Major in Communication: Writing Track
Step One: Communication Core Courses
The major requires five core courses exploring the areas of mass media and society, writing and editing, visual communications, and technology-driven media. A blend of theory with hands-on, practical projects prepares students for further developmental work in one of the department's tracks of study.
Students should complete the five core courses by the end of the second year of study in a four-year program. A student should declare her major at the end of the sophomore year. In this recommended sequence, the student would complete the core and then choose a track to declare at this time.
| Course Name | Number | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 5 Courses | ||
| Visual Communication | COMM-121 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Writing/Editing Across Media | COMM-122 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Media, Messages & Society | COMM-124 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Communications Technologies | COMM-123 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Communications Media | COMM-120 | 4.00 | Lecture |
Writing Track - Step Two
The step two developmental coursework has been organized into three required courses, normally taken in sequence. Step two work can begin during the first two years of a student’s program and can be taken concurrently with step one, provided the student takes the necessary step one core courses. In some cases, it is highly desirable for the student to begin step two even during the first year. The student should consult with her academic adviser.
| Course Name | Number | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 5 Courses | ||
| Op Ed Writing | COMM-315 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Editing Copy and Proof | COMM-265 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Journalism | COMM-260 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Media and the First Amendment | COMM-320 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Feature Writing | COMM-310 | 4.00 | Lecture |
Writing Track - Step Three
Students will have a list of courses from which to choose two electives for their track in the communications major. This arrangement allows students optimum flexibility and an opportunity to build competencies across areas of the discipline.
| Course Name | Number | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 5 Courses | ||
| Op Ed Writing | COMM-315 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Broadcast Journalism | COMM-263 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Media and the First Amendment | COMM-320 | 4.00 | Lecture |
| Feature Writing | COMM-310 | 4.00 | Lecture |
Step Four: Independent Learning
(Capstone Experiences)
Students majoring in communications have three options to complete the all-College independent learning requirement. The student should choose two of the three to complete the independent learning requirement in the department for a total of eight credits.
| Course Name | Number | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 4 Courses | ||
| Independent Study | COMM-350 | 4.00 | INS |
| Internship | COMM-370 | 4.00 | INT |
| Field Experience | COMM-380 | 4.00 | FEX |
| Studio Five: A Communication | COMM-390 | 4.00 | Lecture |