2005-2006 Academic Catalog

64 Communication Arts School of Humanities, Fine Arts, and Bible Mission Statement The Department of Communication Arts 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: 1. To achieve excellence in communication skills and critical thinking. 2. To foster a desire for knowledge and an enthusiasm for creative expression. 3. To aid students in formulating problem-solving techniques in applied contexts. 4. To encourage the evaluation of performance-based communication as a reflection of culture. 5. To develop innovative leaders for positions in media, politics, business, and entertainment. Personal Requirements Students planning to pursue a major in Communication Arts 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 All students in the department take Introduction to Communication Arts as the entry course in the major. Within each specific program of study, students complete classes in the history, theory, research, and ethics of their particular field of communication. Majors are required to complete a senior capstone project in 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 Studies • 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, Dr. 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. Graduates in the communications studies major excel in careers in public relations, personnel management, communication consulting, media communication, political communication, cross-cultural communication, and corporate education training. Students who choose to major in electronic media receive excellent training for careers in audio and video production, station management, digital media production, journalism, interactive media design and management. The theatre program at Cedarville prepares students for a wide variety of careers in many different aspects of drama and professional theatre. The program allows for students to focus their studies to prepare for jobs in acting and directing or for opportunities in theatre design, technology, and management. Graduates not only find employment options for these positions in the arts but also in social, educational, and ministry contexts.