The world of communications is fascinating and fast-paced, not to mention challenging. A person with strong communication skills, both oral and written, will enter the job market with opportunities in many areas of communications in the media or corporate settings. And what better way to begin work on your communication skills than enrolling as a communication arts and sciences, corporate communication or journalism major at Dominican University, where these programs offer students a broad liberal arts education.

Communication Arts and Sciences Major

This major exposes students to six different areas and allows them to concentrate in one area through additional advanced courses. The six areas are: film, general speech, corporate communication, media/journalism, theatre performance and dramatic literature. Requirements for the major include 40 semester hours chosen with a department adviser, including at least one course in each of these areas: general speech, corporate communication, media/journalism and film. In addition, students take two courses in theatre and one in writing beyond English 102. While students are free to complete the major with additional courses from among the broad spectrum of general communication, once six area courses are completed, a concentration through advanced courses in a single area such as journalism/ media or film studies can be developed. Internships are generally available for up to eight semester hours of credit and are encouraged for all communication arts and sciences students. Courses in language, international studies and a semester abroad are also recommended for students who wish to add a global perspective to their career focus. For courses available in dramatic literature and production, see the theatre arts brochure. Film Program Many observers of contemporary culture have noted that film is not only the newest art form, but also one of the most influential, affecting the lives and feelings of people around the world. As such, it is important to understand this powerful medium, not only as a form of entertainment but as a force that affects values and life styles, often serving as an effective propaganda tool. Dominican University offers a variety of film and media courses covering a wide range of topics, including film history, film authorship, national cinema, film comedy, women and film, and classes that focus on individual masterpieces. Students will learn to understand the basic elements of film, including editing, camera movements, sound, lighting and color. Students will take one course in each of the four areas listed under communication arts and sciences. The remaining courses will be selected from film courses, with a total maximum of 48 hours.

Corporate Communication

The corporate communication major is designed specifically for students who plan to work in the “human side” of the organization. It is appropriate for students who believe their strengths are in their ability to work with people and who want to utilize their skills in a corporate setting. The corporate communication major challenges students through a structured academic curriculum that emphasizes the liberal arts.

Listed below are some of the courses available to corporate communication majors:

• Business and Professional Speech
• The Art of Leadership
• Interpersonal Communication
• Human Resources Management
• Communication as an Instrument of Personal Power
• Global Business Communication
• Communication in Crisis
• Corporate Communication
• Desktop Publishing
• Web Page Design
• Introduction to Graphic Design
• Media Relations
• Magazine Writing and Editing
• Fundamentals of Public Relations
• Introduction to Advertising
• Advertising Strategy
• Intermediate Journalism
• Mass Media and American Society

The corporate communication concentration requires 36 hours from among the courses above and others listed in the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences course bulletin; however, students are heartily urged to minor in business, taking two courses in the Brennan School of Business during their senior year to qualify to earn the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with an additional 10 courses in graduate school rather than the 17 ordinarily required.

Journalism

Journalism students at Dominican University learn the nuts and bolts of news writing and reporting, and the tools to critically analyze the media and the journalism profession. This education prepares students for ethical informed, and rewarding careers in the media and other fields.

The four core classes emphasize clear writing, enterprising reporting and a firm grasp of legal and ethical issues. Journalism majors apply those skills on the student-run Dominican Star newspaper and in a wide variety of internships

Students continue to expand their repertoires by choosing among courses on editing, magazine writing, desktop publishing and in-depth reporting. They can also explore elective courses in photography, web design, graphic design, public relations and advertising. (Hands-on radio and television production courses are available through Dominican’s partnership with nearby Concordia University.)

In the analytical classes students learn to ask tough questions about the media’s performance and impact as they examine the history, sociology, economics and culture of the media industry and journalism profession.

Student Blogs – http://domininet.blogspot.com