Communication Studies

Mark Johns (department head)

Since the ancient Greeks, the study of rhetoric (the art of effective discourse) has been recognized as a vital pillar of humane learning. It formed one of the seven liberal arts of education in medieval Europe. Modern communication studies focus on persuasion, personal development, organizational and group dynamics, and human relations in a multicultural, multilingual and highly technical world. The communication studies department encourages students to use their communication expertise ethically and in service to the larger community.

Communication studies seeks to integrate the understanding of how these various human, social and technical elements relate to form the entire process of human communication. The department's curriculum integrates theory and practice. Students who major or minor in this discipline learn communication theories and perform theoretically-grounded techniques of communication practice. They evaluate audiences by employing research methods, engage in practical educational experiences, and learn to speak, think, and write clearly, concisely, critically, and creatively. This includes an understanding and acceptance of the variety of communication styles of diverse peoples and situations. The combination of required and elective courses in the communication curriculum helps students become articulate speakers and versatile writers. Knowledge of theoretical perspectives of communication enables students to create, assign meaning to, disseminate and evaluate messages. Internships, campus and community projects, the student newspaper Chips, and the campus radio station KWLC provide practical experience.

The major in communication studies seeks to cultivate highly developed skills in individual oral and written expression, in critical thinking, in group discussion and in problem solving.

Required for a major in communication studies: COMS 130, 132, 133, 357; one theory course of COMS 354, 356 or COMS 362; one applied human communication course of COMS 236, 252, 350, 351; one advanced oral communication course of COMS 255 or COMS 353; one media analysis course of COMS 258, 359 or COMS 463; plus two additional courses in the department.

Senior project presentation requirement: All majors who choose to complete their senior project in the communication studies department must present their research in a public forum which will be scheduled by the department each semester. The senior project requirement is not completed until the project has been publicly presented.

Required for a minor in communication studies: COMS 130, 132, 133, and three additional courses in the department.

Required for a second teaching area in speech and theatre: See Education department for specific requirements. The second teaching area license is offered only in the state of Iowa.