Biola University 2015–16 Catalog
Communication Studies, B.A. Mission The mission of the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies is to produce Christian graduates who are adept at constructing ethical written and oral messages. They appraise and assess messages communicated by all forms of media, both popular and religious. They demonstrate analytical commentary in both theory and praxis of the communication studies discipline. Program Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, students will be able to: 1. Identify where communication theory/practice compliments, mirrors, and is informed by biblical values and content (ULO 1). 2. Demonstrate analytical/evaluative skills in thinking and working through dilemmas and creative opportunities they will face in morally challenging industries and vocations (ULO 1). 3. Identify basic communication theories with the ability to provide an answer and/or compelling evidence to anyone, both in their discipline and in terms of spiritual discernment (ULO 1). 4. Articulate basic communication theories with the ability to provide an answer and/or compelling evidence to anyone, both in their discipline and in terms of spiritual discernment (ULO 2). 5. Describe how authentic spirituality and academic communication scholarship will result in social action, ministering service and opportunities to advocate justice for the marginalized in our society and the furtherance of God’s Kingdom in this world (ULO 3). 6. Demonstrate abilities to exhibit excellence in preparation, presentation, and credibility, incorporating these in the specific craft (ULO 3). Degree Program Upon completion of the University baccalaureate and major requirements, the Communication Studies Department offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies. Obtaining a degree with one of the three concentrations requires 42 credits, 27 credits of upper-division/15 credits lower-division. Writing Competency Requirement Writing competency is determined within the Department of Communication Studies by a full-time faculty assessment of in-class and out-of-class writing samples. A minimum four page reaction or research paper from a 300 or 400 level Communication Studies required or elective course is submitted (with expected rewrites and corrections) with a student’s identification number and no other corrective faculty comments or marks (out-of-class sample). A two hour proctored timed writing opportunity is offered in the fall and spring semesters and a minimum of four handwritten pages must be submitted in response to an open-ended question chosen in advance by the student, designating their work by student identification number as well (in-class writing sample). In each sample, the fourth page must have written commentary that is at or exceeds the center of the fourth page to meet the minimum length standard. Full-time faculty assess the two submissions, give a numerical designation, and the combined total either passes or fails. After a second failure to pass the writing competency requirement, a student must enroll in ENG 210 Writing Competency, consult the Communication Studies Department Chair and pass the course to fulfill the requirement. General Education Requirements The required Communication general education course for the Communication Studies Department is COMM 100.
GPA Requirements Communication Studies and Theatre majors must achieve a minimum grade of a “C” in all major courses taken at Biola. Anyone receiving a lower grade must repeat the course with a higher grade to receive credit for the course. Core Requirements
The following seven core courses are requirements for all concentrations with the exception of the Interdisciplinary concentration. COMM 254 Communication Theories COMM 270 Interpersonal Communication COMM 368 Methods of Communication Research
Credit(s): 3.
Credit(s): 3.
Credit(s): 3.
COMM 385 Persuasive Communication COMM 387 Organizational Communication
Credit(s): 3.
Credit(s): 3.
COMM 432 Rhetorical Theories
Credit(s): 3.
COMM 473 Communication and Diversity
Credit(s): 3.
Concentrations Students must choose one of three concentrations under this major: • Dramatic Arts
• Rhetorical/Interpersonal • Interdisciplinary Studies
When students have completed any of these concentrations they should be prepared for employment in fields where excellent interpersonal and group communication skills are especially important. These concentrations are also excellent preparation for advanced graduate work in the discipline of communication studies. Many Communication Studies graduates have gone on to earn their M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in the field at other institutions. In addition, the Communication Studies degree provides excellent general preparation for careers in fields such as the ministry, human resources, sales, education or law. Dramatic Arts General Education Recommendations It is recommended that all Dramatic Arts concentration students take the following general education courses: COMM 160 Theatre Appreciation (for “Fine Arts” requirement); PHIL 216 - Aesthetics (for “Philosophy” requirement). Concentration-Specific Requirements Dramatic Arts students must take the following courses once: COMM 109 Production Practicum Credit(s): 2. COMM 409 Production Practicum II Credit(s): 2. Elective Requirements (17 Credits) Students may not count more than 6 credits of COMM 440 Internship toward the major; students may only count a maximum of 9 credits which combine COMM 109; 409; 440; 450; 480 toward the major. COMM 100 Introduction to Public Communication Credit(s): 3. May count as a lower division COMM major elective only for Torrey Honors program students. COMM 162 Voice and Speech for Theatre Credit(s): 3. COMM 170 Small Group Communication Credit(s): 3. COMM 215 Theatrical Makeup Credit(s): 3. COMM 232 Costume Study and Construction Credit(s): 3. COMM 241 Introduction to Technical Theatre Credit(s): 3. COMM 280 Oral Interpretation Credit(s): 3. COMM 282 Intercollegiate Forensics Credit(s): 2. COMM 320 Advanced Public Communication Credit(s): 3. COMM 345 Lighting and Sound for Theatre Credit(s): 3.
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