Communication
Faculty/Staff
Michael Agee, Chair; Alison Hill, Kyle Portbury, Glen Robinson
Adjunct: Danae Dolinsky-Songy, David Pollock, Landi Whitefield
Mission
The mission of Southwestern Adventist University’s Department of Communication is to prepare students to be effective Christian communicators. This includes developing skills in personal interaction, writing, speaking, creating media content, and managing the elements of communication technology. In addition, knowledge comes from learning about new forms of convergence and interaction in the areas of radio, television, film, journalism, advertising, public relations, and the Internet.
Aims of the Department
The aims of Southwestern Adventist University’s Department of Communication are to:
- Develop in students the essential skills necessary to enter careers in the communication field of their choice or to enter graduate school.
- Prepare students for executive responsibilities at some point in their careers.
- Establish a connection between communication and a relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Instill in students a desire for long-term growth in communication.
Facilities and Internships
Communication majors at Southwestern Adventist University choose one of the department’s three emphasis areas of study: Advertising & Public Relations (ADPR), Journalism (JOUR), or Radio-TV-Film (RTVF). The department also offers minors in both Communication and Speech. Many communication students acquire valuable training and experience at the following facilities on the campus:
- 88.3 The Journey, KJRN
- The Studios at Southwestern and KGSW TV 18.1
- The Communication Mac Lab
Our Communication Department encourages all upper division majors to complete an off-campus internship in their major emphasis. Even before graduation, and sometimes as a direct result of communication internship positions, many of our majors are hired by these firms, and communication alumni from Southwestern who have continued their education through graduate school have done so very successfully.
Department Policies
Withdrawing from or Repeating Courses
Communication majors or minors may withdraw from or repeat a course in their area of emphasis or minor only one time.
Multiple Communication Majors/Minors
A student cannot earn either two communication majors or both a communication major and minor in different emphasis areas. This is because there are similar core course requirements and because career preparation in two academic fields is preferable to only one.
Communication Competencies
Competence in both oral and written communication is required for progress in each of the emphases and minors offered by the department. Competence in oral communication is considered to be the completion of required Speech performance courses with a grade of C- or above.
Writing is a major component of upper division communication courses. The department requires all students to have passed ENGL 220 Research Writing or its equivalent before enrolling in any upper division course.
Communication Programs
B.A. in Communication
- Advertising and PR emphasis
- Journalism emphasis
- Radio-TV-Film emphasis
B.S. in Communication
- Advertising and PR emphasis
- Journalism emphasis
- Radio-TV-Film emphasis
Minors in Advertising and PR, Communication, Journalism, Radio-TV-Film, and Speech.
Communication, B.A. Advertising and PR emphasis
| COMM 110 | Communication Media | 3 |
| COMM 115 | Discussion Techniques or | |
| COMM 137 | Media Techniques | 3 |
| COMM 127 | Photo and Graphic Editing | 3 |
| COMM 224 | Photography | 3 |
| COMM 241 | Public Relations | 3 |
| COMM 261 | Reporting I | 3 |
| COMM 335 | Persuasion or | |
| COMM 343 | Visual Communication | 3 |
| COMM 351 | Advertising | 3 |
| COMM 431 | Media Law and Ethics or | |
| COMM 451 | Communication Theory | 3 |
| COMM 442 | Applied Advertising and PR | 3 |
| COMM 481 | Senior Portfolio Seminar | 1 |
| Total: | 31 |
Communication, B.A. Journalism emphasis
| COMM 110 | Communication Media | 3 |
| COMM 112 | Announcing or | |
| COMM 127 | Photo and Graphic Editing | 3 |
| COMM 137 | Media Techniques | 3 |
| COMM 224 | Photography | 3 |
| COMM 261 | Reporting I | 3 |
| COMM 335 | Persuasion or | |
| COMM 343 | Visual Communication | 3 |
| COMM 361 | Reporting II | 3 |
| COMM 383 | Editorial Techniques | 3 |
| COMM 422 | Writing for Publication | 3 |
| COMM 431 | Media Law and Ethics or | |
| COMM 451 | Communication Theory | 3 |
| COMM 481 | Senior Portfolio Seminar | 1 |
| Total: | 31 |
Communication, B.A. Radio-TV-Film emphasis
| COMM 110 | Communication Media | 3 |
| COMM 112 | Announcing | 3 |
| COMM 125 | Audio Production or | |
| COMM 224 | Photography | 3 |
| COMM 137 | Media Techniques | 3 |
| COMM 237 | Video Production I | 3 |
| COMM 261 | Reporting I | 3 |
| COMM 335 | Persuasion or | |
| COMM 343 | Visual Communication | 3 |
| COMM 355 | Understanding Film | 3 |
| COMM 361 | Reporting II | 3 |
| COMM 431 | Media Law and Ethics or | |
| COMM 451 | Communication Theory | 3 |
| COMM 481 | Senior Portfolio Seminar | 1 |
| Total: | 31 |
Communication, B.S. Advertising and PR emphasis
| COMM 110 | Communication Media | 3 |
| COMM 115 | Discussion Techniques | 3 |
| COMM 127 | Photo and Graphic Editing | 3 |
| COMM 137 | Media Techniques | 3 |
| COMM 224 | Photography | 3 |
| COMM 233 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMM 241 | Public Relations | 3 |
| COMM 261 | Reporting I | 3 |
| COMM 335 | Persuasion | 3 |
| COMM 343 | Visual Communication | 3 |
| COMM 351 | Advertising | 3 |
| COMM 361 | Reporting II | 3 |
| COMM 381 | Development | 3 |
| COMM 431 | Media Law and Ethics | 3 |
| COMM 442 | Applied Advertising and PR | 3 |
| COMM 451 | Communication Theory | 3 |
| COMM 481 | Senior Portfolio Seminar | 1 |
| Total: | 49 |
Communication, B.S. Journalism emphasis
| COMM 110 | Communication Media | 3 |
| COMM 112 | Announcing | 3 |
| COMM 127 | Photo and Graphic Editing | 3 |
| COMM 137 | Media Techniques | 3 |
| COMM 224 | Photography | 3 |
| COMM 241 | Public Relations | 3 |
| COMM 247 | Publication Design | 3 |
| COMM 261 | Reporting I | 3 |
| COMM 335 | Persuasion | 3 |
| COMM 343 | Visual Communication | 3 |
| COMM 361 | Reporting II | 3 |
| COMM 383 | Editorial Techniques | 3 |
| COMM 422 | Writing for Publication | 3 |
| COMM 431 | Media Law and Ethics | 3 |
| COMM 451 | Communication Theory | 3 |
| COMM 461 | Reporting III | 3 |
| COMM 481 | Senior Portfolio Seminar | 1 |
| Total: | 49 |
Communication, B.S. Radio-TV-Film emphasis
| COMM 110 | Communication Media | 3 |
| COMM 112 | Announcing | 3 |
| COMM 125 | Audio Production | 3 |
| COMM 127 | Photo and Graphic Editing | 3 |
| COMM 137 | Media Techniques | 3 |
| COMM 224 | Photography | 3 |
| COMM 237 | Video Production I | 3 |
| COMM 261 | Reporting I | 3 |
| COMM 332 | Electronic Media Management | 3 |
| COMM 335 | Persuasion | 3 |
| COMM 337 | Video Production II or | |
| COMM 437 | Film Production | 3 |
| COMM 343 | Visual Communication | 3 |
| COMM 355 | Understanding Film | 3 |
| COMM 361 | Reporting II | 3 |
| COMM 431 | Media Law and Ethics | 3 |
| COMM 451 | Communication Theory | 3 |
| COMM 481 | Senior Portfolio Seminar | 1 |
| Total: | 49 |
Minor in Advertising and PR
| COMM 110 | Communication Media | 3 |
| COMM 137 | Media Techniques | 3 |
| COMM 241 | Public Relations | 3 |
| COMM 261 | Reporting I | 3 |
| COMM 351 | Advertising | 3 |
| COMM 442 | Applied Advertising and PR | 3 |
| Total: | 18 |
Minor in Communication
| COMM 110 | Communication Media | 3 |
| COMM 137 | Media Techniques | 3 |
| COMM 261 | Reporting I | 3 |
| COMM 335 | Persuasion | 3 |
| COMM 343 | Visual Communication | 3 |
| COMM 451 | Communication Theory | 3 |
| Total: | 18 |
Minor in Journalism
| COMM 110 | Communication Media | 3 |
| COMM 137 | Media Techniques | 3 |
| COMM 224 | Photography | 3 |
| COMM 261 | Reporting I | 3 |
| COMM 361 | Reporting II | 3 |
| COMM 422 | Writing for Publication | 3 |
| Total: | 18 |
Minor in Radio-TV-Film
| COMM 110 | Communication Media | 3 |
| COMM 137 | Media Techniques | 3 |
| COMM 224 | Photography | 3 |
| COMM 237 | Video Production I | 3 |
| COMM 332 | Electronic Media Management | 3 |
| COMM 451 | Communication Theory | 3 |
| Total: | 18 |
Minor in Speech
| COMM 111 | Speech | 3 |
| COMM 113 | Oral Interpretation | 3 |
| COMM 115 | Discussion Techniques | 3 |
| COMM 233 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMM 335 | Persuasion | 3 |
| COMM 451 | Communication Theory | 3 |
| Total: | 18 |
Teaching Certification Program
The student must make formal application for admittance to the Teacher Education Program. Applications are available at the Education Department office.
Communication, B.A. or B.S., emphasis in Journalism - Secondary Teaching Area
The student must meet the requirements for a B.A. or B.S. degree in Communication - Journalism Emphasis.
Communication Courses
COMM 110 - Communication Media (3 hours)
An historical and critical survey of the role played by communication media in shaping culture. Media examined include books; newspapers; magazines; film; radio, recording, and popular music; television, cable, and mobile video; video games; and the Internet and World Wide Web. Also examined are the supporting industries of public relations and advertising, as well as theories and effects of mass communication; media freedom, regulation, and ethics; and global media. Attention is given throughout to improving students’ media literacy. (Fall)
COMM 111 - Speech (3 hours)
Theoretical and practical instruction in the principles of effective oral communication, with a concern for its importance in a democratic society. Emphasis is placed on content, organization, speaker attitudes, critical listening, audience analysis, and delivery. (Fall, Spring)
COMM 112 - Announcing (3 hours)
Introduces the student to contemporary announcing techniques, especially for radio and television, but also for other media. Emphasis is given to interpretation of copy, audio and video performance, voice analysis and improvement, interviewing techniques, pronunciation and articulation, and general speech improvement. Some attention is also given to ad-lib announcing, as well as news, music, and sports announcing. (Spring)
COMM 113 - Oral Interpretation (3 hours)
Introduction to and experience in discovering the meaning in literature and effectively sharing this meaning through oral presentations. A variety of readings will be selected from scripture, poetry, prose, and drama. (Spring, odd years)
COMM 115 - Discussion Techniques (3 hours)
A study of the democratic methods used to solve problems and conduct business in various kinds of group organizations. Includes a number of traditional face-to-face group activities as well as individual presentations. (Spring, even years)
COMM 125 - Audio Production (3 hours)
An introduction to recording and manipulating sound, this course includes segments on sound behavior, equipment and software used for recording and manipulating sounds for broadcast, video, and film; signal processing, editing, and mixing. Supplies fee. (Fall)
COMM 127 - Photo and Graphic Editing (3 hours)
In this course, students will learn how to create and manipulate digital images captured from a camera, a scanner, or from scratch. Students will acquire the ability to manipulate and enhance digital images through the use of selection tools, image adjustments, filters, and blending modes. Supplies fee. (Fall)
COMM 137 - Media Techniques (3 hours)
This course is an introduction to the digital technologies and techniques applied to create contemporary media content. Hands-on video and audio projects will expose students to the basic methods and procedures of creating content for digital media, including broadcast, the Web, DVDs, presentations, and mobile devices. Supplies fee. (Spring)
COMM 224 - Photography (3 hours)
Prerequisite: Permission of department
Introduces the basic tools, materials, and techniques of digital photography. Assignments are designed to develop skill in camera operation, composition, and editing and printing the digital photograph. The student must furnish a digital camera capable of creating RAW format files. Supplies fee. (Spring)
COMM 233 - Interpersonal Communication (3 hours)
Cognitive and experiential learning about interpersonal relationships. Students acquire insights about themselves and how they relate to others. Includes a segment on online social networks. (Spring, odd years)
COMM 237 - Video Production I (3 hours)
This course introduces students to basic shooting and editing techniques used by video professionals. Hands-on experience will provide learning opportunities in operating a camera, as well as using both lighting and audio equipment. Students will also learn key editing techniques to create professional-quality story segments used in news, magazine shows, and documentaries. Supplies fee. (Fall)
COMM 241 - Public Relations (3 hours)
A course dealing with definitions, basic objectives, and concepts of public relations. Attention is given to the role of public relations, research for public relations, publics and target audiences, communication concepts and channels, campaigns, and the legal and ethical environment of public relations. (Also taught as MKTG 241.) (Fall)
COMM 261 - Reporting I (3 hours)
This course teaches future communication professionals how to write and communicate confidently across multiple platforms. In addition to learning the basic reporting and interviewing skills needed for all media, students will learn how to repurpose broadcast and print news for the Internet. Students will also be introduced to the research skills used in the field of communication, and begin the process of senior portfolio development. Prerequisite: ENGL 121 (grade C- or above). (Fall)
COMM 291 - Selected Topics (1 hour)
Prerequisite: Permission of department chair
This course offers the lower-division student opportunity to pursue investigations in fields of special interest under the direction of the departmental staff. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 2 credits.
COMM 332 - Electronic Media Management (3 hours)
An advanced study of the management of media organizations, this course includes segments on historical and contemporary management theory, ethics in management, financial and human resources, promotion and marketing, programming, and regulation. (Fall, even years)
COMM 335 - Persuasion (3 hours)
A study and practice of the principles and techniques involved in persuasion. Elements include the psychology of persuasion; the relation of persuasion to imaging, advertising, and propaganda; and the role of persuasion in a free society. Students will demonstrate what they have learned by applying it to a persuasive campaign project of their own making during the semester. (Spring)
COMM 337 - Video Production II (3 hours)
Prerequisite: COMM 237 or permission of instructor
This course will expose students to advanced shooting and editing techniques, including multi-camera production. Students will be required to shoot and edit story segments for a live, multi-camera show produced several times during the semester. Supplies fee. (Spring, odd years)
COMM 343 - Visual Communication (3 hours)
A study of visual rhetoric, specifically the relationship between images and the messages they convey. The course will survey images in all areas of modern mass communication, including advertising, public relations, journalism, graphic design, photography, motion pictures, television and video, and the World Wide Web. (Fall)
COMM 351 - Advertising (3 hours)
This course studies the role of advertising in society, its impact on the economy, its function in business and marketing, and its communication aspects, including media applications. Attention is given to social, legal, and ethical considerations; the business of advertising; consumer behavior; and creative strategies and processes. (Also taught as MKTG 351.) (Spring)
COMM 355 - Understanding Film (3 hours)
A study of film, including the medium’s history and the development of cinema structure within social and cultural contexts. Elements include photography, movement, editing, sound, acting, drama, story, writing, ideology, and critique. Viewing and analysis of significant films in cinema history. 2 Lec 1 Lab. (Spring, even years)
COMM 361 - Reporting II (3 hours)
A continuation of COMM 261, this course teaches the student how to cover news stories in all situations and using multiple media. Study will include writing for today’s journalism, preparing content for multiple platforms, the history of photojournalism, editing and cropping, and ethical and legal issues. The student will refine his or her ability to write and photograph the news story, eventually covering and reporting the story while on the scene using audio, video, web, print and other media simultaneously. Students must supply their own digital camera. Supplies fee. Prerequisite: COMM 261. (Spring)
COMM 381 - Development (3 hours)
A study of fundraising and the philanthropic tradition and its role in the successful operation of nonprofit organizations. Attention is given to the techniques of producing fundraising proposals and campaigns directed to individuals, foundations, corporations, and other philanthropic organizations. (Fall, odd years)
COMM 383 - Editorial Techniques (3 hours)
Prerequisite: COMM 361 or permission of instructor.
This course emphasizes the principles and practices of copy preparation and editorial decision making. Elements include working with writers, a production staff, and deadlines, as well as headline writing, picture editing, writing photo captions, and editing copy for accuracy, newsworthiness, language effectiveness, legality, and good taste. Students will learn practical application through editorial responsibility for the Southwesterner, the campus news website. (Fall, even years)
COMM 422 - Writing for Publication (3 hours)
Prerequisite: COMM 361 or permission of instructor
A course dealing with newspaper and magazine features. Emphasis is placed on publishing articles in on- and off-campus publications. Extensive practice in writing various types of feature stories and in dealing with editors and deadlines. (Fall, odd years)
COMM 431 - Media Law and Ethics (3 hours)
A study of the major principles of media law and media-related ethical concerns. Emphasis is given to the most important court decisions and statutory enactments in communication law, including prior restraint, libel and slander, fair trial/free press conflicts, and the First Amendment. Attention is given to building a personal approach to ethics within the context of the individual’s relationships both with supervisors and with the public. (Spring, even years)
COMM 437 - Film Production (3 hours)
Prerequisite: COMM 237 or permission of instructor
In this course students will produce short films using advanced digital video methods, including 24-frame, single-camera filming techniques. Emphasis will be placed on producing, directing, and editing dramatic segments. Students will also have the opportunity to work with advanced post-production techniques, including color correction and sound sweetening of their projects. Supplies fee. (Spring, even years)
COMM 442 - Applied Advertising and Public Relations (3 hours)
This course uses team projects to teach the tools and techniques necessary to work in the fields of advertising and public relations. Advertising assignments may include, but are not limited to, image and identity, political advertising, jingles and slogans, campaigns for large and small companies, and demographic and psychographic research. Public relations assignments may include, but are not limited to, crisis management, special events, media relations, publications, and internal communications. (Fall, odd years)
COMM 451 - Communication Theory (3 hours)
This course presents the theoretical bases of interpersonal communication, group and public communication, mass communication, and communication in cultural contexts. Attention is given to the nature of inquiry and theory as well as several topics in communication theory, including interpersonal messages, cognitive processing, relationship development and maintenance, influence, group decision making, organizational communication, public rhetoric, media and culture, media effects, and intercultural and gender communication. There are ethical elements throughout the course as well as discussion integrating and relating the communication theories covered. (Spring, odd years)
COMM 461 - Reporting III (3 hours)
This capstone journalism class prepares the student for work as an investigative reporter or a serious magazine writer. The course focuses on the development of interviewing skills, learning to access police files, online research, access to data via the Freedom of Information Act, and collaborative team research. Writing is extensive. Prerequisite: COMM 361. (Fall, even years)
COMM 471 - Radio Internship (1-3 hours)
COMM 472 - Television Internship (1-3 hours)
COMM 473 - Journalism Internship (1-3 hours)
COMM 474 - Public Relations Internship (1-3 hours)
COMM 475 - Advertising Internship (1-3 hours)
Prerequisite: Permission of department chair and instructor
These internship courses offer the advanced student university credit for on-the-job, off-campus work in radio, television, journalism, public relations or advertising, under the joint direction of departmental staff and a supervisor at the organization or business selected. Ideally, the internship will occur the summer between the student’s junior and senior years.
COMM 481 - Senior Portfolio Seminar (1 hour)
In this course, communication majors will finalize the contents of their portfolios before graduation. Students will also complete their senior thesis in this course, pursuant to their specific capstone class. This course is required of all graduating communication majors and will be taken in their senior year. (Spring)
COMM 491 - Selected Topics (1 hour)
Prerequisite: Permission of department chair
This course offers the advanced student opportunity to pursue investigations in fields of special interest under the direction of departmental staff. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of two credits.