The concentration in Communication Studies requires six courses, as follows:

COM 101 - Introduction to Principles of Oral Communication   (fall and spring course)

Examination and implementation of both classical and contemporary principles of effective oral communication.  Individual presentations informed by readings, discussions, lectures, and examinations of key speeches

COM 201 - Introduction to Communication Studies   (fall course)

·         Should be taken by the end of junior year

This course provides a survey of the nature and processes of communication.  Begins with basic concepts of communication, including language and nonverbal processes, perception, listening, and adaptation to audiences; then examines communication in specific contexts, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, organizational, public, and mass communication.

COM 495 - Communication Theory and Research   (spring course)

·         Ordinarily taken senior year

The study of a variety of theories of communication as they frame questions and enable the discovery of answers.  Theories cover basic conceptions of the communication process in interpersonal, public, and mass communication.  These theories, and exemplary research growing from them, provide the basis for the investigation of key questions concerning processes of communication. The course culminates in a major project bringing together a variety of theoretical perspectives.   Students should have taken COM 101, COM 201, and at least three courses from one track in the Communication Studies Concentration. COM 101 or one elective may be taken concurrently.  Instructor’s permission required.

Then select three courses from one of the following tracks, from at least two different departments.  At least two should be completed before enrolling in COM 495.

Interpersonal/Intercultural Communication

Public Communication/Rhetoric

Mass Communication