Majoring & Minoring

The Major Program

The major in communication combines core requirements with the flexibility of electives. Requirements involve the historical and contemporary study of persuasion; the critical evaluation of communication theories and practices related to interpersonal interactions, organizations, public discourse, and the mass media; engagement with both quantitative and qualitative research methods; and the satisfactory completion and presentation of senior research. These requirements are essential for the student who intends to pursue graduate study or enter a communication-related field.

Students should declare the communication major by the end of the sophomore year to provide maximum flexibility in planning for core requirements and electives. Students are also encouraged to consult with their department advisors about coursework from other departments that can be appropriately integrated into their study of communication. Each communication major is expected to complete a research project during the senior year. Students who are working on their projects should enroll in Communication 480 (Senior Seminar).

Major Requirements

A minimum of 40 semester credits, distributed as follows:

1. Six communication core courses: 100, 203, 260, 301, either 302 or 303, and 480.
2. Sixteen semester credits of communication electives. Students may apply a maximum of 4 semester credits, total, in practicum and independent study to the major. At least 12 semester credits of electives must be at the 300 or 400 level.
3. Successful completion and presentation of the senior project (4 semester credits, attained through Communication 480).

Minor Requirements

A minimum of 24 semester credits, distributed as follows:

1. Three communication core courses: 100, 203, and 260.
2. Twelve semester credits of communication electives. Practicum and independent study coursework is not counted toward the minor. Eight semester credits of electives for the minor must be at the 300 or 400 level.

Activities

Public Advocacy. Competitive forensics and noncompetitive public forum activities. Students may compete in policy or parliamentary debate, extemporaneous speaking, oratory, expository, after-dinner speaking, and oral interpretation in intercollegiate tournaments. Students may qualify for Pi Kappa Delta, a national speech honorary. The forensics squad has earned national recognition. Credit is available for qualified students through the practicum program.

KLC Radio. One of the largest campus activities, with a station staff of 40 to 60 students each semester. Staff members participate in all aspects of broadcasting, station management, and operations, including programming, production, news, and promotions. The station broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at www.lclark.edu/~klc. KLC is a cocurricular activity sponsored by the Department of Communication. Credit is available to qualified students through the practicum program.

KLC-TV. A student-directed and -managed organization devoted to the production of film and video. KLC-TV produces a weekly video magazine. Any student may submit work for possible inclusion in broadcasts. KLC-TV also sponsors film festivals and one or two filmmaking efforts during the academic year. Credit is available to qualified students through the practicum program.

Pioneer Log. The weekly student newspaper of Lewis & Clark. Students work in all phases of newspaper production: reporting, editing, photography, electronic publishing, advertising, and layout. Credit is available for qualified students through the practicum program.

Practicum Program

A variety of practica and internships are available to qualified students. The practicum program provides an opportunity to explore the relationship between theoretical concepts and skills learned in the classroom and the work done in various organizations, including community service agencies, government offices, advertising companies, and the media. Practicum credit is also available for participation in the Public Advocacy, KLC Radio, KLC-TV, and Pioneer Log organizations at Lewis & Clark. The practicum experience is supervised by communication department faculty and involves additional readings and written assignments beyond the time spent in the organization. Credit is offered on a credit-no credit basis through Communication 244 and 444, Practicum. A detailed written description of the practicum program and its requirements is available in the department.

Honors

Communication majors with a grade point average of 3.500 or higher overall and in the major are invited by the department to prepare their senior projects as honors projects. Senior projects submitted for consideration for honors normally require more extensive preparation than other senior projects. Two faculty members assist the student and evaluate the project on completion. Students whose projects are deemed worthy are granted honors on graduation.

Resources For Nonmajors

With the exception of the senior project, most courses in communication are open to nonmajors who have completed the prerequisites. The introductory course (Communication 100) is useful to the general student. Advanced courses such as Communication and Conflict (310), Ethical and Legal Issues in the Mass Media (322), and Legal Communication (354) serve students with more specialized interests. Applied laboratory experiences in forensics, KLC Radio, KLC-TV, and the Pioneer Log student newspaper are also appropriate to a variety of majors. Department sponsorship of practicum experiences is usually available only to majors.

Facilities

Radio facilities. Located in Templeton Campus Center, KLC Radio includes two fully equipped stereo studios, a newsroom, and offices. The station webcasts on and off campus.

Print facilities. Pioneer Log offices are located in Templeton Campus Center. Students have use of electronic publishing technology and digital cameras.

Video facilities. Lewis & Clark's video production facility includes digital editing capabilities, computer graphics, portable cameras and recording equipment, and a multiple-camera production studio. Additional video recording systems are available on campus.

See L&C College Catalog: Communication