Rosemont College’s Communication Department offers students a superior foundation in the fundamentals of Communication Theory, Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, Journalism, and Media Studies.

The Department challenges students to apply classroom principles to real-life situations and understand the critical role of professional communications in our world. Students can expect more than classroom lectures and note taking. Dynamic, interactive classes provide Communication students with knowledge beyond the textbook. Students will learn to critically evaluate and apply course objectives to their lives today and to their professions after graduation. Diverse course offerings stimulate students’ minds, providing a diverse, yet comprehensive, communications education.

Rosemont also offers a dual degree in Communication. This program combines a B.A. in Communication in an accelerated undergraduate program in the Undergraduate College and a Master’s in English Literature or Publishing Programs, or a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing, through Rosemont’s Schools of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Major Requirements for a B.A. in Communication

In addition to meeting the course requirements for each respective major, all students must also fulfill the General Education requirements for the Undergraduate College. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication requires 120 credits.

General Education Requirements 57 to 58 credits

Six credits of coursework required for the communication major may be applied to General Education requirements.

Electives

The remaining credit hours are electives and can consist of communications courses, but should not be limited to those particular disciplines.

Dual Degree Program in Communication

In general, students will complete 109 credits in the Undergraduate College and 36 credits in the Schools of Graduate and Professional Studies. Undergraduate credits may vary depending on whether 3 credit or 4 credit General Education and Elective classes are chosen. Twelve credits from the M.A. or M.F.A. programs will count towards a student’s baccalaureate degree. The B.A. in Communication is awarded in the fall semester of a student’s fourth year at Rosemont. The M.B.A. program is completed in the summer of the student’s fourth year.

The B.A. and M.A or M.F.A. program requires 144 credits.

General Education and Elective Requirements 57 to 58 credits

Students must complete all General Education requirements in the Undergraduate College. Nine credits of the students Communication major requirements can apply towards GE requirements.

Undergraduate Electives

Electives can also be used to take other undergraduate Communication or English classes, but cannot be limited to only these areas. All undergraduate elective credits must be completed by fall of a student's fourth year at Rosemont.

Required Graduate Courses

Students begin taking graduate level courses in the fall semester of their junior year at Rosemont College. Students are limited to one graduate course a semester in their junior year. Students may take up to 12 graduate credits in subsequent semesters. All graduate level classes are chosen based on the individual track a student wishes to pursue with a graduate mentor.

The baccalaureate degree is complete fall semester of the student’s fourth year at Rosemont College.

Descriptions for graduate level courses can be found at the SGPS website,
/gps2/graduate/academics/programs.php.

Minor Requirements, Communications Track

This course introduces students to the art and science of public speaking. It explores both the theory and practical applications of oral communication. It also aims to develop and refine speaking skills in a variety of settings, while reviewing organization and research methods, and cultivating critical thinking. Students research, write, and present several speeches during the semester. Prerequisite: WRT-0110 or permission of instructor. Offered every year. 3 credits.

Students are taught general concepts of publication design and specific skills for designing and producing newsletters, literary magazines, and other publications. The course will provide students with a complete overview of print publication production from start to finish. They will be taught various software applications for page layout and graphic design functions utilized in the workplace. Offered every other year. 3 credits.

Students will develop, shoot, edit, and exhibit documentary-based films on a variety of subjects. The course will culminate with a class-generated film. In addition, each student will work on his or her own documentary films throughout the semester. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 credits.

Studio work on freeing and using the voice, mind, and body for performance. Includes methods and practice in developing speeches, dialogue, and scenes, both scripted and improvised. Texts and scripts vary from classical to modern; the course includes a public workshop performance. May be repeated with permission of instructor as a more advanced acting course. Required for the theater minor; can fulfill a teacher certification requirement. Same as THE-0200. No prerequisite. Offered fall semester. 3 credits.

An introduction to the history, theories, and fundamentals of audio production and how they are applied, chiefly to the field of radio broadcasting. This is a hands-on course in which students will learn to operate audio production hardware and apply that knowledge to producing their own non-broadcast radio productions. No prerequisite. 3 credits.

This course serves as an introduction to the field of intercultural communication. Students will develop an understanding of the intercultural communication process, learn to appreciate diverse ways of communicating in different cultures, and increase their understanding of cultural issues – both at home and abroad – that influence communication effectiveness. No prerequisite. 3 credits.

An introduction to the theory and practice of public relations. This course examines the tasks, responsibilities, and objectives of public relations professionals. It outlines practical solutions to communication challenges through needs assessment techniques and effective planning strategy. Prerequisite: WRT-0110 or permission of instructor. Offered every other year. 3 credits.

This course introduces students to essential advertising models, theories, and case studies through application and analysis. Students will to create, disseminate, and evaluate multiple advertising messages across different media. The course will prepare students to outline practical applications and address advertising challenges through strategic planning and execution of communication campaigns. Students will write for print, broadcast, and other media. Prerequisite: WRT-0110. 3 credits.

Technical Writing teaches students the skills necessary to connect effective communication with professional and organizational goals within the workplace. Students will learn to communicate an organization's positions effectively and efficiently across multiple media platforms emphasizing the written word. The subject centered focus of the course will vary each semester from industry to industry at the instructor's discretion. This course is cross listed with WRT-0233. Prerequisite: WRT-0170. 3 credits.

This course provides students with essential knowledge of the research methodologies, principles, techniques, and applications required within the communications industry. Students will complete projects using fundamental research tools such as surveys, focus groups, and content analyses to gain valuable real-world experience and understand the value of sound data when making informed decisions. Prerequisite: WRT-0110. 3 credits.

Business Writing is designed for students from a range of majors to learn the necessary rhetorical and research skills needed for their professional careers. Assignments will include business letters, memos, reports, proposals, and collaborative projects. The subject-centered focus of the course will vary each semester at the instructor’s discretion. This course is offered spring semesters. This course cross lists with WRT-0240. Prerequisite: WRT-0110. 3 credits.

This course introduces Communication majors to the types of research and information gathering skills essential for journalists, public relations practitioners, and other professionals. It will include a review of sources available in the library, computer resources, and municipal, state, and federal government documents. In addition to becoming skilled seekers in the digital/paper chase, students will gain an overview of the “right to access” issues, including the Freedom of Information Act and the ethics of privacy. In short, students will learn strategies for gathering information and critically analyzing it. No prerequisite. 3 credits.

An introduction to reporting and writing literary journalism and to the works of its best-known practitioners (including Tom Wolfe, Joan Didion, Gay Talese, John Hersey, and John McPhee). Students will receive intensive instruction on nonfiction story structure, narration, scene-setting, dialogue, and characterization and on advanced interviewing and reporting techniques. Prerequisite: COM-250 or COM-255 or by permission of instructor. 3 credits.

This course examines the nature and definition of news, and introduces students to the fundamentals of gathering and writing news stories and features, interviewing, covering a beat, and meeting deadlines. In addition, the course explores the ethical and legal boundaries of journalism and the responsibilities of journalists through readings and discussions about media, law, and ethics. During the course of the semester, students will submit their work to The Rambler, the College’s student newspaper. Prerequisite: WRT-0110 or permission of instructor. Offered every other year. 3 credits.

This course introduces students to the skills, techniques, and styles for reporting and writing feature-length, non-fiction articles for magazines. This course is cross listed with WRT-0255. Prerequisite WRT-0110. Offered as needed. 3 credits.

An introduction to the fundamentals of radio, especially writing for the medium and the skills necessary for announcing. Prerequisite: WRT-0110. Offered as needed. 3 credits.

This course teaches students to produce publications primarily intended for audiences other than the news media. These include brochures, newsletters, magazines, and Web pages, as well as emerging media such as web blogs, social networking, and other forms of personalized web-based content. The course emphasizes writing skills essential for producing content for publications and discusses their design principles. Prerequisite: COM-250 and COM-220 or permission of instructor. 3 credits.

This course examines the development and the impact of mass communications throughout the world, comparing and contrasting systems and the impact on their languages, cultures, and societies. No prerequisite. Offered every other year. 3 credits.

A study of broadcast production in general and television production in particular. The student will learn what it takes to be a producer — writing, booking, and helping to create a show. No prerequisite. Offered as needed. 3 credits.

This introductory course examines the development and impact of mass media in the United States. No Prerequisite. Offered every other year. 3 credits.

An examination of the ethical challenges that confront communication professionals, whether in print, broadcast or Internet journalism, public relations, or advertising. The course draws heavily on case studies to teach decision-making skills for ethical dilemmas. This course cross lists with PHI-0279. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. 3 credits.

A study of political campaigns and the writing necessary for such campaigns. Also focuses on the duties and responsibilities of the press secretary. Prerequisite: WRT-0110 or COM-0160. Offered as needed. 3 credits.

A study of various means of communication: e.g., body language, oral and written language, and sign language. Can fulfill a teacher certification requirement. This course is cross-listed with EDU-0320. No prerequisite. Offered spring semester. 3 credits.

This course examines the evolution of laws and regulations that apply to the mass media. Students will be required to grasp the major concepts of law in several areas, including privacy, libel, commercial speech, and broadcast/cable/Internet regulation. Prerequisite: COM-0220, COM-0250, COM-0255 or permission of instructor. 3 credits

This course provides an opportunity for students to study current topics in Communication under the direction of a member of the faculty. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Communication major status and permission of instructor. 1, 2 or 3 credits.

The Senior Project in Communication combines a particular academic interest of the student and adds a practical component to it, as a bridge to a post-college career in communications. It will involve research about a particular area of interest, production of a magazine prototype, film, public relations campaign, extended piece of journalism or nonfiction in any variety of media (print, audio, video). Students in the Senior Project course will meet as a group and individually throughout the semester to work on their projects. Prerequisite: Senior Communications major status. Offered spring semester. 3 credits.

Practical application of the theory. Requires approval of the instructor and the student’s mentor. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and faculty mentor. Offered fall and spring semesters. 3 credits.