COMMUNICATION STUDIES AT eUREKA

The Communication major provides students with the means to understand human communication as a tool and the means to grasp challenges and problems in the field of communication. Since communication is interdisciplinary, communication students gain skills that prepare them for careers in public relations, human relations, publishing, journalism, sales, education, customer service, training, management, human resources, broadcasting, communications, and other areas that require strong speaking, writing, and symbolizing abilities. Communication students are encouraged to learn through an internship affording beneficial experience in an area of special interest to the major. Communication majors should consider developing a concentration area, a minor, or a double major in a subject that contributes to their future professional goals.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMMUNICATION MAJOR

33 hours including the following:

REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMMUNICATION MINOR

21 semester hours with at least six hours from 300 level or higher courses:

COMMUNICATION COURSES

110 Introduction to Public Speaking -- 3 hours
Students gain experience in how to research, organize, and deliver a variety of speech types including persuasive and informative presentations. Students will be required to both present and analyze speeches.

200 Interpersonal Communication -- 3 hours
Prerequisite: COM 110 and ENG 101W or consent of instructor.
Exploration of the ways communication processes link people together at the interpersonal level and in the small group. Students will study theories and practices of communication between people in face-to-face relationships. Topics of listening, effective messages, leadership, problem solving and conflict resolution are among the areas of focus.

210 Small Group Communication -- 3 hours
Prerequisite: COM 110 and ENG 101W or consent of instructor.
(Offered in alternate years.)
The study and application of principles of critical thinking, process, participation, and evaluation to task-oriented groups.

230 Mass Media -- 3 hours
Prerequisite: COM 110 and ENG 101W or consent of instructor.
(Offered in alternate years.)
Historical, social, cultural, and technological study of mass communication including print, film, broadcasting and new technologies. Current practices and responsibilities, consumer rights, ethics and legal issues are addressed. Students will examine case studies and do research projects.

265W Writing for the Mass Media -- 3 hours
Prerequisite: COM 110 and ENG 102W with C or better.
Suggested prerequisite: IDS 121.
Techniques of information gathering and writing techniques for the media will be studied in a workshop style through frequent practical lab exercises. Introduction to standard journalism style, basic editing, public relations writing and elements of design. (Cross-listed as ENG 265W)

311W Messages and Meaning -- 3 hours
Prerequisite: COM 110 and ENG 101W or consent of instructor.
Offered in alternative years)
Study of verbal and nonverbal messages, channels, and media used to transact messages, and the creation and analysis of meaning in diverse communication contexts. Emphasis on applied aspects of semantics, criticism, and semiotics. Topics include message design and analysis, difficulties in the translation of language and discourse, the interplay of words with graphics and signs generally, conversation analysis, propaganda analysis, and message interpretation and evaluation.

330W Intercultural Communication -- 3 hours
(Offered in alternate years.)
Prerequisite: COM 110 and ENG 101W or consent of instructor.
Examination of specific intercultural communication issues through readings, case studies, surveys and in-depth research projects. Topics may cover verbal or nonverbal communication at any level and may examine issues in gender, race, culture, and class.

351W Organizational Communication -- 3 hours
Prerequisite: COM 110 and ENG 101W or consent of instructor.
(Offered in alternate years.)
Study of the communication processes within an organized structure of shared goals and systems. Students study the ways humans communicate to establish and attain shared goals and mutual satisfaction. Experiences in speaking, listening, alternative management systems, goal assessment and conflict management offer the student the means to develop successful communication skills vital in organized groups.

355W Public Relations Techniques -- 3 hours
Prerequisite: COM 110 and ENG 101W or consent of instructor.
(Offered in alternate years.)
In a lab setting, students prepare public relations campaigns with an emphasis on writing, internal and external audiences, speeches, and multimedia presentations. Through case studies, students will examine ethical issues.

360 Communication Law and Ethics -- 3 hours
Prerequisite: COM 110 and ENG 101W or consent of instructor.
Suggested prerequisite: PHI 260W.
(Offered in alternate years.)
Covers ethical communication issues using historical and contemporary philosophies as guides. Key trends in communication law will be reviewed, particularly U.S. First Amendment law. An emphasis will be placed on knowledge and moral reasoning. Students will study through lecture, discussions, and case studies.

410W Communication Theory -- 3 hours
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing; COM 110 and ENG 101W or consent of instructor.
(Offered in alternate years.)
Study of theories and models of communication that represent the major conceptual areas. Advanced research methods will be introduced. Based on accumulated communication knowledge, students will do an intensive research study on current and historical perspectives in the field.

495 Communication Internship -- 2 to 6 hours
Prerequisite: instructor permission, 2.25 GPA.
Off-campus experience at an advanced level in some area of the communication fields in a professional, supervised setting. The internship is offered on an individual basis when appropriate opportunities are arranged. Graded on pass/fail basis. Includes individual conferences and evaluations by faculty supervisor and job supervisor and a portfolio review. See internship listing for more details.