Historical Communications Major

Do you love history but know you don't want to go into a high school classroom?  This major may be for you. 

Historical Communications (or HCOMM) is a one of a kind program.  It allows students who are interested in working in the field of communications but want to have History rather than English as their "intellectual core."  Students are expected to master various kinds of writing styles (history analytical essays, journalism, public relations, etc).  These majors have often been stronger than many traditional majors. 

Alums of this program have gone on to work for museums (the Nixon Presidential library); politics (Democracy For America), insurance, and even teaching English at a community college. 


Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science with a major in historical communications

Required courses:

An introduction to career-oriented uses of language and to the skills used universally by reporters, editors, advertising copywriters, public relations personnel and technical writers. Usually offered every semester.
The development of the basic skills of journalistic writing such as interviewing, covering meetings, gathering and reporting news and writing features according to standard formats and styles. The course also covers legal and ethical aspects of journalism.
An introduction to the basics of historical research and writing. The most important goal of the course is to help students produce a clearly written research paper, with footnotes and a bibliography. A primary source paper and other writing assignments will prepare the students for the achievement of this goal. Class discussion will revolve around analysis of various types of primary sources, secondary sources, journal articles, issues of interpretation, and research methods. The course will also include several research trips to libraries, archives, historical societies, or local history collections.
Field experience related to student's work, research interests, or graduate school plans. A journal and paper in addition to field work are required. Students may take up to 6 credits per semester and up to 12 credits during the summer.
† indicates a required course

Also required:

  • Four 100 level 3 credit courses.
  • Three History electives, one at the 300 level, two non-U.S.

Three additional electives (9 Credits) drawn from these courses or approved special topics courses:

This class surveys the principles and practices of user-centered design (research/observation, design, prototyping, and usability testing), information design, information architecture, interaction design, interface design, and digital infrastructure. Website design will be introduced as a model for integrating the interdisciplinary components of the field of digital communications.
An introductory studio/lecture course designed to increase visual literacy and vocabulary, develop design skills, and present the creative possibilities of the computer as an art-making and editing too.
The development of writing, speaking and listening skills for business management.
The development of writing, speaking and illustrating skills to convey specialized, often technical information to a non-technical audience.
Enhancement of basic journalistic skills by reading and writing longer investigative and feature articles. Usually offered alternate spring semesters. 3 credits.
Theory and technique of writing news and features for broadcast media. Editing and rewriting press association dispatches, gathering local news, recording interviews, and preparing newscasts and feature programs. Usually offered alternate fall semesters.
Principles and techniques of copywriting; selection and presentation of sales points; creative strategy in production of layouts. Usually offered alternate spring semesters.
Purposes and methods of modern public relations as practiced by business and industry, organizations and institutions, trades and professions. Public opinion evaluation. Planning of public relations programs. Usually offered alternate fall semesters.
Editing theory and exercises in copyreading, rewriting and headlining. Usually offered alternate spring semesters.
Investigation of the impact of the mass media on the political process and vice versa. Exploration of the history of the interaction between politics and media, and how emerging technologies are changing the face of political communication in the United States.