Communication

Professors K. Groenendyk (chair), G. Pauley, C. Plantinga (Arthur H. DeKruyter Chair in Communication)
Associate Professor S. Smartt
Assistant Professors G. Heetebrij, J. Rhym

The Department of Communication serves students intending careers in communication-related professions and those who wish to understand the society in which they live and to improve their ability to communicate. Students with a GPA of 2.5 and above are encouraged to do an internship, either locally with COMM 346  or with the Chicago Semester, the American Studies Program in Washington, DC, or the Los Angeles Film Studies Center. 

The group minor in journalism, a program involving the department, is described under the English Department.

The core requirement in rhetoric in culture may be met by COMM 101 , COMM 141 , COMM 180 , or COMM 214 . The department offers an exemption exam for COMM 101 . Passing the exam constitutes completion of the rhetoric in culture core. Please contact the department chair for more information. 

Programs

• Applied Film and Media Major
• Digital Communication
• Film and Media Major: Production Concentration
• Film and Media Major: Studies Concentration
• Health Communication Major
• Strategic Communication Major: Professional Track
• Strategic Communication Major: Rhetoric Track

• Communication Minor
• Film and Media Minor

• Media and Strategic Communication, MA

Courses

• COMM 101 - Oral Rhetoric
• COMM 141 - Visual Rhetoric
• COMM 145 - Introduction to Film and Media
• COMM 180 - Communicating with Digital Media
• COMM 190 - Media Production I
• COMM 200 - Advanced Oral Rhetoric
• COMM 201 - New Media
• COMM 214 - Creating Communication Arts in the Classroom
• COMM 217 - Plays in Production
• COMM 222 - Calvin Media Company
• COMM 231 - Intercultural Communication
• COMM 240 - Group Communication
• COMM 248 - Writing for the Media
• COMM 249 - Digital Audio Production
• COMM 250 - Multi-Camera Production
• COMM 254 - Screen Storytelling: Theory and Criticism
• COMM 255 - Documentary Film and Television
• COMM 260 - Interpersonal Communication
• COMM 263 - Communication and Conflict Resolution
• COMM 264 - Communication and Ministry Leadership
• COMM 265 - Leadership Communication for Organizations
• COMM 270 - Communication and Gender
• COMM 285 - Public Relations and Communication Practice
• COMM 286 - Advertising and Communication Strategies
• COMM 290 - Media Production II
• COMM 296 - Film as a Narrative Art
• COMM 305 - Persuasion and Propaganda
• COMM 311 - Argumentation and Advocacy
• COMM 316 - Directing for Stage and Screen
• COMM 322 - Advanced Calvin Media Company
• COMM 323 - Acting for Stage and Screen
• COMM 330 - Media and Society
• COMM 346 - Internship in Communication
• COMM 351 - Media Production III
• COMM 358 - Advanced Project in Media Production
• COMM 361 - Health Communication Theory and Practice
• COMM 362 - Organizational Communication
• COMM 381 - Topics in Film and Media History
• COMM 383 - External Practicum
• COMM 390 - Independent Study
• COMM 395 - Special Topics in Communication
• COMM 399 - Advanced Communication Study
• COMM 500 - Basics of Media Production
• COMM 510 - Storytelling across Media Platforms
• COMM 511 - Audience Research and Analytics
• COMM 512 - Communication Ethics and Law
• COMM 520 - Advanced Public Relations
• COMM 520L - Media Lab
• COMM 521 - Advanced Advertising
• COMM 521L - Media Lab
• COMM 522 - Multimedia Journalism
• COMM 522L - Media Lab
• COMM 530 - Creative Media Agency
• COMM 540 - Master’s Project