Communication Division

Communication

Intercultural Communication

Interpersonal Communication

Organizational Communication

Rhetoric and Leadership

The student who majors in communication examines the role of verbal and nonverbal communication in human relationships. Since the process of communication is profoundly affected by contexts, modes, and media, as well as by personal characteristics, the major requires a broad range of courses from both within and outside the division. A broad, liberal arts education is crucial to an understanding of human communication.

Not only is the ability to communicate with symbols uniquely human (and, hence, central to understanding the human condition), but it is also of practical value. Communication skills are important in work and leisure, profession and home, politics and religion, and in many other areas. Many careers require a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of communication.

Specific sequences within this major permit students to develop programs with particular emphasis. Two sequences are available: communication theory and organizational communication. Because of our commitment to the liberal arts, and because of the interdisciplinary nature of communication theory and inquiry, students in this major take course work in speech communication, in mass communication, and in allied areas outside of the division such as psychology, sociology, or political science.