Fran Dickson, Ph.D., Chair
Professors: Dickson, Doetkott, Jia;
Associate Professor: Bevan;
Assistant Professors: Hefner, Kee, Levy, Waldeck.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
The department of communication studies is committed to maintaining an academic and social environment in which students may develop into inquiring thinkers who communicate productively in society. We do so by exposing students to theories and research emanating from the communication discipline, and by providing them with opportunities to apply their knowledge and practice communication skills and principles in varied settings. Students learn and practice the skills important for developing and sustaining high quality, ethical relationships in personal, professional, and global contexts.
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.
Speech Team (COM 202/402) is a 1–3 credits 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.
Departmental Honors
The department of communication studies awards honors to graduating seniors who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. Requirements for consideration include a GPA of 3.700 or higher in the major, a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, and completion of a substantial independent research paper in the area of 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 required 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, 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)
Introduction to Communication Studies |
3 |
|
Public Speaking |
3 |
|
Interpersonal Communication |
3 |
|
Mass Communication |
3 |
|
Theories of Persuasion |
3 |
|
Intercultural Communication |
3 |
|
Group Communication |
3 |
|
Introduction to Research Methods |
3 |
|
Senior Seminar |
3 |
|
Individual Study* |
3 |
one of the following (3 credits)
Rhetorical Theory |
3 |
|
Communication Theory |
3 |
|
Mass Communication Theory |
3 |
one of the following (3 credits)
Independent Internship |
3 |
|
Internship in Asia Pacific |
3 |
four of the following (12 credits)
at least 6 credits must be upper-division
Speech Team |
3 |
|
Experimental Course |
3 |
|
Argumentation and Debate |
3 |
|
Issues in Mass Communication |
3 |
|
Business and Professional Communication |
3 |
|
Gender and Communication |
3 |
|
Experimental Course |
3 |
|
Radio: History/Impact |
3 |
|
Propaganda and Public Opinion |
3 |
|
Family Communication |
3 |
|
Communication Law |
3 |
|
Persuasive Speaking |
3 |
|
Speech Team |
3 |
|
Organizational Communication |
3 |
|
Communication in the Global Workplace |
3 |
|
Communication and Workplace Technology |
3 |
|
Experimental Course |
3 |
|
Conflict, Negotiation and Power |
3 |
|
Political Communication |
3 |
|
Nonverbal Communication |
3 |
|
Health Communication |
3 |
|
Media and Relationships |
3 |
|
Ethical Controversies in Communication |
3 |
|
Individual Study |
3 |
*Students are required to assist a full-time faculty member on a research team or creative project.
total credits |
|
48 |
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, and 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.
An introduction to oral rhetoric, comprising the history, rationale, and application of the principles of public address. Some sections of this course may be offered for majors and minors only. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.
(Same as COM 308.) 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. P/NP. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) 2 credits.
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. Some sections of this course may be offered for majors only. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.
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. Some sections of this course may be offered for majors and minors only. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.
(Offered every semester.) 1–6 credits.
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.
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. Some sections of this course may be offered for majors only. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.
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. Some sections of this course may be offered for majors only. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.
(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
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.
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 every semester.) 3 credits.
Prerequisite, consent of instructor. Additional credit opportunities are available for students eager to develop skills by associating with professional agencies. Consult advisor. P/NP. May be repeated for credit. (Offered every semester.) ½-3 credits.
(Offered every semester.) 1–6 credits.
(Same as COM 108.)
This course will build students’ business and professional communication competence in ways that reflect 1) job market, cultural, technological, and social demands; and, 2) the findings of empirical research in communication and related disciplines. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.
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. Some sections of this course may be offered for majors only. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.
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. Some sections of this course may be offered for majors and minors only. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.
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, 18th and 19th Century British influence, and contemporary 20th century scholars including post-modern, structuralism, and post-structuralism influences. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.
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.
(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
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.
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. Some sections of the course may be offered for majors and minors only. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.
Prerequisite, COM 110. This purpose of this course is to enhance understanding about communication patterns within families. In this course, we will examine theory/research on the role of communication in creating and maintaining healthy marriages and families. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
The course will provide the student with an overview of the basic issues of communications law in the United States, with a focus on constitutional issues such as Freedom of Speech and Expression, Rights of Privacy, Intellectual Property, etc. The goal is to provide the potential media professional with an understanding of the manner in which the law impacts a civil society which uses mass media ranging from newspapers to the Internet. (Offered every year.) 3 credits.
Prerequisite, COM 100. Introduction to Research Methods focuses on the process of how researchers study the creation, exchange, and interpretation of messages. Students will gain experience understanding and evaluating existing research as well as designing their own research projects. The course will cover a range of quantitative and qualitative approaches to studying human communication, including survey, experimental, observation, interview, and content analysis designs. Some sections of this course may be offered for majors and minors only. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.
(Offered every semester.) 1–6 credits.
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.
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.
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. Some sections of this course may be offered for majors and minors only. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits.
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.
This course examines how emerging technologies both help and hinder workplace communication. We examine theory, practical applications, key scholars, and current empirical research. We use case studies to provide context for learning how to thrive in the contemporary, often global for-profit and non-profit organization. Some sections of this course may be offered for majors and minors only. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
(Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
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.
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. Some sections may be offered for majors/minors only. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.
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.
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.
(Same as HCOM 482.) Prerequisite, PSY 203, or COM 395, or equivalent, or consent of instructor. This is a survey course exposing the student to principles that hold particular importance to health communication and campaigns. The emphasis will be on both seminal and recent research trends, with specific attention directed toward relevant research designs and methodologies. As part of the exploration of contextual topics, types of health campaigns will be examined, and students will have an opportunity to participate in an active and ongoing campaign. (Offered fall semester.) 3 credits.
The course involves three sections: a) media effects; b) interpersonal communication; and, c) the ways in which these two bodies of research are integrated and merged. Students will learn how media exposure and use impacts perceptions of and behaviors within various interpersonal relationships. Some sections of this course may be offered for majors and minors only. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits.
(Same as COM 290.)
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.
Prerequisites, senior standing, majors only, COM 395, and one of the following, COM 313, 314, or 450. 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.
Individual research and projects. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. (Offered every semester.) 1–3 credits.