The Department of Communication Studies has designed an undergraduate curriculum that seeks to help students achieve the following educational objectives, which are explained in additional detail in the Department Handbook:
- Speaking Competency
Communication Studies majors develop advanced speaking skills in a variety of settings. Most courses include at least one graded speaking assignment, and students are encouraged to gain additional competency through participation in cocurricular activities. - Writing Competency
Communication Studies majors are expected to be competent writers. Majors take additional writing courses beyond the General Education requirements, and many of our majors minor in Journalism or Writing. - Listening Competency
Communication Studies majors improve their listening competency through the inclusion of a variety of topics and assignments related to critical and active listening. - Knowledge of Communication Theory
Communication Studies majors engage in concentrated study of communication theory in COM 219, and other courses in the department draw upon communication theory to help students identify principles and practices of effective communication. - Critical Thinking Ability
Communication Studies majors develop advanced critical thinking skills through a variety of formal and informal opportunities in our courses and cocurricular activities. - Poise, Self-Confidence, Competitiveness, Assertiveness and Self-Adjustment
Communication Studies majors receive numerous
opportunities for competition, achievement and success, through both curricular and cocurricular activities. - Ethics
Communication Studies majors are held accountable for the ethical use of communication. The skillful use of communication can have powerful and far-reaching effects, and our courses and cocurricular activities help students identify and appreciate their ethical responsibilities as communicators. - Research Skills
Communication Studies majors engage in concentrated study of communication research in COM 224, and other courses in the department provide additional opportunities to reinforce communication research skills. - Computer Literacy
Communication Studies majors develop skills in using computers and communication technologies. Many of our courses provide instruction and practice in the skillful use of technology for communication. - Visual Literacy
Communication Studies majors improve their visual literacy and gain familiarity with concepts and styles of visual communication through a a variety of courses and cocurricular activities.