Communication Department

Major- Communication
Minor- Communication

For Course Offerings and Program Requirements see The Hiram College Catalog.

   1. Which courses are for first year students who wish to explore new areas of interest, but have no clear intent to major in this area?

      Students with an interest in Communication are advised to take Communication 101: Foundations of Communication or Communication 220: Interpersonal Communication as introductory courses. For those interested in journalism, Communication 210: Survey of Journalism would be an option. Students may also enroll in any Communication course that does not have a prerequisite.
   2. What is the desirable course work a prospective major/minor should complete by the end of their first year and the end of their second year?

      Majors: Students interested in pursuing a Communication major should have completed Communication 101 by the end of their first year. The First Year Seminar, “Voices Through the Ages” can be counted as Communication 101. It is recommended that students enroll in other Communication courses as well.

      Minors: Students who wish to complete a Communication minor should also take either “Voices Through the Ages” or Communication 101 before pursuing other Communication courses. Enrollment in additional Communication courses is also recommended.

      Both majors and minors should have completed Communication 300: Communication Theory by the end of their third year (this course is only offered in alternate years). Prospective majors/minors should not enroll in both the First Year Seminar: Voices Through the Ages and Communication 101: Foundations of Communication
   3. What is the minimum a prospective major/minor must do by the end of their first and second year?

      Majors: The recommendation in Question 2 above applies to the minimum expectations. However, it is possible for second year students to complete a major in Communication without having completed any Communication courses during the first year.

      Minors: The recommendation in Question 2 above applies to the minimum expectations.
   4. 4. How important is it for a student with some interest in majoring in your area to make contact with a member of your department?

      Students interested in becoming a Communication major/minor should contact a faculty member in the Communication Department during their first year, or as soon as their interest develops.
   5. 5. What are the major pitfalls a student should avoid during their first year and how can an advisor help the student to avoid them?

      Enrolling in both the First Year Seminar-Voices Through the Ages –and Communication 101-Foundations of Communication. The First Year Seminar-Voices Through the Ages-is a substitute for Communication 101.

      Not taking Communication 300 when it is available during the sophomore or ,b>interested in becoming either a major or minor should be aware that Communications 300-Communication Theory- is only offered in alternate years. All majors and minors are required to take this course.