DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION STUDIES (COM)

Dr. Beth S. Bennett, Chairperson
Office: 203 Phifer Hall

A total of 120 hours is required for graduation. Thirty-three of these hours must be in courses at the 300 or 400 level.

Core Curriculum and General Education Requirements

I. Freshman composition (FC):	6 hours
EN 101 (3), EN 102 (3) or by exam or equivalent
II. Humanities (HU) and fine arts (FA):	12 hours
fine arts (3), literature (L) (3), humanities (6) may include     COM 1001, COM 1211, COM 1231, COM 2101
III. Natural science (N) and mathematics (MA):	11 hours
natural science (4), natural science (4), mathematics (3)
IV. History (HI) and social/behavioral sciences (SB):	12 hours
history sequence (6), SB (6) may include COM 1011, COM 2201
V. Pre-major requirements:	9–11 hours
COM 1001 (3), COM 1011 (3), foreign language or     computer science2 (6–8)
ADDITIONAL UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA CORE REQUIREMENTS
Writing (W): 6 hours, may include COM 310, COM 341, COM 342, COM 413, COM 421, COM 450, COM 4631
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION STUDIES SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
12 hours at the 300 or 400 level outside COM

Requirements for the Major in Communication Studies

A minimum of 36 hours of courses in communication studies is required for the major, with a minimum of 21 hours in the major at the 300–400 level and a minimum of 33 total hours at the 300–400 level. No more than 45 hours in communication studies may be included in the hours required for graduation.

The program of instruction, to be planned in consultation with a faculty advisor, is as follows:

NOTE: Although not required, the department strongly recommends that communication studies majors take both COM 100 and COM 101.

A. Foundation courses (3 hours)
B. Introductory performance courses (3 hours)
C. Introduction to theory and analysis (3 hours)
D. Capstone seminar (3 hours)
E. Elective courses (minimum 24 hours)
Through the selection of elective courses, communication studies majors may emphasize one of the following areas of study: rhetoric and prelaw; political communication; communication and culture; or organizational and interpersonal communication. Students should be aware that the courses listed under each emphasis area below are recommendations, not requirements. Each student should plan his or her individual course of study with the guidance of a departmental advisor.

Rhetoric and Prelaw

This emphasis area focuses on argumentation, the effective construction and critical analysis of persuasive messages, and the role of rhetoric in constructing, sustaining, and changing the social order. It is an ideal preprofessional emphasis for students interested in careers in the legal profession; prelaw students should prepare broadly for a legal career, and this emphasis area is one means of accomplishing this preparation. Recommended minors for students who choose this emphasis area include American studies, African-American studies, criminal justice, English, history, philosophy, journalism, political science, telecommunication and film, and women's studies.

Political Communication

This area focuses on the communication theories and practices evident in political discourse, artifacts, and campaigns. Attention is given to such areas of analysis and practice as public speaking, argumentation and debate, speech writing, and the role of media in politics and political campaigns. This is an appropriate emphasis for students interested in careers in any aspect of politics and public service. Recommended minors for students who choose this emphasis area include advertising and public relations, American studies, African-American studies, journalism, economics, history, political science, sociology, telecommunication and film, and women's studies.

Communication and Culture

This emphasis area explores public communication in a wide variety of contexts and settings. The focus is on the influence of rhetoric and visual communication on individuals, communities, and the larger social world. Students interested in careers involving community or social change or human services (e.g., the ministry), or in postgraduate study in communication studies or media studies should consider this emphasis. Recommended minors for students who choose this emphasis area include anthropology, advertising and public relations, American studies, African-American studies, apparel and textiles, art history, English/creative writing, international studies, journalism, modern languages, religious studies, telecommunication and film, theatre, and women's studies.

Organizational and Interpersonal Communication

The focus of this area is on knowledge and skills vital to successful communication in organizational, group, family, and other interpersonal settings. Emphases include cultural, social, and cognitive influences on personal and professional interaction and such skills as conflict resolution, small group problem-solving, interviewing, and intercultural communication. It is appropriate for students interested in professional and administrative careers in business, educational, human services, or media organizations. Recommended minors for students who choose this emphasis area include advertising and public relations, general business, consumer sciences, economics, human development and family studies, international studies, journalism, management, psychology, real estate, sociology, social work, world business, and telecommunication and film.

Requirements for the Minor in Communication Studies

The minor in communication studies requires 21 hours of coursework in the department, including COM 100 or COM 101 and at least 6 hours at the 300 or 400 level. A grade of "C-" or higher is required in all communication studies courses counted toward the minor.

Sample Curriculum for the Major in Communication Studies

FRESHMAN YEAR
First Semester Courses Hours COM 100 or COM elective 3 EN 101 3 Fine arts (FA) 3 General elective 3 Natural science (NS) 4 ___ 16		Second Semester Courses Hours COM 101 or COM elective 3 EN 102 3 Mathematics 3 Natural science (NS) 3 Social/behavioral sciences (SB) 4 ___ 16
SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Semester Courses Hours COM introductory performance course 3 Literature course (L) 3 Foreign language or computer science (FL or C) 3 History sequence I (HI) 3 Social/behavioral sciences (SB) 3 ___ 15		Second Semester Courses Hours COM electives 6 Foreign language or computer science (FL or C) 3 History sequence II (HI) 3 Humanities (HU) 3 ___ 15
JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester Courses Hours COM 300 or COM 310 3 COM elective (W), 300–400 level 3 Minor 6 Special requirement 3 ___ 15		Second Semester Courses Hours COM elective, 300–400 level 3 COM elective (W), 300–400 level 3 Minor 6 Special requirement 3 ___ 15
SENIOR YEAR
First Semester Courses Hours COM elective, 300–400 level 3 General elective 3 Minor 3 Minor, 300–400 level 3 Special requirement 3 ___ 15		Second Semester Courses Hours COM elective, 300–400 level 3 COM 499 3 Minor, 300–400 level 3 General elective 3 Special requirement 3 ___ 15