Communication
Linda Rea (1970), Chair, Professor of Communication
B.A., Otterbein College;
M.A., Ph.D., Kent State University
Academic interest: persuasion, gender communication, Central America, human rights
Gail C. Ambuske (1981), Professor of Communication
B.A., M.A., Kent State University;
Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University
Academic interest: group and organizational communication, Japan and China
Xinlu Yu (2002), Assistant Professor of Communication
B.A., Beijing Foreign Studies University;
M.S., Ohio University;
Ph.D., Ohio University
Academic interest: cross cultural communication and journalism/mass media, China
Natalie Sydorenko (2006), Instructor of Communication
B.A., Hiram College;
M.A., Akron University
Academic interest: rhetoric, spiritual communication, human rights
Jason A. Johnson (2004), (ABD) Instructor Political Science, Communications
B.A., University of Virginia;
M.A., A.B.D., University of North Carolina
Academic interest: political campaigns
Department web address:
http://home.hiram.edu/www/communication/
Contributing Faculty:
Mary Ann Brockett, Desmonde Laux, Betsy Bauman, David Fratus, and Joyce Dyer
General Description of Communication Program
Citizenship, leadership and personal/professional relationships are the central topics within the Communication curriculum. Our mission is to provide students with an understanding of the communication process as human symbolic activity, the necessary skills, and an awareness of ethical dimensions.
The three distinctive features of the program are the development, practice and application of communication skills and knowledge. In addition to attention to these aspects through the courses, all majors complete an Apprenticeship in Communication, either on or off campus, thereby gaining opportunity to use their knowledge and skills in a supervised setting. Secondly, as part of the capstone experience, all majors participate in a rigorous year-long original research project, often referred to as an “undergraduate thesis”, which culminates in a major paper and a professional presentation. (Please see the course descriptions for 470, 480, 490). The third curriculum emphasis is the orientation of global citizenship by noting cultural, ethnic, racial, gender differences, and yet similarities, that bind humans together and also create our distinctiveness; the vehicle of communication is the means of living together cooperatively. All faculty lead study abroad trips, and we encourage students to experience another cultural orientation in building their world views. For more information, see the Communication Departmental website and the Study Abroad website.
Requirements for Majors
The Department of Communication offers a major requiring ten courses and several correlative courses defined below. The department offers courses in four tracks: relational communication, rhetorical communication, mediated communication, and intercultural communication. (Please consult the course descriptions for the placement of courses in the appropriate tracks).
I. The core courses are:
101: Foundations of Public Communication
300: Human Communication Theory
470: Communication Research Methodologies
480: Senior Research
490: Senior Readings
The senior sequence of the three 400 level courses constitute the capstone sequence. This generally provides the environment for students to move to the level of researcher, a significant step in the production of human knowledge. Several students have had their original research published, and some have continued their research interests in graduate school. All students realize upon completion of the entire project that this was the most demanding learning experience and that they produced their best work.
II. Upper level tracks: Students must choose a total of 5 courses from 3 different tracks.
III. Correlative courses: Students must choose either two writing courses, OR achieve Foreign Language competency through the 103 level. The correlative writing courses must be course work above the First Year Seminar level.
Requirements for Minors
A minor in communication requires five courses, including Communication 101 and 300; three courses are selected from two different tracks. These courses, chosen in consultation with a communication department faculty member, should represent a coherent study of communication relative and complementary to the student’s major.
Practicum programs include field experiences and internships; they are offered by the department in several areas, such as journalism, public relations, and electronic media.
Apprenticeship in Communication
The Apprenticeship in Communication is designed to create practical experiences for Communication majors to further develop their oral and written skills in a non-threatening environment of professional experience and beyond the traditional classroom assignments. The practicum can be fulfilled through a variety of options, both on or off campus. The most traditional manner of fulfilling the practicum off campus is through either internships (Comm. 498) or field experiences (Comm. 298); please refer to the course descriptions of each. On campus opportunities include working with the Advance, WHRM, Terrier Productions, Spider Web, Literary Arts Magazine, Student Senate, KCPB Programming Board, Resident Student Association, Intercultural Forum or campus jobs with the Alumni, Development, Career or College Relations Offices. Each student is required to demonstrate a development of communication skills through these experiences. It is possible to complete this requirement without having course credit attached to the experience. The Apprenticeship Program is required for all students who are majoring in Communication and strongly encouraged for those who are minoring.
Departmental Grade Point Average
The Communication Department calculates the departmental grade point average by considering all courses taken in the department that are used for the major, but not the correlatives. If a student meets the criteria established by the College for departmental honors (please refer to that section of the catalogue), then the additional requirement is participation in a selected “honors” discussion with other honor students and faculty to share scholarly perspectives on a socially significant issue, as determined by the faculty.
Departmental Offerings
101 Foundations of Public Communication CA 4 hours
The principles and practice of public speaking, which are founded in a rich Western rhetorical tradition from Ancient Greece to contemporary scholars, are studied in this course. Artistic and pragmatic standards will be employed in the examination of important historical speeches, lectures, debates, treatises and letters that have shaped our society’s political and social issues. Students will give a variety of speeches and write several critical papers.
205 Style and Grammer for Writers 3 hours
This course will address matters of style and grammar closely and meticulously. It is not a course in developemental grammar, but one designed for serious writers interested in polishing error from their prose and experimenting with their writing styles. The class will be devoted to providing high polish to the individual line and expose students to stylistic patterns and options they may not have seen or noticed before. It will encourage writers to take risks with language, to consider the nuance of punctuation, to think about effect, to make language exact and precise, to develop voice, to distinguish between local advice and general principles in the understanding of "rules, " and to gain fuller knowledge and control of individual style. Also listed as Writing 205
220 Interpersonal Communication (Relational track) CA 3 hours
The course explores the complex process of communication between persons seeking meaningful and satisfying relationships. Emphasis is on perception, self concept, verbal and nonverbal messages, conflict resolution, relationships, decision-making as each relates to the communication process. Experiential learning is central to the format of the course.
221 Group Interaction Processes (Relational track) 3 hours
This course examines the complex dynamics of small group life within the context of organizational systems. Small group theory as it applies to perception, membership, leadership, norms, communication, problem-solving and decision making is explored. The focus of the course is to develop individual competence in group settings. Through a laboratory approach students are provided with opportunities to experiment with new behaviors and to improve group effectiveness. Students experience the development of a group through predictable stages and engage in critical analysis of the experiment. A group project is required. Also listed as Management 221.
222 Organizational Communication (Relational track) 4 hours
The course involves the study of communication theory as it relates to organizations. Topics include communication systems analysis, intergroup communication, team-building, goal setting, meetings, and organizational change. The course requires a field research project during which students work with actual organizations to diagnose communication systems. The course contains a significant writing component. Students will develop skill in writing proposals, letters, memos, agendas, progress reports, final reports, and executive summaries as they progress through the field research project. Also listed as Management 222.
223 Family Communication 4 hours
Family Communication is a course dedicated to applying a wide range of communication theories and practices to an experience shared by all persons-family life. Few relationships are more important to people's well-being than their family relationships. And while these relationships are often defined by genes and marriages, they are built, maintained, and destroyed by communication. No two people have the same familial experience, and this course offers students the opportunity to examine how diverse families function and their specific members interact with each other. Patterns of intimacy, rituals, roles, decision-making, and conflict are included as significant issues forming family patterns. Historical and other cultural familial relationships are also included to open perspectives beyond the students' immediate experiences. Classroom discussions, experiential activities and field projects are designed to help students gain insight into the people with whom they share their lives, as well as the workings of well-functioning or "normal" family.
224 Oral Interpretation of Literature (Relational track) 3 hours
Critical approaches to literature to discover meaning and to appreciate the emotional effect of the work is the focal point of this course. Students will use various forms of literature for interpretation and study. Emphasis is placed on principles of reading a work aloud to communicate its intellectual and emotional meaning. Presentations will possibly be an integrated or adjunct aspect of this course. Also listed as Theatre Arts 224.
225 Nonverbal Communication 3 hours
This course is devoted to the study of nonverbal communication in our intimate, social, and working relationships. Nonverbal cues found in (a) the communication context, (b) the communicator's physical characteristics, and (c) his/her body movement and position (gestures, posture, touching, facial expressions, eye and vocal behavior) are explored alone and in conjunction with the total communication system to better understand how nonverbal behavior helps accomplish various communication goals (for example, closeness, identity, and deception). Students will be introduced to contemporary research studies as well as key works from the past to develop a theoretical perspective of the subject. Field experiments, observational studies, and classroom exercises are an integral part of the course and give students an opportunity to increase their sensitivity to messages communicated via nonverbal channels in a variety of natural settings.
230 Argumentation and Advocacy (Rhetorical track) 4 hours
Argumentation and advocacy are examined as reasoned discourse in formal and informal decision-making situations. An examination and evaluation of proofs, types and tests of evidence, proposition analysis, and their uses in the advocacy process. Students will assume the role of advocates in informal and formal contexts.
231 Rhetoric of International Speakers
(Rhetorical or Intercultural track) EW 3 hours
An exploration of the messages of international speakers as representatives of a global rhetorical environment. Students will examine selected international speakers through a problem-solving approach looking at each speaker’s rhetorical problem(s), the extrinsic and intrinsic factors affecting the discourse, and the rhetorical strategies employed to ameliorate rhetorical problem/s. Emphasis will be on examining each speaker as a product of his or her culture. Students will do a case study of a selected speaker.
232 Presidential Rhetoric (Rhetorical track) 3 hours
This course examines presidential discourse as reflected in speeches, interviews, letters, and press conferences. Students will learn a critical framework for analyzing this genre of discourse, and they will write a critical paper on a selected presidential rhetoric.
234 American Popular Culture (Mediated track) 3 hours
See Communication 244 for a description of this course. Also listed as English 234 and History 234.
238 Video Production I (Mediated track) 2 hours
This course involves the basic strategies of video production, which include pre-production planning, storyboarding, directing, producing, and postproduction of the program. Students will have experiences in the studio and field and develop an acquaintance with the elements of camera, sound, switcher, tilter, lighting, set construction and editing. These practical experiences will be linked to writing and copyrighting skills, along with the important issues of privacy and media responsibilities. The theoretical underpinnings for this course can be gained through a variety of disciplines, such as communication, theatre, and visual art. Permission of the instructor is required to ensure adequate preparation.
239 Video Production II (Mediated track) 2 hours
This course builds on the first production course and requires the student to work independently or with a small group on a significant video project. This course will emphasize the complete development of an idea through conceptualization, visual representation, and critical review. This course assumes mastery of the basic concepts and skills from the first course into a well-integrated process and product. Prerequisite Communication 238.
240 Survey of Journalism (Mediated track) 4 hours
This course examines the contemporary professional journalistic field, particularly the areas of writing for media, design, layout, public relations and marketing. It provides students with practical experience and also an understanding of ethical and legal problems facing contemporary journalism. By examining the way First Amendment principles have translated in different political and social arenas, it also addresses how effectively journalism serves its various constituencies. Also listed as Writing 240.
241 Mass Media and Society (Mediated track) 3 hours
Discussions covering the evolution of print and electronic media systems in general and their impact on different kinds of societies are the central focus of the course. Audience insights will be an important part of this exercise. Press freedom, a key component of many political systems, will also be evaluated. Students will be required to analyze media content and audience responses in research papers that address these issues. Some discussion of research methodology will therefore be conducted.
242 Television: Medium and Its Messages (Mediated track) 3 hours
Television is addressed as a cultural icon which, for better or for worse, influences the social, economic and political order in significant ways. The course examines ways in which institutional aspects of communication systems do this, especially in contemporary America. It also examines how reality is established on television and the impact of such realism on diverse audiences. Finally, using case studies, it addresses how new technological advances are redefining these sets of relationships.
243 Photojournalism (Mediated track) 4 hours
This course will examine photography as it pertains to journalism, publication and communication. The emphasis will be on using still images, individually and in groups to effectively and concisely communicate ideas, emotions and information.
Students must have a working knowledge of the basic photographic process and of their photographic equipment as this class will assume that you already know how to prepare digital images. A digital camera, preferably with 3 or more megapixels of resolution, with the option for manual control will also be required. It is recommended that the camera have the ability to cover a range of focal lengths (either through zoom or a change of lenses). Some practical experience with photography would be helpful (i.e. yearbook, school newspaper, etc.) but is not required.
244 American Popular Culture (Mediated track) 4 hours
In the United States, as in all other societies, ordinary people use the objects and symbols available to them to make sense of their lives. This course explores the ways in which different groups of Americans have produced and consumed a widely disseminated and widely shared culture since the mid-19th century. Students will examine the theoretical debates that revolve around the concepts of popular culture, mass culture, high culture, and ideological hegemony. Using methods drawn from history and other disciplines, the course will examine different forms of popular culture including advertising, literature, sports, radio, television, comics, magazines, theater, and movies. A revised version of this course is offered for three credit hours as Communication 234. A student may receive credit for only one of these two courses. Also listed as English 244 and History 244.
245 Public Relations (Mediated track) 3 hours
This course will introduce the student to how public relations function in corporations, government and other institutions and provide an overview of many facets of public relations: its history, development, practice, and application. We will also look at the process of public relations, including the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public relations campaigns, survey techniques, strategies, tactics used by public relations practitioners and analysis of case studies.
246 Sports Journalism (Mediated track) 3 hours
This course is an overview of sports journalism and includes the study of story development from a single idea to a published story in the field of sport. This course examines the various elements necessary to bring a sporting event from the playing field to the public through the print media. Topics include types of print media, the role of sports department personnel, coverage of the sporting event, developing contracts, gaining access to sports figures, interviewing, and story development. The course focuses on developing effective writing skills by approaching sports writing as a process. Also listed as Writing 246.
247 Media Relations in Sport Administration (Mediated track) 3 hours
The course examines sports information from the perspective of the individuals who are responsible within the formal organization from the management of the relationship between the athletic activity and the media. Administration of the media relationship and roles of the Sports Information Director, Athletic Director, coaches, and owners of private athletic facilities are examined. Students will develop skills in writing news releases, conducting news conferences, developing publicity and advertising, and game management.
248 Media and Multiculturalism
(Mediated or Intercultural track) EW 4 hours
In a world pervaded by communications technologies, many of our perceptions about current affairs, others, and social realities are based on the type of information provided to us by the media. One result of this situation is that we witness the rise of different trends of in and out of group consciousness. For the first time in the history of humankind, groups and individuals began to see themselves from outside as well as from inside. While many social groups have started to take a renewed pride in their social identity, other social groups exercised a feeling of guilt about past history, some took advanced steps in their pursuit for full equality. This course will initiate a critical exploration of representations and misrepresentations in the media of women, African-American, native-American, Hispanics, and other traditionally under represented groups.
249 Principles of Advertising (Mediated track) 3 hours
This course is designed to introduce students to the theory and application of creativity in advertising. Based on the idea that good advertising always starts with an understanding of people and an awareness of their needs, this course moves through the creative process step by step, focusing first on the creative person, then on to strategy and problem solving. It covers a range of topics including the nature of creativity, the history of advertising creativity and the application of creative strategy to various media. Students will also learn how advertising is evolved and regulated and learn key social issues and consumer problems with advertising. The emphasis throughout the course is on developing good advertising based on solid strategic thinking, and students will be required to write, design and present original advertisements and critique various advertisements.
250 Communication Between Cultures (Intercultural track) 3 hours
Communication channels carry our symbolic universe, create our perceptions of reality, and act as sources of influence. This course will include an examination of international and national, as well as private and public channels of communication. The emphasis will be on the effects of changing communication patterns and strategies on family structures, institutional structures, personal identity, belief systems, and cultural values. The course will examine the reciprocal nature of communication and will stress the interplay between individuals and their cultures. Different countries and cultures will be the focus in different years the course will be offered.
252 The English Language: A Linguistic Introduction
(Intercultural track) 3 hours
See Communication 254 for a description of this course. Also listed as English 252.
254 The English Language: A Linguistic Introduction
(Intercultural track) 4 hours
This course traces the historical development of the English language from its Indo-European origins down to present day U.S. speech, with a special emphasis on the various contemporary American dialects. In studying this long evolution of our native tongue, students will be introduced to modern linguistic techniques and terminology. Some fieldwork in local dialects will be required. A revised version of this course is offered for three credit hours as Communication 252. A student may receive credit for only one of these courses. Also listed as English 254.
280 Special Topics in Communication: Seminar 1 - 4 hours
281 Independent Study 1 - 4 hours
298 Field Experience 1 - 4 hours
Field Experience allows a student the opportunity to examine one or more professional communication fields through observation, interview, shadowing. This may entail some professional work on behalf of the student, but is determined by the cooperating organization and the faculty supervisor. This is designed for career exploration. Generally, a student would complete 30 to 40 hours of professional commitment for each hour of academic credit, along with an analysis paper.
300 Human Communication Theory 4 hours
A body of scientific and humanistic theories that provide understanding of the human communication process is examined. The course starts with a discussion of theory and evaluative criteria, then moves to an identification of the nature of communication theory, both thematic and contextual theories, and concludes with an assessment of the status of communication theory. Prerequisite: Communication 101.
324 Gender Communication (Relational or Intercultural track) 3 hours
This course is concerned with the communication “about” and “between” men and women. “About” involves how the sexes are discussed, referred to, or depicted both verbally and nonverbally. “Between” is the interpersonal dimension. More specific topics include the social construction of gender and the influence of gender on: self perceptions, self disclosure, language usage, nonverbal communication, mass media, intimacy, friendship, and professional relationships.
326 Persuasion and Attitude Change (Relational track) 4 hours
This course focuses on the interaction of attitudes and verbal communication process emphasizing recent experimental studies dealing with source, message, receiver and environmental variables. Additionally, specific persuasive situations such as bargaining, negotiations, trial processes, marketing and political campaigns are examined. A research paper on an aspect of persuasion theory and recent experiments is required. Also listed as Management 326.
332 The Rhetorical Tradition (Rhetorical track) EW 4 hours
An examination of the nature of rhetoric as it has developed as a human problem-solving process from the 5th Century B.C. to the present. Students will explore the contributions of major rhetorical figures from the Classical Period through the 20th Century with an emphasis on rhetoric as a cultural artifact that evolves from the political, philosophical, and social background of the times. The ethical dimension of rhetoric is stressed throughout. Applications will be made to contemporary examples. Students will engage in experiential learning through the re-enactment of a Roman banquet.
333 Rhetorical Criticism (Rhetorical track) 4 hours
An examination of the nature and practice of rhetorical criticism as theory and methodology for understanding and critiquing contemporary discourse. The tools of rhetorical criticism, different methodological approaches, and the values of analyzing human discourse are explored. Students will do five critiques from a broad variety of contemporary discourse including speeches, essays, letters, editorials, theater, television, film, and other symbolic contexts of their choosing. Also listed as Writing 333.
334 The Rhetoric of Social Movements (Rhetorical track) 4 hours
The role of rhetoric in the political context is studied as it has been demonstrated in the major social movements of the 20th Century. Students will examine movement stages, movement organization, movement leadership, and movement use of communication channels as expressed through different kinds of rhetorical messages. The role of rhetoric in conflict-resolution will be examined through case studies of the resolution of the Arab-Israeli and the South African conflicts. Students will research a social movement of their choosing.
345 Writing for Publication (Mediated track) 3 hours
A critical survey of modes and styles in contemporary publications is offered. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical and analytical skills in assessment of manuscripts, as well as on improving research and interview techniques. Instruction will be provided about such issues as copyediting, marketing, agents, working with editors, and assembling feature-length or book-length texts. Students will contact publishers concerning article needs and editorial guidelines to enlarge their understanding of the appreciation for the standards and expectations of publishers. Prerequisite: Communications 240 or permission of instructor. Also listed as Writing 345.
353 Intercultural Health Care Communications
(Intercultural track) 3 hours
As the United States has become a culturally diverse nation, the need for knowledge and sensitivity about different cultures in health care settings has become crucial. Cultural beliefs about disease and health are closely intertwined with the belief about religion, life and death, and even gender and child-rearing. The interconnectedness between cultural belief systems and communication is the focus of this course. Students will learn both culture-general and culture-specific concepts to achieve the goal of greater knowledge, awareness, and understanding of intercultural health care.
356 Global Communication and Human Rights
(Intercultural track) 4 hours
In recent years, world capitalism has become increasingly reliant on communication technology and information flows to remain operational. This course assesses the impact of such developments on freedom and liberty using human rights principles and legal precedents as an essential yardstick. Students will be expected to participate actively in debates, simulations and written assignments.
381 Special Topics in Communication 1 - 4 hours
Special topics focusing on specific areas within the broad realm of human communication will be offered each year. Topics will vary depending upon the currency of the subject matter and expertise of the faculty. Offered on a rotating basis, topics in Rhetoric, Communication and Mass Media will provide an opportunity for students to examine contemporary issues and research methods. A prerequisite and/or permission may be required for some topics.
470 Research Methodologies 3 hours
This course is a study of qualitative and quantitative methodologies used in Communication research. The following are some of the humanistic and scientific methods used in the discipline: rhetorical criticism, historical-critical analysis, content analysis, experimental research design, interviewing and surveying. Students will be expected to understand each methodology and select one that will approximately answer their research question for their senior project. Students will prepare a research prospectus starting with an original question, extensive scholarly literature review, hypotheses generation and a proposed research methodology to answer their question. The actual research will be carried out during the Senior Seminar.
480 Senior Seminar Research 3 hours
Students complete their original year-long research project and present their findings in both written and oral forms; this task highlights their development as communication scholars.
481 Independent Research 1 - 4 hours
490 Senior Seminar Readings 2 hours
A comprehensive examination of the disciplines recent significant or historical exemplary research is undertaken to acquaint all majors with important aspects of each field within the discipline. Major areas include interpersonal, group, organizational, nonverbal communication, rhetoric, public address, mass media and journalism. Ethical issues of the discipline will also be considered, particularly a discussion of the significance of choice, moral obligations, truth and honesty in communication.
498 Internship 1 - 4 hours
An internship can bring a specific focus to the study of communication that is not available in the traditional educational environment of a classroom or library. Students with a junior or senior status and with completion of six courses in communication may apply for an internship at a cooperating communication-related business for professional field-work experience and directed research or project. The student’s study-employment is jointly supervised by a faculty member and the employer. Internships can be arranged in professions such as journalism, public relations, and mass media. For each hour of academic credit, 40 hours of professional work experience must be completed. Additional requirements include a daily log of professional activities, a research paper connecting the theoretical learning to the practical work experience, and a written evaluation by the cooperating professional supervisor in the communication field.
Communication One Hour Experiential Courses
620 Radio Broadcast Techniques 1 hour
Students will be involved with WHRM, the campus’ carrier current station. Credit for this experiential learning is gained by completing the following tasks: (1) passing as FCC rule test; (2) producing a 3 hour program for 8 weeks, which means 20-30 hours of work experience; (3) completing two of three options: (a) making an audition tape of 5 minutes, (b) creating a public service announcement or commercial, (c) doing four newscasts. Pass/No credit.
621 Radio Station Management 1 hour
Students will be involved with WHRM, the campus’ carrier current station. Credit for this experiential learning is gained by completing the following tasks: (1) working 20-30 hours; and (2) demonstrating mastery of one major area of station responsibility, such as music, news, sports, special events, public affairs. Prerequisite: Communication 620. Pass/No credit.
630 Newspaper Techniques 1 hour
Students will be involved with the Advance, the campus’ student newspaper. Credit for this experiential learning is gained by completing the following tasks: (1) passing a test on A.P. style and editing marks; (2) working 20-30 hours; (3) completing one of three options: (a) writing and submitting three articles, (b) submitting three photographs of three events, (c) serving as the newspaper’s liaison to a campus organization for one term. Pass/No credit.
631 Yearbook Techniques 1 hour
Students will be involved with the Spider Web, the campus student yearbook. Credit for this experiential learning is gained by completing the following tasks: (1) passing a test on layout and design requirements, (2) working 20-30 hours; (3) completing two of four options: (a) scheduling and/or taking photographs for one section of the yearbook, (b) writing one feature story, (c) doing the layout for one section of the yearbook, (d) doing the scheduling or publicity for one term. Pass/No credit.
632 Print Media Management 1 hour
Students will be involved with the Advance, the campus’ student newspaper, or the Spider Web, the campus’ student yearbook. Credit for this experiential learning is gained by completing the following tasks: (1) working 20-30 hours; and (2) demonstrating mastery of one major area of print media responsibility, such as editing, layout, advertising, photography. Prerequisite: Communication 630 or 631. Pass/No credit.