cfpca - College of Fine, Performing & Communication Arts

Requirements

The following courses are required:

COM 1010 - Oral Communication: Basic Speech (3 Credits). This course is a prerequisite to students declaring a major in Speech Communication.
COM 2110 - Argumentation and Debate (3 Credits)
COM 2160 - Contemporary Persuasive Campaigns and Movements (3 credits)
COM 2200 - Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
COM 3400 - Theories of Communication (4 credits). This course is designated writing intensive (WI) for the major.
COM 4210 - Introduction to Research Methods in Communication and Public Relations
COM 5030 - Communication Ethics (3 Credits). Capstone course to be taken in last 12 credit hours of study.

An additional 15 hours in communication studies (COM) courses are required and should be selected as follows:

1. At least 9 credits from one area of specialization in communication courses listed below:

Rhetoric/Public:
COM 2040 - Voice and Articulation
COM 2170 - Persuasive Speaking
COM 2190 - Rhetoric of Western Thought
COM 2240 - Forensics Practicum
COM 2500 - Oral Interpretation of Literature 
COM 5100 - Speech Writing 
COM 5110 - Studies of Argument 
COM 5120 - Presidential Rhetoric
COM 6040 - Cultures and Rhetoric
COM 6070 - Directing Forensics

Family/Health/Interpersonal:
COM 2300 - Intercultural Communication
COM 3200 - Nonverbal Communication
COM 3220 - Health Communication
COM 3270 - Group Communication 
COM 4030 - Gender and Communication
COM 4040 - Diversity in Interpersonal Comm.
COM 4180 - Family Communication
COM 6170 - Principals of Interpersonal Comm.
COM 6171 - Human Communication & Aging

Organizational/Managerial:
COM 3170 - Fundamentals of Public Relations
COM 3250 - Intro to Organizational Communication
COM 3300 - Business & Prof. Presentations
COM 4170 - Public Relations Writing
COM 5130 - Comm. and Social Marketing
COM 5160 - Public Relations Campaigns
COM 5220 - Interviewing
COM 6200 - Theories of Small Group
COM 6250 - Organizational Communication
COM 6350 - Comm. Culture and Conflict


2. Six elective credits in communication courses (COM) in addition to those required by the core and the area of specialization selected in consultation with a department advisor.

Important Reminder
You must complete all courses in the College of Fine, Performing Communication Arts with a C (2.0) or better. This also includes all transfer credits that may be applicable to the major programs. You must also complete the university’s general education and competency requirements as well as the college’s group requirements, which include completion of a foreign language through the third semester.

Advising
Please call the department at (313) 577-2943 to have an advisor assigned to you. It is important to meet with the department advisor as early as possible in your program. You are expected to follow the published curriculum for your major and to consult regularly with an advisor.

Special Activities
Coursework is only one part of your undergraduate education. Employers pay close attention to the types of activities in which applicants participated as students. There are many valuable activities in which to participate on campus. The Department of Communication sponsors the nationally acclaimed debate and speech team as well as the Wayne State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). In addition, you are encouraged to participate in such activities as student government and the student newspaper (South End).

Administration
Chairperson: Dr. Matthew Seeger
Academic Services Officer: Ms. Victoria Dallas
Communication Studies Area Head: Dr. Mary Garrett

Department of Communication: (313) 577-2943