Mar 19, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Department of Communication


Chair: Professor Scott (Mass Communication).

Communication Studies: Professors Ford, Hardig; Associate Professor Ozley; Associate Professor Wang.
Mass Communication: Professor Cofield; Assistant Professors Finklea, Pruitt; Instructor Platenburg.

Department Contact

Dr. Randall K. Scott, Chair
Strong Hall
(205) 665-6625
scottr@montevallo.edu

Mission

The Department of Communication facilitates opportunities for students and faculty to develop and apply functional knowledge of relevant theory, which is necessary for successful storytelling and effective creation and management of meaning in a variety of contexts (e.g. personal, professional, public.) The department places particular emphasis on using best practices and innovative technologies to ensure interdisciplinary understanding; media and informational literacy; informed and engaged citizenship; cultural awareness; and effective ethical written, oral, and visual communication.

General Education

The department supports the General Education Core requirements by offering COMS 101   or COMS 102    which is required by all undergraduate students. MC 325   also applies toward the Humanity and Fine Arts requirement.

Majors

The Department of Communication offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Communication Studies and Mass Communication.

Minors

Minors are available in Arts Administration ​, Communication Studies , Mass Communications , Multimedia Journalism , and Public Relations  

Internships

Majors in the Department of Communication are encouraged to seek out internship opportunities to gain valuable real-world experience, network with professionals, and build their resumes. Majors can also earn course credit for internships. Contact the Internship Coordinator for Communication Studies or Mass Communication for details.

Experiential Approach to Learning

Effective communication must be active. One learns only by applying classroom theories in real-time situations. Thus, communication majors are encouraged to engage in a number of experiential learning opportunities including service learning, undergraduate research, internships, study away, and hands-on learning outside the classroom, such as livestreaming athletic events, attending academic conferences, and event planning. Majors get hands-on experience in our new state-of-the-art television studio producing newscasts, entertainment programs, and music shows. Majors also have access to a wide range of media production gear for class and experiential learning projects.

Strong Hall

Communication Studies and Mass Communication are housed in Strong Hall, a new state-of-the-art facility that began operations in Fall 2017. Majors in both programs learn their craft on industry-standard, digital equipment and receive personal instruction and guidance from the Communication faculty. Strong Hall ensures that the Department of Communication’s long history of preparing graduates for successful communication careers will continue.

Student Organizations

Each communication program includes a student club or honorary society: Lambda Pi Eta for Communication Studies; The National Broadcasting Society, Broadcast Education Association, and Alpha Epsilon Rho for Mass Communication. Students who meet the grade-point requirements and who desire to become actively involved should contact the student club or honorary society advisors for details.

Reproduction Rights

The Department of Communication reserves the right to retain examples of student work for instructional, publicity or recruiting purposes. Similarly, each program of the department reserves the right to use photographs, video/DVD and audio recordings of student productions in any departmental promotional material, including University-related websites and social media platforms.

Courses in Communication

Every class is not offered every semester. It is strongly recommended that students arrange their schedules around courses in the major.

Programs

Courses