Marymount University

Undergraduate Catalog 2014-15

Communication

Communication (B.A.)

The communication major is designed for students seeking a strong focus on writing, speaking, and selected media skills. Students will choose an emphasis in public/corporate communication, journalism/broadcasting, speech communication, or visual/media communication. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in broadcasting, publications, public relations, and other media. The major provides excellent preparation for graduate study in communication, law, and journalism.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to

  • demonstrate the effective use of research skills and the ability to gather data from diverse sources;
  • demonstrate theoretical knowledge in the communications field based on established theoretical traditions of schools of thought;
  • demonstrate oral and written communication skills; an understanding of diverse audiences; and an ability to articulate ideas, feelings, and attitudes to a target audience; and
  • demonstrate competency in using computer technologies and various software programs.

Minimum Grade Requirements: Students majoring or minoring in communication must achieve a minimum grade of C in four foundation courses: COM 100 Media Communication, COM 101 Public Speaking, COM 206 Introduction to Public Relations, and COM 209 Introduction to Journalism. The minimum grade in a foundation course must be achieved prior to enrolling in a higher-level course for which that foundation course serves as a prerequisite.

Program Planning: Students should check the Course Description section to learn about necessary prerequisite coursework.

Transfer Courses: Transfer courses in communication should have direct equivalences to Marymount's communication courses. If they do not, a maximum of only two courses without the direct equivalence will be counted toward satisfying Marymount's communication curriculum.

Program Recommendation: It is recommended that communication majors purchase a personal computer and software designated by the major.

Degree Requirements — Communication

Liberal Arts Core and University Requirements

See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core for details. Communication majors will satisfy the three-course university Writing-Intensive (WI) requirement in the following way: by choosing among COM 300 Report Writing (a major elective) and two other WI courses in the Liberal Arts Core or university electives.

Major Requirements

To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with a faculty advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core and/or University Requirements.

COM 100 Media Communications

COM 101 Public Speaking

COM 206 Introduction to Public Relations

COM 209 Introduction to Journalism

COM 400 Internship

COM 425 Senior Seminar

All majors have the option of completing their coursework in an emphasis area as follows. Those who do not choose an emphasis will complete their studies with elective coursework.

Journalism/Broadcasting emphasis

COM 200 Electronic Publishing

COM 305 Journalism II

COM 307 Broadcast Delivery

COM 315 Writing for the New Media

COM 316 Broadcast Journalism or COM 317 Editing and the Editorial Process

COM 403 Principles of Communication Law

Public/Corporate Communication emphasis

COM 220 Intercultural Communication

COM 302 Public Relations Techniques

COM 310 Presentational Communication

COM 401 Public Relations Case Studies

COM 402 Organizational Communication

COM 403 Principles of Communication Law

Speech Communication emphasis

COM 204 Oral Interpretation

COM 211 Principles of Language

COM 212 Topics in Acting

COM 220 Intercultural Communication

COM 307 Broadcast Delivery

COM 310 Presentational Communication

Visual/Media Communication emphasis

COM 200 Electronic Publishing

COM 203 Photography: Digital Imaging

COM 205 Video Production I

COM 304 Video Production II

COM 308 Web Design

COM 403 Principles of Communication Law

COM 404 Performance Media Lab

Sample Degree Plan — Communication

Please note that this is a sample plan; all students should consult with an advisor in making course selections.

Year One — Fall

COM 100 Media Communications §

EN 101 Composition I (WR core course)*

Mathematics (MT) core course*

Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course*

DSC 101 DISCOVER First-Year Seminar*

Year One — Spring

COM 101 Public Speaking §

EN 102 Composition II (WR core course)*

Introductory History (HI-1) core course*

Natural Science (NS) core course*

TRS 100 Theological Inquiry (TRS-1 core course)*

Year Two — Fall

COM 206 Introduction to Public Relations §

One (1) communication Emphasis course § **

Introductory Literature (LT-1) core course*

PH 200 Introduction to Philosophy (PH-1 core course)*

Introductory Social Science (SS-1) core course*

Year Two — Spring

COM 209 Introduction to Journalism § *

One (1) communication Emphasis course § **

Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2), or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course*

Advanced Philosophy (PH-2) or Philosophical Ethics (PH-E) core course*

One (1) elective

Year Three — Fall

Two (2) communication emphasis courses § **

Advanced Social Science (SS-2) core course*

Advanced Theology/Religious Studies (TRS-2) or Theological Ethics (TRS-E) core course*

One (1) elective

Year Three — Spring

Two (2) communication emphasis courses § **

Three (3) electives

Year Four — Fall

COM 400 Internship § *

Two (2) communication emphasis courses § ** or electives

Introductory Social Science (SS-1) or Natural Science (NS) core course*

Year Four — Spring

COM 425 Senior Seminar § *

Fine Arts (FNA), Advanced History (HI-2), or Advanced Literature (LT-2) core course*

Three (3) electives

§ Requirement for the major

* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements. See University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core and Course Descriptions for further information.

** See Major Requirements for course selections

Communication (Minor)

Minor Requirements

COM 100 Media Communication

COM 101 Public Speaking

COM 206 Introduction to Public Relations

COM 209 Introduction to Journalism

9 additional credits in communication courses

Catalog Contents

Undergraduate Catalog 2014-15

General Information

Admission

Financial Information

Academic Support Services

Academic Information and Policies

University Requirements and the Liberal Arts Core

Academic Opportunities

Undergraduate Programs

Course Descriptions

University Leadership

Notices to Students

Index