Communication and Media Studies Curriculum
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies is a broad program of study that prepares students to become competent communication professionals and engaged citizens. The program develops students’ abilities to engage in critical reflection and analysis of communication from multiple perspectives. In accord with the Barry University Mission, students learn about transformative and ethical approaches to communication. Topics explored in the program’s multifaceted curriculum include race, gender, and the interpersonal, intercultural, and organizational contexts of human communication. The media’s institutional, cultural, and economic effects on society are also examined, as well as the role they can play in promoting social change and creating a more inclusive society. Graduates leave the program with a broad, liberal arts-based education that emphasizes today’s highly sought-after communication skills. The minimum grade of C is required in all major and minor courses.
The communication and media studies curriculum is designed so that you will be able to:
- Assess how human communication and media institutions shape key aspects of social life, including interpersonal relationships, gender relations, and culture.
- Apply various communication theories in the analysis of texts, relationships, messages, and social settings.
- Design communication strategies that meet ethical and professional standards in multiple contexts.
- Demonstrate communication practices that pursue social justice and bring about social change.
Requirements in the major (39 credits)
Departmental Requirement (3 credits)
- COM 201: Introduction to Communication
Media Foundations (15 credits)
- COM 200: Media & Society
- COM 335: Media Theory
- ADV 442: Advertising & Social Responsibility
- COM 484: Media & Communication Research
- COM 495: Communication Law
Communication Requirements (12 credits)
- COM 104: Interpersonal Communication
- COM 304: Intercultural Communication
- COM 349: Social Media & Identity
- COM 409: Organizational Communication
Electives (6 credits)
- COM 311: Communication and Gender
- COM 323: Communication Race & Ethnicity
- COM 331: Health and Development Communication
- COM 412: Persuasion
- COM 499: Communication Internship
Capstone and Integrative Experience (3 credits)
- COM 470: Senior Seminar
Course Descriptions
Departmental Requirement (3 Credits)
PRE | NUM | COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
---|---|---|---|
COM | 201 | INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION | 3 |
Media Foundations | (15cr) | ||
COM | 200 | MEDIA AND SOCIETY | 3 |
COM | 335 | MEDIA THEORY This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental theories of mass communication and the role that these theories play in our understanding of the socio-cultural impact media have on society. It emphasizes the forms and effects of media and explains how these influence the structure and performance of media as well as the creation, reception and interpretation of mass media messages. | 3 |
COM | 484 | MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION RESEARCH | 3 |
ADV | 442 | ADVERTISING & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Critical examination of the impact of advertising on society and culture. Advertising’s role in the formation of trends, social habits, and other patterns of behavior as they pertain to multiple groups within society. Prosocial uses of advertising will also be discussed. | 3 |
COM | 495 | MEDIA LAW Studies in the current laws governing the mass media. Role of the FCC, libel, privacy, and First Amendment issues. | 3 |
Communication Requirements | (12cr) | ||
COM | 104 | INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION | 3 |
COM | 304 | INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION | 3 |
COM | 349 | SOCIAL MEDIA AND IDENTITY | 3 |
COM | 409 | ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION | 3 |
Electives | (6cr) | ||
COM | 311 | COMMUNICATION AND GENDER | 3 |
COM | 323 | COMMUNICATION, RACE, AND ETHNICITY | 3 |
COM | 331 | HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION | 3 |
COM | 412 | PERSUASION | 3 |
COM | 499 | INTERNSHIP | 3 |
Capstone & Integrative Experience | (3cr) | ||
COM | 470 | SENIOR SEMINAR | 3 |
GENERAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM | 51 | ||
GENERAL ELECTIVES | 30 | ||
DEGREE TOTAL: | 120 |