Program Goals:
Graduates of any communication program will be
qualified to pursue graduate studies or a variety of
careers requiring problem-solving, critical thinking,
critical listening, and inferential reading. Graduates will
demonstrate effective speaking and writing skills in a
variety of contexts.
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COMMUNICATION MAJOR
33 Credits
Program Goal:
A broad and integrated approach to the field of
communication, coursework in both process and theory
will prepare students for graduate work in the field as
well as for related areas such as law, mediation, social
interaction, and other disciplines.
Requirements (21 credits):
CA 201 Interpersonal Communication
CA 250 Mass Communication
CA 374 Presentation Techniques
CA 376 Intercultural Communication
CA 380 Organizational Communication
CA 401 Communication Theory
CA 495 Cooperative Education (3 cr.)
Four of the following (12 credits):
CA 212 Oral Interpretation
CA 220 Newswriting
CA 305 Film Studies
CA 309 Acting and Directing
CA 313 Event/Play Production Apprentice
CA 323 Writing for the Non-Print Media
CA 324 Writing for Publication
CA 403 Public Relations
CA 410 TV/Radio
Recommended Coursework:
EN 312 History of the English Language
MA 221 Statistics I (=GER mathematics)
PY 201 General Psychology
(= GER social science)
Writing, sociology, literature, political science,
history, philosophy.
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COMMUNICATION MINOR
21 Credits
Requirements:
CA 201 Interpersonal Communication
CA 250 Mass Communication
CA 374 Presentation Techniques
CA 376 Intercultural Communication
Three of the following:
CA 212 Oral Interpretation
CA 220 Newswriting
CA 305 Film Studies
CA 309 Acting and Directing
CA 313 Event/Play Production Apprenticeship
CA 323 Writing for the Non-Print Media
CA 324 Writing for Publication
CA 380 Organizational Communication
CA 401 Communication Theory
CA 403 Public Relations
CA 410 TV/Radio
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PUBLIC RELATIONS MAJOR
57 Credits
Program Goal:
An applied approach to the field of communication,
coursework in usual practices and key skills will prepare
students for entry level positions in public relations,
journalism, promotions, advertising, business, non-profit
organizations, and related professions.
Core Communication Requirements (21 credits):
CA 201 Interpersonal Communication
CA 250 Mass Communication
CA 374 Presentation Techniques
CA 376 Intercultural Communication
CA 380 Organizational Communication
CA 401 Communication Theory
CA 495 Cooperative Education (3 cr.)
Public Relations Requirements (18 credits):
BU 390 Advertising
CA 220 Newswriting
CA 323 Writing for the Non-Print Media
CA 324 Writing for Publication
CA 403 Public Relations
CA 410 TV/Radio
Six of the following (18 credits):
AR/CA 209 B/W Photography I
AR 223 Graphic Design I
AR 224 Graphic Design II
BU 230 Marketing Principles
BU 240 Management Principles
BU 305 Management Information Systems
IS 243 Multimedia Development
IS 260 Computer Decision-Making Applications
EN 210 Critical Writing
EN 314 Workshop in advanced Grammar
EN 318 Creative Writing
CA 212 Oral Interpretation
CA 305 Film Studies
CA 309 Acting and Directing
CA 313 Event/Play Production Apprenticeship
Recommended Coursework:
AR 221 Basic Design (= GER in fine arts)
MA 221 Statistics I (=GER mathematics)
PY 201 General Psychology
(= GER social science)
Graphic Communication Minor (see Art)
Theater Minor (see Theater)
Writing Minor (see English)
Language Arts Licensure 7-12 (see English)
Marketing Minor (see Business)
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COURSE OFFERINGS
* A college level composition course is a prerequisite to
most communication courses.
CA 100 Elements of Speech 3 cr.
Introduces the speech communication process, both
theory and practice. Primary goals are to increase
confidence and reduce anxieties about public speaking.
CA 152, 252, 352, 452 Study Tours 1-6 cr.
CA 171, 271, 371, 471 Workshops 1-3 cr.
CA 191, 192, 193, 194 Selected Topics 1-3 cr.
CA 201 Interpersonal Communication 3 cr.
Studies interpersonal levels of communication and
their applications. Skills developed and topics explored
include verbal and non-verbal effectiveness; selfdisclosure
and assertiveness; active and empathic
listening; and a variety of dyadic transactions.
CA 209 Black and White Photography I 3 cr.
An introduction to the basic elements of black and
white photography. Fundamental camera and darkroom
techniques are studied. Emphasis on photography as
an interpretive and illustrative medium in art,
communication, and journalism. Student supplies
manual camera and film. Two two-and-one-half hour
lab periods weekly.
CA 212 Oral Interpretation 3 cr.
Also listed as TR 112
Explores basic theory and practice in the art of
communicating literature: prose, poetry, and drama.
Selection, analysis, and performance are the primary
areas of focus.
CA 220 Newswriting 3 cr.
Introductory journalism course providing experience in
writing news and feature stories. All students will play an
active role in writing or layout for the College newspaper
Notre Dame News.*
CA 232 Professional Communications 3 cr.
Study of written and oral communication theory and its
importance in accomplishing organizational objectives.
Practical exercises will be reviewed to build on basic
skill requirements.
CA 250 Mass Communication 3 cr.
An introduction to print and non-print media services
including newspapers, magazines, radio, television, film,
popular music, and comics. Develops understanding of
mass communication through study of the commercial
underpinnings of the American mass media system,
ethical and social issues shaped and reflected by the
media, and consumer uses and roles in a mass
communication context.*
CA 261 The Drama and Theater 3 cr.
Study of dramatic literature, acting, stage design,
production, and theatrical styles and trends from the
classical age of Greece to the middle of the nineteenth
century. Recommended preparation for CA 262.*
CA 262 Modern Drama and Theater 3 cr.
Study of dramatic literature, acting, stage design,
production, and theatrical styles and trends from Ibsen
to the present. Recommended preparation: CA 261.*
CA 295, 395, 495 Cooperative Education 1-6 cr.
CA 305 Film Studies 3 cr.
Explores film as an art form, treating its language, history,
and genres with special emphasis on the roles of those
under-represented in the film industry. Many films,
arranged around various themes and styles of directing,
are viewed as primary texts in the course. International
films are integrated into the course as well.*
CA 309 Acting and Directing 3 cr.
Provides basic laboratory training in techniques of
acting and directing through practical exercises with
short scenes and plays. Work on voice and movement.
Interpretation skills, performance analysis, and the
planning and conducting of rehearsals are used to
achieve an individual approach to acting and directing.
CA 313 Event/Play Production Apprenticeship 3 cr.
Offers practical experience in event and theatrical
production. Includes class work and participation in
the stages of an actual event or production. Hands-on
activities are required of all students. All aspects of
producing are explored, including research, design,
promotion, execution, management and evaluation.
CA 323 Writing for the Non-Print Media 3 cr.
Offers practice in professional writing skills needed
for careers in advertising, public relations, radio, and
television. Prerequisite: CA/EN 220 or Department
permission.
CA 324 Writing for Publication 3 cr.
An advanced professional writing course, providing
experiences in freelance writing in various genres. All
students will play an active role in writing or layout for the
College newspaper Notre Dame News. Prerequisite:
CA/EN 220 or Department permission.
CA 374 Presentation Techniques 3 cr.
Practice in a variety of public speaking forms serves as
focus: advanced work in the extemporaneous mode, as
well as an introduction to manuscript, memorized, and
impromptu styles. Experiences with special occasion
speaking take students beyond the confines of the
classroom into settings involving larger spaces, technical
considerations, and other challenges.
CA 376 Intercultural Communication 3 cr.
Probes the influence of individuals’ backgrounds on crosscultural
experiences. The roles of ethnicity, gender, race,
religion, and sexual orientation are explored by examining
how verbal and non-verbal messages are generated and
interpreted. Practice with specific skills will empower
students to become competent intercultural
communicators.
CA 380 Organizational Communication 3 cr.
Explores “communication flows” within organizations,
examining the impact of computer networks, the internet,
e-mail, and fax machines. The course is
helpful for those who will be supervisors and leaders
within organizations since these roles will be changed
by technology.*
CA 391, 392, 393, 394 Selected Topics 1-3 cr.
CA 401 Communication Theory 3 cr.
Surveys the different ways in which communication
has been conceptualized, described, and explained.
Explores the powers and limitations of various theories
and perspectives.* Junior/senior standing.
CA 403 Public Relations 3 cr.
Studies the historical antecedents and contemporary
practice of public relations in America. Special emphasis
is placed on day-to-day tasks, skills, and responsibilities
of practioners. Opportunity for juniors and seniors to
explore specific issues and meet professionals in the
multi-faceted field of public relations.* Prerequisite:
CA 220 or department permission.
CA 410 Television and Radio 3 cr.
An in-depth analysis of the video and audio industries
such as TV and cable networks, AM and FM radio, the
music industry, and the developing integration of video
and computer networks. Special attention is paid to the
role of advertising, the impact of video and audio in
popular culture, and ethical dilemmas.* Recommended
preparation: CA 220.
CA 491, 492, 493, 494 Independent Study 1-3 cr.
Offers opportunities for junior and senior level students in
good academic standing and possessing the necessary
skills to pursue a research topic or to develop a project.
Closely directed by a faculty member.
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