Communication Arts
Chairperson: Robert Lyons, S.J.
Associate Professors: S. English, J. Hofland, R. Lyons, S.J., C. McMahon, T. Miller, T. Osborne, B. Russo
Assistant Professors: E. Davis, A. Corey, R. Prindle
Sr. Lecturers: E. Dorsey, J. Fitzsimmons, G. Frappier, D. Garrity,
Lecturers: J. Kafentzis, S. Ostersmith, F. Slak, K. Morehouse
The communication process constitutes the fabric of human society. This relational process is woven into personal, community, business, artistic, and religious life - and into the dialogue among the cultures and nations of the world.
Critical examination of this process describes, interprets, and evaluates these relationships. As faculty in the Department of Communication Arts, we seek to assist students in becoming effective, creative, and ethically responsible communicators who can understand theoretical choices and design, express, interpret, and critically evaluate oral, written, nonverbal, and electronically mediated messages.
Communication, as an academic discipline, draws upon the humanities, the social and natural sciences, and the professions. The curriculum is both conceptual and applied. Courses prepare for an in-depth exploration of one or more areas of inquiry. Bachelor of Arts degrees are offered in these areas:
- 1) Applied Communication Studies.
- 2) Broadcast and Electronic Media Studies.
- 3) Journalism.
- 4) Public Relations.
- 5) Theatre Arts.
Additionally, we offer a minor in advertising that is jointly taught by communication arts and marketing faculty. The pedagogy combines lecture, seminar, production, and performance. The intent of our program is to guide students toward academic excellence and realistic career goals. Communication arts at Gonzaga reflects the Catholic, Jesuit character and liberal arts tradition of the institution.
Internships may be taken at television stations, newspapers, magazines, online outlets, public relations and marketing firms, as well as profit and non-profit agencies. There are service-learning components in applied communication, public relations and theatre courses. Students can serve on the campus newspaper, The Bulletin, in theatre productions, with GUTV, or at KAGU-FM, Gonzaga's radio station. In addition, some classes develop newsletters and magazines. The curriculum is supported by video and photography labs and Magnuson Theatre, along with a computer lab for research on the Internet, graphic design or editing copy and video production.
Lambda Pi Eta is the National Communication Honor Society for outstanding students in any of the Communication Arts. Membership in Iota Rho, the campus chapter, is limited to third-year and fourth-year students who have demonstrated high academic achievement, leadership and service, and a commitment to the discipline of communication.
Communication Arts Department Core:
Majors within the Communication Arts Department are required to complete the Communication Arts Department Core:
| COMM 101 Mass Communication (except Theatre) |
3 credits |
*Note: No upper-division courses may be applied to two separate majors and/or minors within the Department of Communication Arts. Students may not double major within the department. Students may not minor in the department if they are majoring in one of the department areas.
Applied Communication Studies
Director: TBA
The Applied Communication Studies major combines the classical liberal arts tradition of rhetoric with contemporary trends in speech communication with special emphasis on organizational studies and leadership. The major is founded on the Jesuit ideal of producing leaders who excel in Ars eloquentiae - the ability to communicate effectively in personal and professional settings. More specifically, the program serves students who plan to pursue a career in public service, non-profit administration, teaching, government, business or law. Faculty provide foundational courses for those who plan to attend graduate school in communication or related subjects. The major is a blend of the academic and the practical since it is designed to make students better communicators, not merely by developing interpersonal and public speaking skills but by having them understand the centrality of communication in the development of thought and culture.
All students are expected to have completed SPCO 101 (Introduction to Speech) in their first year or SPCO 102 if they are transfer students.
Applied Communication Studies includes a nationally successful intercollegiate debate program situated and equipped in its own facility, the Conway House.
B.A. Major in Applied Communication Studies: 37 credits |
|
| Lower Division | |
| COMM 101 Introduction to Mass Communication | 3 credits |
| JOUR 110 Introduction to Journalistic Writing | 3 credits |
| Upper Division | |
| COMM 305 Communication Theory and Research | 3 credits |
| One of the following two courses: COMM 375 Communication Training and Consulting COMM 475 Organizational Communication |
3 credits |
| COMM 418 Intercultural and International Communication* | 3 credits |
| SPCO 321 Advanced Public Speaking | 3 credits |
| SPCO 356 Persuasion | 3 credits |
| SPCO 400 Nonverbal Communication | 3 credits |
| SPCO 401 Communication and Leadership | 3 credits |
| SPCO 453 Interpersonal and Small Group Communication | 3 credits |
| SPCO 457 Communication Criticism | 3 credits |
| SPCO 497 Internship** | 2 credits |
| SPCO 489 Senior Communication Colloquium | 2 credits |
| *This course meets the College of Arts and Sciences Social Justice requirement. **Students who wish to go on to graduate school may substitute for this course in consultation with their advisor. |
|
Minor in Applied Communication Studies: 21 credits |
|
| Lower Division | |
| COMM 101 Introduction to Mass Communication | 3 credits |
| JOUR 110 Introduction to Journalistic Writing | 3 credits |
| Upper Division | |
| COMM 305 Communication Theory and Research | 3 credits |
| One of the following two courses: COMM 375 Communication Training and Consulting COMM 475 Organizational Communication |
3 credits |
| SPCO 401 Communication and Leadership | 3 credits |
| Two of the following three courses: COMM 418 Intercultural and International Communication SPCO 321 Advanced Public Speaking SPCO 453 Interpersonal and Small Group Communication |
6 credits |
Broadcast and Electronic Media Studies
Director: D. Garrity
The major in Broadcast and Electronic Media Studies prepares students for careers in radio, television and related communications fields in addition to providing a foundation for graduate work in the same areas. Students gain a theoretical appreciation of mass media, but are then challenged to apply their knowledge in live, original productions on KAGU radio and GUTV, the broadcast program’s television station. Majors are provided state-of-the-art non-linear technology with which to create programming, and brand new studios in which to perform. Broadcast and Electronic Media graduates are taught the ultimate goal of the program is for them to make a positive difference in the world with their newfound talents.
B.A. Major in Broadcast and Electronic Media Studies: 36 Credits |
|
| Lower Division | |
| COMM 101 Introduction to Mass Communication | 3 credits |
| BRCO 203 Fundamentals of Television Production | 3 credits |
| BRCO 204 Fundamentals of Audio Production | 3 credits |
| Upper Division | |
| JOUR 364 Media Law | 3 credits |
| BRCO 303 Intermediate Television Production | 3 credits |
| BRCO 370 Broadcast Journalism | 3 credits |
| BRCO 469 Advanced Television Production and Programming |
3 credits |
| BRCO 470 Broadcast Leadership | 3 credits |
| BRCO 481 TV & Social Justice | 3 credits |
| BRCO, COMM, JOUR, PRLS or THEA electives | 9 credits |
| BRCO 499 Comprehensive Exam | 0 credit |
Minor in Broadcast Studies: 21 Credits |
|
| Lower Division | |
| COMM 101 Introduction to Mass Communication | 3 credits |
| BRCO 203 Fundamental Television Production | 3 credits |
| Upper Division | |
| BRCO 303 Intermediate Television Production | 3 credits |
| BRCO 304-BRCO 494 Electives | 12 credits |
Journalism
Director: S. English
The Journalism major prepares students for careers in journalism or related occupations. The major focuses on reporting, writing, editing, and production for newspapers and magazines. Graduates of the journalism program often carry these skills into advertising or public relations, broadcast news, business, government, law and graduate schools, as well as into daily or weekly journalism.
The major blends practical experience, discussion of ethics, traditions and the nature of news, and theory. Work is carried on in the Journalism and Broadcast Center Lab. The program is integrated with the University’s liberal arts requirements, which are considered important ingredients of a journalist’s education at Gonzaga. Students are expected to make use of their liberal arts and professional education to become critical and creative contributors to journalism and civic life.
Most journalism students contribute to The Bulletin, the University’s student-produced weekly newspaper. But credits for Journalism 220 and 230 may also be given for work on other publications, or under certain circumstances even in other media. Those meeting the prerequisites are encouraged to complete an internship. Students are encouraged but not required to complete minors in other departments.
B.A. Major in Journalism: 36 Credits |
|
| Lower Division | |
| COMM 101 Introduction to Mass Communication | 3 credits |
| JOUR 110 Journalistic Writing | 3 credits |
| JOUR 210 News Reporting and Writing | 3 credits |
| JOUR 220 Journalism Reporting and Writing Lab |
1 credit |
| JOUR 230 Journalism Editing and Design Lab |
1 credit |
| JOUR 270 Principles of Photojournalism | 3 credits |
| JOUR 280 News Editing and Design | 3 credits |
| Upper Division | |
| JOUR 310 Public Affairs Reporting | 3 credits |
| JOUR 341 News Seminar | 3 credits |
| JOUR 353 History of Journalism | 3 credits |
| JOUR 364 Media Law | 3 credits |
| JOUR/BRCO - - - Electives | 6 credits |
| JOUR 499 Capstone Project |
1 credit |
Minor in Journalism: 25 Credits |
|
| Lower Division | |
| COMM 101 Introduction to Mass Communication | 3 credits |
| JOUR 110 Journalistic Writing | 3 credits |
| JOUR 210 News Reporting and Writing | 3 credits |
| JOUR 220 Journalism Reporting and Writing Lab | 1 credit |
| JOUR 270 Principles of Photojournalism | 3 credits |
| JOUR 280 News Editing and Design | 3 credits |
| Upper Division | |
| JOUR 364 Media Law | 3 credits |
| JOUR - - - Electives | 3 credits |
| JOUR/BRCO - - - Electives | 3 credits |
Public Relations
Director: R. Prindle
The public relations major is interdisciplinary in scope and writing intensive in design. The objective of the major is to provide students with a critical understanding of the symbolic, rhetorical behavior which creates and influences relationships between organizations and their public. Courses encourage the examination of practical and theoretical perspectives, historical developments, research methodology, legal applications and the expanding role of public relations in modern society. Students acquire skills in public speaking, reporting, and critical thinking.
A minor in Public Relations appeals to students majoring in a variety of other fields. Political Science majors may see the minor as a means to enhance their expertise and understanding of public communication and campaign development. Business students may use it in association with concentrations in finance, management, or marketing. Students majoring in English may use the minor to explore the dynamics of organizational advocacy and communicative strategy.
Theatre Arts
Director: TBA
Mission Statement
The Theatre Arts program at Gonzaga University is commit- ted to training and developing artists who confront the important issues of our lives through their engagement with the art forms of live theatre.
Gonzaga theatre arts provides disciplined training in both performance and technical theatre.
Students study and critically reflect on a broad range of literature, theatrical forms, and techniques in order to promote an active engagement with the foundations of our culture and to promote the formation of a character that reflects the faith and justice mission of Gonzaga University. The intended outcome of this study and reflection is to provide service to our audience and the broader community and to promote the search for social justice.
Our purpose is to serve young artists hoping to apply disciplined training and thoughtful work to a search for justice and the greater good of those around them.
