The Department of Communication works to increase mutual understanding of communication practices and processes within diverse contexts. We are committed to empowering future leaders to make ethical and effective contributions to cultural, civic, professional and social organizations. Our approach to the study of communication can be best described as critical cultural and applied. A critical cult
ural approach focuses on the production, consumption, and analysis of texts and artifacts; on values and norms, practices, performances and media that constitute identity and difference. More specifically, our students reflect on how culture, race, class, religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender, and sexual orientation are codified in and through communication. This perspective takes into account the myriad effects power relations can have on human interactions at all levels. Thus, its vision is to promote an ethic of inclusivity, racial and social justice, reciprocity and mutual transformation in encounters of difference. Applied communication addresses the relationship between communication theory and its practical application in personal, professional and cultural contexts. Applied communication combines the classical liberal arts tradition of rhetoric with contemporary trends in communication while emphasizing organizational studies, performance, and leadership. An applied communication emphasis serves a broad range of students who plan to pursue careers in areas including public service, corporate and non-profit administration, teaching, government, business or law.
