Department of Communication Studies
This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://pointloma-public.courseleaf.com.
Mission Statement
As communicators, all humans are part of an ongoing conversation. Communication is inevitable, irreversible, and continuous. The messages we send and receive shape our attitudes, build our relationships, and impact the environment in which we live. The mission of the Department of Communication Studies is to empower students with a meaningful Christian voice in the ongoing conversation of the world in which we live. We strive to meet this mission through learning, growing, and serving.
Learning Informed by our Faith in Christ
- Students will learn basic theory about the discipline of communication, organizational communication, and media communication.
Growing in a Christ Centered Community
- As students understand the process of communication, they will be challenged to use communication competently in a variety of complex environmental and social contexts.
Serving in a Context of Christian Faith
- Students will participate in the disciplines of Communication Studies in the collective community around them.
The Department of Communication Studies is committed to helping each student learn, grow, and serve so that they may contribute meaningfully to the ongoing conversation of all humans and seek to make a positive impact in the world through their communication abilities. The power to communicate is the power to transform our world one conversation at a time.
Purposes
- To instruct students in the philosophy, content, methodology, skills, and responsibilities of communication;
- To provide specialized training for those entering communication-centered professions including: management, sales, public relations, training; broadcasting and electronic media; and theatre and the performing arts;
- To provide background courses for those desiring to enter communication related fields including ministry, law, education, government, social services, journalism, and graduate studies;
- To help students develop skills through involvement in a nationally competitive forensics program, internships in major corporations, law firms, radio and television stations, and professional theatre companies.
Tradition of Excellence
The Department of Communication Studies is a comprehensive and dynamic department that prepares students for leadership in a variety of communication-intensive careers. Classroom instruction is enhanced by the smaller class sizes and individual attention from faculty who are committed to the academic and personal success of each student. There are three programs of study to choose from: Communication Studies, Media Communication, and Organizational Communication.
Career Opportunities
The Department of Communication Studies believes in the benefits to be gained from hands-on developmental experiences. These experiences not only teach real world skills, but some also provide scholarships or payment for performance or participation. Students are encouraged to participate in such developmental opportunities as:
- Theatre - The Theatre program has been the home for more than 150 stage productions in the last 40+ years, including Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Waiting for Godot, You Can’t Take It With You, and The Caucasian Chalk Circle.
- Media - The department supervises an on-campus television studio, Point TV, and a radio station, Point Radio. Both stations are student-managed, creating original productions for on-campus audiences. The stations are based in well-equipped facilities which include a multi-camera HD studio, digital audio and video editing, HD field production cameras and radio broadcast booths. Students also have opportunities to work in PLNU publications such as the student newspaper, yearbook, and literary magazine.
- Speech and Debate - The forensics team has won many national championships in the major national debate organizations. This includes being named number one debate program in the nation by the National Parliamentary Debate Association at least 5 times in the last 20 years. Considering nearly 25 years of NPDA statistics, which include other fine debate programs like UCLA, Berkeley, Rice University, and Wheaton, PLNU’s cumulative points earned each year place Point Loma in first place in the nation by a very wide margin.
- Conference Presentations - Students seeking further academic opportunities have presented original research at professional conferences and gained successful admission into graduate schools.
- Internships - Most students in the department complete an internship, as this is the most effective way for students to network and explore career paths. It is common for students to be offered a paid position as a result of their internship work upon graduation.
A degree in Communication Studies can prepare a student for a career in media communication and business, public relations, theatre and performing arts and other related careers in politics and government, social and human services, journalism, and ministry.
Faculty
Co-Chairs - Skip Rutledge, Ph.D. and Melissa Newman, Ph.D.
Bob Brower, Ph.D.
University of Kansas
Jeffrey Birdsell, Ph.D.
The University of Texas at Austin
Melissa Newman, Ph.D.
Regent University
Lisa Raser, Ph.D.
Southern Illinois University
Skip Rutledge, Ph.D.
Regent University
James Wicks, Ph.D.
University of California, San Diego
Walter Williams, Ph.D.
Regent University
To view requirements for majors, minors, and certificates, see the Degree Program Information page.
Communication
A survey of the human communication process. Emphasis is placed on intrapersonal, interpersonal, and public communication. Particular attention is paid to the preparation and presentation of speeches.
Explores the development and influences of mass media (books, newspapers, magazines; film; radio, television, and internet) in contemporary society. Considers the rights and responsibilities of producers and consumers of mass communication.
A survey of the process, forms, and techniques for writing scripts for television and film. This includes advertising and public service announcements (PSAs), documentary, corporate training and promotion, news and sports, interview shows, reality shows, drama, comedy, and short films. This course also includes the laws and ethics of scriptwriting, and preparing for working in the television and film media.
Focuses on the social scientific study of dyadic (two-person) communication. Opportunities are given to integrate theory and practice in an effort to stimulate self-awareness and highlight taken-for granted aspects of interpersonal communicative behavior.
Requirements vary according to the activity developed in consultation with the instructor.
Analysis of the communicative behavior of group members. Theory, methods, and practical application in developing the art of communicating effectively in a variety of task-oriented groups.
A study of the development of argumentation from classical rhetoricians to contemporary research theories. Practical application of this study through participation in debates and other forensic experiences.
Fundamentals of studio and field TV and film production. This includes basic technical and creative aspects of camera, lighting, sound, graphics, producing, directing, and editing. Group projects are viewed and critiqued by peers and the instructor for consideration of being included on the Point TV YouTube channel.
A study of intercultural principles, processes, and topics including; verbal and nonverbal communication, perception, cultural values and expectations, and media impact. Students develop an increased awareness, understanding, and appreciation of other cultures.
This course introduces students to disciplinary expectations for research in communication, including source evaluation and citation, and equips them to review literature, select methods, and propose ethical research in communication from qualitative and quantitative perspectives.
A basic course that provides students with skills in writing and production of audio content for radio (e.g., commercials, promotional announcements, PSAs), and TV and film (multi-track recording, mixing, and sound effects). Course deals with announcing, acoustics, microphones, and remote broadcasts.
A survey of narrative and documentary motion pictures, from Edison and Lumiere to the present. Course covers the historical, structural, technological, and aesthetic trends of motion pictures through the viewing and analysis of selected classic films that exemplify these trends. Course also includes readings and online discussion about issues of Christian faith and film.
Theory and research on nonverbal aspects of speech communication, emphasizing the importance of time, space, body language, touch and vocalics.
A study of how the self-perception of men and women evolves as a function of cultural influences and the differences and similarities in the way each uses communication patterns.
Combines principles of journalistic writing and reporting with field production techniques of television news. Students learn the basic concepts of reporting and producing a variety of television news stories, from simple anchor readers to complex packages.
Analysis of techniques of oral interpretation to develop reading skills, with intensive practice in various literary forms (prose, drama, and poetry).
Study of the social scientific theory and practice of persuasion. Persuasion is situated within the broader notion of influence. Topics include persuasion tactics, audience analysis and research, and modern advertising practices.
A study of traditional, modern, and post-modern approaches to organizational communication as well as its functions, forms and consequences. Provides a theoretical overview of management theory and gives practical insights for communicating in a variety of organizations.
An examination of contemporary theories and research related to the communication of leadership in organizational settings, including ethical leadership and followership, organizational culture, the nature of power, vision, and creativity in leadership.
Critical examination of forces that shape the history and future of electronic media in the United States. Primary attention is given to the role of regulatory law, economics, and technology.
Advanced exploration of the theory, preparation, and delivery of presentations for professional arenas, such as business, government, media, education, and ministry. Practical application will also include an emphasis on technology and the stewardship of communication practices.
An introduction to the theory and practice of public relations. This includes public relations roles, publics, research, media relations, special events, and an introduction to cases and campaigns of public relations. This course considers the process of public information dissemination in business, educational, and nonprofit organizational settings.
A critical approach to interpreting media messages is grounded in the study of how messages are constructed, how media industries function, and how communication theory, research, and media ethics explain media impact on society. Emphasis is placed on making informed choices as a media consumer, and considering the impact of media from a Christian perspective.
Students critically analyze the aesthetics and themes presented in Sundance Film Festival films while attending the festival in Park City, Utah. Participants pay a course fee on top of block tuition, attend film screenings and forums, and complete course assignments including a final project.
This course involves the study and application of organizational policy objectives to public relations program development. It includes case studies from PR history as well as methods of audience research, data analysis and planning of strategic communication objectives. Students plan and execute a public relations program for an established organization.
Provides students with the theory and organization of newscasts, as well as skills in conducting live news remotes, coordinating newscasts, supervising news personnel, anchoring, using news production software, and applying advanced reporting skills in various news situations.
Focuses on the development of skills at in-depth storytelling through radio and television news production. Students learn to research, script, and produce stories, while applying aural and visual news presentation techniques.
Continued application of communication concepts and skills. Requirements vary according to the activity developed in consultation with the instructor.
Participation in an internship supervised by departmental faculty.
Completion of a portfolio and supporting documentation for assessment and preparation for employment.
Planning, production and presentation of television and film programming for multiple audiences. Group projects are viewed and critiqued by peers and the instructor for consideration of being included on the Point TV website and YouTube pages.
Students are responsible for a minimum of 30-hours per semester of work, including music programming, news, sports, and station management.
Film and television production and operations associated with field production including concepts and practices in scripting, producing, editing, and on-location directing with a single-camera format. Group projects are viewed and critiqued by peers and the instructor for consideration of being included on the Point TV and YouTube websites.
Film and television production and operations associated with studio production including concepts and practices in scripting, producing, and directing for multi-camera studio production. Group projects are viewed and critiqued by peers and the instructor for consideration of being included on the Point TV and YouTube websites.
This course acquaints the prospective human resources trainer and/or consultant with the skills to design, implement, and assess communication instructional programs. Each participant in this experiential class develops a one-half day training program suitable for a professional audience.
An optional lab course designed for applied practice and formative assessment of principles of training and development.
Development of rhetorical theory and rhetorical criticism, from ancient Greece through the present, as mechanisms for generating and understanding public address.
Survey of contemporary approaches to human communication emphasizing theory development, epistemological perspectives, meaning negotiation, and research methodology. Participants complete an original research project that is publicly presented in a poster session.
Senior seminar series focused on value-driven approaches to communication, applying a Christian perspective to real world contexts.
Intensive study of a selected problem by an individual or group in the field of communication and theatre under the direction of a member of the department.
Independent investigation, under the direct supervision of a faculty member, of a specific issue relevant to the study of communication.
Los Angeles Film Studies Center
The Los Angeles Film Studies Center (LAFSC) is a selective, off-campus cooperative program sponsored by the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) in partnership with Point Loma Nazarene University. Students must meet academic requirements and exhibit Christian commitment in order to be recommended to the program by PLNU, and the final selection is made by LAFSC. The program is open to students from any field of study and credits may be counted toward completion of the Media Communication major.
The following courses are offered at LAFSC only and are available to full-time students who have been accepted into the off-campus program:
An advanced workshop in the practice and process of acting for the camera aimed at students who have a desire to pursue acting as a career. Instruction includes an overview of current camera acting techniques and thorough discussion of the art of acting. The class primarily consists of acting scene work with all scenes being filmed and critiqued on the big screen. Students will also be required to pursue roles in student and independent films. Several class sessions throughout the course will be devoted to the business of acting for film and television in the Hollywood entertainment industry with an emphasis given to developing the materials and relationships necessary for a successful career.
A series of lecture/discussions focused on the development and integration of a Christian world-view as it relates to the Hollywood entertainment industry.
A study of the relationship between film and popular culture, with emphasis on Christianity's role in these arenas. The course examines how faith, film, and culture mutually influence one another.
Students participate in an internship experience in some aspect of the Hollywood film or television industry. These are non-paying positions primarily in an office setting such as development companies, agencies, personal management companies, production offices, etc. Orientation to the internship includes an overview of the creative and operational aspects of the Hollywood entertainment business, including the role of the Christian in entertainment.
An introduction to the theory and practice of motion picture filmmaking. Topics include familiarity with filmmaking equipment; basic motion picture techniques; converting idea to image; the use of lighting, editing and sound in film; and the role of acting, directing, and good storytelling in the filmmaking process.
An introduction to contemporary screenwriting, including an understanding of dramatic structure, character and dialogue development, and the writing process. Students complete a full-length screenplay for a feature film or "movie-of-the week." Emphasis is given to the role of Christian faith and values as they relate to script content.
This course may be setup by special request and arrangement. In order to be considered students may submit a portfolio and a project proposal. Students with approved projects will be appointed a mentor who is a professional in the Hollywood industry to supervise the project. Projects could include further development of a portfolio or reel, critical research, or a senior thesis project. The independent study option is not guaranteed and is intended for students with experience in a specific area of cinema or those needing to complete a senior project for graduation.
Theatre
Introductory theatre appreciation course. Historical and stylistic developments are studied as well as the elements of theatre. Includes basic terminology and instruction for aesthetic understanding of western theatre form.
Requirements vary according to the activity developed in consultation with the instructor.
Practical training in developing the speaking voice, articulation, and pronunciation through a variety of applications including stage, film, and broadcasting.
Development of basic acting techniques and vocabulary through exercises, character analysis, monologues, and scene work.
Exploration of the historical and theoretical approaches for this unique genre, as well as development of practical performances skills. Acting, directing, and choreographing is explored in workshop performances from representative musicals, in addition to attending and analyzing area productions.
Introduction to the Laban "effort shaping" method. Essential for the study of mime, mask, and advanced stage movement techniques.
Students will begin with a number of preliminary exercises, then move on to writing scenarios, and finally each will write a one act play to be performed at the One Act Festival.
Consideration of aesthetic and technical aspects of stage directing. Focuses on script analysis and interpretation, conceptualization, and theatrical communication.
Prior university experience in applied theatre activities is required. Continued application of communication concepts and skills. Requirements vary according to the activity developed in consultation with the instructor.
Participation in an internship supervised by departmental faculty.
This course entails creating a play improvisationally that will be performed at the end of the semester. Students will explore a variety of ways of using improvisation to create scripted theatre.
Intensive study of a selected problem by an individual or group in the field of theatre under the direction of a member of the department.