English Major with a Communications Concentration

Communications Concentration:

In addition to the core English Major requirements, students with a concentration in communications must complete:

Required courses:

This formal collection of the student's completed communications-oriented work is used to domonstrate basic competencies necessary for enrollment in ENG 400 (Internship). Offered every semester. Graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory.
Introduction to theory and practice in the rapidly-evolving realm of digital media and its social, cultural, political, economic, and other implications. Offered every semester.
† indicates a required course

Six additional communications courses, at least two of which must be at the 300 level

Introduction to a variety of models and craft concepts useful in writing poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and other genres. This course provides the basis for the student's acquisition of a repertoire of techniques. Usually offered fall semester.
Introduction to the development of skills in speech and movement through the use of theater games and improvisations. Usually offered fall semester.
Exploration of the relationship between the actor and the text through script analysis and the performance of scenes and monologues. Usually offered spring semester.
Introduction to the basic skills of journalistic writing such as interviewing, gathering and reporting news and writing feature stories according to standard formats and styles. The course also covers ethical and legal considerations related to news reporting.
Hands-on introduction to a genre of storytelling that weaves together audio, video, voiceover, music, photographs, and other elements. The course will focus on writing and creative expression, and help a student move from academic discourse toward discovery of a more natural voice. Offered fall semester.
Investigation of the purposes and methods of contemporary public relations as practiced by corporations, non-profit organizations, trades and professions as well as celebrities, sports stars, and political figures. The course requires planning of promotional campaigns using state-of-the-art digital technology. Usually offered alterante fall semesters.
Introduction to the theory and practice of editing, with an emphasis on reading closely, revising, creating headlines, and other aspects of refining and preparing copy for publication or online distribution. Usually offered alternate spring semesters.
Exploration of the ways that digital technology is transforming journalistic standards and practices. The course requires students to create news and feature stories for multimedia platforms. Offered spring semester.
Introduction to the fundamentals of feature writing, with an emphasis on specific kinds of research, interviewing, storytelling, and editing text for diverse media. The course is run as a writing workshop. Offered spring semester.
Investigation of the impact of the media on the political process and vice versa. Exploration of the history of the interaction between politics and media, and the impact of evolving digital technologies on the face of political communication in the United States. Usually offered alternate fall semesters.

ENG-390 can be taken to fulfill this requirement provided the course is focused on communications.

At least three credits of ENG 400

Total: 21 credits