Wilkinson College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Roberta Lessor, Ph.D., Dean

Donald Will, Ph.D., Associate Dean

Wilkinson College of Humanities and Social Sciences invites you to explore the liberal arts with our vibrant intellectual community where award–winning faculty and students work together to advance their respective fields of knowledge and to make a difference in the world.

Take part in the collaborative student–faculty research, internships, community service, travel courses and study abroad, student clubs and organizations, and several lecture series that extend learning beyond the classroom. We provide a network of advising and support for undeclared majors during this exciting time of discovery. Wilkinson College community welcomes you to explore how we can support your learning and development.

Department of Communication Studies

Wenshan Jia, Ph.D., Chair

Professors: Doetkott, Sparks, Watson;

Associate Professor: Jia;

Assistant Professors: Bevan, Levy, Payne, Waldeck.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

The mission of the department of communication studies is to educate its students to be effective communicators and ethical advocates prepared to address local, national and global issues. Those educated in communication enrich their lives and the lives of others, and have the ability to make vital contributions to society.

Departmental Activities

Students are encouraged to participate in societies and competition activities which enhance learning, networking and social opportunities outside the classroom.

The National Communication Association Student Club is chartered and sponsored by the National Communication Association which meets on a regular basis to network and promotes the field of communication studies. Guest speakers include members of the community, alumni, internship opportunities, and faculty. The Student Club is open to all communication studies majors and minors and is organized and run by the students. Membership includes a certificate from the national office along with other networking materials and opportunities.

Chapman Radio offers students the opportunity to work with Chapman University's own radio station, heard on campus and around the world via the internet (www.chapmanradio.com). Students may participate by having their own radio show or by helping to produce radio shows for others. Other opportunities include programming, publicity and promotion. The Chapman Radio Workshop also offers university credit for participation in this activity.

The Forensics Society is an official campus club dedicated to the promotion of public speaking activities on campus and hosts an intra-collegiate speech competition. This society is open to all Chapman University students.

Lambda Pi Eta, National Communication Honors Society honors outstanding scholarship among communication majors. Students must be of junior standing or above and have a 3.300 GPA to become a member. The society participates in a variety of events and service projects.

Speech Team (COM 202/402) is a 1–3 credit forensics activity course focusing on individual speaking events. Students participate in speech competitions at five local tournaments per semester. Speech Team is open to all Chapman students who are registered for 9 credits or more.

Mock Trial allows students to test their speaking skills through courtroom case competition and provides an opportunity to learn trial techniques used by lawyers in court. Students assume the roles of attorneys and witnesses in mock civil and criminal trials. By learning to argue objections and examine witnesses, students enhance their extemporaneous speaking skills and increase their expertise in persuasive speech.

Departmental Honors

Selection for departmental honors is based on a vote of the faculty who consider a variety of factors including a minimum GPA of 3.300, involvement in the life of the department, and service to the campus or wider community. Holding a position in an organization, working in student government or using specific communication skills to serve the community are examples of service that would be recognized for possible honors.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

The subject matter of communication studies is the history, processes, and effects of oral, written and mediated discourse and interaction. The departmental curriculum is designed to establish a foundation of knowledge and to allow students to construct a course of study that meets their goals. By selective arrangement of courses in the major, students can prepare for careers in such areas as corporate communication, arbitration, industrial/labor relations and all fields entailing private/public advocacy. Students who plan to continue their studies in graduate programs can select from a variety of preparatory courses. Those who elect to enter law, service professions, or governmental service will find communication to be an exceptional pre--professional major.

Ancillary Studies

The department suggests that students consider a minor in a complementary field such as English, sociology, psychology, political science, or business. Students are encouraged to take at least one internship during their course of study.

Departmental Requirements

Substitutions for required courses are not permitted without approval of the department chair.

Majors must maintain a GPA of 2.500 or higher in the communication studies courses. All courses in the major must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a "C" or higher.

All freshmen declaring communication studies as a major are admitted to the program and understand and agree that by the semester in which they attain 60 credits, they will have completed COM 100, 101, 110, 151, 195, 210. Internal and external transfer students will not be excused from prerequisites. Transfer students who have completed courses comparable to required courses and prerequisites with a grade of "C" or higher from an accredited institution will be waived from that requirement in the major by approval of the department chair.

Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an advisor to construct a sequence of study.

requirements (30 credits)

*COM 202/402 may be substituted with permission of the speech team director.

one of the following (3 credits)

one of the following (3 credits)

four of the following (12 credits)

at least 6 credits must be upper-division

Minor in Communication Studies

A minor in communication studies requires a minimum of 18 credits, 9 of which must be upper–division. Selected courses must be approved by the department chair.

Course Descriptions – Communication Studies

COM 100 Introduction to Communication Studies

Prerequisite, communication studies major/minor or consent of instructor. This course is designed to introduce the Communication Studies major to the many facets of the discipline, including its research and career options. Students will be introduced to the curriculum for the major. Special attention will be given to what constitutes human communication, how communication is studied and measured, what professional options are available to a communication studies major. This course is required for all communication studies majors and minors. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

COM 101 Public Speaking

An introduction to oral rhetoric, comprising the history, rationale and application of the principles of public address. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

COM 108 Chapman Radio Workshop

A weekly workshop centered on the everyday operations of Chapman Radio. The weekly events and issues of Chapman Radio will be addressed and discussed. The workshop also gives technical training in regards to on–air procedures, FCC regulations, on and off campus promotion, studio and live engineering, web development, and industry communications. This course is repeatable for credit. (Offered every semester.) 2 credits.

COM 110 Interpersonal Communication

Students learn to apply communication skills of listening, perception, language usage, nonverbal communication, and conflict resolution. Emphasis is placed on effective communication and methods for overcoming barriers to interpersonal communication. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

COM 151 Mass Communication

From Gutenberg to Web sites, this course examines the historical development of mass media forms and products and evaluates the impact of mass media on cultural values, social norms and movements in the U.S. and around the world. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

COM 195 Communication Research I

Communication Research I focuses on understanding how people behave in creating, exchanging, and interpreting messages. Students will become familiar with survey research, experimental research, rhetorical criticism, and ethnographic criticism. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

COM 199 Independent Study

(Offered every semester.) 1–6 credits.

COM 202 Speech Team

The focus of Speech Team is on designing, preparing, and presenting speeches that are common to the collegiate forensic environment, including individual speaking events, Readers Theatre, and mock trial. Emphasis is placed on developing research, group communication, public speaking, and critical thinking skills to prepare for and participate in intercollegiate tournaments. (Offered every semester.) 1–3 credits.

COM 210 Theories of Persuasion

A survey of advocacy from Aristotelian principles to contemporary practices. Emphasis is on the interdisciplinary generation of persuasion theories from post World War II to the present that empower us to recognize, analyze and evaluate persuasive messages. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

COM 211 Intercultural Communication

The course reviews basic concepts and theories, deals with crucial skills needed for intercultural communication, and raises ethical questions. By exploring research findings and observations of a variety of cultures and discussing their own experiences as intercultural communicators, students will develop basic analytical and practical competence as global intercultural communicators. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

COM 229 Experimental Course

(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

COM 240 Argumentation and Debate

This course teaches the process, techniques and performance skills of debate. Emphasis is placed on acquiring the research, analytical and critical skills necessary for effective argumentation, and on learning and perfecting the performance skills germane to debate. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

COM 251 Issues in Mass Communication

Prerequisite, COM 151. An in–depth exploration of the personal, ethical, social, political and economic issues raised by the increasing impact, power and ubiquity of the mass media in the United States and around the world. Is the world a better place because of the mass media? This course attempts to answer that question. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

COM 290 Independent Internship

Additional credit opportunities are available for students eager to develop skills by associating with professional agencies. Consult advisor. P/NP. (Offered every semester.) 1–3 credits.

COM 299 Individual Study

(Offered every semester.) 1–6 credits.

COM 308 Chapman Radio Workshop

(Same as COM 108.)

COM 311 Gender and Communication

Students will be introduced to the complex ways in which communication and gender interact. Attention will be given to the socially endorsed views of masculinity and femininity as taught to individuals through a variety of cultural means. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

COM 312 Group Communication

Prerequisite, COM 110. This course is designed to provide the student with the skills necessary to participate effectively in problem–solving groups. Instruction includes theory and technique. Competencies in group communication are developed through in–class exercises and case studies. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

COM 313 Rhetorical Theory

Prerequisite, COM 195. Students will be introduced to the history and origin of rhetorical theory as a discipline with special attention given to the classical Greek and Roman period, Medieval and Renaissance contributions and 18th and 19th Century British influence, and contemporary 20th century scholars including post-modern, structuralism, and post-structuralism influences. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

COM 314 Communication Theory

Prerequisite, COM 195. Students will be introduced to the theories and ideas that shape how we understand the human communication process. Through the use of communication theories, each student will be provided an explanation of how and why humans interact, communicate, and make various communication choices. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

COM 329 Experimental Course

(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

COM 331 Radio: History/Impact

This class is a comprehensive examination of the history of radio as part of the growth of the electronic media in the U.S. and around the world. Students study the changing role of radio as a companion medium in the age of television. Ethical considerations for broadcasters and the impact radio has on global society and culture are also examined. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

COM 341 Mock Trial

Prerequisite, COM 101. Students form advocacy teams, composed of lawyers and witnesses. Students develop skills and knowledge of courtroom procedure and engage in a mock trial regional competition at the end of the course. This course is repeatable for credit. (Offered fall semester or interterm.) 3 credits.

COM 351 Propaganda and Public Opinion

Prerequisites, COM 151, 210, or consent of instructor. Starting with classical Hellenic rhetoric, particularly Aristotle's applications to politics, the course deals with how the Western tradition of political rhetoric has been extended worldwide to mass-media based societies favoring the ideologies of democracy, capitalism, fascism, and communism, etc. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

COM 395 Communication Research II

Prerequisite, COM 195. Advanced communication research focuses on applying principles and practices of communication analysis, with particular emphasis on quantitative methods. Students will design and execute a research project and write a research article. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

COM 399 Independent Study

(Offered every semester.) 1–6 credits.

COM 401 Persuasive Speaking

Prerequisites, COM 101, 210, or other approved public speaking course. Designed for advanced students, this course focuses on persuasive public speaking skills used in politics, social change, organizational needs, sales presentations, news media coverage, and commercials, and highlights discrete factors in persuasion, such as problems in determining the effect of persuasive messages, source credibility, and message variables. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

COM 402 Speech Team

This course is for upper-division students who have had experience in competition. Students design, prepare, and present speeches common to the collegiate forensic environment. Emphasis is placed on developing research, public speaking, and critical thinking skills. Students must participate in intercollegiate tournaments. The course may be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 1–3 credits.

COM 410 Organizational Communication

Prerequisite, Com 110. Instruction includes a mix of theory and practice of interpersonal communication in organizational settings. Major research theories are experienced through analysis of case studies and guided role-play of typical situations in organizations. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

COM 411 Communication in the Global Workplace

Prerequisites, COM 211, 410, or consent of instructor. This course, using the case-study approach, aims to help people of different cultures to effectively communicate and work together in the global workplace by breaking down their conceptual, theoretical, perceptual and practical barriers. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

COM 429 Experimental Course

(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.

COM 440 Conflict, Negotiation and Power

Prerequisites, COM 110, 210. Aspects of personal power and global power will be studied in relationship to conflict resolution. Students will apply theoretical methods using real world case studies. Emphasis is on early recognition of unhealthy conflict, accurate diagnosis of its causes and the development of effective communication–based intervention strategies. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

COM 450 Mass Communication Theory

Prerequisite, COM 210. This course examines the full range of mass communication theories, and places them in historical and philosophical context. Normative theories concerned with media roles in various political, social, and economic environments are examined, as are theories of media effects on individuals and societies. Included will be examination of naturalistic, interpretive, and critical theories. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

COM 452 Political Communication

Students will be introduced to the systematic and theoretical role of communication in society and politics. The course focuses on the variables of political communication, even as a particular context may be explored-e.g. the American Presidency, the UN and Global Politics, local California politics, etc. In all of these, the nature of democratic (political campaigns, debates, and election strategies) vs. non–democratic processes will be examined and critiqued. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.

COM 480 Nonverbal Communication

Prerequisite, COM 110. Students learn to identify and apply nonverbal communication cues such as body movements, vocalics, use of space and environment, physical appearance, and touch. Emphasis is placed on understanding specific functions of nonverbal communication and the successful use of nonverbal communication in various contexts. (Offered spring semester.) 3 credits.

COM 490 Independent Internship

(Same as COM 290.)

COM 493 Ethical Controversies in Communication

Prerequisites, COM 110, 151, 210. The goal is to provide an in–depth understanding and application of ethical standards in a variety of communication contexts. Students will explore alternative ways of evaluating and responding to communication problems. Students will be able to identify, describe, and apply appropriate features of ethical communication interventions. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

COM 498 Senior Seminar

Prerequisites, COM 195, 313, 314. In this capstone course, students will demonstrate proficiency in research and criticism by writing a major research paper which will be evaluated by the department and presented to an audience of peers. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.

COM 499 Individual Study

Individual research and projects. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. (Offered every semester.) 1–3 credits.