2011-2012 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

Page 128 2011–12 Undergraduate Catalog Introduction Admissions Academic Information Academic Departments Course Descriptions Financial Information Appendix Index Department of Media and Applied Communications | College of Professions Mission Statement The Cedarville University Department of Media and Applied Communications 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 media and applied communications 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 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 media and applied communications offers the following programs of study: Majors • Comprehensive Communication • Broadcasting and Digital Media • Intercultural Communication • Journalism • Media Communication • Organizational Communication • Political Communication • Technical and Professional Communication Minors • Comprehensive Communication Arts • Digital Film • Editing and Publishing • Electronic Media • Intercultural Communication • Motion Graphics • Organizational Communication • Writing for the Professions Co-Curricular Opportunities 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 #13 in the nation (the top 5 percent) for the 20010–11 season, surpassing other nationally recognized teams such as UCLA and University of Oregon. Cedarville debaters are also the 2011 National Champions among Christian colleges and universities Small Schools Division. Contact the director of debate, Mark Bentley, for audition and scholarship information. 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 media and applied communications, 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 media and applied communications for alumni and graduating seniors with a continuing interest in communication within the public sphere.