Department of Communication Studies

The Communication Studies Department is firmly committed to academic excellence through promoting a rigorous and relevant curriculum grounded in the liberal arts tradition. We approach communication as the primary social process: the various modes of human communication forge and maintain individual identity and collective organization.

The Communication Studies curriculum offers an integrated approach to communication, providing depth and breadth of knowledge. Undergraduate students will become competent in analyzing the construction, reception and effectiveness of messages, which give shape to our world.

Communication Studies Goals

Our primary goal is to help our students acquire the communication skills that equip them to live and work effectively, creatively, and responsibly in a variety of social contexts from interpersonal to public to mass communication. Students who complete the major will have knowledge of the following:

• Foundational theories of communication
• Prevailing communication research paradigms
• Media industry structure and practices
• Prevailing criticism of media practice and performance
• Media influence on individuals and groups
• The interplay of media systems in a global context
• Roles and functions of communication in interpersonal, group, organizational and public contexts
• Conventions of public address and advocacy
• Impact and ethics of persuasion

Communication Studies prepare students to participate in professional, social and civic life in an ethical, intellectually curious and engaged manner.