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BA in Communication Studies

Put your people skills to good use with a BA in Communication Studies at LCU.

Students in this program will learn to communicate in a manner that is consistent with a Christian worldview as they pursue personal growth, professional advancement, and the fulfillment of their responsibilities in the church and community.

Our Communication Studies program provides a firm foundation for a future in many careers which places a premium on effective oral or written communication. Your classes will introduce you to the art of public speaking and debate and open your eyes to how media shapes today’s world. You’ll apply what you’re learning about the art of persuasion to evaluate the rhetoric of politics, religion and social movements. You will also have the opportunity to learn about storytelling, interviewing, marketing and church related communication as well as how communication works in organizations, families and personal relationships. And, as you move through these topics, you’ll form your own opinions on communication ethics and free speech.

The BA in Communication Studies at LCU can help you develop your own take on the art of persuasion. After all, in today’s visually saturated culture, a good word will never go to waste.

Potential Careers

Writer
Editor
Journalist
Public Relations
Business Administration
Government/Politics
Law School
Communication Education
Media
Human Resources

Course List

LA 301
Mass Communication
This course examines the theory and practice of mass communication, with historical and critical examination of print media (books, magazines, and newspapers), electronic media (television, radio, and recordings), and film. Related topics covered include media research, mass media effects, mass media and society, mass media and government, mass media ethics, and mass media law.
LA 305
Argumentation and Debate
An introduction to both the mechanics of academic debate and principles of argumentation that can be applied to other methods of decision-making in which people weigh reasons pro and con. Students apply these insights to the analysis of arguments in the public sphere and participation in oral debate.
LA 310
Rhetorical Tradition
A Survey of major trends in the development of rhetorical theory from Homer to the present. Special attention is given to comparing and contrasting different theories of rhetoric, the implications of these theories primarily for oral communication and its consequences, and the ways these theories are adapted to a variety of philosophical, social, and political contexts.
LA 318
Free Speech & Communication Ethics
This course examines the verbal and nonverbal communication tenets of the freedom of speech clause of the first amendment of the Constitution as well the concomitant ethical issues surrounding the role of communication in society. The history of the first amendment will be traced, including careful analysis of Supreme Court decisions. Students are asked to think critically about the range of issues germane to communication from the normative perspective of a Christian worldview as well as a variety of other perspectives.
LA 331
Introduction to Communication Theory
An introduction to both the humanistic and social scientific theories of communication. Areas of inquiry include the ethical implications of individual theories, the development of knowledge of and appreciation for theory building in the communication discipline, the cultivation of the ability to discern the roles that communication theories play in daily communication encounters, and the examination of the testing of communication theories using different methodological approaches.
Critical Methods (choose 1)
LA 315
Rhetorical Criticism
A quasi-chronological examination of the variety of methods used by rhetorical critics in analyzing the suasory dimensions of public civic discourse. The issues and circumstances that have generated these methods will be considered as well. Students develop a familiarity with the tools, purposes, and problems faced by the rhetorical critics and an ability to produce rudimentary rhetorical criticism.
LA 403
American Public Address I: 1740-1900
A history and critical appraisal of the rhetors, movements, and rhetoric from the First Great Awakening through the end of the 19th century. Analysis and discussion of specific rhetorical episodes are designed to nurture the student’s understanding of the exigencies and constraints that confront public advocates as well as to illustrate the relationship between rhetorical practice and American public culture.
LA 404
American Public Address II: 1901-Present
A history and critical appraisal of the rhetors, movements and rhetoric from the "bully pulpit" of President Theodore Roosevelt to the present. Analysis and discussion of specific rhetorical episodes are designed to nurture the student's understanding of the exigencies and constraints that confront public advocates as well as to illustrate the relationship between rhetorical practice and American public culture.
Communication Studies Electives (choose 4)
AD 292
Business Communication
An introduction to the skills needed in managerial writing and speaking. The course covers writing strategies for routine, bad news, and persuasive messages in the form of letters, memos, email messages, and employment correspondence (resumes, letters of application, and follow-up letters). Prerequisite: word processing proficiency.
AD 373
Marketing I
An examination of customer-driven marketing, situational analysis and strategy, segmentation, targeting, positioning, buyer behavior, product development, pricing, distribution, promotion, and brand management.
AD 374
Marketing II
A continuation of concepts introduced in AD 373 with more emphasis given to market research, buyer behavior, and social-media marketing. Prerequisite: AD 373.
AD 381
Human Resource Management
An examination of major HRM functions. Topics include employment law, job analysis, staffing, training, performance appraisal and employee development, compensation, discipline, and HRM strategy and planning.
IC 371
Language and Communication
A course that equips the student with the skill and knowledge to learn another language in the context of relationships and ministry. Based on the assumption that learning to speak languages is more a social than an academic activity, this course provides on-site practice in actual language learning through interaction with a foreign language and mentor. The course will also deal with principles of communication in cross-cultural contexts.
LA 315
Rhetorical Criticism
A quasi-chronological examination of the variety of methods used by rhetorical critics in analyzing the suasory dimensions of public civic discourse. The issues and circumstances that have generated these methods will be considered as well. Students develop a familiarity with the tools, purposes, and problems faced by the rhetorical critics and an ability to produce rudimentary rhetorical criticism.
LA 317
Interpersonal Communication
This course examines the basic principles of communication which exist in face-to-face, interpersonal situations. Theories and applications will be explored as they relate to this most common of all communication settings. Special focus will be given to self-awareness, audience awareness, listening, message development and presentation, managing relationships, and decision-making.
LA 335
Journalism
This course examines the principles and practices of journalism. Areas covered include research methods (interviewing, fact checking and attribution, etc.) and journalistic models for basic reporting and newswriting techniques for a variety of journalistic genre.
LA 337
Organizational Communication
This course examines the various ways that communication affects both the internal and external operations of an organization. Both theoretical and practical in its thrust, it seeks to describe how organizational variables affect communication patterns and to apply those skills of communication that may be useful in improving organizational effectiveness.
LA 339
Family Communication
This course looks at families, how they change, and how communication in families evolves as the families themselves change. Look at how families communicate when presented with change. Discussion of family systems, marriage and divorce, the addition of children, and more.
LA 401
Internship in Communication
A senior level supervised internship experience with an approved mentor in an approved setting, in some aspect of the communication field, evaluated according to the requirements in individually written leaning covenants. Prerequisite: consent of faculty supervisor.
LA 403
American Public Address I: 1740-1900
A history and critical appraisal of the rhetors, movements, and rhetoric from the First Great Awakening through the end of the 19th century. Analysis and discussion of specific rhetorical episodes are designed to nurture the student’s understanding of the exigencies and constraints that confront public advocates as well as to illustrate the relationship between rhetorical practice and American public culture.
LA 404
American Public Address II: 1901-Present
A history and critical appraisal of the rhetors, movements and rhetoric from the "bully pulpit" of President Theodore Roosevelt to the present. Analysis and discussion of specific rhetorical episodes are designed to nurture the student's understanding of the exigencies and constraints that confront public advocates as well as to illustrate the relationship between rhetorical practice and American public culture.
LA 405
Persuasion: Theory and Practice
A study of persuasive communication from social-scientific perspectives. Focuses on competing theoretical accounts of the processes underlying persuasion, the evidence concerning them, the problems they have encountered, and research evidence concerning the effects of various factors on persuasive effectiveness.
LA 499
Special Topics in Communication Studies
Topics vary by semester. Study of some selected period or genre of public discourse, some significant social movement or some major issue or individual within the field of rhetoric and communication theory.
PR 308
Homiletics
A course providing the theological basis for preaching and the basic techniques necessary for sermon construction and delivery. Prerequisite: LA 113.
WM 291
Sound for Worship I
An introduction to studio recordings and live reinforcement environments. Prerequisite: WM 301.
WM 293
Visual Media for Worship I
An introduction to digital graphics and digital video techniques for corporate worship environments.
WM 361
Visual Media for Worship II
An intermediate exploration of digital video production techniques for corporate worship environments. Prerequisite: WM 293.
WM 363
Sound for Worship II
A project-based course concentrating on the capture and production of live events as well as studio recording projects. Prerequisite: WM 291.
WM 365
Production Issues for Worship
A practical approach to stage design and lighting techniques for the corporate worship environment.

Student Testimonials

Hear from students who’ve earned a BA in Communication Studies:
  • “I have been given an excellent basis of knowledge about communication and how Christians should apply communication not just to the workplace, but to life through the Communication Studies program at LCU. Dr. Verkruyse’s enthusiasm for communication and the church are evident in his teaching."
    — Ann Riddle
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