Stephen F. Austin State University

Division of Communication & Contemporary Culture

Areas of Study & Degrees

Faculty

Objectives

The Division of Communication and Contemporary Culture has two functions: (1) education of students in historical, scientific and artistic aspects of communication and contemporary culture; and (2) preparation of students for professional careers. The division brings the student's general and liberal education into focus by organizing it upon a framework of communication as a science, an art and a service. Faculty members who teach in the division seek to understand contemporary culture and engage their students in the learning and analysis of contemporary culture.

Programs

Communication Studies

These courses are designed to provide students with the ability to become more aware of meaning construction, to apply effective communication practices, and to be leaders in a changing, global environment. The courses in each concentration help students to understand how technology is altering interaction, how culture affects communication processes, and how communication competence is vital to leading and participating in a vibrant society.

Global Media and Contemporary Culture

Journalism

These courses provide students with a diversified program of study in journalism and mass media. Courses in news gathering, writing, editing and photography are considered basic; thereafter, students branch into more specialized areas in news writing, photography, advertising and public relations.

Radio-Television

These courses are designed to prepare students for professional careers in the broadcasting/multimedia industries. Courses provide a balance between production and theory with concentrations in news, production and sales/management.

Philosophy

These courses foster the ability to think critically, to identify and analyze complex problems, to use higher-order reasoning skills through the consistent application of deductive and inductive logical principles, to comprehend multiple perspectives on a specific topic, to communicate effectively and persuasively, and to formulate solutions and evaluate possible outcomes on a wide range of subjects.

Some philosophy courses fulfill general education requirements in the humanities. They provide intellectual breadth not only for prospective teachers and liberal arts students but also for students planning careers in other professional and vocational fields.

Internships

Communication internships provide qualified students with on-the-job experience and academic credit for working in professional communication settings. Internship courses provide opportunities to observe and analyze the methods, techniques and creative processes of professionals. To determine eligibility, internship application forms must be completed and returned to the Division of Communication and Contemporary Culture located in the Boynton Building, Room 301. More detailed information may be obtained from the division Web page.

SFA Debate

Housed within the division is the nationally-recognized SFA Debate Team. Students compete in the International Public Debate Association style of debate and travel across the country to intercollegiate debate tournaments. In recent years, four SFA students have won the IPDA National Championship Tournament. The team has also been ranked as the top varsity division team at the end of the season four times.

SFA Debate is open to all SFA students who desire an opportunity to improve their argumentation and presentation skills. Former graduates of the program use these skills in their careers as educators, business leaders, attorneys, politicians and many other professions. The team meets weekly to practice and strategize. For more information, contact Director of Forensics Stephen P. Jeffcoat by e-mail at sjeffcoat@sfasu.edu.

Major & Minors

BA and BS in Communication

Communication Studies

A major consists of 36 hours. See program adviser for specialization areas.

Journalism

A major consists of 36 hours. See program adviser for specialization areas.

Radio/Television

The major in R/TV consists of 36 semester hours, of which at least 18 must be advanced. Required courses are MCM 101, 112, 212, 319 (three hours), 302, 421, 442, and 15 additional hours in a concentration of news, production, or sales/management, six hours of which must be advanced. Students with a first major in radio/television may choose either the B.A. or the B.S.

BA in Philosophy

The major in philosophy consists of 36 semester hours with at least 18 semester hours of advanced courses (at least 12 semester hours at the 300-level and at least six semester hours at the 400-level). Required courses are listed below.

Second Major

Second majors in all programs require a minimum of 24 semester hours of which at least 12 must be advanced. See program advisers for specific courses in communication studies and journalism.

Requirements for a second major in philosophy are listed below.

Requirements for a second major in radio/tv consist of MCM 101, 112, 212, 302, 421, 442, and six additional hours in radio/television courses.

Minor

Minors in the division consist of 18 hours of coursework.

See program advisers for specific courses in communication studies and journalism.

Courses for the minor in philosophy are listed below.

Requirements for a minor in radio/television are MCM 101, 112, 212, 302, and six hours from MCM 304, 376, 421, 442, 409, and 456.

Teaching Certification

Secondary certification is available in speech communication and journalism. Refer to the Educator Certification requirements in the College of Education section for specific professional teacher education coursework.

Student Media

Practical experience is available to students in the electronic and print media through supervised work with the university's broadcasting facilities: SFA-TV 2 and KSAU radio; student newspaper, The Pine Log; and student yearbook, The Stone Fort.

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (36 hours)

Philosophy (love of wisdom) explores fundamental issues that have intrigued and perplexed human beings for millennia, including the nature of reality, human knowledge and truth, mind and personal identity, and the application of ethical principles to moral problems. The study of philosophy fosters the ability to think critically, to identify and analyze complex problems, to use higher-order reasoning skills through the consistent application of deductive and inductive logical principles, to comprehend multiple perspectives on a specific topic, to communicate effectively and persuasively, and to formulate solutions and evaluate possible outcomes on a wide range of subjects. Students of philosophy learn the value of living an examined life, not only by studying the great thinkers of the past, but also by articulating and defending their own carefully formulated ideas.

Students completing the philosophy major must take the following courses:

Students must fulfill the semester hour requirement for the philosophy major by taking at least four additional courses drawn from the philosophy course offerings; at least one of these must be a 400-level course. With the approval of the division director, the following courses also may be used to fulfill this semester hour requirement:

Second Major in Philosophy

The second major in philosophy consists of 24 semester hours with at least 12 semester hours of advanced courses. Students completing the second major in philosophy must take the following courses:

In addition, students completing the second philosophy major must take at least one of the following two courses:

In fulfilling the semester hour requirement for the second philosophy major, students must take at least four additional courses drawn from the philosophy course offerings, including at least three semester hours at the 300-level and at least six semester hours at the 400-level. With the approval of the division director, two of the following courses also may be used to fulfill this semester hour requirement:

Minor in Philosophy

A minor in philosophy consists of 18 semester hours with at least nine semester hours in advanced courses. Students completing the philosophy minor must take the following courses:

Students must fulfill the semester hour requirement for the minor in philosophy by taking at least three courses drawn from the advanced philosophy course offerings. With the approval of the division director, one of the following courses also may be used to fulfill this semester hour requirement:

Courses in Greek and Latin offered under departmental auspices may be used to satisfy the general education language requirement and the B.A. requirements for the College of Liberal & Applied Arts. These courses are particularly recommended for students with interests in the humanities as well as for students who are preparing for careers in law, health and medicine, science and other professional areas.

Courses in Communication Studies (COM)

Unless otherwise indicated, courses are 3 semester hours credit, 3 hours lecture per week.

102.

Introduction to Communication Theory - An introductory course designed to develop a basic understanding of foundational theories in the field of communication.

111.

Public Speaking (SPCH 1315) - Theory and practice in public speaking. Analysis of communication as a function of public speaking.

170.

Interpersonal Communication I (SPCH 1318) - Study of communication in the one-to-one situation leading to development of interpersonal communication skills. Emphasis on positive mental attitude and personal growth.

202.

Communication Research Methods - An introductory course designed to establish knowledge of basic social scientific, humanities and critical research methods used in the field of communication.

270.

Nonverbal Communication - Awareness and understanding of nonverbal interpersonal communication cues.

300.

Introduction to Media Studies - Students learn basic media literacy by developing conceptual tools to think critically about cinema, television, advertising, print journalism, the Internet, etc. The course focuses on the process of reading media texts from various perspectives to explore how the mass media shape and convey meaning.

311.

Principles of Persuasion - Consideration of principles and practices in persuading individuals and groups. Prerequisite: COM 111.

313.

Argumentation and Debate - Instruction and practice in oral argumentation and debate. Prerequisite: COM 111.

315.

Small Group Communication - Theories, principles and skills involved in group communication. Experiential focus upon problem analysis, problem solving and decision-making. Prerequisite: COM 170.

370.

Listening Behavior - Study of the nature and importance of listening in the communication process, with concentration on improvement. Prerequisite: COM 111 or 170.

375.

Organizational Communication Theory - An overview of research methods, theories and contemporary issues within organizational communication. Prerequisites: COM 102 and COM 111/170.

380.

Public Relations - Study of the principles and practices in the field of public relations with special emphasis on practical case study experiences. Prerequisite: six hours of Communication.

390.

Communication Internship - Three to six semester hours. Supervised on-the-job experience. Internships arranged by student and approved by instructor. Prerequisite: Must have completed 66 hours overall with 24 hours in Communication (12 hours at SFA).

400.

Advanced Topics in Media Studies - A close study and consideration of the relationship between media and culture. Rotating topics will be covered. May be repeated when topics change.

401.

Topics in Communication - In-depth study of selected topics in communication. May be repeated when topic changes.

402.

Mass Media and Society - Designed to give students an insight into professional communication, illustrated with examples from a broad range of business and professional settings. Prerequisite: advanced standing.

406.

Professional Communication - Designed to give students an insight into professional communication, illustrated with examples from a broad range of business and professional settings. Prerequisite: Advanced standing.

407.

Management of Meetings - Study and practice of communication in meeting and conference arrangements, committee reports, parliamentary procedure, meeting outcomes and objectives and current technology used in meetings and conferences. Incidental fee $15.

408.

Principles of Leadership - The study of leadership skills, leadership philosophies and the role communication plays in the process of leadership.

412.

Interpersonal Crisis Communication - Study of the application of interpersonal communication principles and theories in situations involving personal crisis. Prerequisites: COM 170 or approval of instructor.

414.

Rhetorical Theory and Criticism - This course is designed to provide advanced study of the writings of principle rhetoricians from ancient to modern times, together with the application of principles drawn from these works in critical analysis.

415.

Political Communication - General overview and introduction to the study of political communication. Focus upon the relationship between mass media and the political process, political campaigns and political consultants.

435.

Intercultural Communication - Application of communication theory to the interactions between individuals of different cultures. Prerequisite: COM 170.

436.

Psychology of Speech Communication - Study of the psychological processes underlying speech communication; emphasis on nature and origin of speech. Prerequisite: advanced standing.

460.

Issues Management and Crisis Response - Examination of current practice in corporate communication issues management and crisis response.

470.

Advanced Interpersonal Communication - Development of in-depth understanding and skills with regard to the complex features of interpersonal communication within personal and professional contexts. Prerequisite: 9 hours of communication courses, including COM 170, and advanced standing.

475.

Advanced Topics in Organizational Communication - Students will analyze a current research trend in organizational communication studies. Prerequisite: COM 375.

495.

Special Problems in Communication - One to three semester hours. Independent investigation of a special topic or project by the student with advice, approval and supervision by an instructor.

Courses in Journalism (MCM)

Unless otherwise indicated, courses are 3 semester hours credit, 3 hours lecture per week.

101.

Introduction to Mass Media (COMM 1307) - Introductory course designed to acquaint the student with the process of mass communication.

103.

News Writing (COMM 2311) - Three semester hours, two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Fundamental principles of writing news. Writing enhanced. Incidental fee required.

200.

Basic Digital Photography - Three semester hours, one hour lecture, three lab hours per week. Introduction to digital photography and industry-related standard editing software for a variety of media applications. Cameras available for checkout to class members. Incidental fee required.

201.

Intermediate Digital Photography - Three semester hours, one hour lecture, three hours lab per week. Advanced techniques in photography designed to give the student an opportunity to explore additional technical and compositional photographic methods beyond those in MCM 200. Strong emphasis on mastering industry-standard editing software and digital asset management. Cameras available for checkout to class members. Prerequisite: MCM 200. Incidental fee required.

203.

News Gathering and Writing II (COMM 2315) - Three semester hours, two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Intensive study of methods used in gathering and writing news beyond those considered in MCM 103. Writing enhanced. Prerequisite: MCM 103 with a grade of C. Incidental fee required.

301.

Copy Editing and Headline Writing - Techniques of news editing, evaluation and processing of news with emphasis on grammar, AP style and headline writing. Writing enhanced. Prerequisite: MCM 103 with a grade of C.

303.

Advanced Digital Photography - Three semester hours, one hour lecture, three lab hours per week. Advanced techniques in photography beyond those in MCM 200 and MCM 201. Includes studio lighting, location lighting and advanced photographic techniques. Emphasis on professional presentation and publication for a variety of media and fields. Cameras available for checkout to class members. Prerequisite: MCM 201 or consent of instructor. Incidental fee required.

306.

Communication Law - Study of communication law affecting the rights and duties of the press, including electronic media. Attention given to the First Amendment, libel, privacy, freedom of information, copyright and obscenity. Prerequisite: advanced standing.

307.

Advertising Techniques and Procedures - Study of the role of advertising in today’s economy and its specific use in marketing. Emphasis on development of creative strategy, media selection and audience segmentation. Prerequisite: advanced standing.

308.

Advertising Cases and Campaigns - Study of the principles of research, planning, budgeting and presenting for a variety of communication campaigns. Prerequisite: MCM 307.

309.

Feature Writing - Types of special articles and writing techniques best adapted to marketing material in newspapers and magazines. Writing enhanced. Prerequisite: MCM 103 with a grade of C and MCM 203.

380.

Public Relations - Study of the principles and practices in the field of public relations with special emphasis on practical case study experiences. Prerequisites: advanced standing.

381.

Public Relations Writing - Fundamentals of writing for publications, including newsletters, house journals, news releases, pamphlets and brochures. Writing enhanced. Prerequisite: MCM 103 with a grade of C.

401.

Topics in Media - In-depth study of selected topics in the fields encompassed in the program.

403.

Layout and Design - Study and application of graphic design through the publication of advertising, magazine, newspaper and new media layouts. Prerequisites: MCM 103, 200. Incidental fee required.

404.

Media Graphics - Three semester hours, one hour lecture, three lab hours per week. Application of the fundamentals of media graphics to provide an understanding of their use in converged media. Prerequisite: MCM 200. Incidental fee required.

405.

Photojournalism - Three semester hours, one hour lecture, three hours lab per week. Theory and practice of current photographers working in the field of journalism. Emphasis on use of digital camera and computer equipment relating to photojournalism. Prerequisite: MCM 201 or consent of instructor. Incidental fee required.

413.

Column and Editorial Writing - Writing opinion pieces for online and traditional media. Prerequisites: MCM 103, 203.

430.

New Media - Introduction to multimedia services and various research and publishing tools on the Internet and World Wide Web. Prerequisite: advanced standing and MCM 200.

480.

Media Internship - Three to six semester hours. Supervised on-the-job experience. Internships arranged by student and approved by instructor. Strongly recommended. Prerequisite: Must have completed 66 hours overall with 24 hours in MCM courses (12 hours at SFA).

490.

Student Publications Workshop - Study of desktop publishing techniques for the production of publications in the teaching of journalism. Prerequisite: advanced standing.

495.

Special Problems in Media - One to three semester hours. Independent investigation of a special topic or project by the student with advice, approval and supervision of an instructor.

Courses in Philosophy (PHI)

Unless otherwise indicated, courses are 3 semester hours credit, 3 hours lecture per week.

153.

Introduction to Philosophy (PHIL 1301) - In addition to a concern with the goals, nature and methods of philosophy, this course also focuses on issues concerning philosophical theories of knowledge and reality, drawing on ideas from a variety of disciplines. Possible topics: the nature of philosophy, the problem of scepticism and knowledge, mind and personal identity, and the nature and existence of God. Emphasis on the nature of philosophy and its relation to education, logic and critical thinking.

163.

Introduction to Logic (PHIL 2303) - Introductory course in logic with strong emphasis on critical thinking. Examination of the goals, nature and methods of philosophy, critical thinking and logic, as well as the nature of reason and the use of rational techniques. An overall focus on identifying and evaluating reasoning along with examining how reasoning can go wrong.

223.

Introduction to Ethics (PHIL 2306) - Focus on moral theories and issues, drawing on ideas from a variety of disciplines. Emphasis on moral reasoning and moral theories.

243.

Contemporary Moral Issues - A development of techniques of moral analysis and their application to ethical problems that have a bearing on contemporary society and American culture. Topics may include abortion, immigration, capital punishment, euthanasia, embryonic adoption and stem-cell research, genetic engineering, sexual behavior and welfare.

310.

Classical Philosophy - Development of Western philosophy from pre-philosophical mythology through the collapse of classical Antiquity.

311.

Modern Philosophy - Development of Western philosophy from the Renaissance period through the 19th century.

320.

Philosophy of Love and Sex - Explores the philosophical foundations of our attitudes toward love, sex and related issues over a range of historical periods and through a range of theoretical perspectives.

333.

Philosophy in Science Fiction - Focus on philosophical ideas as explored in science fiction short stories, TV shows and movies.

350.

Medical Ethics - Application of ethical theories and moral principles to issues associated with medicine and health care.

360.

Philosophy of Religion - Analysis of the general philosophical problems that arise in connection with religion and religious beliefs. Topics may include the nature and existence of God, the problem of evil, mysticism, and the meaning and validation of religious utterances.

390.

Special Topics in Philosophy - An upper-level course with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and writing. Addresses topics such as religion and the nature and existence of God; the philosophical underpinning and diverse expressions of human sexuality; philosophers such as Plato, Augustine, Schopenhauer, Kierkegaard; issues such as sadism/masochism, pornography, homosexuality; and philosophy of the environment, the philosophy of biology, philosophy and animal rights, etc. May be retaken when the topic changes.

400.

Philosophical Issues in World Religions - Surveys of the philosophical and theological foundations of the beliefs and practices of the major world religions.

410.

Philosophy of Science - Philosophical problems and issues concerning the methodologies of the natural sciences. Prerequisite: PHI 153 or permission of the instructor.

475.

Independent Study: Philosophy - Individual instruction, conference and research for advanced students. Prerequisite: permission of the division director.

480.

Philosophy in Media - An upper-level topics course focusing on the philosophical issues that arise within contemporary media. Topics may include: digital media and perceptions of reality, focusing on metaphysics and epistemology; digital rights management and the philosophical basis of copyright; and philosophical issues having to do with cyberspace. May be re-taken when the topic changes.

482.

Ethics, Technology, and Society - An upper-level course focusing on the ethical issues arising from the interplay between technology and society. Topics may include: perspectives on technological society; globalization, economics, and human rights; computers, robotics, and information technology; biotechnology and genetic engineering; and population, energy, and the environment.

490.

Advanced Studies in Philosophy - A course in the advanced study of periods, movements and philosophers from classical times to the present, such as classical philosophy of Greece and Rome, Medieval philosophy, 17th century Rationalism, 18th century Empiricism, 19th century German Idealism, and 20th century American Pragmatism.

Courses in Radio-Television (MCM)

Unless otherwise indicated, courses are 3 semester hours credit, 3 hours lecture per week.

101.

Introduction to Mass Media (COMM 1307) - Introductory course designed to acquaint the student with the process of mass communication.

112.

Introduction to Radio-Television (COMM 1335) - Survey and analysis of the history, regulation, scope, social implications, and problems of radio and television.

212.

Audio Production Techniques - Three hours, two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Theory and practice in elementary sound recording for radio and television. Prerequisite: MCM 101, 112 with grade of C in each. Incidental fee required.

302.

Television Production - Three semester hours, two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Designed to develop style and skill in television production. Exposure to a variety of television production situations. Prerequisite: MCM 212 with minimum grade of C. Incidental fee required.

304.

Television News Techniques - Three semester hours, two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Laboratory workshop production of weekly news programs. Prerequisites: MCM 302. Incidental fee required.

319.

Communication Practicum - One semester hour. Supervised instruction in activities related to radio-television. Prerequisites: MCM 212 and 302, depending upon major. May be repeated for credit. Incidental fee required.

376.

Radio-Television Announcing - Development of the basic skills for effective television and radio announcing, newscasting and interviewing. Prerequisite: MCM 212. Incidental fee required.

409.

Broadcast Sales - Techniques and procedures used in commercial broadcast sales. Combines classroom instruction and professional examples. Prerequisite: advanced standing.

421.

Writing for Radio-Television - Problems and practice in the writing of dramatic and non-dramatic programs for broadcast purposes. Writing enhanced.

442.

Radio-Television Programming - Study of the programming function, analysis of programs and implementation of effective broadcast schedules. Prerequisite: MCM 101, 112 with a grade of C in each.

456.

Advanced Television Production - Three semester hours, two hours lecture, two hours lab per week. Development of imagination and aesthetic judgment in the production of television programs. Prerequisites: MCM 302, 304. Incidental fee required.

480.

Media Internship - Three to six semester hours. Supervised on-the-job experience. Internships arranged by student and approved by instructor. Strongly recommended. Prerequisite: must have completed 66 hours overall with 24 hours in MCM courses (12 hours at SFA).

495.

Special Problems in Media - One to three semester hours. Independent investigation of a special topic or project by the student with advice, approval and supervision of an instructor.

Courses in Greek (GRK)

Unless otherwise indicated, courses are 3 semester hours credit, 3 hours lecture per week.

131.

Elementary Greek I (GREE 1311) - Introductory study of the language of ancient Greece providing a firm grounding in grammar, syntax and vocabulary.

132.

Elementary Greek II (GREE 1312) - Continued introductory study of the language of ancient Greece providing a firm grounding in grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Prerequisite: GRK 131 or permission of the instructor.

231.

Intermediate Classical Greek I (GREE 2311) - Emphasis on acquiring a more sophisticated understanding of classical Greek grammar and style as well as a broader Greek vocabulary. Prerequisite: GRK 132 or permission of the instructor.

232.

Intermediate Classical Greek II (GREE 2312) - Continued emphasis on acquiring a more sophisticated understanding of classical Greek grammar and style as well as a broader Greek vocabulary; translation of selections from Greek texts. Prerequisite: GRK 231 or permission of instructor.

295.

Independent Study: Principles of Classical Greek - Individual instruction in the language of ancient Greece, focusing on the study of grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

495.

Independent Study in Classical Greek - Advanced study of a text in classical Greek; emphasis on developing and improving translation skills. May be repeated for up to six hours. Prerequisite: GRK 232 or permission of the instructor.

Courses in Latin (LAT)

Unless otherwise indicated, courses are 3 semester hours credit, 3 hours lecture per week.

131.

Elementary Latin I (LATI 1311) - Introduction to the grammar, syntax and vocabulary of classical Latin, with attention to historical, cultural and literary background.

132.

Elementary Latin II (LATI 1312) - Further development of Latin morphology, syntax and vocabulary; reading of selected texts. Prerequisite: LAT 131 or permission of the instructor.

231.

Intermediate Latin I (LATI 2311) - Review and expansion of the vocabulary, grammar, and syntax learned in LAT 131 and 132, with an increased emphasis on translating Latin passages. Prerequisites: LAT 131, 132 or permission of the instructor.

232.

Intermediate Latin II (LATI 2312) - A continuation of LAT 231. Prerequisites: LAT 131, 132, and 231 or permission of instructor.

495.

Independent Study: Latin - Reading and discussion of excerpts from the works of a classical author of the instructor's choice; if the work chosen is poetry, scansion of Latin verse. Prerequisites: LAT 131, 132, 231 and 232 or permission of instructor.