Printer FriendlyEffective communication is an essential tool for those seeking careers in journalism, advertising, commerce, law, public relations, education or related fields.
The Communications and Critical Thinking (C&CT) track in philosophy serves students preparing for these careers with a unique interdisciplinary course of study that puts them on the fast track for any of those professional choices. It provides training in the latest media technologies and in timeless communication skills such as presenting good arguments, critical reasoning and logical evaluation of competing opinions.
Students specialize by selecting a specific set of courses from the wide variety offered for the major, and by adding minors in other related areas such as computer science, English, music, art, economics, psychology, sociology or political science.
Format
The major in C&CT consists of nine, three-credit courses selected from two groups: (A) critical theory and (B) practical applications. At least five courses must be taken from group (A) and at least three from group (B); however, the wide range of courses in both groups allows students to pursue a specific emphasis or interest while fulfilling these general requirements.
Group A: Critical Theory:
A sampling of courses: Classical Rhetoric and the Theory of Argument; Language, Signs and Symbols;History and Theory of Rhetoric; Ways of Knowing; The Psychology of Language; Logic and Language; A Cultural Introduction to the Languages of Europe; History and Development of the English Language; Analysis of Modern English; Critical Theory and Interpretation; Hermeneutics and Deconstruction; Philosophies of Art and Beauty; The Theory and History of the Performing Arts; History and Theory of Film; Music, Technology and Society; Ethical Issues in Technology; Environmental Ethics; Politics of Popular Art and Culture; Sociology of the Mass Media
Group (B): Practical Applications:
A sampling of courses: Applications of New Technologies; Business Communication; Essay Writing; The Uses of Multimedia; Journalism; Editing and Publishing; Photography and The Theory and Practice of Vision; Computer Graphics and Visual Communication by Design Acting; and Advanced Acting
A three-credit practicum, in which students are placed at a professional site, also will be required or, depending upon the student's particular goals, a directed study leading to a baccalaureate thesis paper. Total credits: 30-36 hours.
A full description of course listings can be found in the undergraduate catalog.