2007-2008 Academic Catalog

School of Humanities Communication Arts 66 Cedarville University 2007-08 Communication Arts Mission Statement The Cedarville University 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: To achieve excellence in communication skills and critical thinking. To foster a desire for knowledge and an enthusiasm for creative expression. To aid students in formulating problem-solving techniques in applied contexts. To encourage the evaluation of performance-based communication as a reflection of culture. 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 theater 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 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. • • • • • • • Co-Curricular Opportunities Alpha Psi Omega Alpha Psi Omega is the Cedarville University chapter of the national honorary theatre organization. The organization stimulates interest in theatre activities at the University and provides a forum for social interaction among students. Debate Cedarville University has had a successful debate program for two decades, 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), the largest debate organization in the U.S., and is currently ranked #11 (the top 3%) for the 2006-07 season, surpassing other nationally recognized teams such as UC-Berkeley and Notre Dame. Contact Dr. Rebecca Sietman for audition and scholarship information. Forensics Forensics is intercollegiate speech competition, including events in public speaking, oral interpretation, limited preparation, and Lincoln-Douglas debate. For the past 20 years, Cedarville has earned top rankings on both the state and national level. In recent years, Cedarville has been state champions in Ohio and national champions among Christian colleges and universities. Contact the director of forensics for audition information. Scholarships are available. Lamda Pi Eta 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. Miriam Maddox Forum The Miriam Maddox Forum is an honorary alumni society of the department of communication arts for alumni and graduating seniors with a continuing interest in communication within the public sphere. Society for Human Resource Management 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. Theatre Each semester the Department Communication Arts presents a major theatrical production. In recent years the department has produced All My Sons, Wait Until Dark, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Arsenic and Old Lace, A Doll’s House, Romeo and Juliet, Mousetrap, and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown . Performances are often sold out and always greatly appreciated by the University family as well as many community guests. U99.5 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, responsive audience, just as a professional radio station. Popular programs, music, and personalities have made this station a favorite part of campus life at Cedarville.