Department of Communication

Michael Rowley, Lance Clark, Kevin Miller

The Department of Communication covers communication in its multifaceted dimensions—from nonverbal communication to film production, discourse analysis to public speaking and persuasion, conflict studies to media criticism, broadcast writing to public relations crisis management, cross-cultural communication to writing the journalistic news and feature story, the history of mass communication to principles of communicating in organizations. In addition to preparing for graduate school, graduates forge successful careers in a wide range of media-based jobs—including public relations, radio and television, journalism, film production and digital media arts—and in a broad variety of non-media areas that use communication as the central tool for accomplishing objectives—such as human resources, intercultural ministry and missions, information management, event coordination, and teaching.

Majors in Communication

The Department of Communication offers six majors.  Those leading to a bachelor of arts degree are broadcasting, communication studies, film studies, journalism, and public relations.  A bachelor of science degree is offered in digital media arts with concentrations in computer animation, DV cinema, and digital interactive authoring.

All students seeking the bachelor of arts degree in the communication program complete five foundational courses for a total of 15 hours. These courses address the central issues within the discipline from a Christian perspective and also lay a foundation in writing skills for the media.  They include CO 111 Introduction to Communication; CO 211 Communication and Society; CO 241 Introduction to News Writing; CO 246 Interpersonal Communication; and CO 481 Mass Communication.

In addition to the foundational courses in communication (CO 111, 211, 241, 246, and 481), students in the broadcasting major take 30 hours of radio and television broadcasting courses for a total of 45 semester hours in the major.  The program requires completion of 25 semester hours in CO 195 Practicum in Equipment Usage I; CO 231 Radio Announcing and Production; CO 251 Electronic Field and Post Production; CO 261 Broadcast Journalism; CO 281 Television Studio Production; CO 295 Practicum in Equipment Usage II; CO 341Writing for Film, Television, and Radio; CO 351 Advanced Television and Video Production; CO 381 Media Law; and CO 395 Practicum in Radio or TV(three times).  Students will choose 5 additional hours from CO 266 Communication Theory and History; CO 322 Intercultural Communication; CO 326 Broadcast Management; CO 333 Topics in Communication; CO 346 Organizational Communication; CO 363 Digital Film Aesthetics and Production; CO 395 Practicum in Radio or TV; CO 421 Research Methods in Communication;CO 495 Internship in Broadcasting; AR 241 Introduction to Computer Graphics; BA 252 Business Organization and Management; BA 381 Marketing Management; BA 451 Salesmanship; and TH 212 Beginning Acting.

Students in the film studies major complete the foundational courses in communication (CO 111, 211, 241, 246, and 481) and 30 additional hours either in the Los Angeles film studies plan or in the on-campus plan.  Students accepted into the Los Angeles Film Studies Program complete the film studies major by completing the foundational communication courses; 16 semester hours from the Los Angeles program; and 14 hours of required on-campus courses including CO 195 Practicum in Equipment Usage I, CO 251 Electronic Field and Post Production, CO 295 Practicum in Equipment Usage II, CO 395 Practicum in Film, AR 241 Introduction to Computer Graphics, TH 221 Stagecraft I, and TH 222 Stagecraft II.  Students completing the on-campus plan complete the film studies major by completing the foundational communication courses and CO 195 Practicum in Equipment Usage I, CO 251 Electronic Field and Post Production, CO 295 Practicum in Equipment Usage II, CO 333fs Film Studies, CO 341 Writing for Film, Television and Radio, CO 363 Digital Film Aesthetics and Production, CO 395 Practicum in Film (three times), AR 241 Introduction to Computer Graphics, TH 221 Stagecraft I, TH 222 Stagecraft II; and 6 hours from CO 261 Broadcast Journalism, CO 281 Television Studio Production, CO 326 Broadcast Management, CO 351 Advanced Television and Video Production, CO 381 Media Law, CO 395 Practicum, CO 421 Research Methods in Communication, CO 495 Internship in Digital Film, BA 252 Business Organization and Management, BA 381 Marketing Management, TH 212 Beginning Acting, TH 231 Scene Painting, and TH 253 Creative Dramatics.

Students in the journalism major complete, in addition to the foundational communication courses (CO 111, 211, 241, 246, and 481), 30 hours in journalism courses for a total of 45 hours in the major. Requirements in the journalism major include CO 331 Public Relations, CO 342 Advanced Reporting and News Writing, CO 381 Media Law, CO 395 Practicum in Journalism (five times), CO 441 Magazine and Feature Writing, AR 107 Taking Great Photographs, AR 241 Introduction to Computer Graphics, and EN 391 Advanced Composition; and 6 additional hours from CO 266 Communication Theory and History, CO 322 Intercultural Communication, CO 333 Topics in Communication, CO 341 Writing for Film, Television, and Radio, CO 346 Organizational Communication, CO 421 Research Methods in Communication, CO 485 Senior Seminar, CO 495 Internship in Journalism, AR 141 Basic 2D Design, AR 271 Visual Communication and Graphics, and EN 361 Creative Writing.  Journalism students are encouraged to complete a minor in another discipline such as history, political science, business, or education as additional preparation for a career in journalism.

Students in the public relations major complete the 15 hours of foundational communication courses (CO 111, 211, 241, 246, and 481) and 30 hours public relations courses to total 45 hours in the major.  Require-ments in the public relations major include CO 331 Public Relations, CO 341 Writing for Film, TV, and Radio, CO 346 Organizational Communication, CO 370 Argumentation & Persuasion, AR 241 Introduction to Computer Graphics, BA 381 Marketing Management, BA 452 Advertising & Promotion, CO 395 Practicum in Public Relations (four times); and 6 hours from CO 266 Communication Theory and History, CO 311 Advanced Public Speaking, CO 322 Intercultural Communication, CO 333 Topics in Communication, CO 421 Research Methods in Communication, CO 441 Magazine and Feature Writing, CO 485 Senior Seminar, CO 495 Internship in Public Relations, AR 141 Basic 2D Design, and AR 271 Visual Communication and Graphics.

The communication studies major allows students to gain a solid grasp of communication principles while exploring additional skill areas both inside the Communication Department and in a chosen area out-side the department.  By combining communication fundamentals with a focus on an outside area (such as science, literature, music, business, marketing, education, or ministry), students can prepare to carve out a specialized niche in a field of work.  Students who plan to later pursue masters or doctoral studies may choose the communication studies major in order to gain a more in-depth introduction to the areas of interpersonal, organizational, cross-cultural, and mass communication.  In addition to the foundational communication courses (CO 111, 211, 241, 246, and 481), students in the communication studies major complete CO 266 Communication Theory and History, CO 421 Research Methods in Communication, and CO 485 Senior Seminar; 6 hours from CO 370 Argumentation and Persuasion, CO 311 Advanced Public Speaking, CO 322 Intercultural Communication, CO 333 Topics in Communication, CO 346 Organizational Communication, CO 371 Nonverbal Communication, CO 381 Media Law, CO 395 Practicum in Communication (up to three times), and CO 495 Internship; and 6 hours from 300 or 400 level complementary courses outside the Communication Department.

The digital media arts major at Huntington University emphasizes emerging technological innovation by guiding students in integrating artistic and cinematic media into interactive presentations.  There is a growing need for such multimedia expertise in both the professional world and in nonprofit and church settings.  The major is rooted within the framework of the liberal arts, and the curriculum emphasizes creativity and artistic expression. The major is interdisciplinary, integrating courses from visual art, theatre, business, and computer science.  A key aspect of the major is the integration of faith within the discipline of digital media.  The major seeks students who want to learn to think Christianly about media and to be equipped with the tools to help them transform and shape this cultural form.  Digital media has the potential for shaping views of morality, society, God and humanity, and interpersonal relation-ships.  It is an inventive genre that can be used to reflect the God-given impulse to create anew.  The major teaches skills needed to use today’s technology but strikes a balance between an applied approach and a conceptual approach that reflects our commitment to the liberal arts.  Our goal is to give students the basic technical skills needed to land real-world jobs in the media.  The major contains clear vocational applications within film, animation and multimedia outlets such as DVD authoring or professional media management.  Areas where graduates may find employment include web design and publishing, disc authoring, television production, film making, photography and image editing, illustration, 2D and 3D animation, advertising, design studios, and freelance work.  Students seeking the bachelor of science degree in digital media arts complete a core of courses in digital media arts and select a concentration to specialize in one of three areas: DV cinema, computer animation and digital interactive authoring (DVD, CD, WEB).  Requirements in the major are being developed at the time of publication.  Contact the digital media arts faculty for more information about course requirements.

Students may earn a minor in broadcasting by completing CO 111 Introduction to Communication, CO 211 Communication and Society, CO 261 Broadcast Journalism, CO 341 Writing for Film, Television and Radio, CO 395 Practicum in Radio or TV, CO 481, Mass Communication; and seven additional hours from CO 231 Radio Announcing and Production, CO 251 Electronic Field and Post Production, CO 281Television Studio Production, CO 351 Advanced Television and Video Production, CO 381 Media Law, and no more than one practicum from CO 195 Practicum in Equipment Usage I, CO 295 Practicum in Equipment Usage II, or CO 395 Practicum in Radio or TV.  Students may earn a minor in film studies by completing CO 111 Introduction to Communication, CO 211 Communication and Society, CO 251 Electronic Field and Post Production, CO 333fs Film Studies, CO 341 Writing for Film, Television and Radio, CO 395 Practicum in Film, CO 481 Mass Communication; and four additional hours from CO 363 Digital Film Aesthetics and Production, AR 241 Introduction to Computer Graphics, TH 221 Stagecraft I, TH 222 Stagecraft II and no more than one practicum from CO 195 Practicum in Equipment Usage I, CO 295 Practicum in Equipment Usage II and CO 395 Practicum in Film.  Students may earn a minor in journalism by completing CO 111 Introduction to Communication, CO 211 Communication and Society, CO 241 Introduction to News Writing, CO 342 Advanced Reporting and News Writing, CO 395 Practicum in Journalism (three times), CO 441 Magazine and Feature Writing, AR 107 Taking Great Photographs, and AR 241 Introduction to Computer Graphics.  Students may earn a minor in public relations by completing CO 111 Introduction to Communication, CO 241 Introduction to News Writing, CO 331 Public Relations, CO 346 Organizational Communication, CO 395 Practicum in Public Relations, AR 241 Introduction to Computer Graphics, BA 381 Marketing Management, and BA 452 Advertising and Promotion.  Students may earn a minor in communication studies by completing CO 111 Introduction to Communication, CO 211 Communication and Society, CO 241 Introduction to News Writing, CO 246 Interpersonal Communication and ten hours selected from CO 266 Communication Theory and History, CO 370 Argumentation and Persuasion, CO 311 Advanced Public Speaking, CO 322 Intercultural Communication, CO 333 Topics in Communication, CO 346 Organizational Communication, CO 371 Nonverbal Communication, CO 395 Practicum in Communication (one time), CO 421 Research Methods in Communication, CO 481 Mass Communication, and CO 485 Senior Seminar.

Any student majoring in communication may elect to add a concentration in film studies by completing 16 hours in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities Film Studies Program in Hollywood.  Interested students should contact the Communication Department for information on this off-campus program.

Courses in Communication

CO 111 Introduction to Communication                 (3)

Communication is much more than just talking.  This course is designed to expose students to the wide range of topics that comprise the field of communication.  This survey course will introduce students to topics such as group communication, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, public speaking, listening, and intrapersonal communication.

Fall

CO 195  Practicum in Equipment Usage I               (1)

An introduction to audio and video equipment operations and technique.   Required for students who wish to use departmental equipment or take a practicum in broadcasting.

Fall

CO 211 Communication and Society                      (3)

This course provides an introductory study of media communication and its impact on culture and society.  Students will explore print, radio, television, film, and emerging technologies in communication from a Christian perspective as they examine the role of media in popular culture and develop media literacy skills through critical analyses. Prerequisite:  CO 111 Introduction to Communication (prerequisite waived for English education majors)

Fall

CO 215 Public Speaking                               (3)

An introduction to the principles of oral communication as applied to public speaking situations.  Opportunities are provided for developing skills in composition, research, delivery and criticism of representative types of speeches.   Prerequisite: EN 121

Fall, Spring

CO 231 Radio Announcing and Production            (3)

This course provides an introduction to the principles of radio broadcasting, with emphasis given to proper announcing theory, technique and style for on-air delivery. Students will practice creative and technical skills in digital multi-track audio production by producing audio programming including radio drama.  Prerequisite: CO 195

Spring

CO 241 Introduction to News Writing                      (3)

Students enrolled in this introductory applied course gain experience writing news stories, feature stories, broadcast stories, opinion pieces, and public relations pieces and using the Associated Press stylebook for copyediting.  Emphasis is placed on the skills for information gathering, organization, and composition necessary to the hard news story as well as the ability to produce under a publication deadline.  Prerequisite: CO 111 (prerequisite waived for political studies majors)

Spring

CO 246 Interpersonal Communication                    (3)

This course introduces human communicative interaction in dyads and small groups. Theory is applied through participation in laboratory exercises and observation of dyads and groups on and off campus.  Prerequisite:  CO 111

Spring

CO 251 Electronic Field and Post Production         (3)

Students in this course gain professional experience in the video/film production process. Activities include pre-production planning and shooting footage in the field.  Students will write, produce and direct non-profit and industrial videos as well as a music video.  Training will include Avid digital editing. Prerequisites: CO 195 and 295

Spring

CO 261 Broadcast Journalism                      (3)

The dynamics of radio and television news are covered, including news gathering, writing, editing and proper delivery. Students will work as a team producing news shows suitable for broadcasting on radio and television. Prerequisites: CO 211 and 281

Fall Even Years

CO 266 Communication Theory and History           (3)

The course examines the development of various issues in communication history. Emphasis is given to different types of humanistic and social scientific theories of communication.

Fall Odd Years

CO 281 Television Studio Production                     (3)

This Introduction to television studio production includes camera, control room, stage lighting and crew positions for television broadcasting, production and off-line editing.  Students direct, write, and produce short interview and variety show programming.  Prerequisite: CO 195

Fall

CO 295  Practicum in Equipment Usage II    (1)

Further introduction to use of technical audio and video equipment and to camera, lighting, and basic editing operations.  Prerequisite: CO 195

Spring

CO 311 Advanced Public Speaking                        (3)

Students in his advanced course will examine theory and practice in various forms of platform speaking for the academically mature student. The class Includes special forms of presentations such as after dinner speeches, tributes, keynote addresses, as well as an introduction to preaching. Prerequisite: CO 215 or consent

Fall  Odd Years

CO 322 Intercultural Communication                      (3)

This course explores issues related to the intercultural communication process and considers the important role of context (social, cultural and historical) in intercultural interactions. Students in the class examine the complex relationship between cultures and communication from various perspectives.  Special emphasis will be given to managing cross-cultural conflict, cross-cultural teaching and cross-cultural ministry applications.  Identical with MI 321.  Prerequisite: CO 111

Spring Even Years

CO 326 Broadcast Management                    (3)

Students in this class study the principles of managing radio stations, television stations, and video production houses. Topics include programming, advertising, sales, audience measurement, public affairs, FCC rules and regulations. Prerequisite: CO 281 or 231

Fall Even Years

CO 331 Public Relations                               (3)

Students will study procedures for dissemination of public information. This includes writing of public relations material, including news releases, and undertaking a major public relations project or campaign.   The course also introduces the principles of crisis management.  Prerequisite: CO 241

Fall Even Years

CO 333 Topics in Communication                (3)

Special topics are offered dealing with current problems, issues or interests in various areas of communication. These may include topics such as political communication, communicating the Gospel, and nonverbal communication. Prerequisite: CO 211 or consent unless stated

Offered on Sufficient Demand

CO 333eg Erving Goffman provides is an in-depth survey of the writings and thought of the sociologist Erving Goffman – including the topics of social life as a game, the production of the self, and frame analysis of gender. Students also explore the ethnographic method of research through reading about and analyzing Goffman’s unique development of ethnography. These issues will all be framed in terms of their contribution to communication studies.

CO 333fs Film Studies examines the elements of film (story, mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing, and sound) and explores the history of the film medium from the silent era to the present digital age. Throughout the semester, in concert with the study of key global movements, the class will explores the business and politics as well as the aesthetics of cinema.  Prerequisite:  EN 151 or 311 or 321.

CO 341 Writing for Film, Television, and Radio                  (2)

Students in this course study writing for broadcast utilizing computerized screenwriting programs.  Attention will be given to conception and scripting of commercial copy, public service announcements, and feature television and movies.  Prerequisite: CO 241

Fall Odd Years

CO 342 Advanced Reporting and News Writing                  (3)

This course provides an advanced study of news writing covering in-depth news articles for publications, and advanced interviewing and news gathering techniques. Prerequisite: CO 241

Spring Even Years

CO 346 Organizational Communication                  (3)

Students in this course learn principles of communication applied to the organizational context. Topics covered include information flow, organizational structure, leadership styles related to communication interviewing, and communication problems within organizations. Identical with BA 341.  Prerequisites: CO 111 and junior standing

Spring Even Years

CO 351 Advanced Television and Video Production           (3)

This is an advanced course in the methods and techniques of television, film style theory and production. Emphasis will be placed upon producing, directing, and editing studio and dramatic productions. Prerequisites: CO 251 and 281

Spring Even Years

CO 363 Digital Film Aesthetics and Production                  (3)

This course covers the vocabulary, methods, and principles of film theory and the artistic elements in digital film production.  Theoretical paradigms that may be covered include: realism, formalism, neo-formalism, auteur theory, structuralism, semiotics, and Marxian film theory.  Articles pertaining to Christian faith and film will also be explored.  Film theory will serve as a foundation for the final project in the course.  Students will produce a digital film production to be showcased at the end of the semester. Prerequisites: CO 195 211, 251, and 295

Spring Odd Years

CO 370 Argumentation and Persuasion                  (3)

This is an advanced course in oral communication with an emphasis on motivation and persuasion in such interaction. Argumentation is studied within the framework of the logos, pathos, and ethos of persuasion. Principles are emphasized and applied through presentations and analyses of contemporary communication artifacts. Prerequisite: CO 215 or consent

Fall Even Years

CO 371 Nonverbal Communication               (3)

Students in this class examine the types and influences of nonverbal communication that are evident in most face-to-face communication situations.  These include but are not limited to appearance, gestures, vocal behavior, space, touch, time, and environment. Students will have the opportunity to conduct a small-scale research project on one aspect of nonverbal communication.  Prerequisite:  CO 111

Spring Odd Years

CO 381 Media Law                                        (3)

An overview of current law pertaining to the regulation of mass communication and its historical development in the United States will be the focus of this course. Landmark court decisions regarding the fairness doctrine, equal opportunities provision, libel, First Amendment, and the Freedom of Information Act will be covered. Prerequisites: CO 211 and junior standing or consent

Spring Even Years

CO 395 Practicum in Communication                     (1-3)

Students may gain practical on-campus experience in broadcasting, film, public relations, or journalism through a variety of hands-on media experiences.  Broadcast students run the daily operation of the campus radio station, WQHC 105.5 FM; the campus television news program, HTV. Film students participate in a variety of film productions through the practicum in film. Journalism students have supervised experiences with the campus newspaper, The Huntingtonian; the yearbook, Mnemosyne; a student-produced journalistic magazine and other college publications, such as HU Magazine.  Public relations students work for the newspaper as well as for the Office of Public Relations in writing, editing, and publishing college publications. On-campus practica are one credit but may be repeated to the limits prescribed for each concentration. Prerequisites for broadcasting and film practica: CO 195, CO 295 or consent

Fall, Spring

CO 421 Research Methods in Communication        (3)

This course introduces the methods used for the analysis and critique of various linguistic, pictorial, and aural elements of communication for the purpose of becoming more discerning consumers of various forms of public and mass-mediated messages.  Analysis includes public speeches, advertising campaigns, print media, and radio and TV messages in contemporary and historical settings.  Emphasis is given to quantitative research.  Prerequisite: CO 266

Spring Even Years

CO 441 Magazine and Feature Writing                    (3)

Students will generate, report, and write nonfiction feature stories for newspapers and magazines (both online and traditional).  Human interest, news, feature, personality profiles, personal narratives, how-to, and historical stories will be included.  Attention will be given to the way in which the targeted reading audience influences the way a story is crafted.  Prerequisite: CO 241

Spring Odd Years

CO 481 Mass Communication                      (3)

Theories of communication systems will be explored, including the purposes and nature of mass communication and the effects of mass media. Students will examine the Christian role in media ethics, value formation, and criticism.  Prerequisites: CO 111, CO 211, and junior standing

Spring Odd Years

CO 485 Senior Seminar                                (3)

Students in this course read qualitative studies and methodologies and conduct a major empirical research project in communication studies using ethnographic and critical research methods.  Papers are presented in class or at an academic conference.  Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing

Spring Odd Years

CO 490 Independent Study                         (1-4)

Students earn credit for completing a creative research or communication project approved by the department. Prerequisites: Junior or senior communication major and consent

Fall, Spring

CO 495 Internship                                      (2-4)

For broadcasting, film, journalism, and public relations students, this is a capstone opportunity for advanced work off-campus in areas of concentration at radio or television stations, newspapers, magazines, public relations organizations and ad agencies.  For communication studies students, the internship is a supervised field study involving communication with a communication organization.  The student will complete a project for the organization and write a critical analysis paper about the experience.  Prerequisites: Junior or senior communication major and consent

Fall, Spring

Courses in Digital Media Arts

DM 101 Introduction to Digital Media Arts     (3)

An introduction to the field of digital media arts.  As future media artists, students are exposed to the creative potentials and social responsibilities of engaging with visual culture.  Students create content in digital cinema, animation, and interactive media and study issues in contemporary visual culture.

Fall

DM 110 Principles of Digital Animation I                (3)

Focuses on the fundamentals of animation using computers, digital cameras, flipbooks, and a variety of animation tools.  This course serves as an introduction both to the art of making animation and to the challenges of working in a digital studio.

Spring

DM 203 Storyboard and Concept                  (3)

Explores digital animation as a powerful storytelling medium.  Students learn and use two fundamental tools of the animation industry – the storyboard and concept development.  Through various techniques, students discover how to create new stories that can be developed into short films.  By the end of the semester each student will have a sketchbook of story ideas and one fully developed concept as the basis for making a short film.  Prerequisite:  DM 101

Fall

DM 210 Principles of Digital Animation II     (3)

A continuation of topics introduced in DMA 110.  Students will acquire a knowledge of the history, language, and character of traditional animation techniques, many of which are now generated exclusively on the computer.  Students will work individually and in small groups on various projects.  Prerequisites:  DM 101 and 110

Fall

DM 300 3D Computer Animation I                 (3)

An introduction to the 3D graphic production environment.  This course provides students with the basic tools they can use to explore 3D-animation software interface and, further, give them opportunity to practice the techniques of modeling, texturing, lighting, and rigging to execute a range of simple to moderately complex animated scenes.  Prerequisite:  DM 210

Fall

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