Humanities and Communication
Core Courses
The core courses address practical, theoretical, and expressive tools necessary to be successful in the HCOM major.
Major ProSeminar
Prior to formal admission to the Humanities and Communication major, students must successfully complete HCOM 300. Transfer students entering the major should have completed their General Education (lower division) courses in most of these GE areas at their former institutions.
The Major ProSeminar is designed to
- Help students acquire and develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to succeed in upper division classes in the major.
- Acquaint students with the disciplinary and interdisciplinary assumptions and methods that shape this integrated humanities major.
- Enable students to take charge of their own learning through the development of an Individual Learning Plan and selection of a concentration. Once approved by the concentration advisor, the Learning Plan becomes the student's guide for completion of the Bachelor's Degree in Human Communication.
- Help students maintain and develop learning communities for sustained mentoring and support.
- Prepare students to explore continuing education, professional opportunities, and specific career paths.
Research or Theory Intensive Course
Students complete one concentration course that is approved as Research or Theory Intensive (RTI) from a list of approved courses. Students interested in attending graduate school should consider taking multiple Research or Theory Intensive courses when possible.
The following learning outcomes should be met within any of the above courses designated by HCOM faculty as “Research and/or Theory Intensive.” Faculty may design a course that meets either or both of these sets of outcomes and they may identify specific competencies students must achieve, skills students should develop in working toward the broad learning outcomes in their particular course.
Research Methods Outcomes
Outcome One: Understanding of Research Methods
Identify, distinguish, and explain one or more kinds of research methods typically employed by researchers in disciplines represented in the Human Communication major.
Outcome Two: Application of Research Methods to an Inquiry-Based Project
Determine and apply relevant disciplinary specific and/or interdisciplinary framed research method(s) necessary for a concrete inquiry-based project in systematic, ethical and effective ways.
Outcome Three: Analysis of Research Findings
Interpret, evaluate, analyze and synthesize data/evidence collected with chosen research method(s) sufficient to draw conclusions in response to focused research questions.
Outcome Four: Effective Communication of Research Findings
Communicate research findings clearly, correctly, concisely and ethically in a manner appropriate to the disciplinary or interdisciplinary focus of the inquiry.
Theory Intensive Outcomes
Outcome One: Understanding of Analytical Theories and Frameworks
Identify and explain one or more analytical theories used for the production and interpretation of knowledge in the Humanities and/or Communication Studies
Outcome Two: Application of Analytical Theories and Frameworks
Apply appropriate theoretical analysis to a significant question or problem arising in relationship to the course subject matter
Outcome Three: Effective Communication of Theoretical Analysis
Communicate rationale for and application of theoretical analysis of a significant question or problem in clear, ethical and effective ways
Capstone
All HCOM majors must complete HCOM 475. Certification in Senior Capstone is required for graduation. Please review information about the HCOM Capstone model.