LIBERAL ARTS CURRICULUM
Click on the course name to view the description. |
| CODE |
COURSE |
CREDITS |
| LA 100 |
Basic Composition
This course teaches students the basic writing skills needed for college success, including grammar and composition. Students practice sentence construction (in the context of short writing assignments), paragraph construction, and the organization of ideas. They build on these basic skills by planning, writing, and revising short essays and experiencing writing as a multi-step process. The course also teaches several types of, purposes of, and audiences for general essays. Required for the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Fall and spring semesters. 3 credits.
|
3 |
| LA 101 |
Seminar in Thinking & Writing
Students develop critical thinking skills in writing, reading, and speaking through the context of multiple points of view about cultural identities. Prerequisite: C- or better in SLA100 or score of 8 or higher on essay portion of SAT or ACT. Required for the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Fall and spring semesters. 3 credits.
|
3 |
| LA 102 |
Connections
Component of first year experience; incorporates academic strategies and orientation to college life and resources. Fall and spring semesters. Corequisite: SLA100 or SLA101. 1 credit.
|
1 |
| LA 150 |
Faith, Religion & Society
An exploration of the foundational roles of faith and spirituality in human growth and development and in the shaping of human cultures. Opportunity to engage with the spiritual traditions of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. This course is strongly recommended for the first semester of enrollment. Fall and spring semesters, J-Term. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
|
Mathematics |
3-4 |
|
Language Study |
3-6 |
|
Science with Laboratory |
3-4 |
|
U.S. Cultures |
3 |
|
Western Cultures |
6 |
|
Global Perspectives |
3 |
|
Artistic Expression |
3 |
|
Theology |
3 |
|
Philosophy |
3 |
| LA 400 |
Senior Integrative Seminar
A capstone seminar which provides students an opportunity to examine personal values in relationship to society. Students reflect on their discipline, pursuit of knowledge, and personal life philosophy. Seniors only. Fall, spring and summer, J-Term. 3 credits.
|
3 |
 |
| Total Credits |
39-48 |
|
THE COMMUNICATION MAJOR
Click on the course name to view the description. |
| CODE |
COURSE |
CREDITS |
| CA 100 |
Communication Theory & Technologies
An overview of the theoretical foundations and principles of the communication process. Emphasis on how these essential elements apply in the professional environments (corporate, governmental, organizational, educational, sports, and entertainment), and sustain the organizational structure and dynamics. Examination of communication technologies and the social, ethical, moral, and cultural implications. Development of strong writing skills. Fall semester. 3 credits.
|
3 |
| CA 130 |
Oral Communication
Students develop informative, persuasive, and expressive speaking abilities. Students practice personal communication skills, including writing for the ear, effective listening, oral reports, the use of body language, visual aids, speaking technologies, and occasions to motivate and enhance communication. Fall semester and ADP session 4. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
| CA 180 |
Communication Literacy
Students develop knowledge and skills to recognize when there is a need for information to resolve an organizational communication problem; ability to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively use that information in an appropriate, effective, and efficient manner; to read symbols, signs, glyphs, and images appropriately for organizational writing and speaking within the cultural and social context. Spring semester, odd-numbered years. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
| CA 195 |
Integrated Marketing Communication
Introduction to principles and techniques of integrated marketing communication: situation analysis, research, objectives, strategy, tactics, scheduling, budgeting and evaluation; advertising, public relations, media relations, promotional activities, direct marketing, data mining, branding, buyer behavior, communication channel selection and message development. Spring semester and ADP session 3. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
| CA 251 |
Writing for Corporate Communication
Development of the techniques and strategies for writing communication documents which support corporate and organizational communication programs and campaigns, including writing for external media, public relations audiences, advertising and promotions, newsletters, brochures, backgrounders, speeches, and various print and electronic applications for internal and external publics. Writing Intensive course. Fall semester. 3 credits.
|
3 |
| CA 280 |
Organizational Leadership
Study of various types of groups, leadership, problem solving techniques, crisis management, conflict resolution, decision making strategies, nonverbal communication, and component communication skills. Emphasis on the development of leadership skills that facilitate group effectiveness and techniques which help participants deal with difficult personalities. Spring semester and ADP session 1. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
| CA 290 |
Print Communication
Knowledge and skill development to create corporate communication print resources, including the design, development, and production of brochures, pamphlets, newsletters, and publications using desktop publishing software. Topics include typography, graphics, color, layout, publication techniques, and print industry standards. Course includes extensive computer lab experience. Fall semester. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
| CA 295 |
Campaign & Event Development
Planning of external communication programs, their processes, strategies, and tactics. Individual and team projects provide experiential learning in formulation and execution of communication programs. Communication skills in researching, organizing, analyzing, planning, and presenting are applied to corporate and nonprofit scenarios, providing practical experience in creating a targeted communication program. Prerequisite: SCA195. Spring semester. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
| CA 320 |
Legal & Ethical Iss. in Communic'n.
Critically examines the relationships among the rights and responsibilities of a firm, its employees and agents, its clients, and its audiences, with a focus on a value-centered approach to the communicator’s marketing and promotional responsibilities, while effecting a viable corporate and organizational image within the legal and political environment. Fall semester, even-numbered years. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
| CA 325 |
Financial Communication
Study of fundamental principles and contemporary practices for communicating to a corporation’s shareholders and stakeholders. Examination of the role of communication in capital markets, and systemic interactions of corporations, intermediaries, analysts, regulators, media, and investors. Extensive development of writing, designing, and publishing financial communication documents, and in the organization and production of financial communication events. Fall semester, odd-numbered years. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
| CA 340 |
Public Discourse
Study of how the First Amendment and its press, speech, religion, assembly, and petition clauses shape public discourse and artistic endeavors in the communication media and other public forums. Focus on how judicial decision-making has established the parameters within which the clauses have their impact. Examination of why some speech may not be protected under the First Amendment umbrella. Spring semester, even-numbered years. 3 credits.
|
3 |
| CA 390 |
Internet Communication
Intensive course in the production and use of informational resources to communicate on the internet for the corporate and organizational agenda. Students develop basic concepts and skills in designing and developing an information newsletter, including photography, computer graphics, and production and presentation techniques. Creativity and experimentation with the technologies are encouraged. Spring semester. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
| CA 395 |
Managing Public Relations
Through the use of case study, students conduct a detailed examination of the corporate communication department function, staff, and resources; the corporate communication plan; and the use of public relations as a positioning and branding strategy on a local, regional, national, and global scale. Prerequisite: SCA295. Spring semester. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
| CA 400 |
Integrative Studies Seminar
Senior practical culminating learning experience in the Communication major. Students integrate skills and knowledge to discuss professional development issues in preparation for employment in the field. Fall semester. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
| CA 415 |
Seminar in Communication Research
As a culminating learning experience in the major, this seminar offers an opportunity for students to explore select topics in the discipline and profession. Issues may include historical, current, or developing technological, social, cultural,moral, ethical, and theoretical trends that shape the discipline and profession. A significant scholarly paper is required. Juniors and seniors only. Fall semester. 3 credits.
|
3 |
| CA 430 |
Senior Internship
Supervised and evaluated work experience at an approved, nonprofit, government, or corporate site. Course requires a commitment of time outside of the classroom, and periodic and culmination reports to a faculty supervisor and may require travel. Prerequisite: Completion of major coursework. Juniors and seniors only. Fall, spring, and summer. Permission required. Variable credit. Repeatable for credit. Fee.
|
|
 |
| Total Credits |
48 |
|
|
 |
POLITICAL COMMUNICATION SPECIALIZATION
Include all requirements for the Communication major plus and additional 12 credits from: |
| CODE |
COURSE |
CREDITS |
| PS 105 |
Contemp Issues and World Events
Surveys current world and domestic events, read and analyzed using a variety of newspapers and newsmagazines available online, in various sites. Students follow the news generally and select one or more issues for independent research and presentation. Fall and spring semesters. Variable credits as determined by the instructor for the term. Repeatable for credit. Note: A maximum of three credits may be applied toward the fulfillment of the Political Science major or minor requirements.
|
|
| PS 204 |
Comparative Politics
A comparative examination of the world's different governmental and political systems and political culture, both Western and non-Western. Emphasis on European political systems and non-Western political systems including China, Russia, and Iran. Spring semester, odd numbered years. 3 credits.
|
3 |
| PS 222 |
State & Local Government
A comprehensive introduction to the Pennsylvania governmental structure - - state and municipal - - and its role in our federalist system. Explores the historic and present-day relationship between the Federal government and the Pennsylvania government and its people. Fall semester, even-numbered years. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
| PS 235 |
Political Theory
A survey of Western political thought and philosophy with emphasis on modern political ideologies. Writing Intensive course. Prerequisite: SPS103. Spring semester. 3 credits.
|
3 |
| PS 242 |
International Relations
Introductory analysis of major theories of international relations and their applications to current problems of world politics. Differing perspectives on the nature of the international system; the significance of power and global norms; patterns of conflict and cooperation between nations; and role and influence of non-state actors. Fall semester. Prerequisite: SPS103. 3 credits.
|
3 |
| PS 342 |
American Foreign Policy
Content and formation of American foreign policy since World War I. Emphasis on the formal and informal institutions and structures which contribute to the making of foreign policy, including domestic politics . Focus is on the dilemma of America's role as global sheriff in world affairs. Spring semester, even-numbered years. 3 credits.
|
3 |
| PS 390 |
Special Topics
Different topics from a variety of subfields of political science. Fall semester, even-numbered years. Repeatable for credit. 3 credits.
|
3 |
| PS 392 |
Topics in Global Affairs
This course covers a variety of topical issues in global affairs, including peacemaking, human rights, global governance, and democratization. Satisfies the Global Perspectives component of the Liberal Arts Curriculum. Repeatable for credit. Spring semester. 3 credits.
|
3 |
| PS 405 |
Research Methods
This course introduces students to the debates and methods that deal with the scientific study of political phenomena. Students will learn to write in the field and develop a research design, as well as practice the variety of methods used to conduct research in political science. Fall semester, odd-numbered years. Prerequisites: SPS103 and SSS250. 3 credits.
|
3 |
| Plus: |
| PS 103 |
Introduction to Political Science
A comprehensive introduction to the study of political science. Key concepts and theories are explored. Emphasis on the development and organization of the modern state; functions, processes, and ideologies of contemporary political systems; and introduction to the subfields of political science. Fall semester. 3 credits.
|
3 |
| PS 121 |
American National Government
The background and general principles of American government with emphasis on the Constitution; critical analysis of political processes, political behavior, and aspects of public policy. Fall semester. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
| PS 400 |
Public Policy Seminar
Development and implementation of government policy at the national level. Students research and report on the development of policy in particular issue areas such as military and defense or welfare policies. Juniors and seniors only. Spring semester. 3 credits.
|
3 |
|
| Total Credits |
69 |
|
|
| COMMUNICATION MINOR |
| CODE |
COURSE |
CREDITS |
| CA 100 |
Communication Theory & Technologies
An overview of the theoretical foundations and principles of the communication process. Emphasis on how these essential elements apply in the professional environments (corporate, governmental, organizational, educational, sports, and entertainment), and sustain the organizational structure and dynamics. Examination of communication technologies and the social, ethical, moral, and cultural implications. Development of strong writing skills. Fall semester. 3 credits.
|
3 |
| CA 195 |
Integrated Marketing Communication
Introduction to principles and techniques of integrated marketing communication: situation analysis, research, objectives, strategy, tactics, scheduling, budgeting and evaluation; advertising, public relations, media relations, promotional activities, direct marketing, data mining, branding, buyer behavior, communication channel selection and message development. Spring semester and ADP session 3. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
| CA 251 |
Writing for Corporate Communication
Development of the techniques and strategies for writing communication documents which support corporate and organizational communication programs and campaigns, including writing for external media, public relations audiences, advertising and promotions, newsletters, brochures, backgrounders, speeches, and various print and electronic applications for internal and external publics. Writing Intensive course. Fall semester. 3 credits.
|
3 |
| CA 290 |
Print Communication
Knowledge and skill development to create corporate communication print resources, including the design, development, and production of brochures, pamphlets, newsletters, and publications using desktop publishing software. Topics include typography, graphics, color, layout, publication techniques, and print industry standards. Course includes extensive computer lab experience. Fall semester. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
| CA 295 |
Campaign & Event Development
Planning of external communication programs, their processes, strategies, and tactics. Individual and team projects provide experiential learning in formulation and execution of communication programs. Communication skills in researching, organizing, analyzing, planning, and presenting are applied to corporate and nonprofit scenarios, providing practical experience in creating a targeted communication program. Prerequisite: SCA195. Spring semester. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
| CA 390 |
Internet Communication
Intensive course in the production and use of informational resources to communicate on the internet for the corporate and organizational agenda. Students develop basic concepts and skills in designing and developing an information newsletter, including photography, computer graphics, and production and presentation techniques. Creativity and experimentation with the technologies are encouraged. Spring semester. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
| CA 395 |
Managing Public Relations
Through the use of case study, students conduct a detailed examination of the corporate communication department function, staff, and resources; the corporate communication plan; and the use of public relations as a positioning and branding strategy on a local, regional, national, and global scale. Prerequisite: SCA295. Spring semester. 3 credits. Fee.
|
3 |
|
| Total Credits |
21 |
|
|
 |
