Communication

What has been the role of human communication in shaping the world of the past and the present? What will be its role in envisioning the world of the future? At Lewis & Clark, we believe these questions are central not only to the study of communication but also to the liberal arts. Students in the Department of Communication examine a variety of perspectives on human symbolic behavior, including the history of rhetorical theory and criticism; persuasion in contemporary public discourse; the dynamic processes of interpersonal, organizational, and intercultural communication; and the processes and effects of communication via print and electronic media.

Students of communication seek to understand and deal with the challenges posed by complex communication systems and processes in an increasingly interdependent world. As new technology erases many traditional divisions between media, students are faced with questions about how to achieve responsible and effective communication in rapidly changing interpersonal, organizational, and public contexts. International applications of media technology challenge students to consider the impact of media systems on intercultural conflict and misunderstanding.

The contemporary discipline of communication, deeply rooted in the classical Greek tradition of rhetorical theory, history, and practice, extends this rhetorical base to critical investigation and generation of human communication theory in a variety of contexts.

The Department of Communication offers both a major and a minor. Course offerings cover three primary subject areas: interpersonal and organizational communication, rhetoric and public advocacy, and media studies. Communication majors take an introductory course that examines the major concepts and themes of these three subject areas, two courses that integrate more advanced theory with practical experience, and two courses in research methods -- one quantitative and one qualitative. After this general background, students are free to pursue more concentrated studies through elective courses. In their final year, students complete a senior project and present it in a public forum.

Course sizes range from six students (at the upper level) to 40 students (at the introductory level).

Courses in interpersonal and organizational communication consider the processes of human communication in face-to-face situations. Areas of concern include how people attribute meaning to words and actions, the significance of nonverbal behavior, the role of communication in the social and cultural construction of gender, how people negotiate personal identities and relationships, and communication in groups ranging from intimate friendships to large organizations.

Courses in rhetoric and public advocacy examine the construction, delivery, effects, and criticism of public discourse, ranging from classic speeches to television advertising. In these contexts, students are exposed to the basics of argumentation and debate, consider historical and contemporary rhetorical theories, engage in criticism of individual rhetoricians, and examine the rhetorical strategies and effects of social movements.

Students taking media studies courses examine the role and impact of communication media -- print and electronic, mass and narrow audience -- in contemporary society. Special topics of concern include ethical and regulatory issues in mass media, media uses and gratifications, the effects of media on children and adolescents, media aesthetics and criticism, and new developments in communication technology. In addition, skills-related courses are offered in media writing and video production.

Many students pursue their personal research interests through independent study projects and honors theses, and others work as partners in faculty research.

Many students also participate in communication-related campus organizations. Academic credit for participation in these organizations is available for qualified students through the department's practicum program.

Lewis & Clark's student newspaper, the Pioneer Log, has regularly received national college journalism awards and has been ranked first among small-college newspapers.

KLC radio is one of the most popular student activities at Lewis & Clark. The station broadcasts 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Public Advocacy, Lewis & Clark's forensics association, sponsors competitive forensics and noncompetitive public forum activities, sending students to national competitions in policy debate, parliamentary debate, and individual events. Lewis & Clark's forensics squad is consistently ranked among the top teams in the country. For example, in 2004 Lewis & Clark was ranked second nationally by the National Parliamentary Debate Association.

Students interested in media production have access to digital editing equipment, digital camcorders, and a multiple-camera color production and editing studio in Aubrey R. Watzek Library.

In addition to on-campus cocurricular opportunities, the department offers a practicum/internship program. Students compete successfully for a wealth of internship opportunities in the Portland area as well as in New York and Washington, D.C.

Lewis & Clark communication graduates pursue a wide variety of career paths, including broadcast management, journalism, public relations and advertising, organizational development, business and marketing, higher education, and law. About 20 percent of the graduates in a typical year go on to graduate study or law school.

Examples of student internships

• National Wildlife Federation, public information intern in Washington, D.C., office.
• Nike, media event management, New York City and Portland offices.
• NBC-TV, London, news field assistant.
• Wieden and Kennedy, Portland advertising agency, copyright assistant.
• Oregon Public Broadcasting, Portland, radio newswriting.
• Congressional internships, Washington, D.C., constituent services.

Examples of student research

• "Creation of a Woman's Language: A Rhetorical Criticism of Suzette Haden Elgin's Native Tongue."
• "Reforming American Libel Law."
• "Great American Video: Web-Based Marketing for Small Business."
• "The Tragically Hip: A Divided Country's Musical Symbol of Unification."
• "Power Within the Sphere: Gender Role Portrayals in Japanese Advertising."
• "Long-Distance Romantic Relationships and New Technologies."
• "Ways of Seeing, Ways of Knowing: A Documentary of the Arctic North."

Examples of positions obtained by communication graduates

• Deputy district attorney, Marin County, California.
• Video producer, Ibex Communication, Portland.
• Newscast producer, KGW-TV, Portland.
• Professor of communication, University of Illinois.
• Multimedia designer, Pierian Springs Software, Portland.
• Public relations professional, Waggener Edstrom, Lake Oswego.