Requirements for a Major or Minor in Communication Studies and Theater Art


Programs offered
• Major in Communication (32 credits)
• Major in Communication with a Concentration in Mass Media
(36 credits)
• Major in Communication with a Concentration in Organizational Communication (32 credits)
• Major in Communication with a Concentration in Public Relations (32 credits)
• Minor in Communication (20 credits)
• Individualized Study Major in Communication Studies and Theatre Art (32 credits)
• Individualized Study Minor in Communication Studies and Theatre Art (20 credits)
• Major in Theatre Art (34 credits)
• Minor in Theatre Art (20 credits)
• Major in Multimedia Journalism, an interdisciplinary program (see multimedia journalism), (36 credits)
• Double Major or Major/Minor Combinations in Communication and Theatre Art
• Major in Communication Studies with Communication Arts/Literature Education (see education) (52 credits plus 36 credits in education)
• Communication Arts/Literature add-on endorsement for Elementary Education majors (see education) (20 credits in communication arts/literature and 10 credits in education)

Faculty
Aileen Buslig, chair
Stephanie L. Ahlfeldt, director, Oral Communication Center
Gregory B. Carlson, director of media activities
Cynthia R. Carver
Adam Knowlton
Cindy L. Larson-Casselton
Megan Orcholski, assistant director of forensics
Jason Regnier, assistant director of forensics
Donald E. Rice, director of media studies
Fred B. Sternhagen, director of Forensics
Kirsten Theye
Jennifer Thomas, theatre art faculty
Henry T. Tkachuk
David T. Wintersteen, theatre art faculty

Theatre Production Staff
Eddy L. Barrows, senior designer
Rob Christiansen, technical director
Bryan B. Duncan, director of campus lighting

The communication studies curriculum is designed to have students graduate with the ability to think critically and creatively about communication issues, to be able to approach different communication contexts from a problem-solving perspective, and to develop their own skills in interpersonal, group and public speaking contexts. A liberal arts degree with a major in communication is designed for people interested in corporate and industrial communication, the broadcasting industry, journalism, advertising, public relations, management, event planning, sales and marketing, training and development, human resources, and similar fields. Many students combine a communication major or minor with other fields such as art, business, English writing, psychology, theatre, world languages and others.

The communication studies and theatre art (CSTA) department offers a communication studies honors program. Details about the program can be obtained from the CSTA department chair. The department also sponsors a chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the national student communication honor society.

The CSTA department recognizes the importance of experience-based activities for our majors and minors. To complement our curriculum offerings we sponsor cocurricular activities including KORD radio and Concordia On-Air television, the advertising and public relations club, and Concordia Forensics (debate and individual events). Students are encouraged to become involved in these activities at the earliest possible opportunity. We also suggest that students consider a young professional experience during their junior or senior year. To pursue this option, COM 390 – Cooperative Education planning and placement should be discussed with a CSTA advisor no later than the semester prior to the experience (or earlier). All CSTA 390 credit must be approved by the department prior to the co-op experience in order to be used as a part of the student’s major/minor coursework.

The mission of the Concordia Theatre program is to propel students to excellence in intellectual understanding and artistic experience. Concordia Theatre is an educational enterprise that explores social issues, raises questions of faith and ethics, and challenges students and audiences. Through the Theatre program, students identify their values in relation to important life decisions, understand and appreciate the contributions of art in contemporary society, and make choices based on an informed understanding of the collective human condition.

The Theatre program serves theatre art majors and minors, non-majors interested in academic and cocurricular theatre, and the college-at-large through liberal arts distribution courses. The academic major in theatre art is intended for students who want to have a life in the theatre: future theatre professionals, those planning graduate study, and students with a serious avocational interest in the theatre. The theatre art minor is intended for those who wish to be more thoughtful and informed about theatre in their lives. Many students combine a theatre art major or minor with art, business, communication studies, music or other programs. Theatre art students document their accomplishments through their academic portfolio and résumé. Student portfolios are reviewed periodically to ensure that seniors will be prepared for a competitive academic review or a position in the theatre industry upon graduation.

The cocurricular Theatre program allows students to learn experientially to be performers, managers, artisans, designers, technicians, directors and informed audience members. Participation in theatre provides life skills that cannot be replicated anywhere else in an academic education. The Concordia Theatre program is a student-oriented organization determined to provide the optimum learning experience for undergraduate students with a serious interest in producing cocurricular theatre. Concordia Theatre’s main stage features classical and contemporary plays and musicals, while the lab theatre is used primarily for student-directed experimental productions. The cocurricular experience is open to all students who can demonstrate satisfactory academic standing.

Students in the Theatre program also gain experience through work-study positions. Theatre art students may earn the opportunity to hold major responsibilities in design, technical theatre and management. Enrollment in THR 122 – Production Organization and Procedures or THR 101 – Introduction to Theatre Arts is a requirement for a work-study position. Concordia students can expand their liberal arts experiences through the cocurricular Theatre program. Concordia Theatre is committed to the creative, critical and collaborative thinking required for today’s society.

Note: Communication and theatre art majors with advisors in other departments should seek advisement from a CSTA faculty member prior to each registration period. See the CSTA department chair if you need assistance.

The CSTA department provides learning experiences that prepare students to achieve the following outcomes:
• demonstrate understanding of ethical and social responsibility in communicative practice
• demonstrate socio-cultural awareness
• be willing to interact with persons who exhibit differences from the student’s own background
• demonstrate use of disciplinary tools appropriate to each student’s particular area of communication studies
• demonstrate specific knowledge pertinent to their chosen area of specialty within the major
• demonstrate oral communication competencies appropriate to a wide range of communication contexts and purposes

Major in Communication
The requirements for a major in communication are 32 credits:
• COM 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies, 4 credits
• 4 credits chosen from the following:
– COM 203 – Argumentation, 4 credits
– COM 205 – Advanced Public Speaking, 4 credits
– COM 207 – Oral Interpretation, 4 credits
– COM 315 – Interviewing, 4 credits
• 12 credits in theories of communication chosen from:
– COM 312 – Interpersonal Communication, 4 credits
– COM 313 – Persuasive Communication, 4 credits
– COM 314 – Group Communication, 4 credits
– COM 316 – Intercultural Communication, 4 credits
– COM 317 – Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, 4 credits
– COM 414 – Organizational Communication, 4 credits
– COM 382 – Analyzing Film, 4 credits
• 12 additional credits in communication studies courses (see listings below). These may include course options listed for requirements above if those requirements have already been satisfied.

Major in Communication with a Concentration in Mass Media
The requirements for a major in communication with a concentration in mass media are 36 credits:
• COM 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies, 4 credits
• COM 325 – New Media, 4 credits
• COM 332 – Media Production I: Video, 4 credits
• COM 493 – Documentary and Historical Film, 4 credits
• 4 credits from:
– COM 203 – Argumentation, 4 credits
– COM 205 – Advanced Public Speaking, 4 credits
– COM 207 – Oral Interpretation, 4 credits
– COM 315 – Interviewing, 4 credits
– COM 333 – Media Production II: Audio, 2 credits
– COM 334 – Broadcast Performance, 2 credits
• 8 credits chosen from:
– COM 312 – Interpersonal Communication, 4 credits
– COM 313 – Persuasive Communication, 4 credits
– COM 314 – Group Communication, 4 credits
– COM 316 – Intercultural Communication, 4 credits
– COM 317 – Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, 4 credits
– COM 382 – Analyzing Film, 4 credits
– COM 414 – Organizational Communication, 4 credits
• 4 credits from the following mass media courses:
– COM 333 – Media Production II: Audio, 2 credits (if not used above)
– COM 334 – Broadcast Performance, 2 credits (if not used above)
– COM 390 – Cooperative Education, 1 to 8 credits
– COM 431 – Broadcast Newswriting and Reporting, 4 credits (if not used above)
– COM 432 – Electronic News Gathering, 4 credits (if not used above)
• 4 credits from the following mass media courses:
– COM 139 – Appreciating Film, 4 credits
– COM 202 – Communication Criticism, 4 credits
– COM 236, ART 236 – Introduction to Photographic Process, 4 credits
– COM 250 – Pre-May Seminar: World Media, 2 credits
– COM 300 – May Seminar, 4 credits
– COM 326 – Global Cinema, 4 credits
– COM 333 – Media Production II: Audio, 2 credits (if not used above)
– COM 334 – Broadcast Performance, 2 credits (if not used above)
– COM 368, ART 368 – Digital Photography, 4 credits
– COM 380 – Special Topics, 4 credits
– COM 382 – Analyzing Film, 4 credits (if not used above)
– COM 390 – Cooperative Education, 1 to 8 credits
– COM 413 – Advertising, 4 credits
– COM 422/ENG 422 – Mass Communications Law and Ethics, 4 credits
– COM 431 – Broadcast Newswriting and Reporting, 4 credits
– COM 432 – Electronic News Gathering, 4 credits
– COM 480 – Independent Study, 1 to 4 credits

If COM 333 and 334 are taken to meet previously listed requirements, students may opt to take another 4 credits from COM 390, 431 or 432, or 8 credits from COM 139, 202, 236, 250, 300, 368, 380, 382, 390, 413, 419, 420, 431, 432 or 480.

Those interested in careers in journalism are encouraged to secure a complementary major or minor in English or multimedia journalism and some coursework in economics and political science.

Major in Communication with a Concentration in Organizational Communication
The requirements for a major in communication with a concentration in organizational communication are 32 credits:
• COM 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies, 4 credits
• COM 312 – Interpersonal Communication, 4 credits OR
COM 314 – Group Communication, 4 credits
• COM 414 – Organizational Communication, 4 credits
• 4 credits chosen from:
– COM 203 – Argumentation, 4 credits
– COM 205 – Advanced Public Speaking, 4 credits
– COM 315 – Interviewing, 4 credits
• 8 additional credits chosen from:
– COM 312 – Interpersonal Communication, 4 credits OR
COM 314 – Group Communication, 4 credits (if not taken to satisfy requirement above)
– COM 313 – Persuasive Communication, 4 credits
– COM 316 – Intercultural Communication, 4 credits
– COM 317 – Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, 4 credits
COM 382 – Analyzing Film, 4 credits
• 8 additional credits from:
– COM 202 – Communication Criticism, 4 credits
– COM 207 – Oral Interpretation, 4 credits
– COM 214 – Nonverbal Communication, 4 credits
– COM 250 – Pre-May Seminar, 1 to 4 credits
– COM 300 – May Seminar, 4 credits
– COM 380 – Special Topics, 4 credits
– COM 390 – Cooperative Education, 2 to 4 credits
– COM 403 – Public Relations, 4 credits
– COM 413 – Advertising, 4 credits
– COM 417 – Applied Research Methods in Communication, 4 credits
– COM 422/ENG 422 – Mass Communications Law and Ethics, 4 credits
– COM 480 – Independent Study, 1 to 4 credits
– COM 493 – Documentary and Historical Film, 4 credits
– BUS 339 – Principles of Management, 3 credits OR
BUSN 341 – Human Resource Management, 3 credits OR
BUS 352 – Selling Today, 2 credits OR
BUSN 462 – Leadership: Theory and Application, 3 credits
– ENG 316 – Business Writing, 4 credits
– PSYC 227 – Personality Dynamics, 4 credits OR
PSYC 351 – Social Psychology, 4 credits
– REL 346 – Business Ethics, 4 credits
– SOC 341 – Work in Organizations, 4 credits
The additional courses may also include course options listed for requirements above if those requirements have already been satisfied. At least one of these courses must be at the 300 or 400 level.

Major in Communication with a Concentration in Public Relations
The requirements for a major in communication with a concentration in public relations are 32 credits:
• COM 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies, 4 credits
• COM 313 – Persuasive Communication, 4 credits
• COM 403 – Public Relations, 4 credits
• 4 credits chosen from:
– COM 203 – Argumentation, 4 credits
– COM 205 – Advanced Public Speaking, 4 credits
– COM 207 – Oral Interpretation, 4 credits
– COM 315 – Interviewing, 4 credits
• 8 credits chosen from:
– COM 312 – Interpersonal Communication, 4 credits
– COM 314 – Group Communication, 4 credits
– COM 316 – Intercultural Communication, 4 credits
– COM 317 – Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, 4 credits
COM 382 – Analyzing Film, 4 credits
– COM 414 – Organizational Communication, 4 credits
• 8 additional credits chosen from:
– COM 325 – New Media, 4 credits
– COM 332 – Media Production I: Video, 4 credits
– COM 333 – Media Production II: Audio, 2 credits
– COM 380 – Special Topics, 4 credits
– COM 390 – Cooperative Education, 1 to 8 credits
– COM 413 – Advertising, 4 credits
– COM 417 – Applied Research Methods in Communication, 4 credits
– COM 422/ENG 422 – Mass Communications Law and Ethics, 4 credits
– COM 431 – Broadcast Newswriting and Reporting, 4 credits
– COM 480 – Independent Study, 1 to 4 credits
– COM 493 – Documentary and Historical Film, 4 credits
– BUS 351 – Marketing, 4 credits
– ART 370 – Graphic Design, 4 credits
– ENG 317 – Telling the Story: News Writing, 4 credits
– ENG 318 – Telling the Story: Feature Writing, 4 credits
– ENG 403 – Investigating and Narrating the News, 4 credits
COM 312, 314, 316, 317 and 414 also qualify as additional courses if not taken to meet requirements above.

Minor in Communication
The requirements for a minor in communication are 20 credits:
• COM 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies, 4 credits
• 8 credits in theories of communication chosen from:
– COM 312 – Interpersonal Communication, 4 credits
– COM 313 – Persuasive Communication, 4 credits
– COM 314 – Group Communication, 4 credits
– COM 316 – Intercultural Communication, 4 credits
– COM 317 – Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, 4 credits
– COM 414 – Organizational Communication, 4 credits
• 8 additional credits chosen from communication studies courses. These may also include course options listed for requirements above if those requirements have already been satisfied.

Individualized Study Major in Communication Studies and Theatre Art
The requirements for an individualized study major in communication studies and theatre art are 32 credits agreed upon in writing between the student and the CSTA department, of which at least six must be courses offered by this department and one must be COM 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies.

Individualized Study Minor in Communication Studies and Theatre Art
The requirements for an individualized study minor in communication studies and theatre art are 20 credits agreed upon in writing between the student and the CSTA department.
An Individualized Program Planning Record must be filed with the chair of the CSTA department for all individualized majors or minors. The prospective major or minor should first consult the department chair and then develop the exact program to follow. Changes in the program probably will occur, but before a substitute course can be counted toward a major or minor it must be approved by the CSTA department.

Major in Theatre Art
The requirements for a major in theatre art are 34 credits:
• THR 122 – Production Organization and Procedures, 4 credits OR
THR 101 – Introduction to Theatre Arts, 4 credits
• THR 124 – Contemporary Drama: Literature and Criticism, 4 credits
• THR 127 – Elements of Acting
• THR 222 – Theatre Design Crafts
• THR 224 – Theatres and Cultures: Origins to Elizabethans, 4 credits OR
THR 229 – Elements of Directing, 4 credits
• THR 421 – Senior Seminar, 1 credit
• THR 422 – Senior Thesis Project, 1 to 2 credits
• 12 additional credits from courses above the 300 level, which allow students to focus on directing, dramaturgy, design, management, technical theatre and/or acting.
Because much of learning is experiential, theatre majors are required to make a significant contribution to at least one Concordia main stage production each semester, through at least three semesters.

Minor in Theatre Art
The requirements for a minor in theatre art are 20 credits:
• THR 122 – Production Organization and Procedures, 4 credits OR
THR 101 – Introduction to Theatre Arts, 4 credits
• THR 124 – Contemporary Drama: Literature and Criticism, 4 credits OR
THR 127 – Elements of Acting
• 12 additional credits in Theatre Art, 8 of which must be at or above the 300 level. 421 and 422 are recommended.
Theatre art minors are expected to make a significant contribution to at least two Concordia main stage productions.

Double Major or Major/Minor Combinations in Communication
and Theatre Art
Students may combine a major or minor in theatre art with a major or minor in communication.

COM or THR 250, 280, 300, 380, 390 and 480 or Tri-College courses may be used to fulfill major/minor requirements in communication and theatre art majors and minors as indicated above, but only with prior written approval by the CSTA department. Normally only one 4-credit in each of these courses will be counted toward the major/minor requirements.

Cocurricular Activities
for Communication Arts/Literature
Participation in cocurricular activities approved by the English department and the CSTA department is a required part of the communication arts/literature licensure. Two different cocurricular activities are required. A minimum of one semester of participation for each activity is suggested; however, participation should not occur during the student teaching semester. Teaching majors are responsible for getting specific information on cocurricular participation requirements from the CSTA and English departments. Suggested activities include Forensics; a media activity such as the AfterWork literary magazine, Concordia On-Air, The Concordian or KORD radio; Campus Service Commission (when English- or education-related and not a requirement for an existing course); Theatre; or alternate cocurricular activity approved in advance by the student’s advisor and the CSTA department and English department chairs.