The department of
communication
studies and theatre arts . . .
offers three tracks within
the human communication
emphasis (professional
and organizational
communication, personal/
cultural communication,
and public communication);
a digital film and
television communication
emphasis; and the
theatre major. Students
may select an emphasis
that most closely
matches their interests
and career goals, and, in
consultation with their
faculty advisers in the
department, they may
make choices among the
course options provided.
Department of Communication Studies and Theatre Arts
B24 Kleinpell Fine Arts Building
(715) 425-3971
Undergraduate Catalog
Goals
- To develop effective communicators who understand their chosen media of communication
and use them well;
- to develop critical and sensitive receivers of communication, who can interpret and evaluate
the messages to which they are exposed;
- to develop an appreciation for the interrelationship of theory, research, and practice;
- to develop an understanding and application of ethical systems in communication;
- to provide a sound foundation upon which students may build and adapt to future
technological and social change.
Program
The communication studies and theatre arts programs include courses representing all aspects
of the discipline. Required courses are interpersonal communication, listening, nonverbal
communication, persuasion, and a senior-level research-oriented seminar. Directed electives
allow choices fromthe other areas of the discipline.
Faculty
The department of communication studies and theatre arts is composed of ten faculty
Members and 10 adjunct instructors. Four faculty teach principally in the communication
studies area; four teach principally in theatre; one teaches principally in digital film and
television; and one teaches both theatre and digital film and television courses. All teach
Fundamentals of Oral Communication.
Faculty members direct the three co-curricular student activity programs offered by the
department: forensics, theatre, and television. Faculty members also advise the student
organizations associated with those three activities as well as the National Communication
Association Student Club.
Career Opportunities
Because communication is so vital to all aspects of our personal and professional lives, the
human communication or public communication track is an excellent choice for students
preparing for a variety of professional careers, such as law, the clergy, college teaching, or
international relations and negotiations.
The professional and organizational communication track features the communication
skills most needed by the student preparing for a career in the business, government, or nonprofit
sector. Such employers recognize the centrality of good communication in the world of
work, regardless of their specific field. Consequently, the student who chooses this track is
prepared for a career in a variety of institutions—retail, service, health-related, charitable,
governmental, educational—often in a management track.
The digital film television track provides students with the necessary background for
careers in film and television broadcasting, as well as for those who anticipate using these skills
in other occupations.
The theatre major is designed to expose students to all aspects of theatre. Students are required
to take core courses in acting, directing, history and technology. Students choose a track in their
area of special interest—performance, design/technical, management, or dramaturgy.
