2015-2016 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

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 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 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 • Applied Communication • Broadcasting and Digital Media • 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 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. 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 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 Communication for alumni and graduating seniors with a continuing interest in communication within the public sphere. Society for Human Resource Management Communication 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. Page 70 2015–16 Undergraduate Academic Catalog Department of Communication Mission Statement