Communication Studies

Communication Studies examines the ways in which social meanings are produced through the creation, mediation, and reception of messages. Students may focus in Media Studies, Journalism, or Public Relations and Advertising, or devise their own area of concentration. This major offers both practical training in the use of media technologies and communication strategies, as well as critical and historical perspectives on media and communication. Students in this major learn to gather, analyze, organize, and present information in a clear and engaging fashion. In addition to course work, students may gain practical experience through the college newspaper, radio, commercial magazines, and professional internships.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Communications Studies program, students will be able to demonstrate:

• Clear and effective writing skills
• Strong oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong intrapersonal skills
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Competent research abilities
• Media Literacy
• Ecological Literacy
• Engagement in experiential learning

Internships

Students are encouraged to consider an internship as part of their communication study at New England College. Internship opportunities exist in the areas of radio and television broadcasting, public relations, video production, social media, newspapers, for‐profit and non‐profit organizations.

Semester Abroad Recommendation

International affairs and first‐hand knowledge of other cultures is increasingly significant to communication studies majors. We therefore recommend that students in the communication program consider taking one semester or more at a foreign study program offered by New England College. In the semester abroad program, students may fulfill some of their major requirements as well as general education requirements.

Experiential Learning Component

The Communication Studies Program provides experiential learning through participation in media professions such as journalism, public relations, advertising, video and radio production, and media practices such as video production, audio production/podcasting, social media, radio broadcasting, public speaking, and writing for journalism, PR, and advertising. The core immersion experience for many Communication Studies majors is contributing to The NewEnglander, NEC’s college newspaper/website, and/or WNEC, the college radio station. PR and advertising students often work for campus organizations and events. An internship or practicum is also a requirement for the major.

Programs

• Communication Studies, B.A.

• Communication Studies Minor
• Environmental Communication Minor

Courses

All undergraduate courses are 4 credits unless otherwise noted.

• CO 1050 - Introduction to Sport Communication
• CO 1115 - Human Rights on the World Stage
• CO 1240 (AR 1240) ( WS 1240) - Learning to Look: Contemporary Art and Media
• CO 2120 - Introduction to Journalism/Writing for the Web
• CO 2220 - Film: History and Criticism
• CO 3120 - Journalism: Feature Writing Workshop
• CO 3130 - Journalism: Investigative Reporting
• CO 3210 (AR 3210) - Video Production I
• CO 3220 (AR 3215) - Video Production II
• CO 3260 - Radio Programming and Production
• CO 3320 - Advertising: History and Criticism
• CO 3990 - Topics in Communication Studies
• CO 4810 - Directed Study in Communication Studies
• CO 4830 - Independent Study in Communication Studies
• CO 4910 - Internship in Communication Studies
• CO 4920 - Practicum in Communication Studies