Communication
Head: Robert E. Denton, Jr.
Director of Undergraduate Programs: Douglas F. Cannon
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs: Brandi A. Quesenberry
Director of Graduate Studies: Beth M. Waggenspack
W. Thomas Rice Chair: Robert E. Denton, Jr.
Professors: R. E. Denton Jr., W. W. Hopkins, J. A. Kuypers, and J. C. Tedesco
Professors of Practice: D. F. Cannon and W. B. Roth
Associate Professors: R. L. Holloway, J. D. Ivory, J. A. Kuypers, B. M. Waggenspack, and J. B. Mackay
Assistant Professors: K. Haenschen, M. A. Horning, A. H. Ivory, N. J. Logan, N. Mielczarek, M. C. Myers, S. A. Smith, D. J. Tamul, B. A. Watkins, and C. L. Woods
Visiting Assistant Professors: B. W. Howell
Senior Instructor: E. W. Stallings
Advanced Instructors: D. M. Jenkins, B. Quesenberry, and S. J. Robinson
Instructors: D. Conner, C. Hall, H. Shinault, N. Sowder, S. Stinson, E. L. Tydings, and J. Woolly
Web: www.liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/department-of-communication.html
Overview
The majors in communication, leading to a B.A., allow 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 program prepares students to enter careers in mass media, business, public service, government, or professional specializations, such as law.
Majors
Students choose one of three majors in COMM in order to specialize in the discipline. Two majors involve the study of public communication: Public Relations and Communication Studies. The other major involves the study of multimedia communication: Multimedia Journalism. Multimedia Journalism also offers a concentration in Sports Media and Analytics.
Communication Studies (CMST) -- The Communication Studies flexible curriculum develops human interaction strategies and skills for face-to-face, public, and organizational contexts relating to decision making, influence, and information exchange. As a graduate, you might consider careers in business, health, civic engagement, public opinion, law, education, and ministry.
Public Relations (PR) – This major 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 major provides students a foundation for many different career paths.
Multimedia Journalism (MJ) -- This major 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 as they address history, law and ethics, current controversies and opportunities in the changing news media.
Sports Media and Analytics (Concentration) -- This concentration enables students to complete the MJ curriculum while specializing in Sports Media and Analytics. In addition to mastering the content and skills of MJ, you will participate in the production and delivery of sports news, consider ways to promote the sports industry with your study of public relations, and analyze data related to sports accomplishments, fan participation, and social media. The employment opportunities are myriad, including sports reporting; public relations for sports venues, teams, and/or athletes; and promotional work for businesses that support the fans.
Major Requirements
The curriculum is designed to provide foundational and development courses along with major-specific study. 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 major are required to take the same introductory courses.
Degree Requirements
The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing information about the degree requirements, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are listed on checksheets. The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.
The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.
Please visit the University Registrar's website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for degree requirements.
Minor Requirements
A minor in Communication offers a broad exploration of the discipline, helping students to understand disciplinary impacts on society, consideration of audience in communicating messages, and historical and contemporary principles and practice. This understanding can be applied to the academic and professional practice of many other disciplines.
The minor curriculum allows students to study the three main options areas of the discipline: public communication, public relations, and multimedia journalism. The study of public communication centers on skill-building in academic and professional communication skills, such as interpersonal, small group, and/or public speaking.
For the 18-hour minor, students enroll in four foundational courses and choose two upper-level courses from the checksheet.
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:
- Courses: Completion of COMM 2124 no later than the 72nd hour
- Overall GPA: 2.0
- COMM GPA: 2.0
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.
Freshmen and External Transfers into Communication
Incoming freshmen and students enrolled at other institutions should follow directions for application as shown on the Admissions website.
Internal Transfers into Communication
Students enrolled in other Virginia Tech majors who wish to transfer into Communication may use the online system for application.
Departmental Website and Contact
Please see the Departmental Website for more information about majors and the minor: www.liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/department-of-communication.html
Contact: comm@vt.edu
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (COMM)
1004: FIRST-SEMESTER EXPERIENCE IN COMMUNICATION
Introduction to areas of research, ethical behaviors, and
career paths in the discipline. Consideration of strategies
for learning, accessing advising, and locating resources.
(1H,1C)
1014: INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION STUDIES
Survey of the communication discipline across areas of
specialization from interpersonal to mediated and mass
communication, including history and fundamental concepts,
theories, contexts. Emphasis on ethical human behavior
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
in digital and visual media. 1016: Continued Study in
oral and written communication skills for small group
and public contexts. Focus on practical applications in
ethical research and information gathering, audience
analysis and adaptation, message development, and oral,
written, and visual presentations by individuals and groups.
May not receive credit for both 1016 and 2004.
(3H,3C)
1114: INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Introduction to basic technologies necessary for multimedia
production. Attention to aesthetics and technical aspects of
production technologies, including creation, editing, and
organization of content.
(3H,3C)
2004: PUBLIC SPEAKING
Strategies and practice for speaking to specific audiences.
Ethical considerations for message preparation,
development, presentation, and evaluation. Pre:
Sophomore standing. COMM 2004 partially duplicates
COMM 1016.
(3H,3C)
2014: SPEECH COMMUNICATION
Introductory study of communication messages across various
types, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group
and public. Credit may not be earned for both 1015 and 2014.
(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. Sophomore
Standing Required.
Pre: 1016 or ENGL 1106 or ENGL 1204H.
(3H,3C)
2034: VISUAL MEDIA
An introduction to the visual image and visual thinking
applied to photography, video, and film. Sophomore standing
required.
Pre: 1016 or ENGL 1106 or ENGL 1204H.
(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; history of the field and key
people who influenced its development; choosing
appropriate communication channels/media.
(3H,3C)
2064: THE RHETORICAL TRADITION
Analysis of great classic and contemporary theories of
rhetoric developed throughout the world during the past
2500 years to demonstrate the dynamic, critical nature of
persuasive communication. Study of methodological
approaches to rhetorical criticism, ethics of message
creation, communication contexts, emerging perspectives,
and impact of changing culture on rhetorical theory.
(3H,3C)
2074: INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATION
Development, concepts, and impact of sports media,
including roles and responsibilities of journalists,
production staff, and public relations professionals.
Considerations of stakeholders' behaviors and connections.
Study of ethical standards and perspectives, communication
in sports organizations, types of media, issues in context,
and data analytics.
(3H,3C)
2084: MEDIA AND SOCIETY
An examination of media influence on society. Emphasis on
impact of media (such as newspapers, film, social networks,
and video games) on audiences and culture. Considerations
of the evolution of media, the global and ethical questions
posed by the media, and new technology's influence on
society.
(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. Sophomore Standing required.
Pre: (1016 or ENGL 1106).
(3H,3C)
2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
2974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Honors section.
Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
3014: PUBLIC RELATIONS CASES
Analysis of contemporary and historic public relations
cases. Emphasis on theories, research techniques, planning
methods, implementation strategies, evaluation standards,
and ethical considerations in public relations programs and
campaigns.
Pre: 2044.
(3H,3C)
3034 (HUM 3034) (RLCL 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.
(3H,3C)
3044: ORAL COMMUNICATION CENTER PRACTICUM
Focus on peer pedagogy in a communication center to
support development of oral communication competence
among students across disciplines. Emphasis on oral
communication theory applied to one-on-one support
for students' oral presentations. May repeat 1 time.
Pre: 1016 or 2004.
(1H,1C)
3064: PERSUASION
Theoretical foundations of persuasion; techniques of
persuasion; contemporary persuasive practice and
campaigns; persuasive media strategies.
Junior standing required.
Pre: 1014.
(3H,3C)
3074: PERSUASIVE PUBLIC SPEAKING
Advanced critical analysis, preparation and presentation of
persuasive speeches. Study of advanced rhetorical
principles with emphasis on policy speeches and the use of
proofs to convince, strengthen beliefs, and motivate
listeners to overt action. Advanced focus on approaches to
research, audience analysis, effective organization and
extemporaneous delivery.
Pre: 1016 or 2004.
(3H,3C)
3084: ADVANCED PUBLIC RELATIONS RESEARCH METHODS
Analysis and implementation of contemporary academic and
professional research tools for public relations. Emphasis
on development of research designs, assessment and
evaluation of public relations programs and campaigns, and
implementation of ethical research practices and standards.
Pre: 2044, 2124.
(3H,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: 2034.
(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: PUBLIC ADVOCACY
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 used to structure and present
information in the practice of public relations. Includes
message development, message design for delivery
through various media, copyediting skills and tools,
and strategies for dissemination.
Pre: 2024.
(3H,3C)
3154: MULTIMEDIA REPORTING
Multimedia news gathering, news writing, audio/visual
storytelling, and news judgment for the print and online
media. Consideration of professional strategies and
standards for reporters, including legal and ethical issues.
Pre: 2024, 2034.
(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: ADVANCED MULTIMEDIA REPORTING
Multimedia gathering and writing of complex news, features,
and documentary; visual content and news judgment for
television, print and online media; techniques of broadcast
interviewing and on-camera performance. Considerations of
legal and ethical issues related to the reporting of complex
news.
Pre: 3154.
(2H,2L,3C)
3204 (HUM 3204) (RLCL 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)
3214: PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
Theory and contemporary practice of professional oral
communication, including interpersonal interaction, small
group problem-solving, and public presentations. Emphasis
on ethical exchanges in traditional or virtual workshops
settings.
Pre: 1016 or 2004.
(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)
3254 (PSCI 3254): MEDIA AND POLITICS
Explores the role of the mass media in contemporary
American politics by examining the development of media as
sources of social and political influence. Study of news
organizations, their coverage of electoral and issue
campaigns, and their impact on candidates and voters.
Includes the role of new technologies in campaigns.
Pre: Junior Standing.
(3H,3C)
3264: COMMUNICATION AND GENDER
Examines how verbal, nonverbal, and visual
communication create, sustain, and challenge
the meaning of gender and cultural structures
and practices. Junior standing.
(3H,3C)
3304: TOPICS IN SPORTS COMMUNICATION
Study of the theory and practices related to sports
communication in fields such as public or reporting. Topics
may include print, broadcast, and online news; college
sports information; social media; crisis management; and
media relations. May be repeated once with different
course content. Junior standing.
(3H,3C)
3314: SPORTS JOURNALISM
Theory and practice of sports journalism, including
strategies for writing and broadcasting sports information.
Study of ethics and professional standards. Junior standing
required.
Pre: 2024, 2034.
(3H,3C)
3324: CORPORATE COMMUNICATION
Examines communication theories, strategies and tactics that
corporations use in their public relations efforts to reach
and influence publics. Prepares students for "in-house"
public relations work and familiarizes them with
expectations of corporate clients. Introduces students to
the important role communication plays within and between
for-profit, nonprofit, and government institutions. Emphasis
on the influence of corporate culture, ethics and values
on communication styles. Junior standing required.
(3H,3C)
3334: PUBLIC RELATIONS AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Explores role of communication in corporate social
responsibility. Emphasis on the ethical implications of
communicating the need to generate profits with the need
to ensure that corporate actions do not harm important
stakeholders such as employees, investors, customers, and
communities.
Pre: 2044.
(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. Junior
standing required.
Pre: 2124.
(3H,3C)
4024: COMMUNICATION LAW
Study freedom of speech and the press how these freedoms
apply to the press, public relations, advertising and
personal speech. Consideration of First Amendment theories
and jurisprudence; related ethical issues. Senior standing.
(3H,3C)
4034 (HUM 4034) (RLCL 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.
(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)
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)
4094: BROADCAST MANAGEMENT
Broadcast management procedures; programming; sales and
advertising. Senior standing required.
Pre: 3154.
(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)
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: DIGITAL NEWSROOM
Production of news, including newsroom operations,
management, legal and ethical issues, and professionalism.
Professional reporting in the newsroom setting and across
platforms, including professional writing, interviewing, and
photography/videography.
Pre: 3174.
(1H,3L,3C)
4164: PUBLIC RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION
Public Relations (PR) administration issues related to
budgeting, strategy, legal issues, and campaigns in an
organization. Emphasis on PR theory and ethics.
Pre: 2044.
(3H,3C)
4174: DIGITAL ADVOCACY CAMPAIGNS
Study of advocacy campaigns with digital components.
Rhetorical considerations in message construction, analysis
of persuasive techniques, ethical standards, and strategies
for campaign development. Senior standing required.
Pre: (1016 or 2004), 2124.
(3H,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.
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. May be repeated with a
different topic focus, up to a maximum of 6 credit hours.
(3H,3C)
4254: TOPICS IN MEDIA WRITING
Selected topics in media writing; emphasis on critical
analysis and writing. Senior standing required.
(3H,3C)
4264: SOCIAL MEDIA THEORY & PRACTICE
Study of social media as a professional communication and
media tool. Emphasis on foundations in communication
theory and contemporary approaches.
Pre: 2034.
(3H,3C)
4274: BROADCASTING PERFORMANCE
Advanced study of on-air performance for broadcasters.
Professionals behaviors and strategies for developing
conversational writing, broadcast style, interviewing,
reporting, and anchoring.
Pre: 3154.
(3H,3C)
4304: PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGNS
Public relations campaign research, planning,
implementation and evaluation. Emphasis on applying
theory in campaign contexts; executing applied research;
setting objectives; developing strategic plans, messages and
budgets; carrying out courses of action; and evaluating
results.
Pre: 2124, 3144, 3014.
(3H,3C)
4314: COMMUNICATION AND ISSUES OF DIVERSITY
Study of diversity including issues such as power, race,
ethnicity, social class, gender, disability, age, and
sexuality as related to communication theory and practice.
Pre: Senior standing
(3H,3C)
4324: ISSUES IN HEALTH COMMUNICATION
Study of issues related to the theory and practice of
health communication, including interpersonal,
public, organizational, political, and cultural.
Junior standing required.
(3H,3C)
4334: COMMUNICATION ETHICS
Discussion of issues related to professional communication
ethics; emphasis on recognizing ethical issues, applying
theoretical models and critical thinking skills to ethical
issues in multimedia journalism, public relations, and
communication studies. Includes research on topics related
to communication ethics. Pre: Junior standing.
(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. Junior standing required.
(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 standing required.
Pre: 2084 or 4014.
(3H,3C)
4404: COMMUNICATION CAPSTONE
In-depth study of a particular issue or theme in
communication for majors in communication studies,
public relations, or multimedia journalism. Integrates
previous work in the discipline, focusing on research and
presentation of research. Pre: Junior standing.
(3H,3C)
4414: PUBLIC RELATIONS STANDARDS AND PRACTICES
Addresses complexities of public relations research,
planning, implementation, and evaluation required for
professional certification. Includes special emphasis on
public relations legal and ethical practices. Senior
standing.
Pre: 2044.
(3H,3C)
4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.