2020-2021 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 communication 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 broadcasting, digital media, and journalism. 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 • Broadcasting, Digital Media, and Journalism • Communication • 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 Cedars Cedars is a student-produced newspaper and website with opportunities for editors, print reporters, multimedia reporters, photographers and graphic designers. Debate Cedarville University has a successful debate team currently competing in the National Educationd Debate Association (NEDA). NEDA emphasizes the practical educational debate experience. Scholarships are available. Speech Team Cedarville University has a successful individual events team. Cedarville has been state champions in Ohio as well as national champions in the National Christian College Forensics Association. Scholarships are available. Lambda Pi Eta Lambda Pi Eta is the offical honor society of the National Communication Association. The purpose is to promote outstanding academic achievement in the Communication discipline. In order to be eligible students must be in good standing with the University, complete 60 credit hours of coursework (12 credit hours in the major), and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (3.25 in coursework within the major). Society for Professional Writing Serves students in the Professional Writing and Information Design major. It promotes communication in professional fields. Benefits of membership include job referral services, networking with professionals, and numerous social activities among faculty and students. Resound Radio Students of all majors interested in developing their skills in broadcasting, digital media, and journalism are encouraged to join the staff of Resound Radio, the University’s award-winning, online, professional, student radio station. Students are involved in planning, programming, and managing the station. Students enjoy a professional working environment and a responsive audience. Popular programs, music, and personalities have made this station an important part of campus life at Cedarville. The station can be found at resoundradio.com and by download in the App Store or Google play. 2020–21 Undergraduate Academic Catalog Page 93 Department of Communication Mission Statement