Communication

Department Chair - Heaton

Professors - Bruning, Croft, Foreman-Wernet, Heaton, Kennedy, Koch

Associate Professors - 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, 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.

The communication major offers five areas of emphasis:

Communication Studies
Electronic Media and Film
Organizational Communication
Public Relations
Theatre Studies

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

Minors are available in Electronic Media, Entertainment Technology, Film Studies, Organizational Communication, Public Relations, Public Speaking, and Theatre.

All Communication majors, regardless of area of emphasis, must adhere to the following guidelines: must make at least a C in

UC 120 - Oral Communication

TH 121 - Introduction to Theatre

, and take (or place out of) two semesters of language courses.

We also offer four courses in American Sign Language:

Communication Learning Outcomes:

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

Communication Program

We designed the Communication major with an emphasis in Communication Studies 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.

Electronic Media and Film Program

(formerly Radio-Television-Film)

We designed the Communication major with an emphasis in Electronic Media and Film for students planning careers in the emerging media industries, in media education and in specialties that require a substantive knowledge and appreciation of film and related media. The course offerings in the EMF program encompass analysis, critical inquiry, management, performance, production, programming and screen 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. Additionally, the EMF program prepares students of mass media for further education at the graduate or professional level. The Film Studies minor provides a framework from which students can approach film from a variety of aesthetic, critical, historical and theoretical perspectives.

EMF emphasizes experiential and immersive learning through pre-professional experiences managed by students and professional staff, such as WXCU, our campus radio station, and our two television networks. CapTV. CapTV is home to Columbus, Ohio’s longest broadcasted show, Skyline Columbus. Both of these experiential activities 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 media outlets, including broadcast facilities, film studios, ad agencies, and production houses.

Students can consider various minors outside of the Communication Program, including Journalism (housed in the English department) and Digital Design (housed in the Art/Art Therapy program).

Organizational Communication Program

The Communication major with an emphasis in Organizational Communication stresses both performative and analytical skills within systematic contexts. A substantial focus upon an applied area is included. We want our students to develop an appreciation for and understanding of: (A) the historical development of the field of organizational communication, (B) the especially complex nature of human interaction when it takes place within an organization, and (C) the role that communication plays in helping the individual interpret, modify, control and adjust to the organizational environment.

Established areas of emphasis are: conflict management / human resources, corporate video, training and development, public administration/community services, international/intercultural facilitation, and assessment and audit techniques.

This requirement can also be met by completing the requirements for a second major outside the program, a second area of emphasis within the program or a minor. Additionally, students may, with advisor approval, create their own area of concentration by combining courses from multiple disciplines.

Public Relations Program

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 Student 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 Program

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. 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.