Foci, Initiatives, Mission

 

The focus of the Department is on enhancing understanding of that exquisitely complex and multi-faceted phenomenon called communication. As the name of the Department of Communication Arts & Sciences itself suggests, both humanistic and scientific approaches to inquiry are represented in this academic unit.

 

Communication Science.

 

The communication science faculty seek to generate knowledge about human communication processes through the application of the scientific model. The primary areas of specialization include health, interpersonal, family, and cultural communication. Particular emphasis is placed on studying health messages and outcomes, risk behaviors, identity and culture, information management, and the structure and functions of personal and social relationships throughout the lifespan.

 

Rhetorical Studies.

 

The rhetorical studies component of the department concerns itself with the historical, theoretical, critical, and practical dimensions of civic discourse and cultural practices. The faculty focus their scholarship and teaching on political communication, both contemporary and historical theory, rhetorical criticism, and public address.

In addition to these perspectives, the Department has dedicated itself to the pursuit of knowledge in two particular content areas. Precisely because these areas lend themselves to analysis from both the humanistic and scientific perspectives, they have the potential to serve as initiatives that unify the faculty across traditional epistemological lines.

 

Health Communication has been defined as "the art and technique of informing, influencing, and motivating individual, institutional, and public audiences about important health issues. The scope of health communication includes disease prevention, health promotion, health care policy, and the business of health care as well as enhancement of the quality of life and health of individuals within the community." United States Department of Health & Human Services. (2000). Healthy people 2010. Atlanta, GA: CDC. http://www.healthypeople.gov/

 

Civic Engagement "means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes." Erlich, T. et al. (2000). Civic responsibility and higher education. (preface, p. vi). Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press.

 

The Department's mission is three fold:

 

• To make fundamental, theoretical contributions to the understanding of communication in socially significant contexts.
  
• To provide world-class training in the study of communication to graduate students, undergraduate students, and communities beyond the campus.
  
• To be widely recognized as among the top Departments of Communication (Arts & Sciences).