Mar 28, 2024  
2017 Undergraduate Catalog 1.2 (SUMMER - FALL) 
    
2017 Undergraduate Catalog 1.2 (SUMMER - FALL) [ARCHIVED CATALOG - Consult with Your Academic Advisor for Your Catalog Year]

Communication and Media (B.A.)- Hegis Code 0601


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(Bachelor of Arts Degree)

The major in Communication and Media is an exciting and effective way to learn about important aspects of the information that we share (communication) and the ways that we share it (media). Students will develop the skills necessary to discover, understand, and report this information, and the knowledge necessary to analyze the power of the various ways that we share it. A common core of courses will be required for all students to provide essential skills in written, oral, and digital communication. These common courses will also help students develop their understanding of historical, legal, cultural, and critical aspects of communication. All students will be required to put their knowledge into practice through senior experiences before they graduate. In addition to this core of required courses, each student will work closely with an adviser to select and complete a concentration in one of these areas:

  • Communication & Social Justice
  • Communication Arts
  • Creativity Studies
  • Health Communication
  • Theatre

The program includes traditional liberal arts areas like Communication Arts and Theatre. The program also brings new areas of study to the major such as Creativity Studies and Communication & Social Justice. Students will also be encouraged to explore areas in the field outside their concentration through major electives.

Total credit hours required for degree: 120

Learning Objectives 

Successful graduates from this program will be able to:

  • Recognize and specify the role that various methods of communication play in all aspects of human interaction;
  • Write logically, clearly, and precisely on a professional level;
  • Speak logically, clearly, and precisely on a professional level;
  • Contextualize, analyze, and criticize aspects of contemporary culture through the application of communication theories, both historical and contemporary;
  • Demonstrate competence in the operation and use of relevant computer and multimedia technology;
  • Understand and utilize appropriate methods of research;
  • Recognize and specify historical milestones in the field of communication.

Academic Requirements


See Core  section of this catalog.

Core: 34 - 55 Credit Hours


28 Credit Hours


Major Electives


Students must take a total of 6 credit hours of electives at the 200-level or above from the following areas: Communication Arts (COM), Film Studies (FLM), Journalism (JLM), Public Relations (PRL) or Theatre (THE). Fieldwork or internships may not be used to fulfill this requirement.

Concentration


Students must declare and complete at least one of the following areas of concentration (*please note that some of the courses in these concentrations have prerequisites that must be fulfilled. In some instances, the prerequisites are satisfied by courses found in the CMM Major Course Requirements or by courses in the Utica College Core):

Communication Arts


The Communication Arts concentration focuses on developing a broad array of knowledge and skills applicable to many careers, with particular emphasis on oral, interpersonal, organizational, intercultural communication and media studies. Students engage in a critical assessment of the values underlying communication practices, technologies, institutions, and their social and ethical consequences. Advisors work with students to develop a course of study based on a student’s interests and desired career path. 

Electives


Students must select 6 credit hours of electives from the following areas: COM (Communication Arts), FLM (Film Studies), JLM (Journalism), PRL (Public Relations), THE (Theatre).

30 Credit Hours


Communication & Social Justice


Link your passion for social justice with a communication-based foundation and a variety of disciplinary perspectives to develop the knowledge and skills you need to understand and combat the social, cultural, and institutional causes of inequality, injustice and oppression.  The concentration provides excellent preparation for students wishing to become human rights, civil rights, or environmental advocates, community organizers, social workers, alternative media workers, or lobbyists, as well as those considering graduate study in the social sciences, social work, or law. 

Creativity Studies


Brainstorm, experiment, fail, try again and discover new ways to deal with challenges.  Creativity is the ability to come up with a variety of innovative solutions to a problem, and it is a skill that anyone can develop and apply to any field.  Students who select a concentration in Creativity Studies will combine the skills from their core communication classes with a variety of arts and learn to apply all of these in any future career path.  This is particularly beneficial for students who choose careers where they will be asked to develop creative ways to get across a message using multiple media or any field where innovation is critical. 

  • (or other upper-level theory class in one of the other arts areas - must be approved by advisor)
  • (3 credits required)
  •  

     

  • Select one:

  • Select one additional core level-arts class (this cannot be counted towards core)
  • Students must take classes in more than one arts area (Creative Writing, Fine Arts, Film Studies, Graphic Arts/Design, Music, and Theatre). If a student is taking courses in only two arts areas, then they must have at least nine credits in each (a class taken in core can count towards this).

  •  

     

  • Select four:

  • 300-level studio, production, or performance-based classes (hands-on classes) (12)
  •  

     

  • Select two:

  • 300-level or higher Literature, History, styles, or theory class (if in English, student must demonstrate how it relates to specific creative writing interest) (6)

30 Credit Hours


Health Communication


This concentration will provide students with an understanding of the many ways that communication plays a role in healthcare. Whether it is the interaction between a physician and a patient discussing treatment options for a serious illness, the unraveling of complicated healthcare insurance rules, or effectively explaining dangerous drug interactions to an elderly patient, healthcare in our society requires professionals who understand the importance of communication. 

30 Credit Hours


Theatre


Theatre is live storytelling for a physically present audience. We are constantly performing and creating stories in our everyday lives. Learn how to get your messages across more effectively through performance and production.  Students who take a concentration in Theatre will learn how to use creative problem solving skills, collaboration and improvisational thinking to benefit them in a variety of ways no matter which career path they choose. 

30 Credit Hours


Electives


Students must complete sufficient elective courses to earn at least the minimum number of credit hours required for this degree.

Note:


At least 18 credits of major coursework must be at the 300-level or higher.

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