Humanistic, aesthetic and social scientific investigation of the problems people face when they use language and other symbolic systems to work with and influence others. Instruction in the communication skills and knowledge people need to function effectively in business, law, government service, the ministry, teaching, public relations, the performing arts, advertising, politics, sales, marketing, and related areas. Students can choose any fulltime faculty member as an advisor. Students applying to be majors should see Professor Harris early in the semester. A 1988 survey of more than 1700 business executives ranked the ability to communicate with words as their primary requirement for new employees.
People communicate to influence, to persuade, to express.
Studying the communication process helps us understand how the human mind works. Analyzing the messages in advertisements, television programs, and political speeches helps us understand our society better. Studying communication in everyday relationships, groups, and organizations shows us how these systems are created and maintained. Comparing American communication patterns with those of other societies prepares us to become global citizens. Communication Studies asks how, why, and with what consequences people communicate.