History Communications Degree Requirements

students in class

Required coursework includes (43 credits)

A broad survey of the curriculum making up the Digital Communications major. This includes the authoring of content (text, visual, aural); designing presentations for that content; understanding the processes, components; and distribution of information technology; introducing the legal and ethical environments, and comprehending the integrative nature of design, business, communication, and technology in society's culture. 3 credits.
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. 3 credits. {Cross-listed as Digital Communications 210- DCOM 210.}
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. 3 credits.
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. Writing intensive. Prerequisite: ENG 111 and 112 or permission of the instructor. Usually offered fall semester. 3 credits.
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. Writing process. Prerequisites: at least one of the following: HIS 103, 104, 105, 125, 126 or 127; or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.
Field experience in a historical setting. Ordinarily intended for juniors and seniors. Prerequisite: GPA of 2.50 in the major and permission of department chair. 3-6 credits during fall or spring semester; 3-12 credits during the summer.
† indicates a required course

Also required:

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

Three additional electives drawn from:

The development of writing, speaking and listening skills for business management. Prerequisite: ENG 111, 112, or permission of the instructor. Usually offered alternate spring semesters. 3 credits.
The development of writing, speaking and illustrating skills to convey specialized, often technical information to a non-technical audience. Prerequisite: ENG 111 and 112 or permission of the instructor. Usually offered alternate spring semesters. 3 credits.
Introduction to informative, persuasive and other types of oral communication, with emphasis on the student's own performance as well as the judgment of others' performance. Usually offered alternate spring semesters. 3 credits.
Enhancement of basic journalistic skills by reading and writing longer investigative and feature articles. Writing process. Prerequisite: ENG 213. 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. 3 credits.
Principles and techniques of copywriting; selection and presentation of sales points; creative strategy in production of layouts. Usually offered alternate spring semesters. 3 credits.
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. Prerequisite: ENG 213, or permission of the instructor. Usually offered alternate fall semesters. 3 credits.
Editing theory and exercises in copyreading, rewriting and headlining. Writing process. Prerequisite: ENG 213, or permission of the instructor. Usually offered alternate spring semesters. 3 credits.