Mar 29, 2024  
2016 Undergraduate Catalog 1.2 (SUMMER - FALL) 
    
2016 Undergraduate Catalog 1.2 (SUMMER - FALL) [ARCHIVED CATALOG - Consult with Your Academic Advisor for Your Catalog Year]

Communication Arts (B.A.)


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(Bachelor of Arts Degree)

While the study of human communication has been a central component in the curriculum of Western education since classical Greece, in the “age of information,” it is becoming increasingly important. In virtually all situations we must make choices about what and how to communicate. The quality of our life and work is significantly affected by how well we choose our strategies, how well we express our ideas, and how well we understand other people and their ideas.

Communication study has two components. One focuses on developing an understanding of how our identities, roles, relationships, and organizations are shaped by the style, content, and media of communication. The other focuses on the opportunity to enhance and refine communication and performance competencies. The knowledge and skills acquired are essential to both personal growth and professional development.

In order to tailor the course of study to their vocational interests, students should consult with their adviser regularly and plan to complete an internship. Students are strongly encouraged to select free electives which will broaden and deepen their background in related fields.

Students considering public school teaching as a career should refer to the programs in education, listed alphabetically in this section of the catalog.

Total credit hours required for degree: 120

Learning Objectives

Students will demonstrate:

  • that they understand the role that various methods of communication play in all aspects of human interaction.
  • the skills necessary to prepare and present effective oral presentations.
  • the ability to understand and utilize effective communication strategies. In specific contexts, including (but not limited to) persuasion, conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships, small group interaction, and organizational roles.
  • the ability to make effective and informed choices about how to communicate in specific contexts, including (but not limited to) persuasion, conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships, small group interaction, leadership roles.
  • that they understand important theories and trends in the field of communication, and will be able to contextualize, analyze, and criticize aspects of contemporary culture through the application of these theories.
  • that they are knowledgeable about career fields that are appropriate for someone with a major or minor in Communication Arts, and will develop strategies for incorporating their knowledge and interests into job searches.

Academic Requirements


See Core  section of this catalog.

Core: 34 - 55 Credit Hours


Major Electives


The student must select 15 additional hours not listed above in the areas of Communication Arts, Theatre, or Film Studies. At least nine hours of these electives must be at the 300-level or above. A maximum of six credit hours in Public Relations or Journalism courses may also count as electives.

15 Credit Hours


42 Credit Hours


Electives


The student must complete sufficient elective courses to earn at least the minimum credit hours required for this degree, and at least 90 credit hours of the 120 required must be in the liberal arts and sciences.

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