Communication Arts Degree - Bachelor of Arts

College of Arts & Sciences

Curriculum

Major Requirements (36 credit hours)

(Click a course name below to view course details)

• CA 109 Oral Communication Skills

  This course will help the student develop and apply the skills necessary to design and deliver an effective and well organized speech. The course provides instruction in the preparation and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. The course develops competencies in the areas of critical thinking, organization of thought, creativity, planning and organizing, and public speaking.

• CA 208 Critical Thinking and Communication

  Introduces models and theories to develop and apply critical thinking skills needed for effective communication in work, social, and personal areas of life. Presents terminology, techniques, and communication processes to enhance cognition and improve communication skills. Competencies in the areas of argumentation, reasoning, persuasion, and critical thinking are addressed.

• CA 309 Communication: Putting Theory into Practice

  Provides a wide range of communication theories with a special emphasis on direct application. Introduces models/concepts designed to improve communication skills in a variety of contexts and communication environments. Competencies in the areas of relationship development, listening, socialization, cognitive processing, reducing uncertainty, and dealing with conflict are addressed. Prerequisite: CA 109

Select nine additional Communication Arts courses (27 credit hours; 9 hours must be upper-level) to complete the major requirements (excluding CA 109).

Note: The Communication Arts Major may also be completed by taking the Professional Communication Cluster, the Practical Communication Skills Cluster, and any two remaining Communication Arts Clusters.

Major with Emphasis in Mass Media (36 credit hours)

• CA 109 Oral Communication Skills

  This course will help the student develop and apply the skills necessary to design and deliver an effective and well organized speech. The course provides instruction in the preparation and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. The course develops competencies in the areas of critical thinking, organization of thought, creativity, planning and organizing, and public speaking.

• CA 203 Understanding Mass Media

  This course examines the origins, development, and current role of mass media in shaping and reflecting society. Emphasis is placed on informed, critical consumption of mass media products and processes.

• CA 228 Writing for Media

  Examines various writing forms in the media. Emphasizes articles of scripts suitable for publication or broadcast. Introduces computer technology. Provides opportunities for active learning. Competencies in the areas of audience analysis, critical thinking, persuasion, and organization of thought are addressed. Prerequisite: EN 101 and CA 109

• CA 323 Public Relations

  Theory and practice of public relations processes and practices. Review and integration of case studies and direct application of theories through research and assessment. Addresses competencies in the areas of coordinating, managing conflict, planning and organizing, ethics, and public speaking. Prerequisite: CA 109

Select eight additional Communication Arts courses (24 credit hours) to complete the major requirements. At least 9 of these hours must be upper-level.