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Communication Studies
Communication Studies Communication studies is, simply put, the study of communication. Of course, the answer is more complex than that. Communication studies scholars are interested in the processes involved in the production of messages, the actual messages that people/organizations/cultures produce, the enactment of communication, and the effects of communication phenomenon. The field of communication studies grew from the rhetorical study of speech and speakers, a study that stretches back to the days of Plato and Aristotle. Since that time, the study of communication phenomenon has expanded to encompass a wide variety of concerns. Thus, the communication studies field that is connected to both social sciences and humanities. The primary focus of communication studies is to study and understand human communication in all its amazing complexity. Communication studies scholars consider this process in a variety of forms. Some communication studies scholars engage in the study of rhetorical processes in mass communication artifacts (for example speeches, movies, music, or political campaigns). Others look at interpersonal communication artifacts (for example family communication, small group communication, communication in friendship, or communication in romance). Still others examine communication in organizational settings (for example superior-subordinate communication, sexual harassment, organizational networks, or organizational socialization processes). Finally, some communication scholars consider issues that might include multiple areas (for example argumentation, persuasion, gender socialization and representation, communication ethics, health communication, or intercultural communication). Because the study of communication crosses many domains, our program provides students with a sophisticated understanding of a wide variety of communication theories, strategies, and skills. In reflection of some of the primary ways communication is studied, the Rowan Communication Studies curriculum gives students a grounding in general communication studies concepts and theories and then requires that students select an emphasis reflective of the larger domains of communication studies research. Students may select to focus on Rhetoric and Cultural Criticism. Or, they may choose to focus on Interpersonal and Organizational Communication. In this way, students are encouraged and expected to study the communication process from various perspectives and engage the "hard truth" that there is no one best way to communicate or to understand communication. The Communication Studies program at Rowan prepares students for a wide variety of post-graduation paths. With a firm grounding in theory and second order concepts, students who graduate with a specialization in communication studies are well prepared to continue into graduate education or law school. Our students are also ready to pursue careers in a variety of fields that require the ability to assess communication phenomenon and apply the theories and concepts learned to the communicative process. Business management related careers include human resource manager, corporate trainer, and communication consultant. Organizational communication specialist positions include speech writer, media relations specialist, corporate mediator, and public information officer. Careers in education might include teaching, alumni relations, admissions counseling, or development. Positions in government might include speech writing, political polling, lobbying, or directing campaigns. Social services careers could include positions in social work, non-profit organizations, or career/academic counseling. The possibilities are quite extensive and can be tailored to the interests and strengths of the individual. The area of communication studies is an exciting, compelling, and important field of scholarship. Communication is central to all human social processes. The field of communication studies highlights the methods and results of human symbolic action. As a department, we provide student scholars with the opportunity to engage this intricate and fascinating phenomenon through both theoretical understanding and empirical analysis. Communication Studies Specialization Requirements |
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