Full-Time Faculty: Barbara J. Irwin, Chair, Barry Berlin, John S. Dahlberg, Benjamin J. Dunkle, Catherine Foster, Jamie O’Neil, Roseanne Hartman, Melissa B. Wanzer, Charles J. Wigley III.
The Communication Studies major is grounded firmly in the liberal arts tradition. The Communication Studies curriculum reflects, therefore, an equal interest in what is communicated within and between cultures and in how communication takes place in intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational and mass contexts. The department’s curriculum addresses three major facets of the academic study of communication: theory, criticism and production.
The program has two concurrent objectives: (1) To examine the dynamic nature of modern communication processes and technologies by emphasizing the theory, structure, function, value systems and effects of society’s communication institutions; and (2) To offer students a variety of opportunities to acquire professional knowledge and production competencies relevant to a diversity of careers in many communication-related fields.
Recognizing the need to prepare students for productive lives in a changing world, the department aims at educating its graduates to welcome change. Instead of focusing on preparation for specialized jobs that exist today but may not be viable in the future, the Communication Studies faculty provides the foundation on which to build meaningful roles in the contemporary world.
Admission
Prospective Communication Studies majors must have a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 2.00, including a minimum grade of C- in all communication courses taken to date. The performance of all majors is subject to review relative to their continuation in the program, using such criteria as academic record, demonstration of appropriate communication skills, co-curricular activity, interdisciplinary engagement and community involvement. Communication Studies majors select an academic sequence within the Communication major. They need at least 36 hours of communication courses (or 33 hours for dual majors) but are limited to a maximum of 54 hours in communication.
Communication Studies students who are dual majors and successfully complete 3 or more credit hours in Independent Study or Internships (COM 488, COM 498 or COM 499) are required to complete 30 hours of in-class credit in order to complete the Communication Studies major (i.e., not 33 or 36 in-class hours).
A minimum overall average of 2.00 in all communication coursework is required of all Communication Studies majors in order to be certified for graduation.
Communication Studies Curriculum:
Recommended Schedule:
Digital Media Arts Degree Program
The Communication Studies Department offers a second undergraduate degree in Digital Media Arts. For further details, please refer to the subsequent section.
Additional Information
The Communication Studies major at Canisius College is based on coursework tailored toward three main areas: Advertising/Public Relations, Interpersonal/ Organizational Communication and Journalism/Media Studies.
Facilities
Four computer labs, digital video editing stations, an audio/music production studio and a television studio/control room are available for student use in Lyons Hall.
The Lyons Hall third-floor Mac Lab, in Lyons 312, features 26 Macintosh G5 iMac Flat Panel computers with DVD-RW drives, laser printer and one Power Macintosh G4 tower with scanner and multimedia card reader. Software available includes Adobe CS3 (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks), Apple iLife, Quark Express, Protools LE, After Effects 6.5, Cinema 4D. A scanner and a laser printer flank the room. A touch screen in an instructor’s bunker controls a VCR, DVD player and an Elmo documentation presentation system. Ports for plug-and-go setups, such as laptops and laserdisc players, are built into the bunker.
A web and imaging lab in Lyons 325, provides five Macintosh G5 iMac Flat Panel computers with DVD-RW drives, a Quad-Processor Powermac G5, a Gateway Profile running Windows XP, two scanners, three drawing tablets and a large format color inkjet printer. Software is identical to the software in LY 312.
The digital imaging lab, which is maintained by the Media Center in Lyons 413, houses: three Final Cut Pro non-linear editing stations (MAC); three i-movie non-linear editing workstations (MAC); three iMac computers for still imaging (MAC); one scanner workstation (MAC); one laser printer; one audio editing workstation featuring Digital Performer, GarageBand & ProTools LE (MAC) and an audio production studio.
An additional lab, Lyons 122, features 15 20" Intel-based Imacs running Mac OS 10.4 and Windows XP, a laser printer and a scanner. Software includes Maya and Final Cut Pro. This computer lab is primarily used for advanced Digital Media Arts electives.
A design production lab in Lyons 328, features a 17" wide large format printer, a color laser printer and mounting resources for presentations of printed digital work.
In the Media Center on the fourth floor of Lyons Hall, a 26' x 30' television studio features a hard cyclorama, lighting grid with dimmer control and three digital studio video cameras. The control room has custom-built consoles to house the digital video switcher with special effects, a 16-channel audio mixing board, teleprompter, DAT audio recorder, character generator and an intercom/FB system. The digital video-mastering format is DVCAM with BetaCam SP, S-VHS and Hi-8 video transports. Four equipment racks and consoles house the audio/video distribution, including patch panels and routers. The studio also has the capability to send video to the campus cable RF video system. The college’s Media Center provides the TV studio’s operational support.
Across from the TV studio, a screening room provides comfortable tiered seating, a video and DVD projector, as well as a professional sound system.
Students can also sign out equipment (various digital cameras, camcorders, etc.) from the Media Center on the 4th floor of Lyons Hall. Check out www.canisius.edu/mediacenter/equipment.asp for a complete list of available resources.
The department has co-curricular arrangements with the weekly student newspaper (The Griffin), the campus television club (CCTV), the student-operated radio station (WCCG) and campus Little Theatre. Student chapters of the American Advertising Federation, the Public Relations Student Society of America and the Association for Women in Communications, Inc. provide networking opportunities with local and national professionals.
Internships awarding up to a maximum of 12 credit hours may be earned by qualified Communication Studies majors at approved locations in Buffalo or other cities. The internships are individually arranged, require department approval and are available only to junior or senior candidates with a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 2.50 and a Communication average of at least 2.70. Internships are taken on a Pass/Fail basis and are counted towards free elective credit.
Opportunity for independent study (three credits) is sometimes available for qualified upperclass students by arrangement with the Communication Studies chair and faculty supervisor.
Dual majors with Communication Studies are available with the permission and guidance of both chairs. Communication Studies dual major sequences allow several different choices; among those most frequently involved are digital media arts, political science, psychology, English, history, management/marketing and modern languages. The department participates in programs with Women’s Studies and Fine Arts, and also offers courses towards a minor in Child, Family and Community Studies. Photography courses listed in Fine Arts are limited to six credits in the Communication Studies major. Each Communication Studies and dual major is assigned a department faculty advisor for the purpose of planning an individual program that will satisfy the department’s requirements and the student’s personal goals. Course selections develop from communication major requirements, prerequisites, recommended sequences and communication electives.
COURSES: 2007-2009
Note: Additional Communication Studies courses may be offered each semester in both the day and evening. Students should consult the department.
COM 101 Communication in Contemporary Society 3 credits
Survey of current issues of human communication with emphasis on concerns of young adults. Topics include communication problems such as communication in difficult situations (e.g., apologizing, embarrassment, assertiveness), divorce communication and death and dying. (AS II) Spring
COM 201 Oral Communication 3 credits
Study and practice of concepts, processes and techniques of effective verbal communication in face-to-face, small group and public-address contexts. Speeches required. Fall/Spring
COM 202 Communication Theory 3 credits
Fundamental forms of communication theory and perspectives are explored and related to particular lines of research in interpersonal, group, organizational, public and mass mediated communication contexts. Fall/Spring
COM 203 Writing for the Public Media 3 credits
Intensive writing assignments employing message-design principles provide opportunities to prepare news, features, press releases, advertising copy and opinion pieces. Fall/Spring
COM 204 Interpersonal Communication 3 credits
Study of theoretical and pragmatic aspects of interpersonal communication in numerous contexts to enhance self-awareness and effective self-expression. Fall/Spring
COM 205 Mass Communication and Society 3 credits
Survey of mass communication processes and the mass media in terms of development, structures, functions, effects and interactive relationships with American society. (AS II) Fall/Spring
COM 206 Introduction to Research Methods 3 credits
The fundamentals of the scientific method, especially, the basics of research methods, designs and hypothesis testing. Fall/Spring
COM 302 Small Group Communication 3 credits
Communication variables in small groups involving task, maintenance, leadership, conformity, shift-to-risk and development. Some emphasis on skill development. Fall
COM 304 Family Communication 3 credits
Survey of family communication research problems and theories of interaction. Special emphasis on relating to family members and applying course material to improve family communication. Spring
COM 306 Jazz Appreciation 3 credits
The evolution and styles of America’s only indigenous art form are explored via text, DVD, CD and online audio streaming from New Orleans to the rest of America; from the Blues to Bop and Swing to Fusion. Student journals assess personal growth as active listeners and viewers of the music presented in class. Also accepted as Music major/minor credit. Spring
COM 310 Print Journalism (Newswriting) 3 credits
What news is, how it is gathered, interviewing. Writing with accuracy, clarity, objectivity, precision and proper grammar. Fall
COM 311 Principles of Advertising 3 credits
The fundamentals of advertising, including history and development, advertising media, marketing, audiences, campaign objectives, budget, creativity and agency functions. DMA elective. Fall
COM 312 Public Relations: Principles and Practices 3 credits
Historical antecedents and contemporary practice of public relations, the nature of day-to-day tasks and communication responsibilities of practitioners in a variety of professional settings, issues in the practice and PR concepts and theories. Fall
COM 313 The News Media 3 credits
Explores the theoretical basis for a free press, then how it works in practice, by analyzing the operation of the news media (including free flow of information, accuracy, objectivity, ownership, ethics, new technology, etc.) Fall
COM 315 Advertising and the Creative Process 3 credits
Study of techniques, tools and theories for generating innovative concepts and ideas. Emphasize application to advertising context. DMA elective. Fall
COM 316 Public Relations Campaigns 3 credits
PR campaigns are concerted efforts of an organization to build socially responsible relationships by achieving research-based goals through the application of communication strategies and the measurement of outcomes. Students produce an actual campaign. Prerequisite: COM 312. Spring
COM 318 Organizational Communication 3 credits
Communication principles and practices, including communicator style variables, communication flow and superior-subordinate communication. Fall
COM 319 Training and Development 3 credits
Methods for assessing training needs within organizations, and designing, implementing and assessing outcomes of training. Emphasis on principles of effective training and development of training competencies. Students develop training skills. Prerequisite: COM 201. Spring
COM 320 Advertising Writing 3 credits
Covers a variety of ways of developing advertising copy (copywriting) and creative concepts for persuasive advertising pieces. Includes workshop writing for print, television and radio commercials. Spring
COM 322 Feature/Magazine Writing 3 credits
Profiles and other human-interest features developed for newspapers, magazines, broadcast. Free-lance writing
introduced. Fall
COM 323 Social Effects of Media 3 credits
Focuses on how and why the media influence our attitudes, behaviors and perceptions of the world. Review of theories and research in media effects. Spring
COM 325 Media Literacy 3 credits
Focuses on theoretical approaches and practical skills enabling students to analyze, think critically and produce effective mediated messages in a variety of formats and specialized content areas. Service Learning Option DMA elective. Fall
COM 327 Gender Differences in Human Communication 3 credits
The reasons why men and women communicate differently and how gender influences communication in personal relationships and professional environments. Fall
COM 329 Cross-Cultural Communication and Aging 3 credits
Explores how various cultures communicate differently; how interpersonal communication is affected by cultural difference; and how the processes of aging is connected to culture and individual, as well as group communication. Fall
COM 330 Public Relations Writing 3 credits
Theoretical perspectives on various forms of public relations writing and the applications of each. Writing and editing skills. Students produce portfolio of PR writing tools and techniques. Prerequisite: COM 312. Fall
COM 336 Sports Journalism 3 credits
First-hand exposure and instruction on writing for TV, print, and the Internet, broadcast anchoring and covering games. This course puts the student in front of the camera, computer, microphone and face-to-face with sports journalists and athletes. Spring
COM 337 Constructive Uses of Humor 3 credits
Examines classic and contemporary humor theory and research. Special emphasis on research that highlights the benefits of humor in education, medicine and organizational contexts. Fall
COM 351 Media Ethics 3 credits
Explores ethics across mass media disciplines, through the work of professional communicators—journalists, broadcasters, advertising and public relations practitioners, as well as the new cyber-communicators. Develop practices of making crucial media decisions based on principles and idealism. Fall
COM 353 Advertising Media Strategies 3 credits
Topics include client/business strategy, marketing communication planning, media plans, media mix (TV, print, Internet, etc.), media sales and the most efficient, effective way to plan and place an ad campaign. Spring
COM 354 Persuasion 3 credits
This course examines classic and contemporary research, theories and concepts in persuasion and social influence. Learn to become a more persuasive person and identify and resist persuasion attempts from others. Fall
COM 361 Introduction to Television Production 3 credits
Studio techniques, lighting, sound recording, set design, electronic graphics and editing, production of live and edited programs in studio. DMA elective. Fall
COM 366 Broadcast Journalism (News) 3 credits
Learn what it is like to step inside the daily inner-workings of a TV newsroom. Act as the assignment editor, reporter, producer, director. Encounter ethical dilemmas. Learn the principles and skills to make resourceful broadcast decisions. Fall
COM 369 Television News Features 3 credits
Design, write and produce special feature reports, multiple-part series, investigative stories and mini-documentaries. Emphasis on field work. Spring
COM 374 Film History 3 credits
Development of film-making and cinema art from 1895 through World War II. Students study, view, and discuss classic silent and sound pictures from Hollywood and abroad. DMA elective. Also accepted for Art History major/minor credit. Fall
COM 375 Film Classics 3 credits
The development of cinema worldwide from World War II through the 1970s. Study, view and discuss films representative of major directors, genres and national cinema movements. DMA elective. Also accepted for Art History major/minor credit. Fall
COM 385 Television and Children 3 credits
Learn about the role of television in children’s lives. Course explores children’s television use, the development and content of children’s television programs (both commercial and educational), television and the family, and children’s advertising. Spring
COM 411 Advertising Campaigns 3 credits
Designed as a capstone course for advertising students, this course examines current and classic advertising campaigns for technique and effectiveness. Students also have the chance to develop their own advertising campaigns. Prerequisite: COM 311 or permission of instructor. Spring
COM 412 Public Relations Case Studies 3 credits
Students will become familiar with a process for public relations problem-solving through analysis of a variety of PR case studies in major areas of the field, including employee relations, consumer relations, media relations and crisis communications. Spring
COM 414 Issues in Advertising 3 credits
In this seminar, students explore a range of contemporary issues surrounding the advertising industry including consumerism, effects, ethics, racism and sexism, and trends. Prerequisite: COM 311 or permission of instructor. Fall
COM 461 Advanced Television (Studio) Production 3 credits
Advanced techniques in lighting, editing, set design, special effects and photography, production of short-form projects for professional distribution. DMA elective. Prerequisite: COM 361. Spring
COM 479 World Cinema 3 credits
Award-winning and critically acclaimed films from different countries and cultures are studied through weekly screenings and written logs. By examining cinema practices beyond Hollywood, students experience alternative ways of using the universal language of cinema to tell stories and express the human condition from other national and artistic perspectives. Also accepted for Art History major/minor credit. Spring
COM 488 Internship I Seminar 3-12 credits
Student experientially learns communication functions in compatibly matched professional setting, locally or out-of-town. Faculty and on-site supervision. Seminar required. Pass/fail. May be repeated as COM 498; 12-credit limit for COM 488/498 combined. Prerequisite: Open to junior and senior majors with G.P.A. of at least 2.50 and Communication Studies average of 2.70 and approved by department faculty. Applications on Communication Studies Department website. Fall/Spring
COM 491/492 Video Institute I & II 3 credits
Students develop individual, original video projects in service to Canisius College and community/ humanitarian agencies. Travel may be involved for some projects. Registration by permission only. Fall, Spring
COM 498 Internship II Seminar 3-9 credits
Sequel to COM 488 for students taking a second internship. Each student is limited to a combined total of 12 credit hours for COM 488 and 498. Prerequisite: Same as for COM 488. Fall/Spring
COM 499 Independent Study 3 credits
Student conducts original project or self-designed course of study under the tutelage of Communication Studies faculty member. Prerequisite: Open to junior and senior majors in good standing with consent of instructor and chair. Fall/Spring
NOTE: Students may also earn Communication Studies credit for the following courses offered through other programs. Please see course descriptions in the respective major/program pages in this catalog.
1 Dual majors need only five courses as communication electives (15 credit hours).
The Communication Studies major is grounded firmly in the liberal arts tradition. The Communication Studies curriculum reflects, therefore, an equal interest in what is communicated within and between cultures and in how communication takes place in intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational and mass contexts. The department’s curriculum addresses three major facets of the academic study of communication: theory, criticism and production.
The program has two concurrent objectives: (1) To examine the dynamic nature of modern communication processes and technologies by emphasizing the theory, structure, function, value systems and effects of society’s communication institutions; and (2) To offer students a variety of opportunities to acquire professional knowledge and production competencies relevant to a diversity of careers in many communication-related fields.
Recognizing the need to prepare students for productive lives in a changing world, the department aims at educating its graduates to welcome change. Instead of focusing on preparation for specialized jobs that exist today but may not be viable in the future, the Communication Studies faculty provides the foundation on which to build meaningful roles in the contemporary world.
Admission
Prospective Communication Studies majors must have a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 2.00, including a minimum grade of C- in all communication courses taken to date. The performance of all majors is subject to review relative to their continuation in the program, using such criteria as academic record, demonstration of appropriate communication skills, co-curricular activity, interdisciplinary engagement and community involvement. Communication Studies majors select an academic sequence within the Communication major. They need at least 36 hours of communication courses (or 33 hours for dual majors) but are limited to a maximum of 54 hours in communication.
Communication Studies students who are dual majors and successfully complete 3 or more credit hours in Independent Study or Internships (COM 488, COM 498 or COM 499) are required to complete 30 hours of in-class credit in order to complete the Communication Studies major (i.e., not 33 or 36 in-class hours).
A minimum overall average of 2.00 in all communication coursework is required of all Communication Studies majors in order to be certified for graduation.
Communication Studies Curriculum:
| 1. ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) | (12 credits) | |
| 2. Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: I, III, IV, V, VI, VII , VIII (Area II is automatically fulfilled because this program is in the Social Sciences) (14 courses) |
(42 credits) | |
| 3. Major course requirements: (12 courses) | ||
| COM 201 Oral Communication | (3 credits) | |
| COM 202 Communication Theory | (3 credits) | |
| COM 203 Writing for the Public Media | (3 credits) | |
| COM 204 Interpersonal Communication | (3 credits) | |
| COM 205 Mass Communication and Society | (3 credits) | |
| COM 206 Introduction to Research Methods | (3 credits) | |
Note: At least one of the above courses must be taken each semester until all six are completed with a minimum grade of C- in each. Students receiving a grade of D or F must repeat the course. All six must be taken by all majors. | ||
| Communication electives: six courses.1 Communication electives must be chosen from within the three departmental sequences: Advertising/Public Relations, Interpersonal /Organizational Communication, and Journalism/Media Studies |
(18 credits) | |
| 4. Electives (10 courses) | (30 credits) | |
| TOTAL (40 courses) | (120 credits) | |
Recommended Schedule:
| Fall | Spring | |||||
| Freshman Year | ||||||
| ENG 101 | 3 credits | ENG 102 | 3 credits | |||
| COM 201 or 202 or 203 or 204 or 205 or 206 |
3 credits | COM 201 or 202 or 203 or 204 or 205 or 206 |
3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | RST 101 | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Sophomore Year | ||||||
| PHI 101 | 3 credits | COM 201 or 202 or 203 or | ||||
| COM 201 or 202 or 203 or | 204 or 205 or 206 | 3 credits | ||||
| 204 or 205 or 206 | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Communication elective | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Junior Year | ||||||
| COM 201 or 202 or 203 or | COM 201 or 202 or 203 or | |||||
| 204 or 205 or 206 | 3 credits | 204 or 205 or 206 | 3 credits | |||
| Communication elective | 3 credits | Communication elective | 3 credits | |||
| Communication elective | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Senior Year | ||||||
| Communication elective | 3 credits | Communication elective | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Total | 120 credits |
The Communication Studies Department offers a second undergraduate degree in Digital Media Arts. For further details, please refer to the subsequent section.
Additional Information
The Communication Studies major at Canisius College is based on coursework tailored toward three main areas: Advertising/Public Relations, Interpersonal/ Organizational Communication and Journalism/Media Studies.
Facilities
Four computer labs, digital video editing stations, an audio/music production studio and a television studio/control room are available for student use in Lyons Hall.
The Lyons Hall third-floor Mac Lab, in Lyons 312, features 26 Macintosh G5 iMac Flat Panel computers with DVD-RW drives, laser printer and one Power Macintosh G4 tower with scanner and multimedia card reader. Software available includes Adobe CS3 (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks), Apple iLife, Quark Express, Protools LE, After Effects 6.5, Cinema 4D. A scanner and a laser printer flank the room. A touch screen in an instructor’s bunker controls a VCR, DVD player and an Elmo documentation presentation system. Ports for plug-and-go setups, such as laptops and laserdisc players, are built into the bunker.
A web and imaging lab in Lyons 325, provides five Macintosh G5 iMac Flat Panel computers with DVD-RW drives, a Quad-Processor Powermac G5, a Gateway Profile running Windows XP, two scanners, three drawing tablets and a large format color inkjet printer. Software is identical to the software in LY 312.
The digital imaging lab, which is maintained by the Media Center in Lyons 413, houses: three Final Cut Pro non-linear editing stations (MAC); three i-movie non-linear editing workstations (MAC); three iMac computers for still imaging (MAC); one scanner workstation (MAC); one laser printer; one audio editing workstation featuring Digital Performer, GarageBand & ProTools LE (MAC) and an audio production studio.
An additional lab, Lyons 122, features 15 20" Intel-based Imacs running Mac OS 10.4 and Windows XP, a laser printer and a scanner. Software includes Maya and Final Cut Pro. This computer lab is primarily used for advanced Digital Media Arts electives.
A design production lab in Lyons 328, features a 17" wide large format printer, a color laser printer and mounting resources for presentations of printed digital work.
In the Media Center on the fourth floor of Lyons Hall, a 26' x 30' television studio features a hard cyclorama, lighting grid with dimmer control and three digital studio video cameras. The control room has custom-built consoles to house the digital video switcher with special effects, a 16-channel audio mixing board, teleprompter, DAT audio recorder, character generator and an intercom/FB system. The digital video-mastering format is DVCAM with BetaCam SP, S-VHS and Hi-8 video transports. Four equipment racks and consoles house the audio/video distribution, including patch panels and routers. The studio also has the capability to send video to the campus cable RF video system. The college’s Media Center provides the TV studio’s operational support.
Across from the TV studio, a screening room provides comfortable tiered seating, a video and DVD projector, as well as a professional sound system.
Students can also sign out equipment (various digital cameras, camcorders, etc.) from the Media Center on the 4th floor of Lyons Hall. Check out www.canisius.edu/mediacenter/equipment.asp for a complete list of available resources.
The department has co-curricular arrangements with the weekly student newspaper (The Griffin), the campus television club (CCTV), the student-operated radio station (WCCG) and campus Little Theatre. Student chapters of the American Advertising Federation, the Public Relations Student Society of America and the Association for Women in Communications, Inc. provide networking opportunities with local and national professionals.
Internships awarding up to a maximum of 12 credit hours may be earned by qualified Communication Studies majors at approved locations in Buffalo or other cities. The internships are individually arranged, require department approval and are available only to junior or senior candidates with a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 2.50 and a Communication average of at least 2.70. Internships are taken on a Pass/Fail basis and are counted towards free elective credit.
Opportunity for independent study (three credits) is sometimes available for qualified upperclass students by arrangement with the Communication Studies chair and faculty supervisor.
Dual majors with Communication Studies are available with the permission and guidance of both chairs. Communication Studies dual major sequences allow several different choices; among those most frequently involved are digital media arts, political science, psychology, English, history, management/marketing and modern languages. The department participates in programs with Women’s Studies and Fine Arts, and also offers courses towards a minor in Child, Family and Community Studies. Photography courses listed in Fine Arts are limited to six credits in the Communication Studies major. Each Communication Studies and dual major is assigned a department faculty advisor for the purpose of planning an individual program that will satisfy the department’s requirements and the student’s personal goals. Course selections develop from communication major requirements, prerequisites, recommended sequences and communication electives.
COURSES: 2007-2009
Note: Additional Communication Studies courses may be offered each semester in both the day and evening. Students should consult the department.
COM 101 Communication in Contemporary Society 3 credits
Survey of current issues of human communication with emphasis on concerns of young adults. Topics include communication problems such as communication in difficult situations (e.g., apologizing, embarrassment, assertiveness), divorce communication and death and dying. (AS II) Spring
COM 201 Oral Communication 3 credits
Study and practice of concepts, processes and techniques of effective verbal communication in face-to-face, small group and public-address contexts. Speeches required. Fall/Spring
COM 202 Communication Theory 3 credits
Fundamental forms of communication theory and perspectives are explored and related to particular lines of research in interpersonal, group, organizational, public and mass mediated communication contexts. Fall/Spring
COM 203 Writing for the Public Media 3 credits
Intensive writing assignments employing message-design principles provide opportunities to prepare news, features, press releases, advertising copy and opinion pieces. Fall/Spring
COM 204 Interpersonal Communication 3 credits
Study of theoretical and pragmatic aspects of interpersonal communication in numerous contexts to enhance self-awareness and effective self-expression. Fall/Spring
COM 205 Mass Communication and Society 3 credits
Survey of mass communication processes and the mass media in terms of development, structures, functions, effects and interactive relationships with American society. (AS II) Fall/Spring
COM 206 Introduction to Research Methods 3 credits
The fundamentals of the scientific method, especially, the basics of research methods, designs and hypothesis testing. Fall/Spring
COM 302 Small Group Communication 3 credits
Communication variables in small groups involving task, maintenance, leadership, conformity, shift-to-risk and development. Some emphasis on skill development. Fall
COM 304 Family Communication 3 credits
Survey of family communication research problems and theories of interaction. Special emphasis on relating to family members and applying course material to improve family communication. Spring
COM 306 Jazz Appreciation 3 credits
The evolution and styles of America’s only indigenous art form are explored via text, DVD, CD and online audio streaming from New Orleans to the rest of America; from the Blues to Bop and Swing to Fusion. Student journals assess personal growth as active listeners and viewers of the music presented in class. Also accepted as Music major/minor credit. Spring
COM 310 Print Journalism (Newswriting) 3 credits
What news is, how it is gathered, interviewing. Writing with accuracy, clarity, objectivity, precision and proper grammar. Fall
COM 311 Principles of Advertising 3 credits
The fundamentals of advertising, including history and development, advertising media, marketing, audiences, campaign objectives, budget, creativity and agency functions. DMA elective. Fall
COM 312 Public Relations: Principles and Practices 3 credits
Historical antecedents and contemporary practice of public relations, the nature of day-to-day tasks and communication responsibilities of practitioners in a variety of professional settings, issues in the practice and PR concepts and theories. Fall
COM 313 The News Media 3 credits
Explores the theoretical basis for a free press, then how it works in practice, by analyzing the operation of the news media (including free flow of information, accuracy, objectivity, ownership, ethics, new technology, etc.) Fall
COM 315 Advertising and the Creative Process 3 credits
Study of techniques, tools and theories for generating innovative concepts and ideas. Emphasize application to advertising context. DMA elective. Fall
COM 316 Public Relations Campaigns 3 credits
PR campaigns are concerted efforts of an organization to build socially responsible relationships by achieving research-based goals through the application of communication strategies and the measurement of outcomes. Students produce an actual campaign. Prerequisite: COM 312. Spring
COM 318 Organizational Communication 3 credits
Communication principles and practices, including communicator style variables, communication flow and superior-subordinate communication. Fall
COM 319 Training and Development 3 credits
Methods for assessing training needs within organizations, and designing, implementing and assessing outcomes of training. Emphasis on principles of effective training and development of training competencies. Students develop training skills. Prerequisite: COM 201. Spring
COM 320 Advertising Writing 3 credits
Covers a variety of ways of developing advertising copy (copywriting) and creative concepts for persuasive advertising pieces. Includes workshop writing for print, television and radio commercials. Spring
COM 322 Feature/Magazine Writing 3 credits
Profiles and other human-interest features developed for newspapers, magazines, broadcast. Free-lance writing
introduced. Fall
COM 323 Social Effects of Media 3 credits
Focuses on how and why the media influence our attitudes, behaviors and perceptions of the world. Review of theories and research in media effects. Spring
COM 325 Media Literacy 3 credits
Focuses on theoretical approaches and practical skills enabling students to analyze, think critically and produce effective mediated messages in a variety of formats and specialized content areas. Service Learning Option DMA elective. Fall
COM 327 Gender Differences in Human Communication 3 credits
The reasons why men and women communicate differently and how gender influences communication in personal relationships and professional environments. Fall
COM 329 Cross-Cultural Communication and Aging 3 credits
Explores how various cultures communicate differently; how interpersonal communication is affected by cultural difference; and how the processes of aging is connected to culture and individual, as well as group communication. Fall
COM 330 Public Relations Writing 3 credits
Theoretical perspectives on various forms of public relations writing and the applications of each. Writing and editing skills. Students produce portfolio of PR writing tools and techniques. Prerequisite: COM 312. Fall
COM 336 Sports Journalism 3 credits
First-hand exposure and instruction on writing for TV, print, and the Internet, broadcast anchoring and covering games. This course puts the student in front of the camera, computer, microphone and face-to-face with sports journalists and athletes. Spring
COM 337 Constructive Uses of Humor 3 credits
Examines classic and contemporary humor theory and research. Special emphasis on research that highlights the benefits of humor in education, medicine and organizational contexts. Fall
COM 351 Media Ethics 3 credits
Explores ethics across mass media disciplines, through the work of professional communicators—journalists, broadcasters, advertising and public relations practitioners, as well as the new cyber-communicators. Develop practices of making crucial media decisions based on principles and idealism. Fall
COM 353 Advertising Media Strategies 3 credits
Topics include client/business strategy, marketing communication planning, media plans, media mix (TV, print, Internet, etc.), media sales and the most efficient, effective way to plan and place an ad campaign. Spring
COM 354 Persuasion 3 credits
This course examines classic and contemporary research, theories and concepts in persuasion and social influence. Learn to become a more persuasive person and identify and resist persuasion attempts from others. Fall
COM 361 Introduction to Television Production 3 credits
Studio techniques, lighting, sound recording, set design, electronic graphics and editing, production of live and edited programs in studio. DMA elective. Fall
COM 366 Broadcast Journalism (News) 3 credits
Learn what it is like to step inside the daily inner-workings of a TV newsroom. Act as the assignment editor, reporter, producer, director. Encounter ethical dilemmas. Learn the principles and skills to make resourceful broadcast decisions. Fall
COM 369 Television News Features 3 credits
Design, write and produce special feature reports, multiple-part series, investigative stories and mini-documentaries. Emphasis on field work. Spring
COM 374 Film History 3 credits
Development of film-making and cinema art from 1895 through World War II. Students study, view, and discuss classic silent and sound pictures from Hollywood and abroad. DMA elective. Also accepted for Art History major/minor credit. Fall
COM 375 Film Classics 3 credits
The development of cinema worldwide from World War II through the 1970s. Study, view and discuss films representative of major directors, genres and national cinema movements. DMA elective. Also accepted for Art History major/minor credit. Fall
COM 385 Television and Children 3 credits
Learn about the role of television in children’s lives. Course explores children’s television use, the development and content of children’s television programs (both commercial and educational), television and the family, and children’s advertising. Spring
COM 411 Advertising Campaigns 3 credits
Designed as a capstone course for advertising students, this course examines current and classic advertising campaigns for technique and effectiveness. Students also have the chance to develop their own advertising campaigns. Prerequisite: COM 311 or permission of instructor. Spring
COM 412 Public Relations Case Studies 3 credits
Students will become familiar with a process for public relations problem-solving through analysis of a variety of PR case studies in major areas of the field, including employee relations, consumer relations, media relations and crisis communications. Spring
COM 414 Issues in Advertising 3 credits
In this seminar, students explore a range of contemporary issues surrounding the advertising industry including consumerism, effects, ethics, racism and sexism, and trends. Prerequisite: COM 311 or permission of instructor. Fall
COM 461 Advanced Television (Studio) Production 3 credits
Advanced techniques in lighting, editing, set design, special effects and photography, production of short-form projects for professional distribution. DMA elective. Prerequisite: COM 361. Spring
COM 479 World Cinema 3 credits
Award-winning and critically acclaimed films from different countries and cultures are studied through weekly screenings and written logs. By examining cinema practices beyond Hollywood, students experience alternative ways of using the universal language of cinema to tell stories and express the human condition from other national and artistic perspectives. Also accepted for Art History major/minor credit. Spring
COM 488 Internship I Seminar 3-12 credits
Student experientially learns communication functions in compatibly matched professional setting, locally or out-of-town. Faculty and on-site supervision. Seminar required. Pass/fail. May be repeated as COM 498; 12-credit limit for COM 488/498 combined. Prerequisite: Open to junior and senior majors with G.P.A. of at least 2.50 and Communication Studies average of 2.70 and approved by department faculty. Applications on Communication Studies Department website. Fall/Spring
COM 491/492 Video Institute I & II 3 credits
Students develop individual, original video projects in service to Canisius College and community/ humanitarian agencies. Travel may be involved for some projects. Registration by permission only. Fall, Spring
COM 498 Internship II Seminar 3-9 credits
Sequel to COM 488 for students taking a second internship. Each student is limited to a combined total of 12 credit hours for COM 488 and 498. Prerequisite: Same as for COM 488. Fall/Spring
COM 499 Independent Study 3 credits
Student conducts original project or self-designed course of study under the tutelage of Communication Studies faculty member. Prerequisite: Open to junior and senior majors in good standing with consent of instructor and chair. Fall/Spring
NOTE: Students may also earn Communication Studies credit for the following courses offered through other programs. Please see course descriptions in the respective major/program pages in this catalog.
| DMA 201 Intro to Digital Media | 3 credits |
| DMA 202 Digital Media Culture | 3 credits |
| DMA 204 Digital Media Law/Ethics | 3 credits |
| DMA 205 Digital Graphics | 3 credits |
| DMA 206 Interactive Multimedia | 3 credits |
| DMA 310 Digital Audio/Music Production | 3 credits |
| DMA 342 Intro. to Web Design | 3 credits |
| DMA 387 Digital Video Production | 3 credits |
| DMA 394 Advanced Web Design | 3 credits |
| DMA 487 Advanced Digital Video Production | 3 credits |
| FAS 114 Introduction to Still Photography | 3 credits |
| FAS 131 Digital Photography | 3 credits |
| FAS 216 Intermediate Photography | 3 credits |
1 Dual majors need only five courses as communication electives (15 credit hours).