Department of Communication Studies
Communication and Social Influence (CSI) Concentration
The major in Communication with a concentration in Culture and Social Influence (CSI) equips students to understand communication in various significant social contexts. Through hands-on experiences and critical analysis, students learn the dynamics of communication that influence family and romantic relationships, intercultural interactions, rhetoric, and public dialogue. Classes in CSI utilize and build on concepts, theories, and methods of study covered in core communication classes while developing a deeper focus on identities, culture, and power. These experiences prepare students for success in a variety of fields including public relations, community engagement, ministry, politics, diversity consulting, business administration, college admissions, and many others. Students will also be prepared for the option of graduate studies. CSI graduates apply their analytical and critical thinking strengths along with improved verbal and written communication skills to make a difference in their workplaces and communities.
What We’re Doing
Participating in Scholar’s Week
Communication studies students rocked it at the CLA Scholars Week! The first panel discussed the results of a high-impact collaborative learning experience in which Dr. Roberta Chevrette’s COMM 3740 Critical Methods in Communication class collaborated with Aaron Allen’s DANC 4110 Choreography II class. Then Hannah Rowland shared her presentation “I Can’t Breathe”: A Comparison of Media Responses of the Murder of George Floyd and the Death of Eric Garner.
Winning Awards
CSI student, Saman Kittani, won the 2nd place award for undergraduate research in the College of Liberals Arts during Scholars Week (our university-wide research symposium) 2022. Saman presented his research entitled, Communication-Induced Resilience and Its Effects on Stress, which he designed and conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Xiaowei Shi (not pictured). We are super proud of our students!
Classes
For information about classes and requirements, please view the Academic Programs.