Oct 15, 2024  
2020-2021 Academic Bulletin 
    
2020-2021 Academic Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Communication Studies Minor


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This minor is recommended for students wanting to increase their understanding of communication theory, particularly in the areas of organizational, interpersonal, intercultural, and persuasion. In addition, students will study the foundations of public speaking, verbal and non-verbal communication as well as techniques to approach ethical dilemmas within the field.

Electives


Choose 18 credits of electives from communication-related courses. At least 12 credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above.

Student Learning Outcomes


1: Specialized Knowledge: Skills and Competencies

Students learn specialized skills and competencies necessary to develop a visual vocabulary across core curriculum in preparation for the student’s area of emphasis.

  • Develop a strong foundation in communication that spans across disciplines.
  • Define a personal language that allows for how those views fit in relation to others and the world around them.
  • Convey ideas with clarity and confidence in their speech and writing.
  • Convey ideas with clarity and confidence in their work.

2: Critical Thinking and Creative Process

Students gain a vocabulary of creative strategies including research, conceptualization, and problem solving strategies which can be applied to any visual or communicative problem.

  • Evaluate and synthesize different points of view and determine solutions to serve specific outcomes.
  • Apply a flexible and analytical approach to finding creative, practical, and actionable solutions to a variety of visual communication problems.
  • Incorporate an adaptable approach to a rapidly changing media landscape.

3: Cultural Literacy and Contextual Adaptability

Students take advantage of the unique learning environment of Andrews University by developing a curiosity, respect, and recognition of diversity in cultural, economic and social entities.

  • Gain an understanding of current social, cultural, economic, and environmental issues and how these issues can inform and shape their creative production and its reception.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of historical, current, and innovative events across disciplines.
  • Develop familiarity of discipline ideologies across a range of media and various applications.

4: Intentional Exploration with Interdisciplinary Connections

Students pursue the various creative processes with intentionality to explore interdisciplinary connections and their potential.

  • Gain knowledge and appreciation for the potential in interdisciplinary pursuits and collaborations.
  • Students use specialized knowledge to navigate between academic disciplines to create cross-disciplinary content.
  • Network across disciplines to pursue opportunities for collaborative projects and community-based initiatives.

5: Quality of Execution + Professional Practices

Students develop a highly resolved and excellent portfolio in conjunction with professional development.

  • Students develop insight into business practices and principles that are specific to their chosen field.
  • Reflect on process to understand its usefulness in establishing individual perspective, intentionality of craft, and personal methodologies.
  • Students learn effective research and conceptualization approaches to assignments and presentations.
  • Students pursue information in support of their research, progressing to a level of evaluating, sourcing, and conducting self-directed research and assuming autonomy of their direction.

6: Development and Integration of Faith and Ethics

The integration of faith and ethics within the context of professional creative careers is explored in terms of affecting personal, community, and environmental self-awareness and integrity. Placed within the diverse setting of Andrews University, students explore ways in which their faith informs their creative practices.

  • Students contemplate the role of a scholar-citizen, who navigates potential ethical challenges in creative practice and cultural production with self and social awareness.
  • Students learn the ethical, legal and socio-economic considerations surrounding the production and applications of content.

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