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Faculty Profile
Erin Szabo is a bit of an anomaly in the communication department, since she brings with her a very research-based, statistical, social science approach to the study of communication.
Breadth . . .
is what separates our communication curriculum from others. Breadth is serious. Breadth consists of the three fundamentals of communication: rhetoric, communication theory and the media. You will need all three because human communication stretches across the boundaries of countless disciplines. So why is our communication program expanding while many other similar schools are getting rid of theirs? Chair of the department, Joan Steck, simply answers, "breadth." We think that says it all.
Department Highlights
- You will be involved with a communication curriculum that has been honored with an award for excellence from the Central States Communication Association.
- Students have an opportunity to participate in many hands-on experiences, including creating a 10-minute persuasive video, writing for newspapers, and developing projects for local businesses.
- The department supports a student newspaper (The Record), a student radio station (KJNB) and a competitive speech team.
- A new course in persuasive campaign management will link student project teams to local businesses and non-profits to produce campaign media.
Overview of Program
- Requires students to take courses in rhetoric and public speaking, communication theory, and media studies.
- Allows students to apply courses from a wide variety of disciplines (e.g. art, English, theater, psychology, peace studies and sociology) as part of developing an individual path toward graduation.
- Includes courses in new media, e.g. video, web design.
Contact information:
Joan Steck
Chair, Communication Department
Phone: 320-363-2733
Department Coordinator:
Mary Tamm
Quad 451
Phone: 320-363-3549