Communication Studies Major, BA

The communication studies major begins with a traditional liberal arts perspective, infuses an international/intercultural perspective, and then focuses on practical application of communication knowledge and skill. The major is intended for students who wish to be at home in a wide range of situations and cultures and who value the role of communication in creating effective relationships locally and globally. The major is also an effective foundation for advanced study (academic or professional). Students must complete the two communication foundation courses (COM 201 and COM 207) with an overall average of B, in order to graduate from the major.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Understand multiple theoretical perspectives and diverse (including Western, Eastern, and others) intellectual underpinnings of communication.
• Understand the principles of human dialogue together with competency in creating and sustaining that dialogue.
• Demonstrate competency in presentation, preferably in more than one form.
• Demonstrate competency in construction and analysis of persuasive discourse intended to influence beliefs, attitudes, values, and practices.
• Demonstrate competency in systematic inquiry in the analysis of communication systems and processes (the process of asking questions and systematically attempting to answer them, and understanding the limitations of the conclusion reached).