Historical Communications Major
Do you love history but know you don't want to go into a high school classroom? This major may be for you.
Historical Communications (or HCOMM) is a one of a kind program. It allows students who are interested in working in the field of communications but want to have History rather than English as their "intellectual core." Students are expected to master various kinds of writing styles (history analytical essays, journalism, public relations, etc). These majors have often been stronger than many traditional majors.
Alums of this program have gone on to work for museums (the Nixon Presidential library); politics (Democracy For America), insurance, and even teaching English at a community college.
Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science with a major in historical communications
Required courses:
ENG 140 Intro to Media in Digital Age| 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. |
| 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. |
| An introduction to the basics of historical research and writing. The most important goal of the course is to help students produce a clearly written research paper, with footnotes and a bibliography. A primary source paper and other writing assignments will prepare the students for the achievement of this goal. Class discussion will revolve around analysis of various types of primary sources, secondary sources, journal articles, issues of interpretation, and research methods. The course will also include several research trips to libraries, archives, historical societies, or local history collections. |
| Field experience related to student's work, research interests, or graduate school plans. A journal and paper in addition to field work are required. |
Also required:
- Three 100 level 3 credit courses.
- Three History electives, one at the 300 level, two non-U.S.
Three additional electives (9 credits) drawn from these courses or approved special topics courses:
DCOM 130 Principles of Informat. Design| This class surveys the principles and practices of user-centered design (research/observation, design, prototyping, and usability testing), information design, information architecture, interaction design, interface design, and digital infrastructure. Website design will be introduced as a model for integrating the interdisciplinary components of the field of digital communications. |
| An introductory studio/lecture course designed to increase visual literacy and vocabulary, develop design skills, and present the creative possibilities of the computer as an art-making and editing too. |
| 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. |