2004-2005 Academic Catalog

64 Communication Arts School of Humanities, Fine Arts, and Bible Purpose Statement The Department of Communication Arts seeks to offer an education in communication consistent with biblical truth. Communication is an essential part of the world as God made it. The Department of Communication Arts recognizes the impor- tance of understanding the theory as well as the practice of effective and edifying conversation. Contemporary issues and theories are presented and discussed in the perspective of Scripture. The department has developed these global objec- tives to achieve its purpose: • To develop skills in critical thinking, academic research, and scholarly writing. • To encourage a biblical understanding of ethics in communication. • To identify implications of communication theory. • To provide opportunities for students to practice skills of communication. • To foster an understanding of the central role of electronic media communication in contemporary culture. • To encourage an appreciation for theatre as a source of personal expression, societal analysis, aesthetic enjoyment, and career preparation. • To equip the student with skills vital for communication success in vocational and/or avocational endeavors. • To prepare students for graduate school. Personal Requirements Communication arts students tend to be “people” persons with a willingness to work in public forums. Typically, communication students have a wide range of abilities and interests with a willingness to explore multiple career options. Department Requirements Majors are required to complete a senior capstone project of research, production, internship, or performance 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 electronic media. A new, modern theatre and accompanying equipment and facilities are available to theatre majors. The computer network provides tools and resources for public speaking, debate, and forensics. Programs of Study The Department of Communication Arts offers the following programs of study: Majors • Communication Arts • Electronic Media • Theatre Minors • Comprehensive Communication • Electronic Media • Organizational Communication • Theatre Co-Curricular Opportunities Alpha Beta Phi is the Cedarville University chapter of the national honorary theatre organization, Alpha Psi Omega. The organization stimulates interest in theatre activities at the University and provides a forum for social interaction among students. The Cedarville University Debate Team successfully competes with colleges and universities across the United States. Cedarville’s debaters are competitively ranked within the National Parliamentary Debate Association, the largest debate league in the country. Students with a competitive edge who plan to pursue leadership careers such as ministry, law, education, business, or politics are encouraged to contact the debate coach, Professor Rebecca Sietman. Drama Each semester the Communication Arts Department presents a major theatrical production. In recent years the department has produced All My Sons, The Pirates of Penzance, Lost in Yonkers, Wait Until Dark, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Performances are often sold out and always greatly appreciated by the university family as well as many community guests. Forensics is intercollegiate speech competition, including events in public speaking, oral interpretation, limited preparation events, and Lincoln-Douglas debate. For the past 20 years, Cedarville has earned top rankings on both the state and national level. Cedarville is the current state champion of Ohio and the national champion among Christian colleges and universities. Contact Professor Matthew Moore for audition information. Limited scholarships are available. Lamda Pi Eta is the National Communication Honor Society for undergraduate students. It recognizes, fosters, and rewards outstanding scholastic achievement. In addition, Lamda Pi Eta promotes and encourages professional development among majors, while providing an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas in the field of communication. The Miriam Maddox Forum is an honorary alumni society of the Department of Communication Arts for alumni and graduat- ing seniors with a continuing interest in communication within the public sphere. Communication arts majors interested in organizational communications 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. Students of all majors interested in applying and developing their skills in electronic media are encouraged to join the staff of U99.5 , the university’s student radio station. Students are involved in planning, programming, and managing the station. Students enjoy a fun working environment and a large, respon- sive audience, just as a professional radio station. Popular programs, music, and personalities have made this station a favorite part of campus life at Cedarville. Career Opportunities Careers in communications are varied and vast. Cedarville’s graduates with a communication arts major have excelled in careers such as public relations, personnel management, communication consulting, media communications, and corporate executive training. Students are well-equipped to pursue graduate studies in fields such as law, theology, and business. Students who choose to major in electronic media will receive excellent training for careers such as audio and video production, station management, journalism, website design and management, graphic design, and digital media production. Cedarville’s theatre program prepares students for a career in any aspect of professional theatre, including acting, directing, theater design/technology, and theatre management.