Department of Communication
Majors
- Mass Communication
- Broadcast Production
- Broadcast Journalism
- Journalism
- Public Relations
- Theatre Studies
- Teaching Major in Language Arts and Theatre
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Minors
- Mass Communication
- Broadcast Production
- Public Relations
- Speech
- Theatre Studies
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Description of Majors
Mass Communication (45 hours)
The mass communication major includes a core and an area of specialization. All mass communication majors take core classes and choose an area of specialization. Communication core (15 hours) includes Mass Media and Society, Writing for the Media, Theories of Mass Communication, Ethics of Mass Communication, and Mass Communication Law. Specialization (30 hours) is chosen from areas of broadcast journalism, broadcast production, journalism, and public relations.
- Broadcast Production Specialization (30 hours) emphasizes radio and television production in the broadcasting center studios in preparation for careers in production and management. Practical experience includes work in the university's commercial FM radio station, WQME, and the student-supported television production facility, Covenant Productions, as well as internships with other radio and television stations. For students interested in a career in film, the university offers a semester-long program in Hollywood with the Los Angeles Film Studios Center.
- Broadcast Journalism Specialization (30 hours) focuses on radio and television news, including writing, reporting and announcing. Practical experience includes newscasting with the university's commercial FM radio station, WQME, and reporting and anchoring experiences in radio and television classes, as well as internship opportunities at radio and TV stations and networks.
- Journalism Specialization (30 hours) focuses on newswriting skills to prepare students for careers in writing, reporting, and editing for print media. Practical experiences include writing, editing, and publishing the student newspaper, the Andersonian, and the yearbook, Echoes, as well as internships with newspapers and magazines.
- Public Relations Specialization (30 hours) includes courses in public relations functions, publication related case studies, and the publicity process to prepare students for careers as communicators in business and industry. Practical experiences include internships in public relations departments at corporations and non-profit institutions.
Journalism and public relations students are afforded many opportunities to develop their communication skills and get their work published. Opportunities include student publications, internships, and class assignments published in professional press. Students are strongly encouraged to keep a portfolio that shows their skill development and demonstrates competency to prospective employers. Students heavily involved with the award-wining Covenant Productions can count on working at least eight major programs a year. Students involved with WQME FM gain practical experience through writing, reporting, announcing, producing commercials, and screening music.
Theatre Studies (29-32 hours)
The theatre studies major is a highly focused major, which concentrates its efforts on producing highly skilled artists. While remaining within a liberal arts context, the
theatre program is operated along conservatory principles, requiring dedication of time and energy far beyond the confines of the classroom. Students declaring a theatre major/minor should see Professor Johnstone for specialized schedule advising. Courses include Acting for Everyone; History, Theory, and Drama of Theatre I and II; Play Directing and Production; Scenography; Lighting Design; Seminar in Performance Practices; Acting/Production Practicum during the university's theatrical season; and a senior project including a portfolio and a final performance/production.
Theatre Arts Teaching (29-31 hours)
The theatre arts teaching major is designed for students wishing to teach theatre studies at the high-school level. Theatre course requirements are identical to those of the theatre studies major. However, students pursuing a teaching major must also meet additional requirements within the School of Education.
Language Arts Teaching
The language arts teaching major is designed for students wishing to teach speech communication at the secondary level. Students complete courses in English, speech, and professional education.
Minors
Broadcast Production (16 hours)
The broadcast production minor includes the Mass Media and Society course and several broadcast specialization courses, such as Audio Visual Concepts, Audio Production, Television Studio Production, and Field Postproduction. Students will gain practical experience on the staff of WQME or Covenant Productions.
Public Relations (18 hours)
The public relations minor includes the Mass Media and Society course and several public relations specialization courses, such as Writing for the Media, Principles of Public Relations, Public Relations Case Studies, Publication Design, and Public Relations Writing.
Speech (16 hours)
The speech minor includes Introduction to Speech Communication, Speech Disorders Survey, Speech Appreciation, Forensics Practicum, Debate Practicum, Interpersonal Communication, Argumentation and Persuasion, and Speech Writing Presentation.
Theatre Studies (17 hours)
The theatre studies minor includes 11-12 hours in theatre courses. Remaining hours will include courses applicable to the theatre studies major.
