Catalog

Communication

Dr. Judy Buller
Program Director
(650) 508-3734
jbuller@ndnu.edu

The Bachelor of Arts in Communication program provides students with hands-on experiences in journalism and communication as well as an understanding of the social and cultural impact of media. NDNU students are well prepared for positions in a vast range of fields such as journalism, public relations, corporate communication, and marketing. A strong internship program provides opportunities for practical application and access to job opportunities. The Argonaut is our award-winning newspaper and website that gives students an opportunity to dive into the process of news production from writing and editing to layout and advertising sales. Students in other majors are also able to obtain a Minor in Communication.

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Learning Outcomes:

  • Students will develop the ability to understand and demonstrate adherence to ethical principles in all forms of communication.
  • Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate the role of mass media in a democracy as well the ability to communicate through the written word in a clear, concise and informative manner.
  • Students will develop the ability to develop a speech that informs or persuades using research and critical thinking skills.
  • Students will develop the ability to understand and recognize the influence of mass media in global and diversity issues.
  • Students will develop the ability to understand the history of mass media; to demonstrate an understanding of what makes a good news story; to distinguish between news and opinion; to meet deadlines; to demonstrate an understanding of the journalistic provisions of the First Amendment; to practice team collaboration skills.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

In addition to major requirements, students must meet Core Curriculum Requirements and General Degree Requirements.

Major Requirements       Units
   
One course from the following:    3
ART2401                 Media Graphics: Graphic Design  
ART2625                 Photography        
BUS1000                Foundations of Business        3
BUS2300                Marketing Principles        3
COM1000               Introduction to Communication   3
COM1008               Oral Communication    3
COM1416               Communication Technology         3
COM2400               Corporate Communication    3
COM2408                Media, Politics, and Society  3
COM2424                Web Communication     3
COM2432                Technical Writing     3
COM2440                Writing for the Media        3
COM2448                Video Production     3
COM2981                Communication Seminar       3
COM2990                Internship 6
COM——                 Elective within the major 3
   
Total Major Requirements 48
Other Degree Requirements* and Electives    76

*Other degree requirements include Core Curriculum Requirements and General Degree Requirements (e.g. U.S. History).

Total Unit Requirement   124

Minor in Communication

Minors offer students in other Schools an opportunity to explore aspects of communication without the full commitment of completing the major. The minor in Communication comprises 15 units and is available to any undergraduate student in the University.

Minor Requirements                                                                                                                   Units

COM1000                   Introduction to Communication                                                              3
COM1008                   Oral Communication                                                                                3 
A minimum of nine units chosen from the following                                                               9
or other courses in COM with permission of Communication advisor:        
COM2400                   Corporate Communication
COM2408                   Media, Politics, and Society
COM2416                   The Holocaust (CDiv)
COM2424                   Web Communication
COM2435                   Newswriting
COM2440                   Writing for the Media
COM2448                   Video Production  
COM2456L                 Journalism Lab - The Argonaut (1-3)                                              
COM2500                   Public Relations
COM2986                   Special Topics

Total Minor Requirements                                                                                                           15