2007-08 Academic Catalog	home FAQs request

Communication Studies and Theatre Art

Programs offered:

• Major in Communication (8.0 course credits)
• Major in Communication with a Concentration in Mass Media (9.0 course credits)
• Major in Communication with a Concentration in Organizational Communication (8.0 course credits)
• Major in Communication with a Concentration in Public Relations (8.0 course credits)
• Minor in Communication (5.0 course credits)
• Individualized Study Major in Communication Studies and Theatre Art (8.0 course credits)
• Individualized Study Minor in Communication Studies and Theatre Art (5.0 course credits)
• Major in Theatre Art (8.5 course credits)
• Minor in Theatre Art (5.0 course credits)
• Double Major or Major/Minor Combinations in Communication and Theatre Art
• Communication Studies major with Communication Arts/ Literature teaching license, grades 5-12 (see education: interdisciplinary programs for secondary education)  (13.0 course credits plus 9.0 course credits in education)
• Communication Arts/Literature Area of Specialization for Elementary Education majors, Grades 5-8 (see education) (5.0 course credits in communication arts/literature)

Communication Studies and Theatre Arts Course Descriptions 

Faculty
Donald E. Rice, chair and director of media studies
Stephanie L. Ahlfeldt, director of the Oral Communication Center
Aileen L.S. Buslig
Gregory B. Carlson, director of media activities
Cynthia R. Carver
Helen R. Cermak, theatre art faculty
James F. Cermak, director of Theatre
Todd T. Holm, director of individual events
Cindy L. Larson-Casselton
Anthony Ocaña
James Ovard
Fred B. Sternhagen, director of Forensics
Henry T. Tkachuk
David T. Wintersteen, theatre art faculty

Theatre Production Staff
Eddy L. Barrows, senior designer
Bryan B. Duncan, director of campus lighting
Robert P. Johnson, technical director

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 business, English writing, psychology, art, theatre, foreign 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 adviser 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 course work.

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 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 minor is intended for those who wish to be more thoughtful and informed about theatre in their lives. Many students combine a theatre major or minor with art, business, communication studies, music or other programs. Theatre 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 art 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 co-curricular theatre. Concordia Theatre’s mainstage 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 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 majors with advisers 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 communication studies 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 8.0 course credits:

• COM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies, 1.0 credit
• 1.0 course credit chosen from the following:
–  COM 203 — Argumentation, 1.0 credit
–  COM 205 — Advanced Public Speaking, 1.0 credit
–  COM 207 — Oral Interpretation, 1.0 credit
–  COM 315 — Interviewing, 1.0 credit
• 3.0 course credits in theories of communication chosen from:
–  COM 312 — Interpersonal Communication, 1.0 credit
–  COM 313 — Persuasion: Influencing Human Behavior, 1.0 credit
–  COM 314 — Small-Group Interaction, 1.0 credit
–  COM 316 — Intercultural Communication, 1.0 credit
–  COM 317 — Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, 1.0 credit
–  COM 331 — Mass Media, 1.0 credit
–  COM 414 — Organizational Communication, 1.0 credit
–  COM 382 — Analyzing Film, 1.0 credit
• 3.0 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 9.0 course credits:

• COM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies, 1.0 credit • COM 231 — Introduction to Telecommunications, 1.0 credit
• COM 331 — Mass Media, 1.0 credit
• COM 332 — Media Production I: Video, 1.0 credit
• 1.0 course credit from:
–  COM 203 — Argumentation, 1.0 credit
–  COM 205 — Advanced Public Speaking, 1.0 credit
–  COM 207 — Oral Interpretation, 1.0 credit
–  COM 315 — Interviewing, 1.0 credit
–  COM 333 — Media Production II: Audio, 0.5 credit
–  COM 334 — Broadcast Performance, 0.5 credit
• 2.0 course credits chosen from:
–  COM 312 — Interpersonal Communication, 1.0 credit
–  COM 313 — Persuasion: Influencing Human Behavior, 1.0 credit
–  COM 314 — Small-Group Interaction, 1.0 credit
–  COM 316 — Intercultural Communication, 1.0 credit
–  COM 317 — Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, 1.0 credit
–  COM 382 — Analyzing Film, 1.0 credit
–  COM 414 — Organizational Communication, 1.0 credit
• 1.0 course credit from the following Mass Media courses:
–  COM 333 — Media Production II: Audio, 0.5 credit (if not used above)
–  COM 334 — Broadcast Performance, 0.5 credit (if not used above)
–  COM 390 — Cooperative Education, 0.25 to 2.0 credits
–  COM 431 — Broadcast Newswriting and Reporting, 1.0 credit (if not
used above)
–  COM 432 — Electronic News Gathering, 1.0 credit (if not used above)
• 1.0 course credit from the following mass media courses:
–  COM 139 — Appreciating Film, 1.0 credit
–  COM 202 — Communication Criticism, 1.0 credit
–  COM 236, ART 236 — Introduction to Photographic Process, 1.0 credit
–  COM 250 — Pre-May Seminar: World Media, 0.5 credit
–  COM 300 — May Seminar: Exploring European Mass Media and Film, 1.0 credit
–  COM 333 — Media Production II: Audio, 0.5 credit (if not used above)
–  COM 334 — Broadcast Performance, 0.5 credit (if not used above)
–  COM 368, ART 368 — Digital Photography, 1.0 credit
–  COM 380 — Special Topics, 1.0 credit
–  COM 382 — Analyzing Film, 1.0 credit (if not used above)
–  COM 390 — Cooperative Education, 0.25 to 2.0 credits
–  COM 413 — Advertising, 1.0 credit
–  COM 419, ENG 419 — Mass Communications Law, 0.5 credit
–  COM 420, ENG 420 — Mass Communications Ethics, 0.5 credit
–  COM 431 — Broadcast Newswriting and Reporting, 1.0 credit
–  COM 432 — Electronic News Gathering, 1.0 credit
–  COM 480 — Independent Study, 0.25 to 1.0 credit

If COM 333 and 334 are taken to meet previously listed requirements, students may opt to take another 1.0 credit from COM 390, 431 or 432, or 2.0 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 print journalism or English writing 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 8.0 course credits:

• COM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies, 1.0 credit
• COM 312 — Interpersonal Communication, 1.0 credit OR COM 314 — Small-Group Interaction, 1.0 credit
• COM 414 — Organizational Communication, 1.0 credit
• 1.0 course credit chosen from:
–  COM 203 — Argumentation, 1.0 credit
–  COM 205 — Advanced Public Speaking, 1.0 credit
–  COM 315 — Interviewing, 1.0 credit
• 2.0 additional course credits chosen from:
–  COM 312 — Interpersonal Communication, 1.0 credit OR COM 314 — Small-Group Interaction, 1.0 credit (if not taken to satisfy requirement above)
–  COM 313 — Persuasion: Influencing Human Behavior, 1.0 credit
–  COM 316 — Intercultural Communication, 1.0 credit
–  COM 317 — Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, 1.0 credit
–  COM 331 — Mass Media, 1.0 credit OR  COM 382 — Analyzing Film, 1.0 credit
• 2.0 additional course credits from:
–  COM 202 — Communication Criticism, 1.0 credit
–  COM 207 — Oral Interpretation, 1.0 credit
–  COM 214 — Nonverbal Communication, 1.0 credit
–  COM 250 — Pre-May Seminar, 0.25 to 1.0 credit
–  COM 300 — May Seminar, 1.0 credit
–  COM 380 — Special Topics, 1.0 credit
–  COM 390 — Cooperative Education, 0.5 to 1.0 credit
–  COM 403 — Public Relations, 1.0 credit
–  COM 413 — Advertising, 1.0 credit
–  COM 417 — Applied Research Methods in Communication, 1.0 credit
–  COM 419, ENG 419 — Mass Communications Law, 0.5 credit
–  COM 420, ENG 420 — Mass Communications Ethics, 0.5 credit
–  COM 480 — Independent Study, 0.25 to 1.0 credit
–  BUS 339 — Management, 1.0 credit OR BUS 341 — Human Resource Management, 1.0 credit OR  BUS 352 — Selling Today, 0.5 credit OR  BUS 462 — Leadership, 1.0 credit
–  ENG 316 — Writing for the World of Work, 1.0 credit
–  PSYC 227 — Personality Dynamics, 1.0 credit OR PSYC 351 — Social Psychology, 1.0 credit
–  REL 346 — Business Ethics, 1.0 credit
–  SOC 341 — Work in Organizations, 1.0 credit

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 8.0 course credits:

• COM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies, 1.0 credit • COM 313 — Persuasion: Influencing Human Behavior, 1.0 credit
• COM 403 — Public Relations, 1.0 credit
• 1.0 course credit chosen from:
–  COM 203 — Argumentation, 1.0 credit
–  COM 205 — Advanced Public Speaking, 1.0 credit
–  COM 207 — Oral Interpretation, 1.0 credit
–  COM 315 — Interviewing, 1.0 credit
• 2.0 course credits chosen from:
–  COM 312 — Interpersonal Communication, 1.0 credit
–  COM 314 — Small-Group Interaction, 1.0 credit
–  COM 316 — Intercultural Communication, 1.0 credit
–  COM 317 — Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, 1.0 credit
–  COM 331 — Mass Media, 1.0 credit OR
   COM 382 — Analyzing Film, 1.0 credit
–  COM 414 — Organizational Communication, 1.0 credit
• 2.0 additional course credits chosen from:
–  COM 231 — Introduction to Telecommunications, 1.0 credit
–  COM 332 — Media Production I: Video, 1.0 credit
–  COM 333 — Media Production II: Audio, 0.5 credit
–  COM 380 — Special Topics, 1.0 credit
–  COM 390 — Cooperative Education, 0.5 to 1.0 credit
–  COM 413 — Advertising, 1.0 credit
–  COM 417 — Applied Research Methods in Communication, 1.0 credit
–  COM 419, ENG 419 — Mass Communications Law, 0.5 credit
–  COM 420, ENG 420 — Mass Communications Ethics, 0.5 credit
–  COM 431 — Broadcast Newswriting and Reporting, 1.0 credit
–  COM 480 — Independent Study, 0.25 to 1.0 credit
–  BUS 351 — Marketing, 1.0 credit
–  ART 370 — Graphic Design, 1.0 credit
–  ENG 317 — News Writing, 1.0 credit
–  ENG 318 — Feature Writing, 1.0 credit
–  ENG 403 — Advanced Reporting, 1.0 course
COM 312, 314, 316, 317, 331 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 5.0 course credits:

• COM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies, 1.0 credit
• 2.0 course credits in theories of communication chosen from:
–  COM 312 — Interpersonal Communication, 1.0 credit
–  COM 313 — Persuasion: Influencing Human Behavior, 1.0 credit
–  COM 314 — Small-Group Interaction, 1.0 credit
–  COM 316 — Intercultural Communication, 1.0 credit
–  COM 317 — Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, 1.0 credit
–  COM 331 — Mass Media, 1.0 credit
–  COM 414 — Organizational Communication, 1.0 credit
• 2.0 additional credits chosen from either communication or mass media courses (see listings below). 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 8.0 course 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 5.0 course 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 chair of the department 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 8.5 course credits:

• THR 122 — Production Organization and Procedures, 1.0 credit
• THR 124 — Contemporary Drama: Literature and Criticism, 1.0 credit
• THR 127 — Elements of Acting
• THR 222 — Theatre Design Crafts
• THR 224 — Theatres and Cultures: Origins to Elizabethans, 1.0 credit OR  THR 229 — Elements of Directing, 1.0 credit
• THR 421 — Senior Seminar, .25 credit
• THR 422 — Senior Thesis Project, .25 to .5 credit
• 3.0 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 mainstage production each semester, throughout at least three semesters.

Minor in Theatre Art

The requirements for a minor in theatre art are 5.0 course credits:

• THR 122 — Production Organization and Procedures, 1.0 credit
• THR 124 — Contemporary Drama: Literature and Criticism, 1.0 credit OR THR 127 — Elements of Acting
• 3.0 additional course credits in Theatre Art, 2.0 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 Mainstage productions.

Double Major or Major/Minor Combinations in Communication and Theatre Art

Students may combine a major or minor in theatre 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 majors and minors as indicated above, but only with prior written approval by the CSTA department. Normally only one 1.0 in each of these courses will be counted toward the major/minor requirements.

Communication Studies major with Communication Arts/Literature teaching license, grades 5-12

The requirements for a communication studies major with communication arts/literature teaching license, grades 5-12, are 13.0 course credits plus 9.0 course credits in education:

• COM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies, 1.0 credit • COM 205 — Advanced Public Speaking, 1.0 credit
• COM 207 — Oral Interpretation, 1.0 credit
• COM 312 — Interpersonal Communication, 1.0 credit
• COM 314 — Small-Group Interaction, 1.0 credit
• COM 316 — Intercultural Communication, 1.0 credit
• COM 331 — Mass Media, 1.0 credit
• 1.0 course credit from the following:
–  ENG 160 — Global Literature and Human Experience, 1.0 credit
–  ENG 220 — Human Values in British and American Literature, 1.0 credit
–  ENG 315 — English Language, Historical and Analytical, 1.0 credit • 1.0 course credit from the following:
–  ENG 227 — Foundations of Creative Writing, 1.0 credit
–  ENG 316 — Writing for the World of Work, 1.0 credit
–  ENG 317 — News Writing, 1.0 credit
• 1.0 credit from the following courses:
–  ENG 326 — British Literature: Medieval to Renaissance, 1.0 credit
–  ENG 336 — British Literature: Restoration to Romanticism, 1.0 credit
–  ENG 346 — British Literature: Empire to Independence, 1.0 credit
• 1.0 course credit from the following:
–  ENG 353 — American Literature to 1900, 1.0 credit
–  ENG 355 — American Literature since 1900, 1.0 credit
• ENG 491 — Methods of Teaching Reading and Writing for the Secondary School, 0.5 credit
• EDUC 374 — Young Adult Literature, 0.5 credit • Successful completion of the secondary/K-12 curriculum requirements.
• Required methods of teaching courses are:
–  EDUC 376 — Methods of Teaching English, 1.0 credit
–  EDUC 394 — Methods of Teaching Communication Studies, 1.0 credit
• Cocurricular activity participation. Must be approved by the English department and the communication studies and theatre art department (see Cocurricular Activities for Communication Arts/Literature).

Cocurricular Activities for Communication Arts/Literature

Participation in cocurricular activities approved by the English department and the communication studies and theatre art 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, Cobber Yearbook, 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 adviser and the CSTA department and English department chairs.