program description

the department of communication studies examines how people express themselves verbally and nonverbally; how identities are created, performed, and changed; how people listen to others; and how symbols relate to human behavior. it acknowledges, appreciates, and integrates human diversity in its various forms. it studies human communication in culturally and socially diverse contexts. it does so by using a variety of methods and technologies to discover and share knowledge about communication and to analyze, interpret, and perform discourse. areas of study include language and social interaction, group processes, organizational communication, interpersonal and intercultural communication, rhetoric and political communication, public speaking, performance studies, and research methodologies.

 

communication studies students develop skills essential for leadership and career development, and for understanding and interpreting events. they learn to advocate and critically debate ideas in social and political settings, appreciate diverse communication styles, work productively in task-oriented groups, and engage in rewarding interpersonal relationships.