Communication

Return to: Undergraduate Programs and Department Information

Department Chair - Foreman-Wernet

Professors - Bruning, Croft, Foreman-Wernet, Heaton, Kennedy, Koch
Associate Professor - Gress
Assistant Professor - Pike
Instructor - Higgins

Today, as throughout history, the study of communication provides an individual with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete successfully within ever-changing social, technological and professional environments. In recognizing that the teaching of communication comprises the oldest organized academic discipline in Western civilization, the department is committed to the fusion of a liberal arts understanding of public and interpersonal communication with flexible professional programs adapted to individual needs and interests.

As faculty, we strive to help our students develop an appreciation for and understanding of (1) the historical development and relationship of public communication and human interaction, (2) communication media as social forces through which an individual interprets, modifies, controls and adjusts to the social environment, and (3) the aesthetically satisfying elements and successful performative characteristics of effective communication arts.

Internships, pre-professional programs, and co-curricular activities are promoted as an integral part of the student’s learning experience. Participation in debate and theatre is open to all students, regardless of major. Involvement in media productions and public relations competitions further enhance the experience of students majoring within the programs of the department.

The communication department offers four different major programs:

• Communication
• Film and Media Production
• Public Relations
• Theatre Studies

The Emerging Media major and minor are interdisciplinary areas of study that explore the ways in which emerging media integrate in professional environments. 

Students seeking Integrated Language Arts licensure (ILA) for Adolescent - Young Adults (AYA) should complete the requirements for the Communication major plus other course work required for licensure. (See Education for the additional requirements).

Minors are available in Film and Media Production, Film Studies, Organizational Communication, Performance Technology, Public Relations, Public Speaking, Screenwriting, and Theatre.

Communication Program

We designed the Communication major to help students understand how human beings create and share meaning with each other. We also strive to give them the opportunities to put that knowledge to good use in their everyday lives. Excellent communication skills (interpersonal, group, public or intercultural) are valued components in leadership positions in business and professional areas. We encourage our majors to create a personalized profile of skills and knowledge for versatile use in a variety of fields.

Communication Learning Outcomes:

1. Each communication major is able to prepare and deliver an effective public presentation that includes a clear message, coherent pattern, and needed supporting materials.
2. Each communication major effectively demonstrates the ability to analyze critically a communication event or artifact from a theoretical perspective.
3. Each communication major effectively demonstrates competence in a specific communication context.

Film and Media Production Program

Media industries employ the talents of writers, performers, videographers, editors, film reviewers, arts administrators, archivists and technicians. This is a population distinguished by its creativity, its currency of knowledge, and its commitment to excellence. Visually and aurally acute, media professionals understand the power of the media to educate and entertain. As responsible citizens, they recognize the power of the media to fuel opinions and decisions that will shape society’s future. Capital’s FMP program prepares students to handle these responsibilities ethically and critically through course offerings encompassing video production, audio, motion graphics and screen writing, along with critical thinking, analysis, and management.

FMP emphasizes experiential and immersive learning through pre-professional experiences managed by students and professional staff, such as WXCU Radio, our campus radio station, CapTV, our student-led television show, and Filmmakers, which focuses on creating short narrative films. Each of these experiential activities are designed to provide hands-on production opportunities for students each semester of their Capital experience. Students also are encouraged to participate in our extensive internship program or immersion courses, gaining experience at media outlets, including broadcast facilities, film studios, ad agencies, production houses, and working with clients.

If you’re interested in a career in video production, media and creative industries, we’ll teach you what you need to know now, and how to learn so you’ll stay relevant in the future. The program delivers a

creative, scholarly and skilled approach to creating and studying media. Our focus is helping you discover your power as an independent artist and communicator.

Film and Media Production Learning Outcomes:

1. Each Film and Media Production major will demonstrate the ability to analyze a significant media event or artifact from a social, cultural, aesthetic, ethical or historical perspective.
2. Each Film and Media Production major will demonstrate knowledge of all areas of creative industries.
3. Film and Media Production majors will collaborate in team work situations.
4. Film and Media Production majors will construct significant client products showcasing business knowledge of audience, legality, and distribution.
5. Each Film and Media Production major will produce a portfolio showcasing technique, aesthetic and storytelling competencies within a specific medium.

Public Relations Program

The Public Relations major is anchored by a core of four courses and a capstone experience, recognized as essential by national professional and academic organizations. The core is supplemented by additional skills and perspective courses in communication and media production. This combination prepares students for entry into the professional world of public relations. Students are encouraged to join and participate in the student chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), which serves as a link to the professional community and where pre-professional activities are available.

Qualified students participate in internships with public relations firms and advertising agencies, corporations, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations.

Public Relations Learning Outcomes:

1. Each Public Relations major will be able to describe various aspects of the public relations industry, including history, function, and structure.
2. Each Public Relations major will develop effective written, oral, and visual communication skills.
3. Each Public Relations major will communicate effectively with clients, supervisors, and group members to accomplish mutually agreed upon goals.
4. Each Public Relations major will be able to explain the role of public relations in organizational and issue management and apply strategies to collect, synthesize, and evaluate relevant information.
5. Each Public Relations major will employ critical thinking skills, justify appropriate choices, and develop plans to address identified issues or opportunities.

Theatre Studies Program

The Theatre Studies major provides the student with theoretical and practical experiences in the various arts that, in a collaborative environment, become the art of theatre. Classroom and production training are offered to prepare students for work in regional or community theatres, liturgical drama, or graduate programs. We want our students to develop an appreciation for and an understanding of theatre as an art, a craft, and a tool of communication. To that end, our course offerings examine the traditions of the past and methods for creating the theatrical art of the future.

Theatre Studies Learning Outcomes:

1. Each Theatre Studies major will prepare and deliver an effective presentation or performance that includes a clear message, coherent pattern, and needed supporting materials.
2. Each Theatre Studies major will be able to critically analyze a theatre event or artifact from a theoretical perspective.
3. Each Theatre Studies major will demonstrate competence in a specific theatre context.

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