Communication

Program Highlights

The drive to communicate forms the basis of human social behavior and is a critical element of any organization or field of employment, regardless of technological advancement or change. The study of communication provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing society. Classes in communication blend theory, methodology, and practice and are central to the investigation and understanding of communicative processes.

Communication majors take 21 credit hours of core (required) Communication classes and then choose (with the help of their advisor) six Communication elective courses. As a result, the major is flexible, customized, and diverse.

All majors complete an internship before they graduate.

Performance Learning

WJMU Radio Station: Students work in various roles of the radio station. They create, develop and execute original radio programming. They also serve in executive roles of station operation.
Various classes incorporate performance in learning:
- Manage a website: Students are in charge of a website while enrolled in one specific class, Social Media Writing.
- Serve as organizational consultants for local organizations, gathering data and making recommendations.
- Produce gender training/information seminars to specific groups, such as residence hall floors and residence hall advisors.

As a Communication major, you are given flexibility and customization with the major: core classes and track requirements, but room/space to take courses outside the department to cater and adapt to specific areas of interest. You are given practicality: practical experience gained through internship requirements and class projects. Students are also open to diversity: diverse discipline approaches within the major and different concentrations within the major.

The major consists of 39 credits. These credits can include up to five credits of Communication Laboratory and up to six hours of internship. A student can earn either a B.A. or B.S. degree in the Communication major.

Plans of Study

Communication BA

Communication BS

Advising Checklist

Departmental Course Offerings

Courses change each semester, so this list should not be considered a commitment to these individual topics. However, this does represent a list of many of our current and popular courses. The list is provided so that you can begin to imagine your academic career at Millikin in this major.

Introduction to Communication Theory

Introduces students to the communication discipline and the systematic study of human communication. Emphasis is placed on providing students with the theoretical grounding necessary for future work in the Department of Communication. In the course of the semester, they will also meet department faculty, learn about their scholarly interests and explore career opportunities. (CO101)

Intro to Radio Industry

Study of practical and theoretical applications of radio production techniques, including performance, programming, editing, sales and management. (CO110)

WJMU Radio Laboratory

Students may enroll in this course to complete lab requirements and/or earn credit for their work at WJMU. The pre-requisite to work at WJMU is CO110, Introduction to Radio Industry, or consent of instructor. May be repeated for up to 6 credit hours maximum total; 3 credit hours/semester maximum. (CO181)

Public Speaking

Theory and practice in speech preparation and delivery. Emphasis is on inquiry, evidence, reasoning and decision making. Fulfills the Oral Communication Studies requirement for University Studies. (CO200)

Communication Research Methods

Introduces students to the varied research methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative, used in the communication discipline. Specific attention is paid to representative scholarship from the discipline to facilitate student understanding of the sources and applications of communication knowledge. Pre-requisite: CO 101 or consent of instructor. (CO204)

Media History

Media consumption and interaction are essential elements of citizenship in our ever-increasingly broadcast and streamed global culture. This course is designed as an exploration of the historical affects and roles of the mass media, particularly in western culture. The major form of mass communication i.e. books, periodicals, recorded music, film, radio, television, and the internet will be covered. Special emphasis will be placed on critical analysis of how media messages have impacted individuals and societies, and on theories of communication. Students will move beyond being "consumers" of media to becoming "analysts" of media and it's importance in the development of the contemporary culture. (CO225)

Business Conversations

Students will practice the skills necessary for interpersonal and group communications in a business setting. This includes the use of communication technologies for presentation and meetings. Fulfills the University Studies Oral Communication Studies Requirement. (CO230)

Introduction to Public Relations

Covers basic public relations principles and tools such as research, planning, media relations, press releases, public service announcements, brochures, newsletters, layout and printing techniques, position papers, and special events. Pre-requisite: CO101 or consent of the instructor. (CO251)

Seminar in Communication (1-3) Per Semester

Topics to be announced each year but may include topics such as media and culture, nonverbal communication and communication in close relationships. Pre-requisite: CO101, communication major or consent of instructor. (CO260)

Topics in Discourse Studies

Critical studies of discourse in social context. Topics might include ethnic minority portrayals in the mass media, representations of law in popular culture, and the discourse concerning popular culture. Pre-requisite: Communication 101, junior or senior standing or consent of instructor. (CO306)

Small Group Communication

Designed to provide students with an understanding of theory, research and methods of group interactions. Practical applications stressed through study of roles, conflict and leadership. Pre-requisite: Communication 101 or consent of instructor. (CO310)

Advanced Radio Production and Performance

Copywriting, interviewing, on-air performance, and new studio production techniques are studied and practiced. Students are responsible for several broadcast-ready productions. Pre-requisite: CO110. (CO314)

Interpersonal Communication

This course centers on the study, critique and application of the theory and research in communication interpersonal relationships. It examines the role communication plays in the construction of relationships. (CO330)

Gender Communication

Examines the variable of gender and its impact on verbal communication, non-verbal communication, marital communication, conflict and organizational communication. (CO332)

Survey of Organizational Communication

Examination of the theories of communication within an organization. Topics include formal and informal networks, leadership and management styles, human relations, and corporate culture. Practical application through case studies, simulation and analysis of local companies. (CO341)

Training and Technology Applications in Organizations

In this course, students will explore how organizations can facilitate learning in a global environment with a specific emphasis on technology. Topics include such things as the following: adults learning theory, training techniques, and cutting-edge communication technologies. Students design and deliver training modules by utilizing various technology applications. (CO342)

Communication and Conflict

Introduces students to effective strategies for addressing conflict and mediating disputes. Participants analyze the ways they handle conflict and investigate theoretical approaches to conflict mediation. (CO343)

Leadership & Communication

Focuses on the key concepts of leadership and application of those concepts in real-world scenarios. Effective participation in this course should help the student better understand the complex interconnections between power, leadership, and group processes. (CO344)

Leading Organizational Change

Embracing and effectively managing change is essential for organizations to thrive in today’s dynamic and complex environments. Effectively responding to economic, social, demographic, legal, technological, competitive, global, and labor market variables, requires continuous organizational change ranging from relatively minor adjustments to major strategic shifts. Regardless of the nature and cause of change, improper approach and implementation can lead to unintended consequences and/or disastrous results. This course focuses on how to approach and implement organizational change in ways that maximize the likelihood of intended outcomes. Topics include organizational culture, reasons for change, framing problems as opportunities, psychology of change, approaches to change. (CO345)

Topics in Writing for Communication Professionals

Specialized workshops in writing for students seeking to develop skills for mass media and public communication professions. Topics will include: Radio-Television Newswriting, Speech Writing, and Public Relations Writing. Pre-requisite: Communication 101, junior or senior standing or consent of instructor. (CO351)

Seminar in Communication

An intensive, junior-senior level of study of a particular topic of communication context. Pre-requisite: CO101, Communication major or consent of instructor. (CO360)

Internship (1-3, maximum total 3)

Opportunities for majors to work with local businesses and agencies in order to receive practical experience. Maximum of three credits. Pre-requisite: 2.25 grade point average and junior Communication major, or consent of Department Chair. (CO370)

Independent Study (1-3) Per Semester

Directed study in a topic chosen jointly by student and instructor, with approval of Department Chair. (CO391)

Topics in Persuasion

Emphasizes the theoretical concepts that explain the process and effects of persuasion from both the source and the target perspective. Application of theories to the classroom, law, advertising, politics, marketing, interpersonal influence, corporate advocacy and social movements. Pre-requisite: junior or senior standing, CO101 or consent of instructor. (CO401)

Intercultural Communication

Students will learn the theory and research about communication with various cultures, races and ethnicities. This course will provide insight to norms, values, beliefs and practices in various cultures. Major goals of this class will be to understand, adapt, and appreciate communication with different cultures, races, ethnicities. Ultimately, the focus and outcome is to improve one's intercultural communication competence, both verbal and nonverbal in various intercultural situations. While we will cover various cultures, races, ethnicities, students will develop an in-depth project on one particular culture, race, ethnicity. Counts toward the International Cultures & Structures requirement. (CO432)

Persuasion Campaigns and Performance

You will plan, design, and implement a pro-social persuasion campaign for the Millikin campus or Decatur community. For example, you might produce a campaign to discourage social smoking or promote exercise. This class will blend theories of persuasion with plenty of time to work on the practicals. By the end of the course, you will have portfolio material useful for applying to jobs in advertising, marketing, sales, PR, creative arts, and anticipation for the student's entry into work and opportunities beyond undergraduate education. (CO470)

Capstone Internship

Combines the internship experience and an opportunity for reflection on the graduating majors's internship or service learning experience and anticipation for the student's entry into work and opportunities beyond undergraduate education. (CO480)

Communication Capstone Seminar

Opportunity for reflection on the graduating seniors curriculum study in the Communication major and his/her internship experience. Prepares students for entry into work and opportunities beyond undergraduate education. (CO481)

Overview