Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication

Composition

This is a process-based writing class that focuses on academic writing, reading, and critical thinking as expressed in expository and analytical writing assignments through 5 to 7 substantial essays over the course of the semester. Develops fluency, coherence, style, effectiveness, and literary analysis. Students must pass this course with a C- or better or demonstrate a comparable level of writing competence to fulfill general competency requirements and to proceed to ENG 123 - Intermediate Composition. Students may only earn credit for ENG 113 or ENG 113E - Composition Enriched with Lab. (3 units)

Intermediate Composition

Continued practice in writing and research strategies, with emphasis on critical thinking, information literacy, argument, analysis, and interpretation of multicultural and interdisciplinary readings. Includes the writing of a major research paper in addition to several shorter essays. Students may earn credit for either ENG 123 or ENG 123E - Intermediate Composition Enriched with Lab. Prerequisite: ENG 113 with a grade of C- or better or evidence of comparable level of writing competency. Note: Students must successfully complete this course with a grade of C- or better to fulfill general education requirements and to begin any literature course. (3 units)

Oral Communication

This course is designed to introduce the process of public communication and to help develop and refine the skills of oral communication. (3 units)

Introduction to Communication studies

An introduction to the basic concepts of communication and skills necessary to communicate in a variety of contexts. Emphasis on communication traditions, views and techniques are used in interpersonal, group, public, intercultural and mass communication situations. (3 units)

Media and Society

Functions, responsibilities, and influence of various mass media and emerging forms of niche media in society. Students review the theories, structures, functions, practices, economics, critical analyses, and historical aspects of mass media and its social responsibility in society. (3 units)

Interpersonal Communications

This class examines the dynamics of the two-person communication process. Students will study the development of self-concept, self-disclosure, perception, listening, and feedback as they affect the communication process. Non-verbal communication, attitudes, beliefs, and values will also be explored. (3 units)

Rhetoric and Persuasion

This course is designed to develop advanced analysis of communication artifacts using theories of rhetoric and persuasion. The course discusses and makes use of rhetorical theorists from classical and contemporary traditions through the lens of compliance gaining. A focus will be on understanding human persuasion in everyday life, as well as in scholarly perspective. (3 units)

Legal, Ethical and Social Foundations of Communication

Explores philosophical and theoretical foundations of ethics in communication and public relations. Emphasis is placed on rhetorical, cultural, interpersonal and organizational contexts of communication studies. Ethical dilemmas in communication studies and public relations are analyzed from a Christian worldview and theoretical perspective. (3 units)

Communication Theory

This course is designed to introduce theories in the academic field of communication studies. The focus of the course will be on recognizing human communication theories in everyday life, and being able to critically examine situations in multiple cultural contexts based on those theories. Connections will be made between these theories and the prominent theories of related fields. (3 units)

Strategic Communication and Global Engagement

In this course students will analyze and evaluate the historical, economic, social, cultural, and political forces of globalization in the context of media. A strong focus will be on modern and contemporary world cultures and on current issues in the globalization of media forms and information technologies. Historical contexts and pressures at work within the contested terrain of globalism will be examined. Students will understand the development of global communication and media networks as these have evolved, expanded, and make up globalization. In addition, students will closely examine the role of digital media and global activism. (3 units)

Organizational Communication

Examination of the nature and process of communication in modern organizations, including theories, change strategies, internal personnel relations, and conflict management, as they relate to organizational cultures. (3 units)

Digital Trends in Communication

Exploration of emerging trends in digital media, providing an opportunity for students to understand, deploy, and reflect upon digital communication trends. A theoretical survey of past, current, and predicted future trends and research on the impact of these communication technologies. (3 units)

Communication Senior Project

An in-depth, student-centered experience that requires the integration of theory and practical experience in communication studies. Students will select a sub-discipline of communication studies to create a project that will identify an issue, problem, information gap or creative endeavor in which the student will explore, research, and evaluate in a final paper. Prerequisite: Permisson of the Program Director. (3 units)

Public Relations

Principles, history and professional practice of public relations and the writing and production of materials for special events, newsletters, and brochures. (3 units)

Public Relations Campaigns and Research

This course will provide students with the basic skills and practical experience to plan, develop, execute and evaluate public relations campaigns through case study analysis and actual campaign development. This will be achieved through case study analysis and team-based campaign development. (3 units)

Overview of the Bible

A general survey of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian writings (New Testament) with special emphasis to the religious and national life of the Hebrew people, the life of Jesus, and the development of the early church. An Online and Professional Studies requirement for Online and Professional Studies degree programs only. (3 units)

Foundations of Christian Thought

An introduction and primer to Christian theology with special emphasis on identifying the importance and development of a Christian worldview, understanding the doctrine of scripture and biblical authority, learning to do theology, comprehending the relationship between truth, faith and reason, and applying a biblical worldview to the Christian life. (3 units)