- Faculty
- Field Description
- The Major in Business Communication - Corporate Communication Specialization
- The Major in Communication Studies
- The Minor and Courses
- Courses
- Department of Communication Studies Web Site
Field Description
Students examine the theory and practice of communication in a variety of contexts, including business and nonprofit organizations, small groups, the mass media, and video- and computer-based media. Under the auspices of the department, students acquire the knowledge base and analytical skills necessary to become effective communicators within an increasingly intercultural business and public environment. Courses are intended to serve the general student population as well as those students who have selected the corporate communication specialization of the business communication major.
The Majors
Business Communication Major with a Specialization in Corporate Communication
The business communication major is designed for students who are interested in careers in business journalism, corporate communication, or graphic communication. Because the business communication field is essentially interdisciplinary in nature, the program integrates courses from several departments in the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences and the Zicklin School of Business.
The corporate communication specialization prepares students for careers as communication specialists in business, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations in such fields as media relations, investor relations, corporate advertising, and employee communication. Interested students should contact the Department of Communication Studies at 646-312-3720.
The major also offers specializations in graphic communication (see the Department of Fine and Performing Arts listing) and business writing (see the Department of Journalism and the Writing Professions listing).
Program Learning Goals
Upon completion of a major in Corporate Communication, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate empirical knowledge of the history, development, and contributions of the communication disciplines.
- Identify, analyze, and apply major theoretical approaches in the communication disciplines for use in business and professional venues.
- Interpret communication texts, artifacts, and performances.
- Demonstrate ethical awareness of issues related to the communication disciplines.
- Demonstrate competency in research strategies and methods common to the communication disciplines.
- Exhibit proficiency in communication technology.
- Comprehend and apply the theory and practice of intercultural and global communication.
- Construct and communicate logically sound, effectively evidenced, well-organized, stylistically felicitous arguments that are appropriately tailored to a given audience.
Major Course Requirements
NOTE: Business courses included in this program, with the exception of ECO 1001, ECO 1002, ECO 1110, STA 2000, and STA 2100, do not count toward the 90-credit liberal arts minimum required for the BA degree.
Program Prerequisites 15 credits
| BUS 1000 | Introduction to Business | 3 credits |
| or | ||
| BUS 1011 | Business Fundamentals: The Contemporary Business Landscape | 3 credits |
Introduction to Information Systems and Technologies | 3 credits | |
Fundamentals of Management | 3 credits | |
Marketing Foundations | 3 credits | |
Business Statistics I | 3 credits | |
or |
| |
Statistics for Social Science (formerly STA 2100) | 3 credits | |
or |
| |
Micro-Economics | 3 credits | |
or |
| |
Macro-Economics | 3 credits | |
| or | ||
Current Economic Problems | 3 credits |
Major/Specialization: 30 credits
Interdisciplinary Core 12 credits
Business Communication
Business Communication | 3 credits |
Marketing/Advertising
Choose one course:
Advertising and Marketing Communications | 3 credits | |
Marketing Research (Students must complete STA 2000 as a course prerequisite) | 3 credits | |
Consumer Behavior | 3 credits |
Management
Choose one course:
Ethics
Ethics and Critical Thinking | 3 credits |
Specialization Requirements 18 credits
Required Courses 9 credits
| COM 3068 | Managerial Communication Within Organizations | 3 credits |
| COM 3102 | Communication for Executives | 3 credits |
| COM 5010 | Internship in Business and Public Communication | 3 credits |
Electives 9 credits
Communication and Advocacy in Business and Public Affairs | 3 credits | |
Communication Law and Free Speech | 3 credits | |
| COM 3057 | Introduction to Digital Communication and Culture | 3 credits |
The Ethics of Image Making: Film, Television, and Digital Media | 3 credits | |
Video Communication and Production | 3 credits | |
Media Analysis and Criticism | 3 credits | |
Studies in Electronic Media | 3 credits | |
| COM 3064 | Classical Rhetoric | 3 credits |
| COM 3065 | American Public Address | 3 credits |
| COM 3066 | Rhetorical Theory and Criticism | 3 credits |
American Television Programming | 3 credits | |
Intercultural Communication | 3 credits | |
Persuasion | 3 credits | |
Argumentation and Debate | 3 credits | |
| COM 3074 | Elements of Legal Argumentation | 3 credits |
Interpersonal and Group Communication | 3 credits | |
International Communication | 3 credits | |
Interpersonal Communication | 3 credits | |
Group Communication | 3 credits | |
| COM 3079 | Gender, Ethnicity, and Race in Communication | 3 credits |
| COM 3080 | Virtual Teamwork | 3 credits |
| COM 3081 | Organizations in International Development | 3 credits |
| COM 3082 | Gender Communication | 3 credits |
| COM 3084 | Communication in Intercultural and International Conflicts | 3 credits |
| COM 3090 | Nonverbal Communication | 3 credits |
| COM 3095 | Facework Communication: Impression Management | 3 credits |
| COM 3096 | Intercultural Training, Coaching, and Consulting | 3 credits |
| COM 3110 | Contemporary Issues in Digital Media | 3 credits |
| COM 3111 | Markets, Media, and Meaning | 3 credits |
| COM 3120 | Platforms, Power, and Publics | 3 credits |
| COM 3165 | Rhetoric of Science | 3 credits |
| COM 3170 | Visual Rhetoric | 3 credits |
Principles of Public Relations | 3 credits | |
Corporate Communication | 3 credits | |
Public Relations Writing | 3 credits | |
Public Relations Campaigns | 3 credits | |
Advanced Video Communication and Production Note: This is a non-liberal arts course | 3 credits | |
| COM 4069 | Contemporary Issues in Intercultural Communication | 3 credits |
Selected Topics | variable | |
Topics in Communication Studies | 3 credits | |
| COM 4901 | Conflict Resolution | 3 credits |
| COM 4905 | Language and Social Interaction | 3 credits |
| COM 4906 | Communication Research Strategies | 3 credits |
| COM 4907 | Work-Life Communication | 3 credits |
Communication Studies Major with Specializations in
- Interpersonal and Group Communication
- Intercultural and International Communication
- Rhetoric and Public Advocacy
- Digital Communication and Culture
Communication Studies (CS) is both a scholarly and professional academic field that focuses on processes of communication ranging from the spoken word to global media in interpersonal, organizational, cultural, political, and international contexts.
The major is an ideal springboard for a variety of graduate degrees and - due to the spread of globalization and digital communication - the basis for an increasing number of new careers.
Interested students should contact the Department of Communication Studies at 646-312-3720 or visit the department's website.
Program Learning Goals
Upon completion of a major in Communication Studies, students will be able to:
- Explain why it is important to study human communication.
- Define the sub-disciplines within communication studies, including interpersonal, group, organizational, intercultural, public, and digital communication.
- Articulate what makes a communicator competent.
- Appraise the role of ethics and diversity in contemporary communication.
- Apply concepts of communication studies to personal, academic, and professional contexts.
- Discuss local, national, and global trends in communication and assess their impact on individual or collective decision-making.
- Construct effective messages about communication using the terminology of the discipline.
- Explain major models, theories, and methods of communication studies.
- Explain the role of perception in communication.
- Describe the functions and components of verbal and nonverbal communication, including effective listening.
- Construct and communicate persuasive, ethical, logically sound, effectively evidenced, well organized, stylistically felicitous messages that are appropriately tailored to a given audience.
Major Course Requirements
Program Prerequisite | ||
| PHI 1100 | Ethics and Critical Thinking | 3 credits |
Required Introductory Course | ||
| COM 2000 | Introduction to Communication Studies | 3 credits |
Required Foundation Courses (12 credits) | ||
| COM 3045 | Communication Law and Free Speech | 3 credits |
| COM 3057 | Introduction to Digital Communication and Culture | 3 credits |
| COM 3069 | Intercultural Communication | 3 credits |
| COM 3077 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 credits |
Concentrations – Choose one of the following (9 credits) | ||
Interpersonal and Group Communication | ||
| COM 3078 | Group Communication | 3 credits |
| COM 3079 | Gender, Ethnicity, and Race in Communication | 3 credits |
| COM 3080 | Virtual Teamwork | 3 credits |
| COM 3082 | Gender Communication | 3 credits |
| COM 3090 | Nonverbal Communication | 3 credits |
| COM 3095 | Facework Communication: Impression Management | 3 credits |
| COM 3096 | Intercultural Training, Coaching, and Consulting | 3 credits |
| COM 4901 | Conflict Resolution | 3 credits |
| COM 4905 | Language and Social Interaction | 3 credits |
| COM 4907 | Work-Life Communication | 3 credits |
Intercultural and International Communication | ||
| COM 3076 | International Communication | 3 credits |
| COM 3079 | Gender, Ethnicity, and Race in Communication | 3 credits |
| COM 3080 | Virtual Teamwork | 3 credits |
| COM 3081 | Organizations in International Development | 3 credits |
| COM 3084 | Communication in Intercultural and International Conflicts | 3 credits |
| COM 3095 | Facework Communication: Impression Management | 3 credits |
| COM 3096 | Intercultural Training, Coaching, and Consulting | 3 credits |
| COM 4015 | The Globalization of English ( ENG 4015, SOC 4015) | 3 credits |
| COM 4069 | Contemporary Issues in Intercultural Communication | 3 credits |
| COM 4905 | Language and Social Interaction | 3 credits |
Rhetoric and Public Advocacy | ||
| COM 3064 | Classical Rhetoric | 3 credits |
| COM 3065 | American Public Address | 3 credits |
| COM 3066 | Rhetorical Theory and Criticism | 3 credits |
| COM 3070 | Persuasion | 3 credits |
| COM 3071 | Argumentation and Debate | 3 credits |
| COM 3074 | Elements of Legal Argumentation | 3 credits |
| COM 3084 | Communication in Intercultural and International Conflicts | 3 credits |
| COM 3111 | Markets, Media, and Meaning | 3 credits |
| COM 3120 | Platforms, Power, and Publics | 3 credits |
| COM 3165 | Rhetoric of Science | 3 credits |
| COM 3170 | Visual Rhetoric | 3 credits |
| COM 4907 | Work-Life Communication | 3 credits |
| 3 credits | ||
Digital Communication and Culture | ||
| COM 3058 | Ethics of Image Making: Film, Television, and Digital Media | 3 credits |
| COM 3059 | Video Communication and Production | 3 credits |
| COM 3060 | Media Analysis and Criticism | 3 credits |
| COM 3062 | Studies in Electronic Media | 3 credits |
| COM 3067 | American Television Programming | 3 credits |
| COM 3076 | International Communication | 3 credits |
| COM 3110 | Contemporary Issues in Digital Media | 3 credits |
| COM 3111 | Markets, Media, and Meaning | 3 credits |
| COM 3120 | Platforms, Power, and Publics | 3 credits |
| COM 4059 | Advanced Video Communication and Production Note: This is a non-liberal arts course | 3 credits |
Communication Studies Electives | Choose any two COM courses at the 3000-5000 level, including: | 6 credits |
| COM 4101 | Selected Topics * | 3 credits |
| Communication Research Strategies | 3 credits | |
| COM 5010 | Internship in Business and Public Communication | 3 credits |
| * Students may enroll in COM 4101 more than once if the topic is different. | ||
The Minor
A minor in the Department of Communication Studies provides students with a concentration in an area of study of acknowledged importance to every career path. The minor consists of two courses at the 3000-level or above from the list below and one of the communication studies capstone courses:
COM 4900; COM 4901; COM 4905; COM 4906; or COM 4907. While students may elect any two courses listed below, possible areas of concentration include the following: corporate communication, media studies, interpersonal and intercultural communication, and public communication.
Choose any two courses from those listed:
Communication Law and Free Speech | 3 credits | |
| COM 3057 | Introduction to Digital Communication and Culture | 3 credits |
The Ethics of Image Making: Film, Television, and Digital Media | 3 credits | |
Video Communication and Production | 3 credits | |
Media Analysis and Criticism | 3 credits | |
Speech Composition and Delivery | 3 credits | |
Studies in Electronic Media | 3 credits | |
| COM 3064 | Classical Rhetoric | 3 credits |
| COM 3065 | American Public Address | 3 credits |
| COM 3066 | Rhetorical Theory and Criticism | 3 credits |
American Television Programming | 3 credits | |
Managerial Communication Within Organizations | 3 credits | |
Intercultural Communication | 3 credits | |
Persuasion | 3 credits | |
Argumentation and Debate | 3 credits | |
| COM 3074 | Elements of Legal Argumentation | 3 credits |
Interpersonal and Group Communication | 3 credits | |
International Communication | 3 credits | |
Interpersonal Communication | 3 credits | |
Group Communication | 3 credits | |
| COM 3079 | Gender, Ethnicity, and Race in Communication | 3 credits |
| COM 3080 | Virtual Teamwork | 3 credits |
| COM 3081 | Organizations in International Development | 3 credits |
| COM 3082 | Gender Communication | 3 credits |
| COM 3084 | Communication in Intercultural and International Conflicts | 3 credits |
| COM 3090 | Nonverbal Communication | 3 credits |
| COM 3095 | Facework Communication: Impression Management | 3 credits |
| COM 3096 | Intercultural Training, Coaching, and Consulting | 3 credits |
| COM 3102 | Communication for Executives | 3 credits |
| COM 3110 | Contemporary Issues in Digital Media | 3 credits |
| COM 3111 | Markets, Media, and Meaning | 3 credits |
| COM 3120 | Platforms, Power, and Publics | 3 credits |
Business Communication | 3 credits | |
| COM 3165 | Rhetoric of Science | 3 credits |
| COM 3170 | Visual Rhetoric | 3 credits |
Principles of Public Relations | 3 credits | |
Corporate Communication | 3 credits | |
Public Relations Writing | 3 credits | |
Public Relations Campaigns | 3 credits | |
Advanced Video Communication and Production Note: This is a non-liberal arts course | 3 credits | |
Advanced Speech Writing | 3 credits | |
| COM 4069 | Contemporary Issues in Intercultural Communication | 3 credits |
Selected Topics | variable |
Complete the minor with one of the following communication studies capstone courses:
Topics in Communication Studies | 3 credits | |
| COM 4901 | Conflict Resolution | 3 credits |
| COM 4905 | Language and Social Interaction | 3 credits |
| COM 4906 | Communication Research Strategies | 3 credits |
| COM 4907 | Work-Life Communication | 3 credits |
Courses
Courses in Communication Studies (COM)
Speech Communication | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
Introduction to Communication Studies | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
| COM 2020 | Introduction to Business Communication | 3 hours; 3 credits |
Intensive Voice and Diction | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
Communication and Advocacy in Business and Public Affairs | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
| COM 3021 | Professional Speech Communication Note: This course is not applicable to the Communication Studies major, to the Business Communication/Corporate Communication major, or to the Communication Studies minor. | 1.5 hours; 1.5 credits |
3 hours; 3 credits | ||
Communication Law and Free Speech | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
| COM 3057 | Introduction to Digital Communication and Culture | 3 hours; 3 credits |
The Ethics of Image Making: Film, Television, and Digital Media | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
Video Communication and Production | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
Media Analysis and Criticism | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
Speech Composition and Delivery | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
Studies in Electronic Media | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
Speaking to the Camera | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
| COM 3065 | American Public Address | 3 hours; 3 credits |
| COM 3066 | Rhetorical Theory and Criticism | 3 hours; 3 credits |
American Television Programming | 4 hours; 3 credits | |
Managerial Communication Within Organizations | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
Intercultural Communication | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
Persuasion | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
Argumentation and Debate | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
| COM 3074 | Elements of Legal Argumentation | 3 hours' 3 credits |
Interpersonal and Group Communication | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
International Communication | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
Interpersonal Communication | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
Group Communication | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
| COM 3079 | Gender, Ethnicity, and Race in Communication | 3 hours; 3 credits |
| COM 3080 | Virtual Teamwork | 3 hours; 3 credits |
| COM 3081 | Organizations in International Development | |
| COM 3082 | Gender Communication | 3 hours; 3 credits |
| COM 3084 | Communication in Intercultural and International Conflicts | 3 hours; 3 credits |
| COM 3090 | Nonverbal Communication | 3 hours; 3 credits |
| COM 3095 | Facework Communication: Impression Management | 3 hours; 3 credits |
| COM 3096 | Intercultural Training, Coaching, and Consulting | 3 hours; 3 credits |
Communication for Executives | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
| COM 3110 | Contemporary Issues in Digital Media | 3 hours; 3 credits |
| COM 3111 | Markets, Media, and Meaning | 3 hours; 3 credits |
| COM 3120 | Platforms, Power, and Publics | 3 hours; 3 credits |
Business Communication ( JRN 3150) | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
| COM 3165 | Rhetoric of Science | 3 hours; 3 credits |
| COM 3170 | Visual Rhetoric | 3 hours; 3 credits |
Introduction to Linguistics and Language Learning ( ENG 3700) | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
The Structure and History of English ( ENG 3750) | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
Principles of Public Relations | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
Corporate Communication | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
Public Relations Writing | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
Public Relations Campaigns | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
3 hours; 3 credits | ||
Advanced Video Communication and Production Note: This is a non-liberal arts course | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
| COM 4069 | Contemporary Issues in Intercultural Communication | 3 hours; 3 credits |
Advanced Speech Writing | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
Selected Topics | Hours and credits to be arranged | |
Selected Topics | Hours and credits to be arranged | |
Topics in Communication Studies | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
| COM 4901 | Conflict Resolution | 3 hours; 3 credits |
| Language and Social Interaction | 3 hours; 3 credits | |
| COM 4906 | Communication Research Strategies | 3 hours; 3 credits |
| COM 4907 | Work-Life Communication | 3 hours; 3 credits |
Independent Study I | Hours and credits to be arranged | |
Independent Study II | Hours and credits to be arranged | |
Internship in Business and Public Communication | 8 - 10 hours plus periodic conferences with internship coordinator; 3 credits | |
Internship in Business and Public Communication | 8 - 10 hours plus periodic conferences with internship coordinator; 3 credits | |
Honors in Communication Studies I | 3 hours; 3 credits per semester | |
Honors in Communication Studies II | 3 hours; 3 credits per semester |