |
Directed Electives
18 credits, of
which at least 6 credits must be from a list of selected broadcast journalism
courses.
Media Studies Track
Required courses (9 credits)
| COMM 305 |
Principles and Processes of Mass Communications |
3
|
| COMM 330 |
Basic Video Production |
3 |
| COMM 336 |
Media Literacy |
3 |
| or |
|
|
| COMM 338 |
Analysis of News |
3 |
Directed Electives
18 credits, of
which at least 6 credits must be from a list of selected media studies courses.
Public Relations/Promotions Track
Required courses (9 credits)
| COMM 215 |
Introduction to Interpersonal
Communication |
3 |
| COMM 234 |
Introduction to Public Relations |
3 |
| COMM 443 |
Communication and Social Influence |
3 |
Directed Electives
18 credits, of
which at least 6 credits must be from a list of selected public relations
courses).
Organizational Communication Track
Required courses (9
credits)
| COMM 215 |
Introduction to Interpersonal
Communication |
3 |
| COMM 253 |
Introduction to
Organizational Communication |
3 |
| COMM 453. |
Organizational Communication |
3 |
Directed 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 continuation in the major. Communication
majors must complete COMM 140 and COMM 240 (with a C- or better) before they
reach 60 credits. Majors must maintain an overall GPA of 2.00 or better to stay
in the major.
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 6 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.
Minor
in Communication (21 credits)
| COMM 115 |
Fundamentals of Communication |
3 |
| or |
|
|
| COMM 140 |
Public Speaking |
3 |
| COMM 215 |
Introduction to Interpersonal Communication |
3 |
| COMM 230 |
Introduction to Mass Media |
3 |
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.
CLICK HERE FOR COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
