Department of Communication Arts

The Department of Communication Arts comprises the Speech Communication, Mass Communication and Theatre programs. The department is an interdisciplinary unit that offers students the opportunity to develop practical communication skills through application in oratory and rhetoric, the performing arts, technology and media, as well as an understanding of the theories and ethical tenets that are the cornerstone of the study of communication.

The mission of Speech Communication is to prepare students for commencement standards and competencies in content knowledge and behavioral skills to demonstrate effective speaking and listening across interpersonal, small group, organizational and public communication contexts. The program provides communication competency through self-directed learning with knowledge and skills in leadership, research, critical thinking, and writing, and the ability to adhere to a positive work ethic. In addition, students seeking endorsement in teacher education must demonstrate pedagogical content knowledge and skills appropriate to the discipline and level of endorsement.

The principal mission of the Mass Communication program is for majors to become competent in the skills and theories of communicating to a variety of audiences through different media. This is done with an emphasis on professional writing, critical thinking, and technological knowledge. The program also instills knowledge of professional standards and social responsibilities. Read the KWSC-TV and KWSC-FM Alumni Newsletter.

The Theatre program trains individuals to work in a variety of careers, including television and stage performance; stage theatre and facilities management; costume, lighting and scenic design and construction; and broadcasting, directing and writing. Students completing the program are well-prepared for careers in the above areas and for further academic study in such areas as film, arts management, politics and law, speech communication, and dramaturgy. The subject endorsement in theatre prepares individuals to meet state and regional certification requirements for teaching theatre at the secondary level, and theatre courses are required as part of the Language Arts teaching degree.