Communication
www.comm.vt.edu/
Robert E. Denton, Jr. , Head
Assistant Head and Director of Undergraduate Programs: Marlene M. Preston
Director of Graduate Studies: Beth M. Waggenspack
W. Thomas Rice Chair: Robert E. Denton, Jr.
Professors: R. E. Denton, Jr.; W. W. Hopkins; S. G. Riley
Associate Professors: R. L. Holloway; J. A. Kuypers; M. M. Preston; J. C. Tedesco;
B. M. Waggenspack
Assistant Professors: Y. Chen; J. D. Ivory; J. B. Mackay; R. M. Magee; D. M. Waymer;
A. P. Williams
Advanced Instructors: D. M. Jenkins; E. W. Stallings
Instructors: D. Aguilar Booth; K. Garland; E. Kanter; R. L. Lazenby; B. Quesenberry;
E. L. Tydings; D. H. Young
Associate Professor Emeritus: E. H. Sewell, Jr.
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Overview
The major in communication, leading to a B.A., allows students to develop a broad understanding of the discipline and specific expertise in either public communication or mass communication. The Department of Communication focuses on strategic, theoretical, and practical application of message creation, delivery, analysis, and criticism in cultural and historical contexts.
Communication majors are prepared to continue their studies in graduate school or immediately apply their skills in various professional settings because of the broad applicability of both the theory to which they are exposed and the competencies they develop. Rooted in a strong liberal arts curriculum, this course of study prepares students to enter careers in mass media, business, public service, government, or professional specializations, such as law.
Options
Students choose one of four options in COMM in order to specialize in the discipline (effective for students graduating in calendar year 2011). Two options involve the study of public communication: Public Relations and Communication Studies. The other option involves the study of mass communication: Electronic and Print Journalism.
Public Relations – This option emphasizes both skill and management functions of public relations through theoretical and practical applications. Public relations spans media, organizational, corporate, and political contexts and includes investigation and analysis of public relations situations (e.g., crises, successes), message production and campaign planning, writing and presentation, and evaluation of public relations strategies. Public relations permeates many areas of corporate, non-profit, and political careers, so this option provides students a foundation for many different career paths.
Electronic and Print Journalism -- This option prepares students for news media careers in newspapers, magazines, broadcasting and new media. The lines that separate these specialties are blurring as media convergence becomes more nearly the norm. Courses provide both practical skills and theory covering history, law and ethics, current controversies and opportunities in the changing news media.
Communication Studies -- This option is designed to provide students with a broad overview of communication theories and practices, stressing understanding and effective participation in communication across interpersonal, organizational, and public contexts. For students interested in fields such as politics, law, education, business, ministry, or medicine, the Communication Studies option could be especially appealing because of its analytical and critical approach to communication.
Cinema Studies - Cinema is a key medium of modern mass communication, information-dissemination, and entertainment. It is at once a business, an industry, a means of creative expression, and a social and political force. Students in this option learn about the history of cinema, its aesthetic designs and production methods, its role in modern social and political movements, and its business operations. Students interested in pursuing a cinema career -- as a scholar, teacher or filmmaker -- should choose this option.
Major Requirements
Along with University and College requirements, including CLE and foreign language, majors must complete 42 hours in Communication.
The curriculum is designed to provide foundational experiences, development courses, advanced study, and a capstone experience. Students are introduced to concepts early in the undergraduate career, and the curriculum allows them to build knowledge and skills as they work on increasingly complex tasks. They also develop skills in written, spoken, and visual communication across their studies in the major. At the foundational level, students in every option are required to take the same introductory courses. Then students move into one of three options, and later they come back together in the senior year to work on a capstone experience.
Public Relations:
1. Foundation: COMM 1014, COMM 1015, COMM 1016
2. Development: Varies by option; see checksheet
3. Advanced Study: Varies by option; see checksheet
4. Capstone: Choose 1: COMM 4214, 4224, 4244, 4254, 4304, 4344
Electronic and Print Journalism:
1. Foundation: COMM 1014, COMM 1015, COMM 1016
2. Development: Varies by option; see checksheet
3. Advanced Study: Varies by option; see checksheet
4. Capstone: Choose 1: COMM 4214, 4224, 4244, 4254, 4304, 4344
Communication Studies:
1. Foundation: COMM 1014, COMM 1015, COMM 1016
2. Development: Varies by option; see checksheet
3. Advanced Study: Varies by option; see checksheet
4. Capstone: Choose 1: COMM 4214, 4224, 4244, 4254, 4304, 4344
Cinema Studies:
1. Foundation: COMM 1014, COMM 1015, COMM 1016
2. Development: Varies by option; see checksheet
3. Advanced Study: Varies by option; see checksheet
4. Capstone: Choose 1: COMM 4214, 4224, 4244, 4254, 4304, 4344
Satisfactory Progress Toward the Degree
University policy requires that students demonstrate their progress toward the degree by meeting minimum requirements. A student will be certified as making satisfactory progress towards a degree by meeting the following requirements:
- Option: Declared no later than the semester during which the 45th hour (overall) is completed
- Courses: COMM 1014 (minimum grade of C); COMM 2124 by end of semester in which the 60th hour is attempted
- Overall GPA: 2.5 by the time 45 hours have been attempted; 3.0 for students double-majoring with COMM secondary
- COMM GPA: 2.0 or better by the semester the 75th hour is completed
Students who fall below the standard for either the overall GPA or the COMM GPA will have one semester to regain the required GPA standards. A student who fails to make satisfactory progress toward degree after that semester will be blocked from continuing in the Communication major.
Internal Transfers into Communication
Students enrolled in other Virginia Tech majors who wish to transfer into Communication must submit an application. Criteria and application forms are available at the Department website: www.comm.vt.edu
Undergraduate Courses (COMM)
1014: INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION STUDIES
Survey of the field of communication studies from the interpersonal to the mass communication levels; emphasis on development of theories and concepts, social contexts, and message analysis. (3H,3C)
1015-1016: COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Introduction to oral and written communication. 1015: Focus on oral and written communication in interpersonal, small group, and public contexts. Special emphasis on the writing process, listening, interviewing, conflict resolution, critical analysis, and communication through electronic media. 1016: Continued Study in written and oral communication skills for small group and public contexts. Focus on practical applications in research and information gathering, audience analysis and adaptation, message development, and oral and written presentations. May not receive credit for both 1015-1016 and 2004. (3H,3C)
2004: PUBLIC SPEAKING
Basic skills of public speaking; speech organization and delivery; emphasis on in-class delivery of speeches. Credit may not be earned for both Comm 2004 and Comm 2014. Sophomore standing required. (3H,3C)
2014: SPEECH COMMUNICATION
Study of speech communication emphasizing the organization and delivery of messages based on audience analysis; examination of messages in the public, small group, and organizational contexts; emphasis is on theory applied to the delivery of speeches. Credit may not be earned for both Comm 2004 and 2014. Sophomore standing required. Pre: 1014, 1024. (3H,3C)
2024: MEDIA WRITING
Writing and information gathering skills including news, features, press releases, and advertising copy for broadcast, print and public relations media. This is a writing intensive (WI) course. Pre: 1014. (3H,3C)
2034: VISUAL MEDIA
An introduction to the visual image and visual thinking applied to photography, video, and film. Sophomore standing required. Pre: 1014. (3H,3C)
2044: PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
Principles of public relations practice; public relations in organizations; responsibilities of the public relations practitioner; legal and ethical considerations; role of public relations in society. Sophomore standing required. Pre: 1014. (3H,3C)
2054 (TA 2054): INTRODUCTION TO FILM
Introduction to film as a medium for artistic communication. Sophomore standing required. X-grade allowed. (2H,3L,3C)
2064: THE RHETORICAL TRADITION
Great theories of rhetoric developed throughout the world during the past 2,500 years will be analyzed to demonstrate the dynamic, critical nature of persuasive thought. (3H,3C)
2074: INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATION
Introduction to the history of and operation of the mass media in society, including the structure of mass media institutions, the process and effects of mass communication and the law and regulations that apply to mass communication. Does not count for Communication Studies major. Pre: Sophomore standing. (3H,3C)
2084: MEDIA INSTITUTIONS
Historical development, current industrial structure, and recent trends of different media institutions including print, film and electronic media. Emphasis on how economic incentives influence media content and the interconnections between media institutions. (3H,3C)
2094: COMM INTERNET & SOCIETY
This course examines the Internet as an emerging mass communication medium and its potential impact on society. Topics to be discussed include computer-mediated communication, emergence of on-line community, privacy in the information age, copyright, freedom of speech, antitrust, and electronic commerce. Students will also learn basic technical concepts of the Internet and software skills to create a web site. Pre: 1014. (3H,3C)
2104 (AINS 2104) (HUM 2104): ORAL TRADITIONS AND CULTURE
Examination of the world's great oral traditions, both ancient and contemporary. Emphasis on performance contexts, relationships among multicultural traditions, including American Indian oral traditions, and the relationships among orality, literacy, technology, media, and culture. I (3H,3C)
2124: INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION RESEARCH
Study of approaches to research in the discipline, including identification and analysis of existing research; procedures for conducting and reporting basic research in communication. Pre: 1014, (1016 or ENGL 1106). (3H,3C)
2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
3024: MASS MEDIA HISTORY
History of the development of mass media from early writing systems through new technologies; emphasis on print and broadcast media in the United States. Pre: 1014. (3H,3C)
3034 (HUM 3034): THEORIES OF POPULAR CULTURE
Relationship of popular culture to communication; ways to classify, analyze, and evaluate popular culture; history of main themes with emphasis on the United States; cultural evolution of the electronic revolution. Junior standing required. I (3H,3C)
3054 (TA 3054): AMERICAN FILM GENRES
Close visual and cultural study of classic film genres. Emphasis is on the cinematic codes and narrative conventions which unify the genre and which are found in representative films. Exploration of genre films as symbols of American culture and society. Genres studied include the Western, the musical and the detective film. Pre: 2054. (3H,3C)
3064: PERSUASION
Theoretical foundations of persuasion; techniques of persuasion; contemporary persuasive practice and campaigns; persuasive media strategies. Junior standing required. Pre: 1016 or ENGL 1106. (3H,3C)
3104: VIDEO PRODUCTION: FIELD
Basic elements, theories, and practices of video productions, including photography and editing. Students will develop skills in production through operation of portable field equipment and computer editing systems. Junior standing. Pre: 2034. (2H,3L,3C)
3114: VIDEO PRODUCTION: STUDIO
Producing, directing, and writing live video segments; operating control room and studio equipment including studio camera, video switcher, audio board and the creation of video graphics and written packages. Pre: (3104 or 3184), 3174. (2H,3L,3C)
3124: INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Basic theories and processes of person-to-person communication; interpersonal perception; verbal and nonverbal communication; establishment of relationships in the family and work situation. Junior standing required. (3H,3C)
3134: ARGUMENTATION AND DECISION-MAKING
Practical reasoning and argumentation about questions of community significance, emphasizing critical thought, rhetorical strategies, and advocacy. Junior standing required. Pre: 2004 or 1016. (3H,3C)
3144: WRITING AND EDITING FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS
Advanced writing and editing skills related to the preparation of press releases, feature articles, brochures, newsletters, fund-raising letters, annual reports, and webpages. Pre: Junior standing. Pre: 2024. (3H,3C)
3154: REPORTING
News gathering, news writing, and news judgment; development of news sources; establishing a news beat on campus. Junior standing required. Pre: 2024. (3H,3C)
3164: GROUP PROCESSES AND PRESENTATIONS
Study of group theory and its application to a group project, including team dynamics and leadership, conflict resolution, project management, and team presentation strategies. (1H,1C)
3174: BROADCAST WRITING
Writing for radio and television; techniques of broadcast interviewing; writing commercials, news, features, and documentary. Junior standing required. (2H,3L,3C)
3194 (TA 3194): DIGITAL CINEMA PRODUCTION
Basic production techniques, aesthetics, and technology of digital cinema production. Pre: 2054. (2H,2L,3C)
3204 (HUM 3204): MULTICULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Exploration of communication in various cultural groups through the medium of performance. Emphasis on understanding cultural differences and similarities in styles of communication, aesthetics, worldviews, and values. (3H,3C)
3244 (PSCI 3244): POLITICAL COMMUNICATION
Distribution of political information; elite-mass communication; alternative models of political communication; communication and telecommunications policy. Pre: PSCI 1014 or PSCI 1024. (3H,3C)
3544 (ENGL 3544): LITERATURE AND FILM
Works of literature and the films into which they have been transformed; emphasis on differences between media. (3H,3C)
3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.
3984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4014: MEDIA EFFECTS
Impact of mass media on individuals and on society; methods for documentation of media effects; research about effects on various demographic groups such as children, elderly, and minorities; effects of advertising; effects of interactive and time shift technologies. Senior standing required. (3H,3C)
4024: COMMUNICATIONS LAW AND ETHICS
Freedom of speech and press; how this freedom is limited in such areas as libel, privacy, copyright, contempt, free press/fair trial, judicial gag orders, reporters' shield laws; related ethical areas. Senior standing required. (3H,3C)
4034 (HUM 4034): FUNCTIONS OF POPULAR CULTURE
Popular culture as a humanistic discipline; emphasis on archetypes, formulas, and genres; the function of ideas, images, and icons on the popular imagination. Senior standing required. (3H,3C)
4044 (IS 4044): INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION
Comparative perspectives on global communication systems; problems with the flow of information; roles of international organizations; mass communication and national development; implications for conflict resolution; selected case studies. Senior standing required. (3H,3C)
4054: PUBLIC RELATIONS CASE STUDIES
Case studies applying public relations principles. Senior standing required. Pre: 2044. (3H,3C)
4074: ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION
Role of communication in complex organizations; communication networks, communication and management, message systems, decision-making; relationships between organizational theory and communication. Senior standing required. (3H,3C)
4084 (TA 4084): FILM HISTORY
Aesthetic, economic, social, and technological history of world cinema; film theory as it relates to the history of cinema. Junior standing required. Pre: 2054. (2H,3L,3C)
4094: BROADCAST MANAGEMENT
Broadcast management procedures; programming; sales and advertising. Senior standing required. Pre: 3184. (3H,3C)
4114: PHOTOJOURNALISM
Interpretive and creative photography applied to journalism; cameras, films, photography techniques; history of photography as communication; advanced darkroom techniques. Junior standing required. Pre: 2034. (3H,3C)
4124: ADVANCED REPORTING
Gathering and writing complex news and interpretative stories; emphasis on covering courts, governmental agencies, economic issues, consumer issues, and environmental issues; use of sources including human and data-base. Pre: 3154.(3H,3C)
4134: EDITORIAL WRITING
Development and function of the editorial page; writing of editorials, reviews, and personal columns; examination of role of letters and syndicated columns and cartoons; problems editorial writers face in their jobs and communities. Junior standing required. (3H,3C)
4144: MAGAZINE WRITING
The writing of feature material (as opposed to the reporting of hard news), plus detailed examination of several article types from a wide variety of contemporary magazines and newspapers. Junior standing required. Pre: 2024. (3H,3C)
4154: ELECTRONIC NEWS GATHERING
Production of television news programs. Elements of reporting, writing, performance, production, direction, editing, news management, videography, and executive producing. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 6 credit hours with different content. Pre: 3174, 3184. (1H,6L,3C)
4204: COMMUNICATION INTERNSHIP
Placement in a communication industry for practical internship under supervision by a departmental advisor and a professional in the field. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 6 hours credit. Junior standing and consent required. Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
4214: TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION RESEARCH
Selected topics in communication research. Offered on demand. Senior standing or consent required. (3H,3C)
4224: TOPICS IN MEDIA CRITICISM
Selected topics in media criticism. Offered on demand. Senior standing and consent required. (3H,3C)
4244: TOPICS IN PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
Selected topics in public communication. Offered on demand. Senior standing and consent required. (3H,3C)
4254: TOPICS IN MEDIA WRITING
Selected topics in media writing; emphasis on critical analysis and writing. Senior standing required. (3H,3C)
4294 (TA 4294): WRITING AND DIRECTING FOR DIGITAL CINEMA
Advanced course in digital cinema production exploring the practice of writing, producing, and directing dramatic motion pictures. Pre: 3194. (2H,2L,3C)
4304: COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS
Selected topics in communication campaigns; emphasis on application of theory in campaign contexts. Senior standing required. Pre: 2044 or 3064. Co: CS 3164.
(3H,3C)
4344 (TA 4344): ADVANCED TOPICS IN FILM
Selected topics in advanced film studies; emphasis on critical analysis and application. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of 6 credit hours with different content. Pre: 2054. (3H,1L,3C)
4354 (TA 4354): THE FILM DIRECTOR
Close thematic and visual analysis of the films of a single director. Directorial style assessed in terms of recurring visual and thematic patterns. Development and evolution of the director's style, and comparison with filmmakers whose work lacks a unifying "signature." Directors studied include Alfred Hitchcock, Charlie Chaplin, and Orson Wells. Taught alternate years. Pre: 2054. (3H,3C)
4364: ISSUE MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC RELATIONS
Principles of issue management: creation, development, and resolution; role of rhetoric in public policy processes; legal constraints; strategies; social responsibility. Pre: 2044. (3H,3C)
4374: NEW COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
Identify recent trends in the innovation of new communications technologies; storage, transmission, and display systems of mediated communication: optical disc, common carriers, telecommunication-computer linkages, high-definition TV, and virtual reality; information industries and society; markets for new and existing telecommunication services. Junior or senior standing required. (3H,3C)
4384: CRITICISM OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
Study of rhetorical research method as systematic approach to the analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of public communication texts including speeches, film, and advertisements. Pre: 2064. (3H,3C)
4394 (TA 4394): ADVANCED CINEMA PRODUCTION
Advanced cinema course in motion picture lighting, editing theories and digital post-production techniques. Pre: 3194. (2H,2L,3C)
4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
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