/Institutions/Trevecca-Nazarene-University/json/2024-2025/University-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Trevecca-Nazarene-University/json/2024-2025/University-Catalog.json

Department of Communication Studies

FACULTY

JEFFREY A. WELLS, Chair, Department of Communication Studies, Professor of Communication Studies, 2016—

BS, Trevecca Nazarene University; MA, Auburn University; MA, Roosevelt University; PhD, Texas Tech University.

SETH A. CONLEY, Professor of Communication, 2015—

BS, Indiana Wesleyan University; MA, Ball State University.

 

CORNELIUS DENSON, Associate Professor of Graphic Design 2024—

BFA, Mississippi State University; MFA Savannah College of Art and Design.

JEFFREY D. FRAME, Professor of Drama and Communication, 1990—

BA, Eastern Nazarene College; MA, Emerson College; PhD, Middle Tennessee State University.

LENA HEGI WELCH, Associate Vice President for Traditional Academic Programs; Dean of Arts and Sciences; Professor of Communication, 1988—

BA, Trevecca Nazarene University; MA, Auburn University; EdD, Trevecca Nazarene University.

JO ELLEN WERKING-WEEDMAN, Associate Professor of Journalism, 2017—

BS, Milligan College; MS, University of Illinois.

Department of Communication Studies General Information

The Department of Communication Studies offers broad training in the general area of human communication. The curriculum provides considerable flexibility and is designed to fit a variety of student needs and career interests. There are seven specialized majors that lead to the Bachelor’s degree: 1) Dramatic Arts, 2) Theatre Education, 3) Interpersonal Communication, 4) Organizational Communication, 5) Film and Television, 6) Multimedia Journalism, and 7) Speech Communication Education. The teaching majors are approved by the Tennessee Board of Education and are part of the unit accredited by NCATE. The Department also offers a Bachelor’s degree in the general “Communication Studies” major consisting of courses selected from the specialized programs listed above. This Communication Studies major allows students to tailor their study to individual career goals. Additionally, the Department offers an Associate of Science in Professional Communication.

In addition to classroom course offerings, practical experience can be achieved through internships and individualized instruction.

Mission Statements and Student Learning Outcomes for Department Academic Majors

Communication Studies (BA or BS)

Mission Statement

The Communication Studies major seeks to provide graduates with a general yet comprehensive academic foundation in the study of human communication. The major is a hybrid departmental curriculum which allows students to selectively choose the most suitable courses from across the department’s program offerings to meet their individualized educational objectives.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a Communication Studies major will be able to:

1. Write a review of scholarly literature.
2. Design a primary research project demonstrating either qualitative or quantitative research skills.
3. Plan and deliver a speech in front of an audience.
4. Demonstrate communication skills necessary to be effective in a work environment.
5. Name and describe a theory associated with the discipline of communication.

Dramatic Arts (BA)

Mission Statement

The Dramatic Arts major seeks to prepare graduates with a broad understanding of theatre to succeed professionally in educational, community, and/or professional theatre venues and/or to succeed in graduate theatre programs.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a Dramatic Arts major will be able to:

1. Begin graduate studies or a career in or directly related to professional theatre.
2. Critically assess a theatre production’s relative merits and weaknesses within the global contexts of artistic expression and spiritual significance.
3. Satisfy proficiently at least ONE of the basic collaborative roles for the production of a play that is at least one-act in length, or longer. The roles graduates may choose from are: director of the play, performer in a major character role of the play; author of the script; lighting designer of the play; scene designer of the play; costume designer of the play; or stage manager of the play.

Graphic Design BA

Mission Statement

The Graphic Design program seeks to prepare graduates for a dynamic and ever-evolving career in graphic design. The curriculum blends creativity, communication, and technology in a comprehensive exploration of design principles, visual communication, and the latest digital tools.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a Dramatic Arts major will be able to:

1. Students will demonstrate a deep understanding of visual communication principles, including composition, color theory, typography, and imagery, and apply these principles effectively across various design projects.
2. Students will develop the ability to conceptualize and execute innovative design solutions that address diverse communication challenges, considering audience, context, and purpose.
3. Students will explore the ethical implications of design decisions and demonstrate sensitivity to cultural diversity, social responsibility, and sustainability in their work.
4. Students will demonstrate all aspects of the design process to identify complex problems and generate solutions that optimize human experiences.
5. Students will learn to manage design projects effectively, from initial concept to final execution, demonstrating proficiency in time-management, organization, and prioritization.
6. Students will demonstrate discipline-based design ideas verbally, visually and digitally.

Theatre Education (BA)

The Theatre Education major is described in the Teacher Education Program section of the Catalog.

Interpersonal Communication (BS)

Mission Statement

Graduates in Interpersonal Communication will understand the role and nature of communication in interpersonal relationships and will demonstrate skills such as listening, empathy, trust, and conflict management that are critical to effective leadership and service.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates with an Interpersonal Communication major will be able to:

1. Write a review of scholarly literature.
2. Plan and conduct a research project related to the discipline of interpersonal communication.
3. Plan and deliver a speech in front of an audience.
4. Work productively on an assigned project as a cooperative team member.
5. Demonstrate interpersonal skills necessary to be effective in a work environment.

Organizational Communication (BS)

Mission Statement

The Organizational Communication major seeks to prepare graduates with strong relational communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Graduates will understand the role of messages, meanings, and information flow in and between organizations and are prepared for employment in corporations and non-profit organizations.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates with an Organizational Communication major will be able to:

1. Demonstrate skills necessary for employment in a career requiring organizational communication skills.
2. Identify a major theorist in the discipline of organizational communication.
3. Demonstrate skills in oral and written communication.
4. Possess knowledge required for admission into graduate study in communication or a related field.

Film and Television (BS)

Mission Statement

The Film & Television major seeks to prepare graduates to have a broad-based understanding of the industry, artistry, and technology of Film and Television careers. The curriculum emphasizes storytelling through writing for visual media, cinematography, editing, lighting, sound, directing, and producing. Students are exposed to traditional and new visual media and learn to develop content and skills transferrable to virtually any medium. The major combines a theoretical foundation with a “hands on” approach to production and creation. The major prepares students for careers in narrative feature film, short film of any genre, documentary, corporate and organization video, online visual content creation, and more.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a Film and Television major will be able to:

1. Write, edit, and produce advanced-level media products, such as feature film scripts, documentaries, training videos, short films, audio productions, webcasts, and other professional video products.
2. Demonstrate clear and thoughtful communication.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of open inquiry through research and creative activity.

Multimedia Journalism (BS)

Mission Statement

The Multimedia Journalism major seeks to prepare graduates to identify and communicate news, ideas, and information. Through academic study and hands-on experience, students will understand the role of news and information in society and be able to research, report, and deliver information across several media.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a Multimedia Journalism major will be able to:

1. Identify newsworthy events, ideas, and information and effectively report and organize information into compelling stories for multiple audiences.
2. Write compelling stories about events, issues, trends, and people.
3. Communicate information effectively to particular audiences through text, audio, video, and other media.
4. Exhibit skills necessary for employment in the field of journalism and/or succeed in graduate/professional programs.

Speech Communication Education (BA)

The Speech Communication Education major is described in the Teacher Education Program section of the Catalog.

 

Professional Communication (AS)

Mission Statement

The Professional Communication major addresses organizational needs for employees who are knowledgeable in the use of communication strategies and technologies. The coursework equips students with skills in written, oral, visual, and digital communication necessary for a workplace. The program also provides enough flexibility for students to be able to tailor their coursework according to their areas of interest.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a Professional Communication major will be able to:

1. Produce a well-reasoned & researched argument.
2. Deliver an effective oral presentation using digital technology.
3. Work productively on an assigned project as a cooperative team member.

Communication Honors Program

The honors program offered by the Department of Communication Studies for students majoring in Communication Studies, Interpersonal Communication, or Organizational Communication provides an opportunity for high achieving majors in the disciplines of communication to engage in intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and advanced scholarly exploration.  The honors program provides a supportive and enriching environment where students engage in rigorous investigation, collaborate with faculty mentors, and participate in original research projects and creative endeavors. Honors students work closely with professors who provide guidance, feedback, and support throughout their academic journey.  Upon completing the honors program, students emerge with evidence of their scholastic achievement and confidence in their ability to excel in further academic pursuits and their professions.  

Program Requirements and Overview:

• GPA minimum requirements (at the time of the proposal): cumulative GPA of 3.65 in the major and 3.00 overall
• Students must have completed at least 17 credits in their major prior to applying for the honors program.
• If accepted, honors students will plan, conduct, write, and present an original research project on a topic related to their academic discipline. The project may be a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed method study.
• Honors students will present their research at either NCUR (National Council on Undergraduate Research) or another external professional conference approved by the faculty sponsor, and they must present their project at Trevecca’s Undergraduate Research Symposium. 
• For more information on this program and how communication honors students will be recognized for their achievements, please contact faculty members in the Department of Communication Studies.