Degrees and Courses Offered

Students have a variety of options for concentration within the School of Communication

• Major in Public Relations Communication (B.A. Degree)
• Major in Communication (B.A. Degree)
• Major in Communication with a Concentration in Mass Media (B.A. Degree)
• Major in Speech Communication and Theatre (B.A. Degree)
• Certification in Speech Communication and Theatre (Grades 9-12)
• Major in Theatre (B.A. Degree) 
• Major in Communications with a Concentration in Journalism (B.A. Degree)

*A B.S. degree is an option for students who are double-majoring or pursuing certification to teach speech/theatre.

Sample of courses offered:

Communication

• Fundamentals of Speech- Foundations of speech communication. Special attention to the theory and practice of effective preparation and delivery of public speeches.
• Interpersonal Communication-Theory and practice of effective interpersonal encounters. Special attention to listening, language, self-perception, interviewing and nonverbal communication.
• Argumentation and Debate- Emphasis on methods and theories of argumentation and debate. Attention to research, analysis, case building and oral participation.
• Oral Interpretation of Literature-Emphasis on theory and practice of communicating works of literature from the printed page.
• Voice and Diction- Emphasis on developing the speaking voice. Introduction to vocal anatomy, phonetics, voice projection, and articulation.
• Advanced Public Speaking- Advanced study of preparation and delivery of various speech types. Special attention to extemporaneous and manuscript. 
• Newspaper Writing and Editing- An emphasis upon the essentials of journalism writing. Special attention to principles and skills required to gather, write and edit newspaper stories.
• Intercultural Communication-This course will cover a wide variety of intercultural issues as they pertain to media, religion, business, politics, education, health care and interpersonal communication. A balanced emphasis will be placed of developing intercultural awareness and competence.
• Public Relations- Emphasis upon understanding the theoretical foundations of public relations. Attention to practical methods and steps in conducting the process and activities of public relations.
• American Public Address- Historical and critical study of leading American speakers, their speeches and philosophies. Individual research and analysis.
• Small Group Communication- Systematic study and practice of principles of effective communication in groups. Exploration of dynamic variables and features unique to small group interaction. Public discussion formats are also explored.
• Media Production- Systematic study of audio in media to provide a broad theoretical and practical foundation in techniques related to radio, television, film and music production.
• Forensics- Laboratory practice and techniques for coaching contest speaking events: oratory, extemporaneous, and after-dinner speaking.

Theatre

• Introduction to Theatre- A study of the history and literature of the theatre with introductory participation in the areas of acting and stagecraft. Emphasis on reading and attending plays.
• Modern Drama- British, American and Continental plays from Ibsen to the present.
• Acting I- Fundamental of acting techniques. Emphasis on movement and mime.
• Acting II- Advanced acting techniques. Emphasis on motivation, characterization and showmanship.
• Costuming and Make-up- Laboratory exercises in the basic fundamentals of costuming and stage make-up.
• Directing Plays- Principles of directing the various steps of a production, and practice in rehearsing and presenting plays.
• Drama in the Church and Community- A practical application course with special emphasis given to the role of drama in the church and community. Includes a study of various types of drama organizational for the establishment of the on-going program and a review of resources.
• Contemporary American Theatre- Study of American theatre as it relates to contemporary theatre. A trip to New York to attend ten Broadway productions.
• Stagecraft- Basic principles of set design, construction of scenery and lighting techniques.
• Art & Craft of Playwriting- Constructing original plays through the study of language, character, plot, spectacle and theme.
• Shakespeare- Tragedies, histories and comedies of Shakespeare.
• Theatre Performance Workshop- Open to all students by audition. Rehearsal and performances of a major drama production. Grade is based on attendance, professional attitude and conduct and performance evaluation.
• Introduction to Film- An in-depth study of the history and evolution of film making, including study of various actors, actresses, film directors and producers of the past.
• Opera Theatre- Open to all students by audition. Laboratory for study and performance of operatic solos and ensembles. One major production per semester. To practices per week.