Communication Studies Major, B.A.
The study of communication is essential for participating in an increasingly complex and mediated global environment. The Department of Communication's mission is to advance communication for the public good. Through its teaching, research, and service, the department addresses the many ways communication functions to create, sustain, and transform personal life, social relations, political institutions, economic organizations, and cultural and aesthetic conventions in society; promotes competencies required for various modes of mediated and non-mediated communication; and develops skills for analyzing, interpreting, and critiquing communication problems and questions. The curriculum is designed to enable students to develop the capacities to be knowledgeable and responsible producers and consumers of communication through engagement, critique, and creativity. The programs of study offered by the department support a vision of citizen-scholars building a better North Carolina and world.
Student Learning Outcomes
- An understanding of the major theories that define the field of communication and the relevance of these theories to sub-areas of the field. To demonstrate accomplishment of this objective, students should be able to
- identify and apply major theories of communication
- discuss the implications of selected communication theories for practice
- describe the relevance of appropriate communication theories to the students’ chosen areas of focus and show how theories can be applied productively to those areas
- An understanding of appropriate research methods in the field of communication and the relevance of these methods to their sub-areas of the field. Specifically, students should demonstrate that they can
- describe the fundamental procedures of research methods in communication
- critically assess research procedures used in communication research
- make a research argument
- utilize research skills, including finding library and electronic sources, citing and documenting research materials, synthesizing and drawing conclusions from research, and organizing and presenting original research
- describe how communication research methods may be used to answer research questions in the students’ chosen areas of specialization.
- A critical approach to the consumption and creation of communication in a communication rich and democratic environment. Specifically, students should demonstrate that they can
- analyze and evaluate the use and meaning of visual, audio, and other sensory information and the way it conveys information to a viewer, reader, or listener
- exhibit competence in oral, verbal, and written communication skills
- critique and engage in performative and mediated forms of communication in “real world” contexts
- demonstrate knowledge of how communication practices may be used to transform and redefine specific communication situations (e.g., the use of communication strategies to resolve conflict in interpersonal, group, and organizational contexts).
Requirements
In addition to the program requirements, students must
- earn a minimum final cumulative GPA of 2.000
- complete a minimum of 45 academic credit hours earned from UNC–Chapel Hill courses
- take at least half of their major core requirements (courses and credit hours) at UNC–Chapel Hill
- earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000 in the major core requirements. Some programs may require higher standards for major or specific courses.
For more information, please consult the degree requirements section of the catalog.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Core Requirements | ||
Three courses from the following with a grade of C or better in each: | 9 | |
Introduction to Interpersonal and Organizational Communication H | ||
Introduction to Media History, Theory, and Criticism F | ||
Introduction to Performance Studies H | ||
Rhetoric and Public Issues | ||
Four COMM courses in a concentration (see descriptions below) | 12 | |
Three COMM electives | 9 | |
A minimum of 10 COMM courses, except for those students pursuing the new media option in the media and technology studies and production concentration described below | ||
Three COMM courses must be numbered 400 or higher. | ||
Total Hours | 30 |
H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
A maximum of 15 COMM courses (45 hours) may be applied toward the B.A. degree.
Students are invited to work closely with faculty members in courses and through independent study, cocurricular programs, and research projects. Many courses are also open to nonmajors whose personal and professional goals require an understanding of human communication (consult course descriptions for restrictions).
Communication Studies (COMM) course descriptions.
Students should select one of the following concentrations and take a minimum of four courses within that concentration. Core courses do not count as one of the four required courses within the selected concentration. Additional courses that are not listed under any concentration may be used to meet major requirements.
Interpersonal and Organizational Communication
COMM 120/MNGT 120 is a prerequisite for most of the interpersonal and organizational communication courses; consult course descriptions.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
COMM 312 | Persuasion | 3 |
COMM 390 | Special Topics in Communication Study (based on topic) | 3 |
COMM 411 | 3 | |
COMM 422 | Family Communication H | 3 |
COMM 423 | Critical Perspectives on Work, Labor, and Professional Life | 3 |
COMM 490 | Special Topics in Communication Studies (based on topic) | 3 |
COMM 499 | The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
COMM 500 | Visual and Material Rhetoric | 3 |
COMM 521 | Communication and Social Memory | 3 |
COMM 523 | Communication and Leadership | 3 |
COMM 525 | Organizational Communication | 3 |
COMM 526 | Critical-Cultural Approaches to Organizational Communication | 3 |
COMM 527 | Organizational Ethics | 3 |
COMM 610 | 3 | |
COMM 620 | Theories of Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
COMM 624 | Hate Speech | 3 |
COMM 625 | Communication and Nonprofits in the Global Context | 3 |
COMM 690 | Advanced Topics in Communication Studies (based on topic) H | 3 |
COMM/MNGT 223 | Small Group Communication | 3 |
COMM/MNGT 325 | Introduction to Organizational Communication H | 3 |
COMM/WGST 224 | Introduction to Gender and Communication H | 3 |
COMM/WGST 524 | Gender, Communication, and Culture | 3 |
H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
Media and Technology Studies and Production
COMM 140 is a prerequisite for most of the media studies courses; consult course descriptions.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
COMM 130 | Introduction to Media Production | 3 |
COMM 142 | Popular Music | 3 |
COMM 150 | Introduction to New Media | 3 |
COMM 230 | Audio/Video/Film Production and Writing | 3 |
COMM 249 | Introduction to Communication Technology, Culture, and Society | 3 |
COMM 251 | Introduction to American Film and Culture, 1965-Present | 3 |
COMM 330 | Introduction to Writing for Film and Television | 3 |
COMM 390 | Special Topics in Communication Study (based on topic) | 3 |
COMM 411 | 3 | |
COMM 412 | Critical Theory | 3 |
COMM 413 | 3 | |
COMM 431 | Advanced Audio Production | 3 |
COMM 432 | Visual Culture | 3 |
COMM 450 | Media and Popular Culture | 3 |
COMM 452 | 3 | |
COMM 453 | The History of New Media Technology in Everyday Life | 3 |
COMM 454 | Media and Activism | 3 |
COMM 490 | Special Topics in Communication Studies (based on topic) | 3 |
COMM 534 | Aesthetic and Technical Considerations in Making Short Videos | 3 |
COMM 545 | 3 | |
COMM 546 | 3 | |
COMM 547 | 3 | |
COMM 548 | 3 | |
COMM 549 | Sexuality and Visual Culture | 3 |
COMM 550 | 3 | |
COMM 551 | 3 | |
COMM 635 | Documentary Production | 3 |
COMM 636 | Interactive Media | 3 |
COMM 638 | Game Design | 3 |
COMM 645 | The Documentary Idea | 3 |
COMM 646 | Introduction to the Art and Mechanics of Two-Dimensional Digital Animation | 3 |
COMM 647 | Advanced Projects in Media Production | 3 |
COMM 650 | Cultural Politics of Global Media Economies | 3 |
COMM 652 | Media and Difference | 3 |
COMM 653 | Experimental Video | 3 |
COMM 654 | Motion Graphics, Special Effects, and Compositing | 3 |
COMM 655 | Television Culture | 3 |
COMM 656 | Sound for Film and Video: Theory and Practice for Motion Picture Sound Design | 3 |
COMM 681 | Contemporary Film Theory | 3 |
COMM 682 | History of the Moving Image: Pasts, Presents, Futures | 3 |
COMM 683 | 3 | |
COMM 690 | Advanced Topics in Communication Studies (based on topic) H | 3 |
COMM/WGST 345 | Gender and Film | 3 |
H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
Please note that enrollment in advanced media and technology production classes is limited, and many production classes have prerequisites.
New Media
Students wishing to pursue the new media option in the media and technology studies and production concentration should consult the departmental advisor.
In addition to the preliminary core requirements (including COMM 140) above, students must take:
- COMM 150
- COMP 110
- two approved courses from the Department of Computer Science (COMP) or the School of Information and Library Science (INLS) (see recommendations below)
- three COMM classes above 400 selected from the following list:
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
COMM 431 | Advanced Audio Production | 3 |
COMM 490 | Special Topics in Communication Studies (based on topic, prior approval required) | 3 |
COMM 636 | Interactive Media | 3 |
COMM 638 | Game Design | 3 |
COMM 646 | Introduction to the Art and Mechanics of Two-Dimensional Digital Animation | 3 |
COMM 650 | Cultural Politics of Global Media Economies | 3 |
COMM 654 | Motion Graphics, Special Effects, and Compositing | 3 |
COMM 690 | Advanced Topics in Communication Studies (based on topic, prior approval required) H | 3 |
H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
Recommended cross-disciplinary classes include:
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
COMP 180 | Enabling Technologies H | 3 |
COMP 185 | Serious Games H | 3 |
INLS 151 | Retrieving and Analyzing Information | 3 |
INLS 161 | Tools for Information Literacy | 3 |
INLS 201 | Foundations of Information Science | 3 |
INLS 318 | Human Computer Interaction | 3 |
INLS 560 | Programming for Information Science | 3 |
INLS 572 | Web Development I | 3 |
H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
Performance Studies
COMM 160 is a prerequisite for most of the performance studies courses; consult course descriptions.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
COMM 260 | Introduction to Performance and Social Change | 3 |
COMM 262 | Introduction to the Performance of Culture H | 3 |
COMM 263 | Performing Literature H | 3 |
COMM 364 | 3 | |
COMM 365 | 3 | |
COMM 390 | Special Topics in Communication Study (based on topic) | 3 |
COMM 411 | 3 | |
COMM 435 | Memory Acts H | 3 |
COMM 437 | United States Black Culture and Performance | 3 |
COMM 463 | Creating the Solo Performance | 3 |
COMM 464 | Collaborative Performance H | 3 |
COMM 466 | Advanced Study in Performing Literature | 3 |
COMM 490 | Special Topics in Communication Studies (based on topic) | 3 |
COMM 532 | Performing the Screenplay | 3 |
COMM 564 | Performance and Popular Culture | 3 |
COMM 568 | Adapting and Directing for the Stage | 3 |
COMM 636 | Interactive Media | 3 |
COMM 660 | Advanced Projects in Performance Studies | 3 |
COMM 661 | Race and Ethnicity | 3 |
COMM 662 | Black/African Diaspora Performance | 3 |
COMM 665 | Performance, Politics, and Culture | 3 |
COMM 667 | Performance Activism | 3 |
COMM 668 | 3 | |
COMM 690 | Advanced Topics in Communication Studies (based on topic) H | 3 |
COMM 695 | Field Methods | 3 |
COMM/ASIA/RELI 386 | Dance and Embodied Knowledge in the Indian Context | 3 |
COMM/DRAM 666 | Media in Performance | 3 |
COMM 362/FOLK 565 | 3 | |
COMM/FOLK/HIST/WGST 562 | Oral History and Performance H | 3 |
COMM/WGST 561 | Performance of Women of Color H | 3 |
H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
Rhetorical Studies
COMM 170 is a prerequisite for most of the rhetorical studies courses; consult course descriptions.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
COMM 171 | Argumentation and Debate | 3 |
COMM 312 | Persuasion | 3 |
COMM 371 | Argumentation | 3 |
COMM 372 | The Rhetoric of Social Movements | 3 |
COMM 374 | The Southern Experience in Rhetoric | 3 |
COMM 390 | Special Topics in Communication Study (based on topic) | 3 |
COMM 470 | Political Communication and the Public Sphere | 3 |
COMM 471 | Rhetorics of Public Memory | 3 |
COMM 472 | Rhetorical Criticism | 3 |
COMM 490 | Special Topics in Communication Studies (based on topic) | 3 |
COMM 500 | Visual and Material Rhetoric | 3 |
COMM 571 | Rhetorical Theory and Practice | 3 |
COMM 572 | Public Policy Argument H | 3 |
COMM 573 | The American Experience in Rhetoric | 3 |
COMM 575 | Presidential Rhetoric | 3 |
COMM 576 | Making and Manipulating "Race" in the United States | 3 |
COMM 577 | Rhetoric and Black Culture | 3 |
COMM 690 | Advanced Topics in Communication Studies (based on topic) H | 3 |
COMM/ENEC 375 | Environmental Advocacy | 3 |
COMM/PWAD 355 | Terrorism and Political Violence | 3 |
COMM/PWAD 376 | 3 | |
COMM/PWAD 574 | War and Culture | 3 |
H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
Specialized Concentration in Communication Studies
Students may create their own concentrations by selecting at least four courses that constitute a coherent program of study. The courses selected in this concentration must be justified by the student and must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans can be used as a guide to identify the courses required to complete the major and other requirements needed for degree completion within the expected eight semesters. The actual degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). Students should meet with their academic advisor to create a degree plan that is specific and unique to their interests. The sample plans represented in this catalog are intended for first-year students entering UNC–Chapel Hill in the fall term. Some courses may not be offered every term.
Rhetorical Studies Concentration
First Year | Hours | |
---|---|---|
First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
IDST 101 | College Thriving | 1 |
ENGL 105 or ENGL 105I | English Composition and Rhetoric or English Composition and Rhetoric (Interdisciplinary) | 3 |
First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch F | 3 | |
Triple-I and Data Literacy | 4 | |
Global Language through level 3 | varies | |
Major Courses | ||
COMM 120 | Introduction to Interpersonal and Organizational Communication (core course #1) H | 3 |
COMM 170 | Rhetoric and Public Issues (core course #2) | 3 |
Hours | 17 | |
Sophomore Year | ||
COMM 160 | Introduction to Performance Studies (core course #3) H | 3 |
COMM 171 | Argumentation and Debate (concentration course #1) | 3 |
COMM 312 | Persuasion (concentration course #2) | 3 |
Hours | 9 | |
Junior Year | ||
COMM 470 | Political Communication and the Public Sphere (concentration course #3) 1 | 3 |
COMM 573 | The American Experience in Rhetoric (concentration course #4) 1 | 3 |
COMM 435 | Memory Acts (elective course #1) 1, H | 3 |
Hours | 9 | |
Senior Year | ||
COMM 454 | Media and Activism (elective course #2) 1 | 3 |
COMM 624 | Hate Speech (elective course #3) 1 | 3 |
Hours | 6 | |
Total Hours | 41 |
H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
- 1
Three COMM courses must be numbered 400 or higher.
Media and Technology Studies Concentration
First Year | Hours | |
---|---|---|
First-Year Foundation Courses | ||
IDST 101 | College Thriving | 1 |
ENGL 105 or ENGL 105I | English Composition and Rhetoric or English Composition and Rhetoric (Interdisciplinary) | 3 |
First-Year Seminar or First-Year Launch F | 3 | |
Triple-I and Data Literacy | 4 | |
Global Language through level 3 | varies | |
COMM 120 | Introduction to Interpersonal and Organizational Communication (core course #1) H | 3 |
Major Courses | ||
COMM 140 | Introduction to Media History, Theory, and Criticism (core course #2) F | 3 |
Hours | 17 | |
Sophomore Year | ||
COMM 170 | Rhetoric and Public Issues (core course #3) | 3 |
COMM 249 | Introduction to Communication Technology, Culture, and Society (concentration course #1) | 3 |
Hours | 6 | |
Junior Year | ||
COMM 312 | Persuasion (elective course #1) | 3 |
COMM 390 | Special Topics in Communication Study (concentration course #2) | 3 |
COMM 450 | Media and Popular Culture (concentration course #3) | 3 |
Hours | 9 | |
Senior Year | ||
COMM 453 | The History of New Media Technology in Everyday Life (concentration course #4) | 3 |
COMM 372 | The Rhetoric of Social Movements (elective course #2) | 3 |
COMM 526 | Critical-Cultural Approaches to Organizational Communication (elective course #3) | 3 |
Hours | 9 | |
Total Hours | 41 |
H | Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply. |
F | FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute. |
Special Opportunities in Communication
Honors in Communication Studies
The department participates in the University’s Honors Program. Students eligible for the program (see University requirements) may consult with the departmental honors advisor about enrolling in COMM 693H and COMM 694H, or COMM 691H and COMM 692H for honors students in cultural studies. These courses can be used for elective credit in the major but not for satisfying core course or concentration requirements. Additional information can be found on the department website.
Independent Study
The opportunity for independent study is available through enrollment in COMM 396 or COMM 596. Interested students should consult a faculty advisor in the department. Please see the department website for details.
Internships
The department has an extensive internship program in media-related industries, business, public service, and other organizations. Internships allow students to explore the relationship between communication theory and its practice in everyday life. Credit can be obtained through consultation with the internship advisor and enrollment in COMM 393. More than 100 organizations have participated in the program. The department also offers the Hollywood Internship Program, a summer study and work opportunity for selected students interested in pursuing careers in the film industry. Note: Internship credit counts as elective hours and does not count toward the 30 credit hours required for the major.
WUNC Radio and WUNC-TV
Limited opportunities exist for internships and employment with the public radio and television stations in Chapel Hill and in the Research Triangle Park.
Performance Opportunities
Students are involved in writing and adapting plays and screenplays, directing, and participating in staged productions for the public. Additionally, students often appear in regular performances sponsored by graduate students in the Department of Communication and in productions directed by faculty members.
Student Television (STV)
STV is a student-run video production operation that provides hands-on opportunities in a variety of programming assignments.
Carolina Film Association (CFA)
About
This association is committed to enabling students in developing their cinematic craft. It accomplishes its mission by offering resources and guidance to students pursuing cinematic projects through self-contained or episodic forms.
Study Abroad
Students may take coursework toward the major through the University’s study abroad program. Departmental approval for major credit is required.
Undergraduate Awards
The department offers a number of awards for leadership and contributions to the field, in all areas of specialization. Awards are presented at a department ceremony in the spring semester.
Department Programs
Majors
Minor
Graduate Programs
Department of Communication
CB 3285, 308 Bynum Hall, 222 East Cameron Ave., Chapel Hill, N.C. 27599
(919) 962-2311