The Department of Communication provides programs and courses designed to enable students to think critically and to communicate clearly, effectively, and ethically. The department is committed to helping students strive for great thoughts and powerful communication. Since history reveals the dangers of combining persuasive communication skills with evil thoughts, the department is dedicated to providing a strong moral foundation for effective communication. Department courses and programs also promote the intersecting of faith and learning, acquainting students with the ways modern philosophies and popular thinking coincide and/or conflict with Christian thought. Students will be fully equipped with the skills necessary for a successful life in the home, church, and workplace, and will be prepared for the rigors of graduate school.
Academic Opportunities
The Communication Department offers the BA in Communication with tracks in Media, Speech Communication, and Theatre. The department also offers the BS in Mass Communication, through an articulation agreement with Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts. Finally, a concentration in Communication is also offered as part of the Interdisciplinary Studies major.
Career Opportunities
The world of work holds many opportunities for communication graduates, including public relations, human resources, media production, performance, and education. Communication proficiency is a personal asset that makes communication graduates attractive candidates for positions in many different fields outside the communication realm.
Degree Options in Communications, Course Descriptions
Bachelor’s Degrees in Communication
BA/BS with Communication Major:
Provides a balanced overview of communication, media, rhetoric, and theatre in the foundational requirements and also allows for the selection of a specialized track in media, speech 7communication, or theatre.
GENERAL EDUCATION CORE .................................... 51 credit hours
COMMUNICATION MAJOR .......................................... 33 credit hours
COM 2513 Introduction to Communication Studies ...................... 3
COM 4813 Senior Project ................................................................. 3
MED 3633 Media Criticism, or
PSY 3323 Research Methods in the Social Sciences, or
RHE 3333 Rhetorical Criticism ................................................... 3
Communication Core......................................................................... 6
COM 2233 Nonverbal Communication, or
COM 2253 Listening, or
COM 3513 Small Group Communication, or
COM 3523 Interpersonal Communication, or
COM 3533 Intercultural Communication, or
COM 4893 Internship
Media Core ......................................................................................... 6
COM 4893 Internship, or
ENG 4513 Media Writing, or
FLM 2013 Film Appreciation, or
FLM 2423 Film History, or
FLM 3413 Film Genre, or
FLM 3433 Film Theory, or
FLM 4413 Seminar in Film, or
JRN 1101 Newspaper Journalism, or
JRN 2101 Yearbook Journalism, or
MED 3633 Media Criticism, or
MED 4643 Religion and Popular Culture, or
Theatre Core ...................................................................................... 6
COM 4893 Internship, or
THE 1411 Stagecraft, or
THE 1421 Theatre Workshop, or
THE 2003 Appreciation of Theatre, or
THE 2113 Technical Theatre, or
THE 3113 Theatre for Young Audiences, or
THE 3313 Oral Interpretation of Literature, or
THE 4113 Directing, or
THE 4143 Theatre and Religion
Rhetoric Core ..................................................................................... 6
RHE 2223 Public Speaking, or
RHE 3333 Rhetorical Criticism, or
RHE 3353 History of Rhetoric1, or
RHE 4313 American Public Address
TRACK (select one) ......................................................... 12 credit hours
Media Track (additional courses from media core)
Speech Communication Track (additional courses from communication and/or rhetoric core)
Theatre Track (additional courses from theatre core);
May also choose no more than one from the following:
ENG 4213 Shakespeare Comedies and Histories
ENG 4223 Shakespeare Tragedies
ENG 4743 Studies in Genre: Drama
FOREIGN LANGUAGE (BA only)..................................... 8 credit hours
MINOR ............................................................................ 18 credit hours
ELECTIVES (below recommended) ......................... 6-14 credit hours
TOTAL FOR COMMUNICATION MAJOR.................... 128 credit hours
BS with Mass Communication Major:
Provides students with an introduction to radio and video production, allows for the selection of a specialized track in intensive technical training in either radio or video production, and also provides in-depth explorations of theory and scholarship in media. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication at Rochester College will take coursework offered by Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts as part of the curriculum requirements for that degree during either their sophomore or junior year. This component of the curriculum includes the Radio and Television Broadcasting Course with either the radio or video concentration. 24 semester hours will be awarded by Rochester College to the student for completion of this curriculum component. Students may also pursue the Radio and Television Broadcasting Course with both the radio and video concentrations, otherwise referred to as the Comprehensive Course. 36 semester hours will be awarded by Rochester College to the student for completion of this curriculum component. Students must have approval from Rochester College’s business office no less than 15 days prior to enrollment in courses at Specs Howard. The student enrolled at Rochester College is allowed to apply for financial aid only through Rochester College, according to federal guidelines. However, students who have been admitted to Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts are required to adhere to all conditions, policies, and rules of Specs Howard School.
GENERAL EDUCATION CORE .................................... 51 credit hours
COMMUNICATION MAJOR .......................................... 39 credit hours
Communication Core (12 hours)
COM 2513 Introduction to Communication Studies ................. 3
RHE 2223 Public Speaking .......................................................... 3
THE 3313 Oral Interpretation of Literature .............................. 3
COM 4893 Internship ................................................................... 3
Media Core (15 hours)
MED 2013 Introduction to Mass Communication ..................... 3
MED 2513 Media Writing ............................................................ 3
MED 3013 Media Theory.............................................................. 3
MED 3323 Research Methods in Media ...................................... 3
Any MED, JRN, or FLM course .................................................. 3
Production Core at Specs Howard (12 hours)
RTB 1116 Broadcasting I ............................................................. 6
RTB 1126 Broadcasting II ............................................................ 6
PRODUCTION TRACK (select one) ............................ 12 credit hours
Radio Production Track at Specs Howard
RTB 1216 Radio Production I ................................................. 6
RTB 1226 Radio Production II ................................................ 6
Video Production Track at Specs Howard
RTB 1316 Video Production I .................................................. 6
RTB 1326 Video Production II ................................................ 6
MINOR ........................................................................... 18 credit hours
ELECTIVES (below recommended) .............................. 8 credit hours
CIS 1102 Software Applications of Computers ............................... 2
TOTAL FOR COMMUNICATION MAJOR.................... 128 credit hoursMinors: For non-
communication majors
Communication Minor. Requires 18 hours of COM, FLM, MED, RHE,
and/or THE, excluding COM 1013, with at least six upper-division hoursCourse Descriptions
Communication Division
COM 1013 Communication Basics. Theory and practice in a variety of communication contexts, including verbal, nonverbal, perception, and listening. Includes practice in organizing and delivering speeches.
COM 2233 Nonverbal Communication. Theories and types of nonverbal communication and implementation of effective nonverbal communication strategies.
COM 2253 Listening. Theories and techniques of effective listening in interpersonal, intercultural, small group, and public contexts.
COM 2513 Introduction to Communication Studies. An intensive overview of the variety of areas and methods of study in the field of communication. Professional opportunities, the unity and diversity of the field, and other professional and scholarly issues discussed. Prerequisite: COM 1013.
COM 2613 Introduction to Public Relations. An overview of public relations theory, strategy and practical techniques as used by corporations, non-profit groups and other organizations. The course focuses on ways to communicate and promote products, services, images and ideas to various publics. Prerequisite: COM 1013
COM 3513 Small Group Communication. Theories and techniques for small groups, including ministries in the local church. Prerequisite: COM 1013.
COM 3523 Interpersonal Communication. Elements of communication between two or more persons in family, social, work, church, and computer-mediated settings. Prerequisite: COM 1013.
COM 3533 Intercultural Communication. Major theories and concepts involved in intercultural communication. Emphasis on increasing awareness of and sensitivity to persons of other cultures and/or cocultures and improving personal effectiveness in intercultural communication. Prerequisite: COM 1013.
COM 4603 Assessment Strategies in Speech Communication. This course models a variety of assessment strategies and methods for effectively teaching middle and high school speech students. You will research, design and implement lessons that meet the state and national standards as well as gain practical tools to assess student growth. You will observe co-curricular and extra-curricular communication activities and begin designing your own programs.
COM 4813 Senior Project. Preparation of a major paper in an area of the student’s interest. Prerequisite: Senior status.
COM 4893 Internship. Supervised field experience in a setting related to a student’s track, with application of theoretical knowledge. Includes outside reading and a written report. Prerequisite: Senior status.
COM 4942 Communication Ethics. The major issues and perspectives involved in making ethical choices in communication. Prerequisite: Senior status.
COM/MED/RHE/THE 4613 Special Topics. Various Communication topics chosen by students or instructor.
Film Division
FLM 2013 Film Appreciation. An introduction to the art of film. Includes such topics as filmmaking, early history of the industry, genres, theories, and Christian ethics as it relates to film. Students view and analyze a number of films in order to understand better the impact of film on individuals and society.
FLM 2423 Film History. History of the film industry with special attention to influences of the industry and the industry’s influence on history.
FLM 3413 Film Genre. Film genres such as musical, comedy, and film noir. Topics to be announced. Prerequisite: COM 2513, FLM 2013 or 2423.
FLM 3433 Film Theory. Major critical approaches to film. Prerequisite: COM 2513, FLM 2013 or 2423.
FLM 4413 Seminar in Film. Great filmmakers, foreign films, and social issues and film. Prerequisite: COM 2513, FLM 2013 or 2423.
Journalism Division
JRN 1101 Newspaper Journalism. Credit for satisfactory work on the College newspaper. Students may serve on the newspaper staff every semester but credit is limited to three. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
JRN 2101 Yearbook Journalism. Credit for satisfactory work on the College yearbook. Students may serve on the yearbook staff every semester but credit is limited to three. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Media Division
MED 2013 Introduction to Mass Communication. A survey of the history, types, and uses of mass communication. Also includes discussion of the role and impact of media in society.
MED 2513 Media Writing. Writing for news, features, public relations, advertising, and marketed materials. Prerequisite: ENG 1123.
MED 3013 Media Theory. Analysis and criticism of modern theories of media and mass communication.
MED 3323 Research Methods in Media. Quantitative analysis of media and media audiences.
MED 3633 Media Criticism. Theory and practice in the analysis of various types of media. Attention given to various cultural perspectives such as culturalism, post-culturalism, feminism, and post-modernism. Prerequisite: COM 2513.
MED 4513 Public Relations Writing. Writing for internal and external public relations, including media kits, newsletters, features, websites, speeches, advertising, and other sales and marketing materials.
MED 4643 Religion and Popular Culture. Mutual influence of faith, religion, and spirituality and popular forms of culture such as music, film, television, and print media. Prerequisite: MED 3633.
MED 4942 Media Ethics. The Major issues and perspectives involved in making ethical choices and/or evaluations in mediated messages.
Rhetoric Division
RHE 2223 Public Speaking. Public speaking theory and practice. Students prepare and deliver several types of speeches.
RHE 3333 Rhetorical Criticism. History and methods of rhetorical criticism. Theories and models in critical application to instances of contemporary and historical discourse. Prerequisite: COM 2513.
RHE 3353 History of Rhetoric. Studies key figures and persuasive discourse approaches from the classical to contemporary periods. Prerequisite: COM 2513.
RHE 4313 American Public Address. An historical and critical study of rhetorical discourse and movements and their relationship to American political and religious life. Examination of a variety of persuasive American forms of discourse, from the Puritan sermon to speeches from the civil rights movement and other contemporary works. Prerequisite: RHE 3333.
Theatre Division
THE 1411 Stagecraft. Technical theatre laboratory experience. Assigns students to one work area on a Rochester College theatre production: Lighting, makeup, costumes, set construction and/or design, props, stage management, or director’s assistant. Assignments based on experience and/or interest and job availability. May require up to 75 hours of work.
THE 1421 Theatre Workshop. Laboratory experience/credit for performing in a Rochester College
theatre production. Selection for roles is based on audition. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
THE 1431 Ensemble Acting. Theory and practice in the dynamics of group performance. Requires membership in either Company or Pied Pipers. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
THE 2003 Appreciation of Theatre. Significance of dramatic arts throughout history from ancient Greek to Postmodern theatre; roles of playwright, director, actor, designer, and critic.
THE 2113 Technical Theatre. Basic principles of stage design, set construction, lighting, properties, costumes, and makeup in relation to the production concept of a particular genre.
THE 3113 Theatre for Young Audiences. Explores cognitive and emotional characteristics of young audiences and age-appropriate dramatic material. Exposes variations of dramatic literature for child and adolescent audiences. Discusses performance of literature adaptation and text creation from improvised scenes.
THE 3313 Oral Interpretation of Literature. Instruction in analysis and performance of literary genre. Includes oral interpretation of forms such as poetry, scripture, prose, children’s literature, and drama. Prerequisite: COM 1013.
THE 4113 Directing. Process of play direction from production concept to performance. Includes written play analyses, conducting auditions, casting, rehearsing, and working with technical staff. Students required to direct scenes or one-act plays, possibly in conjunction with a campus theatre production. Prerequisite: COM 2513.
THE 4143 Theatre and Religion. The historical relationship between theatre and religion including pagan worship, liturgical presentations, and mystery plays. Discusses current conflicting views regarding the role of theatre in the 21st century church, including drama in evangelism and as a method of teaching children. Viewpoints on Christian participation in secular theatre. Prerequisite: COM 2513.
