Communications 30 credits

(30 credits plus 12 credits of experiential learning)

In our rapidly changing digital information age, graduates who understand media and communications have a fundamental advantage in their careers. The Communications major at Lesley College prepares students to understand and participate in all aspects of today's communications. In this program, students will learn about interpersonal and group communication, media criticism, new media technology, and professional media practice. They will emerge empowered to use mass media to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Within the Communications major, students study the basic theories and issues related to communication in a technology-driven global community. They develop the ability to use technology to create, collect, analyze, and communicate information. They also learn the fundamental skills of image creation and design. They learn about creativity and collaboration in the digital age.

THE CURRICULUM

The integration of the major with Lesley's liberal arts requirements also engages students by presenting diverse opportunities to examine socially responsible and innovative media practices as they impact all sectors of society. The curriculum embraces a comparative media studies perspective, and students learn the importance of integrating individual media platforms in order to deliver messages more effectively. Furthermore, today business success depends of managing the digital enterprise; the curriculum also reflects the increasing importance of the public relations and public affairs functions.

THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

The Communications major emphasizes the value of experience as an integral part of learning and utilizes field experiences and internships to link theory and practice.  First year students are introduced to a variety of organizations in the Boston-Cambridge area through tours of facilities and presentations by organizational leaders. During the sophomore year, Career Planning and Internship Preparation prepares students to take charge of their careers.

Junior and senior year Communications majors spend over 240 hours in the field where students undertake a variety of projects and activities as part of the day-to-day operations of participating organizations. Students work under the supervision of experienced professionals in private, public, and not-for-profit organizations approved by the internship coordinator and overseen by the internship faculty advisor.  A critical component of the internship experience is the participation in weekly seminars where students discuss and reflect on their experiences to gain a broader view of the workplace, contemporary issues, and organizational trends. At the same time, students are exploring and assessing their own developing skills, abilities and career interests. Internship experiences often lead to job opportunities after graduation.

I. REQUIRED CORE (21 Credits):

II. ELECTIVES (9 Credits):

Choose THREE.

*Prerequisite: CMGMT 2464 Marketing

Required Internships:

CCOMM 1500

Introduction to Communication

3 Credits

This course is designed to provide an introductory survey of the study of communication. We begin with a general history of the evolution of human communication, and continue by examining definitions, models, symbols, and basic concepts that relate to how we communicate. Much of the course will focus on how human beings interact, whether alone, in groups, with friends, or at work. We will examine the changing role of language in our life; the differences between oral and written communication; the role of culture, gender, social class and ethnicity when we communicate; and how people relate to inanimate objects and machines. In addition, we will look at recent studies on how babies communicate and explore the question of whether animals can communicate.

CCOMM 2402

Communication Ethics

3 credits

While some behaviors seem easy to categorize as wrong, the distinctions are not always so clear. This course poses the question: What does it mean to be an ethical person? It then explores the many ways ethics informs all aspects of human communication – including how we talk to each other (and about each other) – and how ethical standards and legal requirements may vary. We will also explore how ethics informs the broad profession of communication. We will examine a number of theories about ethics and apply them to the ethical dilemmas arising in interpersonal, organizational, political and media communication.

CCOMM 2500

Writing Across the Professions

3 credits

This course prepares students to develop professional writing and presentation skills. The emphasis is on clear, concise, effective, and articulate communication. Beginning with a review of fundamental writing skills, students learn how to organize their ideas, analyze their audience, include personal voice in professional material, and produce written pieces that are powerful and persuasive. In addition, students explore how visual elements can enhance the effectiveness of written communications.

CCOMM 2520

Media Analysis

3 Credits

In this course, students will have an opportunity to develop new perspectives on media. They will learn to critique, to evaluate, and to analyze such media as print, radio, television, and recorded music. By reading essays from media scholars and critics, and watching classic videos, commercials, and episodes of TV shows, students will learn to deconstruct media products, and identify media messages. Specific topics include: how "popular culture" is created and by whom; what role advertisers play in construction of media messages; what a "dominant discourse" is and how it is created; the possibility of being "media literate" today; and the validity of some of the common criticisms directed at "the media." Students will also examine how new technology-- including the internet and the blogosphere-- has changed the way information is understood and disseminated.

CCOMM 4500

Professional Communication: Senior Capstone

3 Credits

This capstone course synthesizes and applies the conceptual, theoretical, and technical proficiencies learned in previous coursework through a hybrid teaching model. Topics explore the influences communication technology has in reshaping social structures; the powerful uses technology has in processing information; the far-reaching social and cultural consequences resulting from the sheer speed of technological advancement; and the global impacts produced as communication technology transcends national boundaries. Ethical and legal issues associated with emerging technologies and global perspectives will be a connecting thread throughout the course. Students meet in both real and virtual classrooms to complete a senior thesis or technical project combining various aspects of their chosen track. Prerequisite: Senior status.

CCOMP 3532

Web Design and the Internet

3 credits

This course focuses on applications for the internet and the World Wide Web, including web browsers, e-mail, chat rooms, and multi-user environments. Students will use a variety of tools to develop web pages and graphics. The social and cultural impact of the internet will be examined through readings and discussions.