April 21, 2011

Curriculum Changes in Communication Studies for Fall 2011

The Eastern Illinois University Communication Studies Department has adopted two new curriculum options, plus made revisions in a third area, starting in the Fall Semester of 2011.  There will also be revised requirements in two of the minors that many Communication Studies majors select.

The Department is offering new options in Interpersonal Communication and Communication, Society, and Pop Culture.  There will also be revised choices in the Electronic Media Production concentration, which is part of the department's Mass Communication option.  The revised minors are Public Relations and Broadcast Meteorology.

All of the changes take effect starting in the Fall of 2011.  Students currently enrolled at Eastern can switch over to the new programs by contacting their academic advisor.  Or they can continue under the academic options that were in place when they first enrolled at E.I.U.

Interpersonal Communication

The new Interpersonal Communication option is designed for students interested in developing knowledge and skills that facilitate effective communication in personal, professional, and group contexts.  Graduates with this option will be particularly well-prepared to work with individuals and groups from varying backgrounds, with differing needs and interests, and where the goals of communication are to resolve problems or disputes.

Communication, Society, and Pop Culture

The new option in Communication, Society, and Pop Culture combines elements of the department's previous options in Media Studies and Rhetoric and Public Advocacy.  The new option provides students with a comprehensive approach that examines the role of discourses and practices that create and sustain social systems. Students will be trained to put critical theories into practice by critiquing, designing, and implementing messages in various outlets.

Electronic Media Production

The biggest change in the Electronic Media Production concentration is the introduction of two new emphasis areas that are designed to keep pace with changes in the world of mass communication: 

  1. Alternative Media Arts
  2. Multimedia

Alternative Media Arts is designed for students interested in producing videos, but who don't necessarily plan to work in a traditional broadcast setting.  The new Multimedia concentration is targeted toward students who are interested in producing a variety of messages for the web, including web pages, video, and social media.  The department also made smaller changes to the existing Audio and Video concentrations, shifting toward a more professional focus in both concentrations, plus ensuring that all students will be exposed to strategies for adapting messages for various platforms, including the internet.

Revised Minors

The Broadcast Meteorology Minor has been revised to require students to take the Broadcast Meteorology Practicum (ESC 3400) as well as either Broadcast Announcing (CMN 2550) or Applied Communication (CMN 2030).  The number of electives in the minor is being reduced to keep the total required hours at 25.

The Public Relations Minor has been changed to reduce the number of required hours, making it easier for students to fit the program into their schedule.