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Mission Statement
The Cedarville University Department of Communication is a
diverse community of communication professionals committed to
educating students to change the world as they biblically engage
their culture with the heart and mind of Christ. The department
recognizes the importance of balancing the professional side of
our discipline with a rigorous academic grounding. Contemporary
issues and theories are evaluated and discussed in the
perspective of Scripture. To achieve these goals, the department
has set the following objectives. We seek to:
• Achieve excellence in communication skills and critical
thinking.
• Foster a desire for knowledge and an enthusiasm for creative
expression.
• Aid students in formulating problem-solving techniques in
applied contexts.
• Encourage the evaluation of performance-based
communication as a reflection of culture.
• Develop innovative leaders for positions in media, politics,
business, and entertainment.
Personal Requirements
Students planning to pursue a major in communication are
best prepared by taking a college preparatory curriculum in high
school. Successful students in the major are individuals with
abilities in creative expression, critical thinking, problem-solving,
and interpersonal interaction.
Department Requirements
Within each specific program of study, students complete
courses in the history, theory, research, and ethics of their
particular fields of communication. Students are required to
complete a senior capstone project in research, production or an
internship to graduate. The nature of the project is determined by
the emphasis area of the student.
Technical Resources
The department provides state-of-the-art audio and video
equipment with which students learn the skills of the broadcasting
and digital media.
The computer network provides tools and resources for public
speaking, debate, and forensics.
Journalism students learn news writing and design in a newly
developed media lab. This facility also features print, broadcasting,
and online media resources for classroom instruction and
research.
Programs of Study
The Department of Communication offers the following
programs of study:
Majors
• Broadcasting and Digital Media
• Communication
• Journalism
• Professional Writing and Information Design
Minors
• Broadcasting and Digital Media
• Comprehensive Communication Arts
• Digital Film
• Editing and Publishing
• Intercultural Communication
• Motion Graphics
• Organizational Communication
• Public Relations
• Writing for the Professions
Cocurricular Opportunities
Cedars
Cedars is a student-produced newspaper and website with
opportunities for editors, print reporters, multimedia reporters,
photographers and graphic designers. It is advised by a journalism
faculty member.
Debate
Cedarville University traditionally has had a successful debate
program, earning the national championship title in 1999, 2000,
and 2003 within the National Education Debate Association.
In 2003, Cedarville joined the National Parliamentary Debate
Association (NPDA), one of the largest debate organizations in
the United States. The Debate Team has been ranked in the top
5 percent in the nation for the past four years, including the past
two seasons, being ranked in the top 10 and fourth in the nation
for the 2012–2013 season. Cedarville debaters are also the 2011
National Champions among Christian colleges and universities
small schools division.
Filmgate
Filmgate is a student organization that offers opportunities to
work on productions outside of class. Filmgate also strives to work
with clients to provide an environment that realistically simulates
the media industry pipeline.
Forensics
Forensics is intercollegiate speech competition, including events
in public speaking, oral interpretation, limited preparation, and
Lincoln-Douglas debate. In recent years, Cedarville has been
state champions in Ohio and national champions among Christian
colleges and universities. Contact professor Derrick Green,
Assistant Professor of Communication, for audition information.
Scholarships are available.
Society for Human Resource Management
Communication majors interested in organizational
communication and human resources are encouraged to join the
Cedarville University chapter of the Society for Human Resource
Management (SHRM). SHRM members investigate the field
of human resources by developing their own human resource
management programming and activities and by attending other
professional human resource meetings and conferences.
Society for Professional Writing
Serves students in the Professional Writing and Information
Design major. It promotes communication in professional fields.
Benefits of membership include job referral services, networking
with professionals, and numerous social activities among faculty
and students.
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2016–17 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
Department of Communication
Mission Statement