Communication Department

Students who graduate with a B.A. in Communication will be able to

1. Understand and critically evaluate forms and theories of communication in order to identify and differentiate points of view;

2. Describe and explain issues, problems or conflicts in the contexts in which they occur and work towards effective solutions using a variety of theoretical frameworks;  

3. Comprehend language and communicative interactions as creating, sustaining, and reflecting individuals, cultures, communities, and organizations;

4. Recognize and account for one’s standpoint within diverse communication situations;

5. Confront challenging situations in ways that develop understanding of the interests of multiple parties, and contribute to viable responses;

6. Understand how various forms of communication are produced, interpreted and affect different audiences;

7. Analyze as well as develop arguments, which may include the reasoning process, use of evidence, presence of fallacies, values and assumptions, in order to respond effectively;

8. Understand the contribution of communication to creating, sustaining, challenging, and transforming a variety of power relations;

9. Selectively apply communication research methods to investigate social, political, legal and cultural arrangements;

10. Demonstrate understanding of ethical dimensions of communication;

11. Recognize and articulate the benefits and challenges of diverse communicative practices of people living in a global/multicultural society;

12. Understand and utilize communication as a tool for positive social change; and

13. Analyze rules or patterns at work in a variety of communication events.

Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media will be able to:

1. Acknowledge and reflect upon their multiple roles and responsibilities as media producers and consumers within a range of contexts;

2. Critically examine practices and processes underlying the conception, development, production, completion, marketing and distribution of mass media forms;

3. Analyze the functions and/or relationships in media organizations and systems through a variety of conceptual frameworks and at different levels of analysis, including studies of historical, political, economic and regulatory issues around media/communication technology and studies of industry practices, routines and social interactions within media organizations;

4. Develop proficiency in the of media equipment, differentiate traditional from innovative production techniques, and apply theoretical frameworks to the study of mass media products and forms;

5. Analyze a media topic, form, or theme from a variety of perspectives or levels of analysis;

6. Design distinctive media products that push the boundaries of their chosen media;

7. Utilize critical media literacy frameworks to analyze representations;

8. Identify the ways in which media shapes and transforms personal, societal, and global identities; and

9. Understand and utilize media as a tool for social change.

Fall 2008