HELP 2019-2020 Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: Content may no longer be accurate. Department of Communication Print-Friendly Page (opens a new window) Facebook this Page (opens a new window) Tweet this Page (opens a new window)

Return to: Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities

Department Chair: Dr. Sheree Josephson
Location: Elizabeth Hall, Room 330
Telephone: 801-626-8924

Professors: Susan Hafen, Rebecca Johns, Sheree Josephson, Colleen Packer Berg; Associate Professors: Anne Bialowas, Nicola Corbin, Sarah Steimel; Assistant Professors: Michael Ault, Andrea Baltazar, Aimee Gillette, Hailey Gillen Hoke, Alexander Lancaster, Jean Norman, Nathan Rodriguez, Ashkan Soltani-Stone, Bobbi Van Gilder; Instructors: Ryan Cheek, Mark Galaviz, Robin Haislett, Leslie Howerton, James McAllister, Brent Warnock

Communication is a dynamic process that plays a complex and profound role in shaping both individuals and society and is vital to the free exchange of ideas central to a democratic society. The Weber State University Department of Communication seeks to promote an understanding of this process and the effective and ethical practice of human communication by focusing on how people create and use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels and media, including those delivered through technology. WSU Communication Department curricula and programs are grounded within a liberal arts tradition and are designed to help students live vital and successful lives in an ever-changing global environment.

The curriculum for the major is designed to provide a liberal arts-based study of human communication combined with a course of study that prepares graduates for entry-level employment in Communication and Communication-related careers. The major also prepares students for graduate study in Communication and related disciplines. The Department is committed to enhancing student learning through required internships and through co-curricular opportunities afforded by our award-winning student-operated organizations, including The Signpost, KWCR Wildcat Radio, Ogden Peak Communications, Studio 76, and Weber State Debate.

Communication majors may select one of six emphasis areas: Civic Advocacy, Digital Media, Interpersonal & Family Communication, Multimedia Journalism, Organizational Communication, and Public Relations & Advertising. They may also select a Communication Teaching major with emphases in Communication Studies or Multimedia Journalism. Students may earn the Communication major as either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.

The Communication minor and the Bachelor of Integrated Studies concentration in Communication (BIS) are designed to provide students with knowledge and skills in Communication that complement the  major or other concentrations of study.

The interdisciplinary associate’s degree in Workplace Communication & Writing is a career-oriented program designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in many fields while also preparing students for bachelor’s degrees in Communication. The Associate of Science in Communication is another two-year degree offered that benefits students from many professions where communication plays a critical role.  

In addition to emphasizing knowledge, understanding, and demonstrated competence in the skills of human communication, curricular and co-curricular programs emphasize the development of character in students. Accordingly, department faculty discourage symbolic expression that demeans and degrades other human beings and encourage symbolic expression that celebrates the fundamental dignity of all human beings.

Obsolete Credit

Credit earned more than 10 years earlier than the proposed date of graduation will not be accepted for the major, minor or BIS concentration in Communication unless validated through a challenge examination or department chair approval.

Co-curricular and Extra-curricular Activities

Scholarships, Fellowships, and Tuition Waivers

Scholarships and/or tuition waivers are available to WSU Debate competitors and to The Signpost, KWCR Wildcat Radio, Ogden Peak Communications, and Studio 76 staff members. Other academic scholarships are also available. Contact the department office at 801-626-8924 or visit the department website at weber.edu/communication for more information.

Professional and/or Honorary Organizations

Communication students are encouraged to join one or more of the professional and/or honorary organizations affiliated with the department. Memberships in these organizations provide students with opportunities to meet and network with Communication professionals, learn about employment opportunities in the field of Communication, and participate in practical experiences relevant to future employment. See the faculty advisor of each organization for more information:

Debate

Participation in intercollegiate debate activities is conducted in conjunction with the instructional program in argument, public speaking, and civic advocacy. Students participate in debate tournaments under supervision of the program’s directors. The Department of Communication hosts the annual Bob Mukai College Classic, the annual Val Browning Round Robin, and the state high school debate and speech championship. In addition, Weber State has hosted the 67th annual National Debate Tournament (2013), and the ninth annual National Debate Coaches Association national championship (2014).

Weber State Student Media

The Signpost

Multimedia Journalism students have the opportunity to polish reporting, writing, and multimedia skills at The Signpost, Weber State University’s student-run news organization.  Content is disseminated online and via newspaper.

KWCR Wildcat Radio

Students practice and develop their knowledge and resumes by joining Weber State’s student-run, digital-streaming radio station KWCR Wildcat Radio. Student staffers gain experience in audio production, podcast creation, live broadcasting, public relations, live event planning, social campaigns, seeking music promoters and sponsorship opportunities. KWCR streams music, local sports, news, and specialty programs on the MyWeberMedia app and the RadioFX app. Weekly Spanish-language programming serves as an important connection to the Hispanic community in the Ogden area and Northern Utah.

Studio 76

Studio 76 produces high-quality video content for campus and community organizations as well as creates multiple studio shows ranging from a weekly newscast produced for The Signpost to in-studio entertainment shows. Studio 76 also offers live-streaming services to many campus clubs and organizations. Content is shown online via MyWeberMedia.com or Studio 76’s YouTube channel. 

Ogden Peak Communications

Students run a public relations and advertising group to apply the skills they have learned in the classroom.  Ogden Peak Communications works with clients to develop content and campaigns.  Students take on the same roles and responsibilities as PR professionals.

My Weber Media

Members of each Communication co-curricular area collaborate through the My Weber Media Group and distribute media content on the converged media site MyWeberMedia.com. Students develop multimedia skills and learn about cross-promotion. The My Weber Media site contains news and views from The Signpost, video content from Studio 76, music and interviews from KWCR Wildcat Radio, as well as promotional material from Ogden Peak Communications. Additional content features student films and live streaming of important events.

Interdisciplinary Associate’s and Minor

The Communication Department participates in the interdisciplinary associate’s degree in Workplace Communication and Writing (AA) . Students who wish to enroll in this program should contact the Communication Department or one of the college advisors for the College of Arts & Humanities who will help them work out a schedule. The department also participates in the Linguistics Minor . Students who wish to enroll in this program should indicate their desire to do so with the program coordinator who will help them work out a proper combination of courses to fit their particular needs. (See the Engaged Learning, Honors, and Interdisciplinary Programs  section of this catalog.)

Courses

Communication Course Descriptions  

Programs

• Communication (AS)

• Civic Advocacy Emphasis, Communication (BA)
• Communication (BA)
• Communication Studies Emphasis, Communication Teaching (BA)
• Digital Media Emphasis, Communication (BA)
• Interpersonal & Family Communication Emphasis, Communication (BA)
• Multimedia Journalism Emphasis, Communication (BA)
• Multimedia Journalism Emphasis, Communication Teaching (BA)
• Organizational Communication Emphasis, Communication (BA)
• Public Relations & Advertising Emphasis, Communication (BA)

• Civic Advocacy Emphasis, Communication (BS)
• Communication (BS)
• Communication Studies Emphasis, Communication Teaching (BS)
• Digital Media Emphasis, Communication (BS)
• Interpersonal & Family Communication Emphasis, Communication (BS)
• Multimedia Journalism Emphasis, Communication (BS)
• Multimedia Journalism Emphasis, Communication Teaching (BS)
• Organizational Communication Emphasis, Communication (BS)
• Public Relations & Advertising Emphasis, Communication (BS)

   BIS emphases are also offered for most programs with a minor.

• Communication (BIS)

• Communication Minor

• Communication Studies Emphasis, Communication Teaching Minor
• Multimedia Journalism Emphasis, Communication Teaching Minor

• Communication Departmental Honors

Return to: Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities