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Dec 04, 2024
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2024-2025 Catalogue
Communication
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Communication is fundamentally about message-sending and meaning-making. Students, therefore, will seek to understand the way in which both verbal and nonverbal symbols are used to shape the world. At its essence, the study of communication is anchored in language use and study. While the field embraces technical and social science dimensions, its content is philosophically rooted in the humanities. While some courses attend to the communication process, most focus on other dimensions of human activity and endeavor. The Communication major provides a comprehensive, grounded program for consistent study and research. Communication study, by its nature, is interdisciplinary and will enhance student ability to relate concepts and principles they encounter as they pursue the core curriculum and any electives they select.
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Major requirements include the following:
Course Requirements:
Students in the Communication major must take a minimum of 10 courses, as specified below.
Foundational Courses
Students must complete the courses listed below. Oral Communication Requirement
Students must complete one of the following classes related to oral communication. Written Communication Requirement
Students must complete one of the following classes related to written communication. Visual Communication Requirement
Students must complete one of the following classes related to visual communication. Research Methods Requirement
Students must complete the following class in their sophomore year.
Theory Requirement
Students must complete one of the following classes related to the theories of communication. Elective Requirement
Students must complete any two of the courses listed below within or across the three categories, or as approved by the Communication Program Coordinator:
Capstone Requirement
As a requirement for graduation, each Communication major must write and defend a senior thesis (done within the Senior Seminar course) and take a written comprehensive examination which tests aspects related to oral, written, verbal and visual communication, as well as communication theory. Students must successfully complete the Communication Senior Seminar, which is offered in the fall semester of their senior year.
Recommended Course Sequence for Communication Majors:
Communication majors should take CM110 or CM115 in the fall semester of their freshman year or as soon as they have declared Communication as their major. Students must take CM 240 - Communication Research Methods during their second year of their major (preferably sophomore year). Students should then take both their oral, written, and visual communication courses during the second and third years of their major. Theory requirement should take place in the third year of the major (preferably in their junior year). The sequence in which students take major courses and fulfill core requirements may vary depending upon the various choices a student makes (i.e. minor(s), a second major, study abroad, internships). Students should work closely with their academic advisors in planning their course schedules and longer-range plans.
Double Major in Communication and English
Students may elect to double-major in English and Communication. In completing the requirements for each the two majors, students are permitted to count two of their courses as fulfilling requirements for both majors. Students completing the double major must enroll in each major’s senior seminar and will typically complete two separate thesis projects. A single, interdisciplinary thesis to count for both majors is possible with the approval of the Department Chair and the respective seminar leaders. All double majors must pass the comprehensive exam in each major.
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