Communication Studies focuses both on the practice and development of skills for competent communication as well as analyzing and studying the how people create shared meanings and interpretations of the world around them. Students with communication competency can find success in a variety of careers and enriched personal relationships. Communication Studies aims to connect the classroom to the real world. Our department focuses on two interrelated areas of communication: Relational Dynamics (RD) and Public Advocacy and Civic Engagement (PACE). Relational Dynamics focuses on the development and maintenance of relationships (personal, friendship, romantic, family, workplace, organizational, intercultural, and community). Public Advocacy and Civic Engagement focuses on how we influence and persuade public audiences through speaking, argument, and mediated communication. Students learn about advocacy campaigns in business, political, community, or social movement contexts.<br><br>Students will be able to:<br>demonstrate knowledge of the communication studies discipline including its theories, concepts, and how the study of communication is applied to academic and non-academic settings.<br>demonstrate competency in systematic inquiry and research methods including asking questions, finding appropriate resources and/or conducting independent data gathering and analysis, while understanding the limits of research methodologies.<br>demonstrate competency and confidence in oral message development and delivery including determining and focusing message purpose, organizing appropriate information, and effectively presenting a message appropriate to specific audiences and contexts.<br>demonstrate competency and confidence in written message development including adapting message to specific contexts, mediums, and audiences.<br>demonstrate competency in communication in relational settings (interpersonal, intercultural, group, and organizational environments).<br>demonstrate competency in communication for public advocacy contexts.<br>demonstrate competency in being an ethical communicator in and for our increasingly diverse and globalized world.