Communication

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Department Chair—Croft
Professors—Bruning, Croft, Heaton, Kennedy, Koch
Associate Professor—Foreman-Wernet
Assistant Professors— Gress
Instructor—Shumway

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.

Our goals are to 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, preprofessional 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

Electronic Media and Film

(formerly Radio–Television–Film)

The Electronic Media and Film program is designed for students planning careers in the ever-changing electronic media industry, in media education and in specialties that require a substantive knowledge and appreciation of film and related media, such as an arts administrator, video archivist or film reviewer. Additionally, the EMF program prepares students of mass media for further education at the graduate or professional level. The course offerings in the EMF program encompass analysis, critical inquiry, management, performance, production, programming and script writing. In addition, the Communication major with emphasis in Electronic Media and Film offers a broad base of course work that enhances students’ communicative abilities and understanding of electronic mass media and supports their interests and studies in other disciplines. The Film Studies minor provides a framework from which students can approach film from a variety of aesthetic, critical, historical and theoretical perspectives.

Students are encouraged to join and participate in pre-professional experiences such as WXCU, our campus radio station, and/or one of our two television shows, Skyline Columbus and CapVision. All are designed to provide hands-on production opportunities for students each semester of their Capital experience. Qualified students also are encouraged to participate in our extensive internship program, gaining experience at regional video production facilities and at broadcast/cable radio and TV outlets.

EMF students with an interest in Broadcast Journalism might consider adding a minor in Journalism (housed within the Department of English). Because of curricular overlap, EMF majors can fulfill the requirements for the journalism minor by taking ENGL 223  (News Writing and Reporting), ENGL 326  (Ethics, Law and Media) and ENGL 336  /PR 366  (Writing for the Web).

Public Relations Major and Programs

The communication major with emphasis in public relations is anchored by a core of five courses 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 Society of America (PRSSA), which serves as a link to the professional community and where pre-professional competition activities are available. Qualified students participate in internships with public relations firms and advertising agencies, corporations, not-for-profit organizations and others.

Theatre Studies

The communication major with emphasis in theatre studies 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. Our goal is 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.

Other courses taught by the Communication Department found alphabetically in this bulletin:

• American Sign Language
• Electronic Media and Film (formerly Radio-Television-Film)
• Public Relations
• Theatre Studies

Return to: Undergraduate Department and Program Information