The mission of the Department of Communication is to enable students
to think critically and to communicate clearly, effectively and
ethically. The department is committed to helping students
strive for great thoughts, meaningful interaction and powerful
communication. Department courses and programs promote the intersection
of faith and learning, acquainting students with the ways modern
philosophies and popular thinking coincide and/or conflict with
Christian thought.
Majors and Courses
Majors
Bachelor of Art in Communication with tracks in Media Studies, Speech, Theatre Promotions and Theatre. Developing excellent communication skills are vital in today's complex society. Communication studies help students explore and understand communication problems and practices in all segments of life from the personal to the professional.
Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication with tracks in Broadcasting, Graphic Design and Public Relations.
Broadcasting: This track provides students with a unique educational opportunity through a partnership between Rochester College and Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts. This program incorporates the technical training in either radio and/or video production at Specs Howard School with in-depth explorations of theory and scholarship in media at Rochester College. The curriculum is designed to help students expand their understanding of communication, and develop essential skills needed to succeed and advance within the media industry. Broadcasting students also gain supervised field experience in a radio or television internship.
Graphic Design: This track trains students in the fields of graphic and web design at Specs Howard School combined with thorough study and analysis of the media at Rochester College. The curriculum will help students think critically and communicate clearly, effectively and ethically. This unique combination will prepare students for work in graphic design, which is a growing field with the advent of interactive websites, podcasting, Internet streaming and other cutting edge technologies. At Specs, students learn the theory and history of design combined with typography, branding, packaging, digital imaging, interactive and web design using Adobe Creative Suite. Graphic Design students also gain supervised field experience in an internship.
Public Relations: This track prepares graduates for work as communication specialists with businesses and organizations. This program prepares students to skillfully manage the many different tasks that a PR professional handles, ranging from communication strategy, media relations, writing and designing news releases, newsletters and other publications to planning special events. Students who major in PR take selected courses related to media, business and communication. They also gain practical PR experience representing real-world clients in PR Campaigns and Strategies class, where they develop and implement a PR plan and portfolio for a client. Students also gain supervised field experience in a PR internship.
Minors
Minors are available in communication, media and public relations. Study in any of these areas is a valuable complement to other academic programs. A concentration in Communication is also offered in the Interdisciplinary Studies major.
Degree Plans
BA in Communication
Provides a balanced overview of communication, media, rhetoric, and theatre in the foundational requirements and also allows for the selection of a specialized track in media studies, speech communication, theatre promotions or theatre.
General Ed Core ............................................. 52 hours
Foreign Language .......................................... 8 hours
Communication Core .................................... 24 hours
COM 2513 Communication Theory
COM 2223 Public Speaking
COM 3513 Small Group Communication
COM 3533 Intercultural Communication
MED 2013 Introduction to Mass Communication
MED 3003 Media and Society
THE 2003 Appreciation of Theatre
THE 3303 Dramatic Criticism
Choose One Track .......................... 24 hours
Media Studies Track
MED 2613 Introduction to Public Relations
MED 3013 Media Theory
MED 3323 Research Methods in Media
MED 3633 Media Criticism
MED 4113 Media Law
MED 4813 Senior Project in Media
MED 4943 Media Ethics
Three hours from COM, FLM or MED
-or-
Speech Track
COM 2233 Nonverbal Communication
COM 2253 Listening
COM 3523 Interpersonal Communication
COM 4813 Senior Project
COM 4943 Communication Ethics
THE 3313 Oral Interpretation of Literature
Six hours from COM, FLM, MED or RHE
-or-
Theatre Promotions Track
THE 2113 Technical Theatre
THE 3213 Dramatic Literature for Performance
THE 3303 History of Western Theatre
MED 2513 Media Writing
MED 2613 Introduction to Public Relations
MED 3513 Public Relations Writing & Visual Design
Six hours from THE or MED
-or-
Theatre Track
THE 1103 Acting I: Beginning Acting
THE 2113 Technical Theatre
THE 3313 Oral Interpretation of Literature
THE 3213 Dramatic Literature for Performance
THE 3303 History of Western Theatre
THE 4813 Senior Writing Project
Six hours from THE
Minor (Recommended) ................................ 18 hours
Total for Communication Major ................. 128 hours
BS in Mass Communication
Provides students with in-depth explorations of theory and scholarship in media, as well as a choice of a track in either Broadcasting, Graphic Design or Public Relations.
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication with the Broadcasting or Graphic Design tracks at Rochester College will take coursework offered by Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts as part of the curriculum requirements for that degree during either their sophomore or junior year. For broadcast majors, this component of the curriculum includes the Radio and Television Broadcasting course with either the radio or video concentration. Twenty-four semester hours will be awarded by Rochester College to the student for completion of this curriculum component. Students may also pursue the Radio and Television Broadcasting course with both the radio and video concentrations, otherwise referred to as the Comprehensive Course. Thirty-six semester hours will be awarded by Rochester College to the student for completion of this curriculum component. For Graphic Design students, 24 hours will be awarded by Rochester College to the student for completion of this curriculum component, which includes one year of training through Specs Howard in the basics of print and web design utilizing Adobe Creative Suite.
Students must have approval from Rochester College's business office no less than 15 days prior to enrollment in courses at Specs Howard. The student enrolled at Rochester College is allowed to apply for financial aid only through Rochester College, according to federal guidelines. However, students who have been admitted to Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts are required to adhere to all conditions, policies, and rules of Specs Howard School.
Students pursuing the Public Relations track will complete all their coursework at Rochester College with courses in public relations, media, communication and business.
General Education Core .......................... 52 hours
Mass Communication Core ................... 27 hours
COM 2223 Public Speaking
MED 2013 Introduction to Mass Communication
MED 2513 Media Writing
MED 3003 Media and Society
MED 3013 Media Theory
MED 3323 Research Methods in Media
MED 4113 Media Law
MED 4893 Internship
MED 4943 Media Ethics
Choose one track: 24 hours
Broadcasting Track (at Specs Howard)
RTB 1116 Broadcasting I
RTB 1126 Broadcasting II
Choose one production emphasis:
RTB 1216 Radio Production I
RTB 1226 Radio Production II
or
RTB 1316 Video Production I
RTB 1326 Video Production II
Public Relations Track
COM 3513 Small Group Communication
COM 3533 Intercultural Communication
MED 2613 Introduction to Public Relations
MED 3513 Public Relations Writing and Visual Design
MED 4323 Public Relations Campaigns and Strategies
MKT 2503 Principles of Marketing
MKT 3533 Consumer Behavior
MKT 3543 Integrated Marketing
Minor (Recommended) .....................................
18 hours
Total for Mass Communication Major ........... 128 hours
Course Descriptions
COM 1013 Communication Basics
Theory and practice in a variety of communication contexts, including verbal, nonverbal, perception, and listening. Includes practice in organizing and delivering speeches.
COM 2223 Public Speaking
Public speaking theory and practice. Students prepare and deliver several types of speeches. Prerequisite: C- or better in COM 1013.
COM 2233 Nonverbal Communication
Theories and types of nonverbal communication and implementation of effective nonverbal communication strategies. Prerequisite: C- or better in COM 1013.
COM 2253 Listening
Theories and techniques of effective listening in interpersonal, intercultural, small group, and public contexts. Prerequisite: C- or better in COM 1013.
COM 2513 Communication Theory
Survey of communication theories and models upon which communication studies are built. Prerequisite: C- or better in COM 1013 and ENG 1123.
COM 3513 Small Group Communication
Theories and techniques for small groups in various settings. Prerequisite: C- or better COM 1013.
COM 3523 Interpersonal Communication
Elements of communication between two or more persons in family, social, work, church, and computer-mediated settings. Prerequisite: C- or better in COM 1013.
COM 3533 Intercultural Communication
Major theories and concepts involved in intercultural communication. Emphasis on increasing awareness of and sensitivity to persons of other cultures and/or co-cultures and improving personal effectiveness in intercultural communication. Prerequisite: C- or better in COM 1013.
COM 4813 Senior Project
Preparation of a major paper in an area of the student's interest. Prerequisite: Senior status and permission of instructor.
COM 4893 Internship
Supervised field experience in a setting related to a student's track, with application of theoretical knowledge. Includes outside reading and a written report. It is the student's responsibility to locate an internship. Prerequisite: Senior status and permission of instructor.
COM 4943 Communication Ethics
The major issues and perspectives involved in making ethical choices in communication. Prerequisite: Senior status.
Special Topics
Various Communication topics chosen by students or instructor.
MED 1101 Newspaper Journalism
Credit for satisfactory work on the College newspaper. Students may serve on the newspaper staff every semester but credit is limited to three.
MED 1201 Yearbook Journalism
Credit for satisfactory work on the College yearbook. Students may serve on the yearbook staff every semester but credit is limited to three.
MED 2013 Introduction to Mass Communication
Survey of the history, types, and uses of mass communication.
MED 2513 Media Writing
Writing for news, features, public relations, advertising, and marketed materials. Prerequisite: ENG 1123.
MED 2613 Introduction to Public Relations
An overview of public relations theory, strategy and practical techniques as used by corporations, non-profit groups and other organizations. The course focuses on ways to communicate and promote products, services, images and ideas to various publics.
MED 3003 Media and Society
An in-depth exploration of the role and impact of media in society.
MED 3013 Media Theory
Analysis and criticism of modern theories of media and mass communication.
MED 3323 Research Methods in Media
Quantitative analysis of media and media audiences. Prerequisite: MED 3013 or COM 2513.
MED 3513 Public Relations Writing and Visual Design
Writing for internal and external public relations, including media kits, newsletters, websites, advertising and direct mail. Includes basic principles of graphic design and instruction on page layout software. Prerequisite: MED2513
MED 3633 Media Criticism
Theory and practice in the analysis of various types of media, from various perspectives. Prerequisite: C- or better in COM 2513.
MED 4113 Media Law
Survey of historical and current legal decisions that shape the role of the media and its function in society. Includes legal philosophies affecting the media and its employees. Prerequisite: MED2013.
MED 4323 Public Relations Campaigns and Strategies
Designed for the senior public relations major to analyze, develop and implement a PR plan and portfolio for a real world client. Prerequisites: MED2613, MED3513.
MED 4613 Special Topics
Various Communication topics chosen by students or instructor.
MED 4813 Senior Project in Media
Guided research leading to a major paper in an area of the student's interest. May require a formal pre-sentation at the Academic Symposium. Prerequisite: Senior status and permission of instructor.
MED 4893 Media Internship
Supervised field experience in radio, television, or public relations, with application of theoretical knowledge. Includes outside reading and a written report. Prerequisite: Senior status and permission of instructor.
MED 4943 Media Ethics
The major issues and perspectives involved in making ethical choices and/or evaluations in mediated messages. Requires a formal presentation at the Academic Symposium. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status.
About Us:
Kent Hoggatt, Assistant Professor of Communication: Hoggatt earned his master's degree from Wayne State University and his bachelor's degree from Abilene Christian University. His specialties include professional speaking, listening and small group communication. He also serves as minister of the Lapeer Church of Christ in Lapeer, MI.
Lora Hutson, Assistant Professor of Communication (Chair): Hutson earned her master's degree from Abilene Christian University and her bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Christian University. Her interests include public relations, writing for the mass media, the media's effect on culture and society, and publication production and design. She has worked in the public relations field for two decades, including running her own public relations consulting firm, The Write Image. She also has worked in public relations and journalism positions for SMZ Advertising in Troy, MI; Macomb Community College in Warren, MI; Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA; and PayPhone Magazine in Houston, TX. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America.
Andrew Kronenwetter, Professor of Communication: Kronenwetter earned his doctorate from Wayne State University, his master's from Harding University, and his bachelor's from Ohio Valley College. His interests include intercultural communication, public speaking and the cross section of communication and culture.
Career Opportunities:
Communication transcends all areas of life both personally and professionally. Communication proficiency is a valuable personal asset, and prepares communication graduates to be attractive candidates for positions in many different professions, including corporate training, law, ministry, human resources, and education. Broadcasting students will be prepared for careers in many areas of the broadcast and communication industries, including on-air talent, producers, writers, editors, camera operators, video technicians, etc. Graphic design students can enter many areas of the design field, including layout artists, prepress managers, web designers, flash designers and multimedia designers. PR graduates will be equipped to work as public relations professionals for a variety of organizations, including corporations, nonprofits and agencies. Students desiring to further their formal education will be well prepared for the rigors of graduate school.
Student Publications:
Faculty in the Communication Department train and oversee students in preparation and production of The Shield, RC's student newspaper, and Areios, RC's yearbook. Communication and Mass Communication majors are encouraged to write and design for either the student newspaper or the yearbook. Working on these publications offer students the opportunity to use their creative talents in producing publications while at the same time helping them gain valuable media experience. The publications are prepared in the Rochester College's Journalism Lab, which is equipped with Apple computers and Adobe design and photography software.
The Shield Joining The Shield staff allows students to participate in the complete production of a newspaper. The publication is written, edited and designed by students for the campus community. The Shield is printed about five times per semester and has a circulation of 1,000. Communication and Mass Communication majors are encouraged to write and design for the student newspaper, and students from other majors are welcome to participate as well. Scholarships are available to students who work as editors.
Areios Areios, RC's yearbook, is published on an annual basis in magazine format. Students from all majors are encouraged to work on the yearbook. Scholarships are available to students who work as editors.
How to get involved: Even if students don't have any experience in publication work but they do have an interest in writing, design or photography, they are encouraged to volunteer for The Shield or Areios. Students will be trained and advised by faculty so that they can obtain these valuable skills. In addition to serving as a campus voice for students, another benefit gained from working on The Shield or Areios is that students create work for their portfolios, which can be used in the future when applying for internships and jobs. Students can enroll in MED 1101, Newspaper Journalism, or MED 1201, Yearbook Journalism, which are hands-on workshop classes devoted to publishing The Shield and Areios.
