Communication Studies
http://www.whitworth.edu/communicationstudies
 The Whitworth Communication Studies Department provides students with the theories and skills necessary for effective communication in diverse contexts. Working within the tradition of the liberal arts, the department introduces students to theoretical, historical and philosophical assumptions fundamental to communication scholarship and practice.
The learning outcomes of this major prepare the student to:
- be aware of the relationships between the theory and practice of journalism or speech communication and the student’s faith or worldview;
- demonstrate writing skills required to excel in an entry-level communications-related job and/or in graduate school;
- demonstrate public-speaking and presentation skills required to excel in an entry-level communications-related job and/or in graduate school;
- demonstrate interpersonal skills required to excel in job, family and other contexts;
- demonstrate critical-thinking skills required to excel in the intellectual, professional and personal dimensions of life;
- demonstrate skills necessary to make and defend sound ethical decisions;
- demonstrate ability to work cooperatively;
- demonstrate appropriate knowledge of, and proficiency with, communication technology;
- understand the history and theory of the disciplines of journalism and mass communication or speech communication;
- understand legal and philosophical principles underlying freedom of expression;
- apply communication skills in cross-cultural settings;
- experience a communications internship that clarifies the student’s career goals and provides practical preparation for the student’s career.
The Whitworth Communication Studies Department offers a major and a minor in each of three areas: communication, journalism and mass communication, and speech communication.
Requirements for a Communication Major, B.A. (42-44) |
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| JMC 125 | Writing for Mass Media | 3 | | JMC 209 | Introduction to Communication Research | 3 | | or SP 209 | Introduction to Communication Research | | JMC 212 | Theories of Human Communication | 3 | | or SP 212 | Theories of Human Communication | | SP 113 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | | SP 210 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 | | 3 | | Reporting for Mass Media | | | Article and Feature Writing | | | 3-4 | | Publicity and Public Relations | | | Interactive Journalism | | | Introduction to Television Broadcasting | | | Editing, Layout and Design | | | 3-4 | | Small Group Communication | | | Organizational Communication | | | Argumentation and Debate | | | Intercultural Communication | | | Advanced Public Speaking | | | Persuasion | | | 3 | | Mass Media History | | | History and Theory of Rhetoric | | | 3 | | Mass Media Law | | | Freedom and Responsibility of Speech | | | 3 | | Communication Ethics | | | Communication Ethics | | | 3 | | Internship | | | Internship | | | 6 |
Requirements for a Journalism and Mass Communication Major, B.A. (42-43) |
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| JMC 125 | Writing for Mass Media | 3 | | JMC 209 | Introduction to Communication Research | 3 | | JMC 212 | Theories of Human Communication | 3 | | JMC 335 | Interactive Journalism | 3 | | JMC 347 | Mass Media History | 3 | | JMC 402 | Mass Media Law | 3 | | JMC 493 | Communication Ethics | 3 | | SP 113 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | | 3 | | Internship | | | 3-4 | | Publicity and Public Relations | | | Introduction to Television Broadcasting | | | Editing, Layout and Design | | | 3 | | Reporting for Mass Media | | | Article and Feature Writing | | | 3 | | 6 |
Requirements for a Speech Communication Major, B.A. (43) |
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| SP 113 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | | SP 209 | Introduction to Communication Research | 3 | | SP 210 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 | | SP 212 | Theories of Human Communication | 3 | | SP 223 | Small Group Communication | 4 | | SP 347W | History and Theory of Rhetoric | 3 | | SP 402 | Freedom and Responsibility of Speech | 3 | | SP 493 | Communication Ethics | 3 | | JMC 125 | Writing for Mass Media | 3 | | 3 | | Internship | | | 6 | | 6 |
Requirements for a Communication Minor (15) |
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| JMC 125 | Writing for Mass Media | 3 | | SP 113 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | | JMC 212 | Theories of Human Communication | 3 | | or SP 212 | Theories of Human Communication | | JMC 493 | Communication Ethics | 3 | | or SP 493 | Communication Ethics | | 3 |
Requirements for a Journalism and Mass Communication Minor (16) |
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| JMC 125 | Writing for Mass Media | 3 | | JMC 325W | Reporting for Mass Media | 3 | | JMC 343 | Editing, Layout and Design | 4 | | JMC 493 | Communication Ethics | 3 | | 3 |
Requirements for a Speech Communication Minor (15) |
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| SP 113 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | | SP 210 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 | | SP 212 | Theories of Human Communication | 3 | | SP 493 | Communication Ethics | 3 | | 3 |
Requirements for a Visual Communication Minor (19) |
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| JMC 125 | Writing for Mass Media | 3 | | JMC 343 | Editing, Layout and Design | 4 | | AR 120 | 2-D Design | 3 | | AR 124 | Intro to Photoshop, Illustrator And Indesign | 3 | | 6 | | Digital Imaging I | | | Web Design I | | | Digital Imaging II | | | Multimedia Applications Development | | | Media Criticism | | | Theories of Human Communication | |
Journalism and Mass Communication Courses
| JMC 125 Writing for Mass Media | 3 |
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News values; creativity and structure in news writing; journalistic style and format; accuracy, clarity and conciseness in writing; basic reporting and research skills, interviewing, listening, and observing. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| JMC 192 Foreign Study/Exchange | 1-17 |
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| JMC 196 Topics in Journalism | 1-3 |
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Selected lower-division topics in journalism. Periodic offering. | |
| JMC 209 Introduction to Communication Research | 3 |
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Introduction to communication studies research methods and tools, including traditional and electronic resources. Students will develop scholarly writing and argumentation skills. Fall and spring semesters. SP 113 or JMC/SP 212 highly recommended. | |
| JMC 212 Theories of Human Communication | 3 |
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A comprehensive treatment of major theoretical approaches toward understanding the production and interpretation of human communication. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| JMC 231 Photojournalism | 3 |
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Introduction to photojournalism and the photographic and visual skills needed to create a compelling news image. Students shoot and critique documentary-style photographs and begin to develop a professional portfolio that includes news, feature, sports, portrait and picture stories. Fee. Fall semester. | |
| JMC 244 Publicity and Public Relations | 3 |
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Role and effect of publicity and public relations in the United States. Public relations process, public-opinion polling, development, evaluation of public relations programs. Prerequisite: JMC 125. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| JMC 245 Applied Journalism: Newspaper | 1 |
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Staff work on university newspaper. May be repeated for credit. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| JMC 246 Applied Journalism: Radio | 1 |
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Staff work on university radio station. May be repeated for credit. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| JMC 247 Applied Journalism: Yearbook | 1 |
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Staff work on university yearbook. May be repeated for credit. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| JMC 310W Professional Communication: Writing | 3 |
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Against the backdrop of general communication theory, enhance your writing skills and apply them to documents and projects common in the world of work - news releases, brochures, reports, newsletters, correspondence, and others. Offered through Continuing Studies. Periodic offering. | |
| JMC 312 South Africa Tour Prep | 1 |
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An introduction to the history, geography, culture, and social structure of South Africa. Course is only open to students preparing for SP 341. Periodic offering. | |
| JMC 315 Media Criticism | 3 |
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Analysis of messages from primary mass media sources including print and broadcast news, Internet, entertainment and advertising. Course uses various tools to examine how messages are used by media producers and audiences to create meaning. Spring semester. | |
| JMC 325W Reporting for Mass Media | 3 |
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News-gathering techniques and strategies, including direct observation, participant observation and interviewing; using public records and documents, libraries and statistics; dealing with sources; polls and surveys. Prerequisite: JMC 125. Spring semester. | |
| JMC 335 Interactive Journalism | 3 |
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Students will gain skills in multi-media journalism, combining experiences in audio, video, and Internet reporting and storytelling. Students will produce multi-media story packages and gain a grounding in new media theory. Fee. Spring semester. Prerequisite: JMC-125. | |
| JMC 336 Introduction to Television Broadcasting | 3 |
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On-air aspects of television broadcast journalism. Introduction to using studio and field video equipment including lighting and sound. Basic news writing and production. Production of audition video that may be used for job applications. Prerequisite: JMC 125. Fee. Fall semester. | |
| JMC 337 Advanced Television Production | 3 |
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Mastery of advanced field production, including shooting, editing, script-writing, camera and lens operation, graphics, and basic animation is accomplished while creating a professional product for a client. Fee. Prerequisite: JMC 336. Periodic offering. | |
| JMC 339 Digital Storytelling | 3 |
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Explores theory and practice of digital, multi-modal writing and storytelling. Students will analyze and create digital stories using freely available tools for capturing, editing, and presenting audio, video, and text. Prerequisites: EL 210, EL 245, JMC 125, or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with EL 339. Jan Term, even years. | |
| JMC 340 Photo Essay | 3 |
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This course will introduce advanced photography students to the production of Flash-based audio slideshows. Besides the photographic skills needed to produce a photo essay, students will also learn how to record and edit interviews and sound clips into their presentations. Spring semester. Prerequisite: JMC 231. | |
| JMC 341 Contemporary South Africa | 3 |
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Program includes home-stays with South African families and meetings with media, political and religious leaders. Travel extensively throughout the country, including a visit to a game reserve. | |
| JMC 343 Editing, Layout and Design | 4 |
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Introduction to principles of page layout and design, with emphasis on preparing text and visual elements for a mass media audience by using desktop publishing techniques. Prerequisite: JMC 125. Fall semester. | |
| JMC 346 Media Impact in Contemporary U.S. | 3 |
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Students taking this study program visit New York and Washington, D.C. to learn from media executives and scholars what they believe are the main issues currently facing the media; course also explores impact of media on contemporary U.S. society. Media industries visited will include newspapers, television, radio, magazine and book publishing, and advertising. Jan Term, odd years. | |
| JMC 347 Mass Media History | 3 |
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Origins and development of print and broadcast mass media in the United States. Prerequisite: JMC 212 or SP 212, or permission of instructor. Fall semester. | |
| JMC 362W Article and Feature Writing | 3 |
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Editorial writing, interpretive and critical writing, and magazine writing for publication. Prerequisite: JMC 125. Jan Term. | |
| JMC 391 Independent Study | 1-4 |
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| JMC 392 Foreign Study/Exchange | 1-17 |
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| JMC 395 Teaching Assistantship | 1-4 |
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| JMC 396 Topics in Journalism | 1-4 |
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Selected topics in mass communication. Periodic offering. | |
| JMC 402 Mass Media Law | 3 |
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The First Amendment and court-protected freedom of expression, libel, right of privacy, copyright, covering government and the courts, broadcast regulation. Prerequisite: JMC 212 or SP 212. Fall semester. | |
| JMC 445 Editorial Practicum: Newspaper | 1 |
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Editorial work on the university newspaper. Prerequisite: JMC 245 and appointment to editorial position. May be repeated for credit. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| JMC 446 Broadcast Management Practicum: Radio | 1 |
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Management work on the university radio station. Prerequisite: JMC 246 and appointment to management position. May be repeated for credit. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| JMC 447 Editorial Practicum: Yearbook | 1 |
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Editorial work on the university yearbook. Prerequisites: JMC 247 and appointment to editorial position. May be repeated for credit. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| JMC 491 Independent Study | 0-4 |
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| JMC 493 Communication Ethics | 3 |
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Nature and criteria of ethical behavior; personal and organizational ethical issues facing the mass media, including the power of the media, news gathering and reporting techniques, media source relations, privacy, freedom of the press, taste, conflicting interests, fairness and objectivity. Senior standing. Spring semester. | |
| JMC 495 Teaching Assistantship | 1-4 |
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Speech Communication Courses
| SP 113 Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
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Introductory course to communication studies that surveys perception, self-concept, feedback, listening, disclosure, conflict management, language and nonverbal communication. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| SP 192 Foreign Study/Exchange | 1-17 |
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| SP 196 Topics in Speech Communication | 1-3 |
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Selected lower-division topics in speech communication. Periodic offering. | |
| SP 209 Introduction to Communication Research | 3 |
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An introduction to communication studies research methods and tools, including traditional and electronic resources. Students will develop skills in scholarly writing and argumentation. Fall and spring semesters. SP 113 or JMC/SP 212 highly recommended. | |
| SP 210 Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
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Introduction to speech construction and delivery. Speech skills are surveyed, including research, listening and nonverbal communication. Fall and spring semesters and periodic Jan Terms. | |
| SP 212 Theories of Human Communication | 3 |
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A comprehensive treatment of major theoretical approaches toward understanding the production and interpretation of human communication. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| SP 223 Small Group Communication | 4 |
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A theoretical and practical look at group communication processes such as conflict management, decision-making, group dynamics, leadership, and problem-solving. Fall semester. | |
| SP 245 Applied Speech: Forensics | 1 |
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A practicum course for students involved in the intercollegiate forensics program. An in-depth course in advanced public speaking and debating that may be repeated for credit. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| SP 312 South Africa Program Preparation | 1 |
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An introduction to the history, geography, culture, and social structure of South Africa. Course is only open to students preparing for SP 341. Periodic offering. | |
| SP 313 Advanced Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
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Explores communication issues in the development of personal relationships, specifically friendships, romantic, family, and work relationships. Topics include the processes of establishing relationships, maintaining relationships, and coping with relational challenges. Fall semester, odd years. For Communication majors only. | |
| SP 315 Philanthropy and Communication | 3 |
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A survey of the concepts and practices of philanthropy and stewardship as applied to the not-for-profit industry in the U.S. Students will examine the philosophical tenets of philanthropy and the biblical imperatives of stewardship to understand how and why people give. Spring semester. | |
| SP 323 Organizational Communication | 3 |
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Structure, process and function of communication in organizations, including diagnosing communication problems, analyzing communication networks, and managing communication. Prerequisite: Students must have met the oral communication requirement. Spring semester. | |
| SP 336 Gospel Proclamation | 3 |
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The study and practice of oral communication of the Christian gospel in public settings. Students gain experience in textual interpretation, structuring messages, language use, introducing and concluding messages, audience analysis, delivery of messages, and evaluating messages. Also listed as TH 336. By permission only. | |
| SP 338 Small Group Ministry | 3 |
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A study of the primary communication skills involved in effective planning and implementation of small-group ministry. Group leadership skills, membership roles, theology of small-group ministry, and leading small-group Bible study. Also listed as TH 338. Offered annually. | |
| SP 341 Contemporary South Africa | 3 |
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Program includes home stays with South African families and meetings with political, religious and other leaders. Extensive travel throughout the country, including a visit to a game reserve. Jan Term, even years. | |
| SP 347W History and Theory of Rhetoric | 3 |
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The origin and development of speech communication from its earliest conceptions in ancient Greece through the present, with particular emphasis on the theories of rhetoric. Prerequisite: JMC 212 or SP 212. Offered annually. | |
| SP 351 Group Dynamics | 3 |
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A focus on group behavior, including work teams and how their functioning affects organizational effectiveness. Emphasis on effective group processes for role clarification, decision-making, problem-solving, conflict resolution and group communications. Students develop communication strategies and application of concepts through completion of a small-group project. | |
| SP 352 Conflict Management | 3 |
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Investigates how individuals can manage relational conflict more effectively, with an emphasis on the language and structure of conflict. Students will develop skills in managing social and task conflict in both professional and personal contexts. Periodic offering. Offered through Continuing Studies. | |
| SP 362 Argumentation and Debate | 4 |
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An in-depth course on the construction and delivery of valid arguments, logical and emotional appeals, attitude change, fundamentals of academic debate, and practical application of persuasive methods. Course surveys American presidential debates and models of argument. Prerequisite: SP 210. Periodic offering. | |
| SP 384 Communication in France | 4 |
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Study of human interpersonal and other communication practices in France. Class promotes cross-cultural understanding by study of ritual, status, symbols, verbal and non-verbal communication. Intent is to broaden cultural awareness and understand oral communication practices of French and American cultures. Visits to sites, such as museums, businesses, media outlets and churches, and interactions with French religious, cultural and community representatives provides students first-hand experiences to understand similarities and differences between American and French communication styles. Part of the France Study Program. Offered Spring 2016. | |
| SP 391 Independent Study | 1-4 |
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| SP 392 Foreign Study/Exchange | 1-17 |
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| SP 395 Teaching Assistantship | 1-4 |
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| SP 396 Topics in Speech Communication | 3 |
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Selected topics in speech. Periodic offering. | |
| SP 398 Intercultural Communication | 3 |
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Study of how elements such as ritual, status, symbolism, concepts of time and use of space create our worldview. Class promotes cross-cultural understanding using interactive and visual communication to communicate effectively across cultures. Intent is to broaden cultural awareness and enhance multicultural literacy. Jan Term. | |
| SP 402 Freedom and Responsibility of Speech | 3 |
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An in-depth examination of the First Amendment and court-protected freedom of expression including sedition and political speech, religious speech, protest speech, academic freedom, and symbolic expression. Prerequisite: JMC 212 or SP 212. Spring semester. | |
| SP 410 Advanced Public Speaking | 3 |
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An in-depth course on speech construction in different contexts. Students deliver a variety of persuasive speeches. Emphasis on reasoning, delivery skills, and speech criticism. Prerequisite: SP 210. Periodic offering. | |
| SP 415 Persuasion | 3 |
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Study and application of persuasion theories and research as they relate within interpersonal, media, ministry, and other contexts. The course will consider, primarily from a social science perspective, how speakers, messages and various persuasive appeals can modify attitudes and behaviors. Fall semester, even years. | |
| SP 436 African-American Preaching | 3 |
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An introduction to the preaching in African-American traditions as a distinctive communication event. Emphasis is given to historical, cultural, theological, and rhetorical dimensions of preaching in African-American traditions. Jan Term, odd years. | |
| SP 445 Applied Speech: Forensics | 1 |
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A practicum course for students involved in the intercollegiate forensics program. An in-depth course in advanced public speaking and debating that may be repeated for credit. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| SP 491 Independent Study | 1-4 |
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| SP 493 Communication Ethics | 3 |
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An in-depth examination of the nature and criteria of ethical oral communication behavior in interpersonal, public speaking, group and intercultural settings. Examines ethical theories and their application to credibility, lying and persuasion in social, political, and religious contexts. Senior standing. Offered annually. | |
| SP 495 Teaching Assistantship | 1-4 |
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Dean of Arts and Sciences
NOELLE WIERSMA Chair
ALAN MIKKELSON Professors
MICHAEL INGRAMGORDON JACKSONJAMES MCPHERSONRONALD PYLE Associate professor
ALAN MIKKELSON Assistant professor
ERICA SALKIN Instructor
JOSEPH VIGIL Director of Forensics
MIKE INGRAM
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