Note: Semesters listed are when courses are normally offered. However, course offerings may change due to low course enrollment or unexpected staffing changes.

101 FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING (3)	FALL/SPRING
A practical course with emphasis on composition (style, research, and reasoning), delivery, and criticism of public speech. Prerequisite: English 103 recommended.

111 FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION (3)	FALL
An establishment of the foundation of communication studies, its breadth, various cultural contexts, and the major issues and concerns in the field. This will set the agenda for developing a Christian worldview on communication studies.

125 PRINCIPLES OF THEATRE (3)

FALL-EVEN

This course studies theatre through analysis of its artistic principles, genres, and forms. It also emphasizes that theatre is an immediate art whose meaning is grasped through an understanding of the encounter between those who create theatre — performers, writers, directors, designers, technicians — and members of the audience. Students practice script analysis, investigate theatre history and theory, and participate in practical projects throughout the semester. Theatre resources in the Chicago area will be a part of this course. Fulfills the fine arts requirement.

201 PERSUASIVE SPEAKING (3)	VARIES
Persuasive speaking builds on the principles learned in Fundamentals of Public Speaking. Emphasis is on building argumentation and persuasion skills through performances in various formats and on the application of rhetorical criticism. Attention is also given to parliamentary procedure. Prerequisite: Communication Arts 101.

202 INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS (3)	FALL
This course examines perspectives on relationships between persons and the process of interpersonal communication. Through small-group interaction, students develop insight into styles of relating and communicating with others. This course is identical to Psychology 202.

225 ORAL INTERPRETATION (3)	SPRING
Oral interpretation introduces the student to an exploration of the analysis and performance of literature. Through exercises, lectures, readings, and performances, students discover, enjoy, and share their experiences with various literary genres. There are opportunities for both solo and group performances. Prerequisites: English 103 and 104. Fulfills the fine arts requirement.

226 PRACTICUM IN THEATRE (1)	FALL/SPRING
A practice course emphasizing the development, production, and performance of drama. This course may be repeated.

227 THEATRE FORUM (1)	FALL/SPRING
A practice course that supports theatre productions and explores topics in theatre through lectures and activities. This course may be repeated.

231 MASS MEDIA AND SOCIETY (3)	FALL
This course examines the nature of mass communication systems, the communication industries, the media support systems, and the impact of mass communication on society. Form, content, and consequences of mass media are emphasized through lectures, research, discussion, and application to the student’s own media experience. Prerequisite: Communication Arts 111.

234 AESTHETICS OF CINEMA (3)	FALL-ODD
This course examines the influence of technique on film as an art form and on the audience as viewer and participant. Students also examine the interrelationship of technique and content as it expresses directorial and cultural concerns. Students view and critique films seen inside and outside of class. Fulfills the fine arts requirement.

237 AUDIO PRODUCTION (3)	SPRING-EVEN
This course surveys audio pre-production, production, and post-production, with a focus on developing basic audio skills, including familiarity with digital soundboard and use of sound effects.

238 VIDEO PRODUCTION (3)	VARIES
This course develops an overview of video production terms, skills, and equipment through preproduction, production, and post-production work. Students write and direct various programs as well as gain experience in performance, lighting, staging, and technical operations.

241 INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALISM (3)	SPRING
An introductory course that acquaints the student with basic elements of journalistic writing. Students are expected to build skills to write articles for general assignment, specialty, and feature writing.

242 MEDIA WRITING (3)	VARIES
This course acquaints students with the substantive, stylistic, and technical requirements peculiar to writing for broadcast journalism and dramatic programming across the spectrum of media outlets.

243 GROUP DYNAMICS (3)

VARIES

This course utilizes the “self-analytic group” to study the group as a phenomenon distinct from the individual, the institution, and the crowd. It probes the foundation of human interaction and communication in face-to-face settings. Students analyze group structures; physical formations; emotional factors and attachments; and the evolution of leadership functions, norms, values, and procedures. This course is identical to Psychology 243 and Sociology 243. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.

250 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION (3)	SPRING
An introduction to the conceptual background and problems of contemporary attempts to communicate between cultures, with exposure to certain skills necessary to make such encounters succeed in everyday life. Fulfills one of the cross-cultural general education requirements.

270 ACTING (3)	FALL-ODD
This course studies the theory and art of acting for the stage. Through readings, discussions, play attendance, and numerous in-class exercises the students will become acquainted with the major principles of acting. Student scenework is a major component of the course. Prerequisite: Communication Arts 125 or permission of instructor.

280 PRODUCTION DESIGN (3)	SPRING-EVEN
This course involves study of the basic principles, theories, and application of technical production in the areas of design, scenic and properties construction, costuming, lighting, and sound production techniques. The course includes lecture, demonstration, reading, and project work. Prerequisite: Communication Arts 125.

301 COMMUNICATION THEORY (3)	SPRING
An overview of theoretical perspectives on the dimensions and forms of communication in diverse contexts, such as interpersonal, group, organizational, and rhetorical. Prerequisite: Communication Arts 111.

304 COMMUNICATION CRITICISM (3)	VARIES
Students write about and study analysis, assessment, and application of methods and/or ideologies in communication criticism as applied to various cultural artifacts. Prerequisite: Communication Arts 111.

316 DIRECTING (3)	SPRING-ODD
This course studies the theory and art of directing for the stage. Through readings, discussions, play attendance, and numerous in-class exercises the students will become acquainted with the major principles of directing. Various practical exercises in hands-on directing are a major component of the course. Prerequisite: Communication Arts 125 or permission of instructor.

325 PUBLIC RELATIONS (3)	FALL
An exploration of the theories, process, and techniques involved in researching, planning, and implementing programs designed to influence public opinion and human behavior. Social and ethical responsibility are emphasized. Prerequisites: Communication Arts 101 and 241.

333 COMMUNICATION ETHICS (3)	SPRING
Grounded in philosophical ethics, students explore the ethical dimensions of human communication in its various contexts. Discussion, case study, and role-play develop understanding. Prerequisites: Communication Arts 111 and 231.

335 VIDEO EDITING (3)

VARIES

This course draws on the rich tradition of the production of visual imagery in photography, video, and film in order to introduce students to the theory and practice of video design. Students cultivate multiple editing styles that deploy a diverse array of historical and contemporary technologies. Developing these skills will enable students to build not only a substantial knowledge of the video editing craft, but also a modest portfolio of finished projects. Special attention will also be paid to the message-making and narrative-constructing capacities, as well as to pertinent ethical issues, of video design serviceable in the workplace and church alike.

345 JOURNALISM PRACTICUM (1)	FALL/SPRING
This course will give students time and opportunity to evaluate and improve the student newspaper, the Courier, and will take up issues in reporting, writing, layout, and management. This course may be repeated.

346 TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION (3)	VARIES
These courses focus on salient topics in communication arts such as political communication, family communication, or other current issues as interest and need demand.

348 TOPICS IN MEDIA (3)	VARIES
These courses focus on salient topics in media communication such as religion and film, media criticism, or other current issues as interest and need demand.

355 WEBCASTING PRACTICUM (1)	VARIES
This course translates the practices of radio broadcasting into the skills needed for webcasting, including the management of audio data, the navigation of playlists, the creation of programming, and the coordination of broadcast events. This course may be repeated.

365 STATION MANAGEMENT PRACTICUM (1)	VARIES
In order to acquaint students with operations and procedures in radio station management, this course details the structure of a working radio station, the airshifts of the station dayclock, the development of programming, the handling of radio personnel issues, and the complexities of commercial advertisement and station marketing. This course may be repeated.

399 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1)	VARIES
Topics are selected from students’ major interests.

400 INTERNSHIP IN COMMUNICATION (1)

VARIES

410 SENIOR COMMUNICATION SEMINAR (3)

FALL

A capstone course that orients students to their academic past and professional future Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills developed throughout the entire major, and formulate strategies for beginning their professional careers. Assignments include developing a major project, a resume, a portfolio, a philosophy of Reformed Christian communication, and completing a comprehensive exam over core communication classes. Meets field education requirement. Prerequisites: communication arts major and completion of communication arts core classes.