Communication Arts Major
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMMUNICATION ARTS MAJOR
Foundations (14 credits):
The four required courses in this section provide a philosophical and historical foundation for the major, raising those critical questions which must be addressed by Christian engagement with the communication arts and media.
| COM200 | Christian Perspectives on Communication Arts |
| One of the following courses: | |
| COM210 | Perspectives on Communication in Culture |
| COM242 | Interpersonal Communication |
| COM248 | Intercultural Communication |
| COM310 | Contemporary Communication Theories |
| COM420 | Media, Ethics and Culture |
Practice (12 credits)
The three required courses in this section develop the written, oral and visual skills of communication; ethical and value considerations are raised in the context of specific skills development.
| COM110 | Principles of Design: Communication |
| COM211 | Writing for Media |
| COM240 | Public Speaking |
Application (16 credits)
Students choose one of three tracks appropriate to their own vocational interests.
| Writing One of the following: |
|
| COM222 | Journalism I: News Writing |
| COM212/ENG212 | Introduction to Creative Writing |
| Two 200- or 300-level courses from a list of approved professional or creative writing courses |
|
| One of the following: | |
| COM425 | Internship |
| COM440/ENG440 | The Literary Journal |
| Media Studies | |
| COM252 | Introduction to Mass Communication |
| COM254 | Introduction to Digital Video Production |
| COM356 | Responding to Visual Media |
| One of the following courses: |
|
| COM358 | Film and TV Genres |
| COM344 | Art of Persuasion |
| COM371 | Selected Topics in Media |
Film Studies
Students may complete a track in film studies by attending the Los Angeles Film Studies Center. This 16-credit semester-long experience, sponsored by the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, includes an internship
and four courses: Hollywood Symposium; Faith, Film and Culture; and students' choice of two from Acting in Hollywood, Introduction to Filmwriting, Screenwriting, and Seminar in Producing Independent Film. Acceptance into the program is by application, and enrollment cannot be guaranteed.
SUPPORT
Students are encouraged to supplement their program by taking courses in the Social Sciences such as PS213/CO213 Political Communication: Votes, Groups and Media, PS246 International Diplomacy, EB377 Principles of Marketing, EB345 Organizational Behavior and Management, PY243 Social Psychology, PY360 Industrial/Organizational Psychology; or by taking an internship or cooperative education assignment in an applied field of interest. Off-campus programs endorsed by Gordon College, such as the American Studies Programor the San Francisco-based Urban Studies Program, may be tailored to be especially applicable to the field of communications.