Communications

The Communications minor aligns itself with the university’s mission of education for living and making a living while emphasizing ethical thinking, speaking, and writing so that students develop a greater self-understanding and enhance their abilities to communicate with others. Such skills are valuable on both the personal and professional levels, and those choosing the Communications minor can add value to their preparation in numerous career areas.

 

Competency Objectives

Students who receive a minor in Communications will

• Analyze a communication situation (a theatrical performance, a public speech, a group discussion you lead or are part of, interviewing for or being interviewed on tv/radio, writing for an organization or for a newspaper or magazine), determine your purpose, and employ appropriate oral and written communication strategies to achieve your purpose based on peer evaluation and/or the assessment of a practicing professional.
• Communicate using a variety of rhetorical devices, or using performance techniques in a way that reflects a grasp of rhetorical theory or performance theory or group process theory.
• Demonstrate effective social interaction behavior in a variety of situations and circumstances through (three of the following four) speechmaking, leading or participating in small group discussions, information gathering for writing and/or speaking, through preparing for and performing in a play.
• Examine audience, organizational and community characteristics and identify strategies that facilitate accomplishment of mutual goals.
• Develop aesthetic responsiveness through play production and performance, through researching, writing and delivering speeches that connect with an intended audience, or through research and writing for a particular newspaper or magazine.
• Plan for effective change in social or professional areas and exercise leadership in bringing about these changes.
• Evaluate communication behavior or self within at least two of the following theoretical frameworks: theatrical, interpersonal, journalistic, leadership, rhetorical.
• Engage in a disagreement in which you (1) restate, to the other person’s satisfaction, their argument before you go ahead with yours, and (2) sincerely compliment your opponent for something specific.
• Engage in a disagreement in which you state two common areas of agreement before you proceed with your argument.

Course-name and number	CR
COM 101 - Fund of Speech Communication (fulfilled by core)	3
Twelve Credits Selected from the Following:	12
COM 230 - Using Humor Effectively
COM 321 - Public Relations
DRM 106 - Basic Theatre Practices
DRM 110 - Fundmentals of Acting
DRM 121 - Theatre Performance: Acting (a maximum of 3 credits)
ENG 317 - Writing for Mass Media
ENG 318 - Writing for Newspapers
COM 495 - Senior Internship	3
Total	18

 

Download Your Communications Minor Sheet

 

 

COM	101	Fundamentals of Speech Communication. Speech as a communicative art; personal and social uses of speech; theory and practice of correct vocal expression; and experience in speaking before groups. Expected to be offered: Fall and Spring semesters 3 credits
COM	230	Using Humor Effectively. Broaden your humorous perspective and learn to communicate more effectively through humor with others at work, at home, or just for the fun of it. Gain self-esteem by learning to see the funny side of your own behavior. Explore beneficial uses of humor in classroom, legal and health professions, and business and with family, friends, and visiting in-laws. Develop your ability to make humor work with serious topics. Reduce stress; create a more positive atmosphere when dealing with difficult people (maybe even meet some). Prerequisite: COM 101, ENG 117 Expected to be offered: Sufficient demand 3 credits
COM	301	The Art of Communication I. Attitudes, skills, and methods for effective discussion in small groups. Practical application of small group theory, especially in the areas of leadership, shared responsibility, evaluation of group effectiveness, and problem solving. Effective communication through the use of Robert’s Rules of Order will also be incorporated into this course. Prerequisite: COM 101, ENG 117, CPS 101, CPS 102 Expected to be offered: Fall semesters 3 credits
COM	302	The Art of Communication II. Students will (1) learn what leaders do, (2) learn the fundamental principles that support these leadership practices, (3) read about real people who demonstrate each practice, and (4) get specific recommendations on personal development of leadership skills. Learning to communicate effectively through the use of technology is a critical skill for today’s leaders. Use of videoconferencing, audio conferencing, electronic bulletin boards, etc. will be examined. Prerequisite: COM 301 Expected to be offered: Spring semesters 3 credits
COM	321	Public Relations. Function of public relations in our social and economic system; theory and process of public relations; practical information needed to implement public relations activities. Prerequisite: COM 101 Expected to be offered: Fall semesters, even years 3 credits
COM	392	Special Topics in Communications. Expected to be offered: Sufficient demand 3 credits
COM	495	Internship. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor Expected to be offered: Sufficient demand 1-15 credits