Statements of Policy - UMUC Europe

UMUC Bachelor’s Degrees
Communication Studies
Students may seek either an academic major or minor in
communication studies.
Major in Communication Studies
A major in communication studies provides for the growth of
adult learners as expert communicators who can meet the
challenges posed by the global workplace and the global
presentation of public information. The major’s cross-disciplinary
approach produces graduates who have the appropriate balance
of theoretical background and sophisticated, practical
communication skills needed in today’s workplace and public
information environments.
Objectives
The student who graduates with a major in communication
studies will be able to:
• Discuss the history of communication theory and how its
principles apply to particular types of communication,
including mass communication.
• Apply effective communication strategies within various
types of communication.
• Gather information from a variety of sources and critically
identify, examine, and present issues associated with
information communicated to diverse audiences.
• Apply the techniques of independent research, including
technology that fosters information literacy.
• Recognize the legal and ethical implications of
communication and produce communications that are legally
and ethically responsible.
• Explain how computer technology is used to develop and
manage information and employ appropriate computer
resources to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of
communication.
• Write and edit effectively and demonstrate a clear
understanding of the respective processes, tools, and
techniques that apply to various types of communication.
• Assess a particular communication environment and evaluate
the communication skills needed for that environment.
• Develop communication products and processes appropriate
to a given audience.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of
typography, layout, and design and apply them effectively
to various kinds of communication.
• Apply media and techniques appropriate to the solution of
communication problems.
• Work as a capable communication professional within a
specific communication field.
• Develop an international perspective of communication
practice through awareness of intercultural communication
and international business conventions.
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Requirements for the Major
A major in communication studies requires the completion of
30 semester hours of coursework in communication studies,
drawn from various disciplines as appropriate; at least 15 semester
hours must be earned in courses numbered 300 or above. Specific
course requirements are listed below.
Within the communication studies major, students may choose
general study or a more structured track in business
communication, journalism, speech communication, or technical
communication. Students in all tracks must complete the
requirements listed below, as well as those listed for their selected
track, within the 30 semester hours for the major.
Communication Studies Coursework (30 s.h.)
Required Foundation Course (3 s.h.)
Students must take the following course:
COMM 300 Communication Theory (3)
Writing Course (3–6 s.h.)
Students must choose one of the following writing courses:
COMM 390 Writing for Managers (3)
COMM 393/393X Technical Writing (3)
COMM 394/394X Business Writing (3)
ENGL 303 Critical Approaches to Literature (3)
ENGL 391/391X Advanced Expository
and Research Writing (3)
ENGL 396 Critical Analysis in Reading and Writing (6)
LGST 401 Advanced Legal Writing (3)
Speech or English Language Course (3 s.h.)
Students must choose one of the following speech or English
language courses:
COMM 380 Language in Social Contexts (3)
ENGL 278F Introduction to Principles of Text Editing (3)
ENGL 281/281X Standard English Grammar, Usage, and
Diction (3)
ENGL 384 Advanced Grammar and Style (3)
SPCH All 300- or 400-level courses
Capstone Course (3 s.h.)
Students must take the capstone course appropriate to their track of
study (listed under the individual tracks) during the last 30
semester hours of study. Students not pursuing a track must take
one of the following courses:
COMM 490 Seminar in Technical Communication (3)
or
COMM 495 Seminar in Workplace Communication (3)
Supplemental Major Courses (15–18 s.h.)
Students must choose four or more of the following courses to
complete the 30 semester hours required for the major:
COMM 293 Technical Report Writing (3)
COMM 380 Language in Social Contexts (3)
COMM 390 Writing for Managers (3)
COMM 393/393X Technical Writing (3)
COMM 394/394X Business Writing (3)
COMM 395 Writing in the Health Professions (3)
2004-2005 Undergraduate Catalog