Dec 12, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

The Department of Media and Communication

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Department Chair and Coordinator of Media and Communication

Dr. Elizabeth Clarke

Faculty

Dr. Elizabeth Clarke: Chair and Coordinator of Media and Communication
Mr. Brian Manuel
Mr. Alan Quartemont
Mr. Jeff Young

Media

In a rapidly evolving, increasingly mediated environment, the Department of Media and Communication offers students an innovative approach to media education focused in one of three concentrations - Journalism, Media Production, or Sports Media. We seek to prepare students for the world of media convergence by offering a curriculum that fosters critical thinking and the development of diverse media skills, whether in Journalism, Media Production, or Sports Media.

In the classroom, students learn up-to-date writing, reporting and broadcasting techniques as well as cutting edge visual and online skills from faculty whose expertise has been developed in both academic and professional settings. Our effort to develop the next generation of media scholars and professionals comes with the understanding that students must be given the necessary tools for success both in and out of the classroom. Our faculty makes extensive use of professionals in various applications of journalism, media production and public relations from the Central Louisiana community and across the United States. Students get immediate, hands-on experience from their first year in the program.

Additionally, our students are challenged with the need for higher “intangibles” among media scholars and professionals - those that extend beyond having a computer and access to the Internet. Objectivity, ethics, media theory and law are a major focus of the LCU Convergence Media experience. What better place to do that than at a Christian university, where a commitment to Jesus Christ gives our students a higher calling to meet the ideals that make an aspiring student a truly excellent media professional. While completing their studies in our program, students develop diverse media skills through participation in multiple media platforms. Students will find the proper place to develop their media skills through:

KZLC

Known as “the voice of Louisiana Christian University,” KZLC is a low power, educational radio station that broadcasts 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Participation is open to all students to serve as DJs, announcers and programmers. Additionally, Convergence Journalism students have ample opportunities to learn how to do radio news as well as play-by-play for LCU Wildcats sporting events.

Wildcats Media

In keeping with an ever-changing media landscape, in 2009 we transitioned away from a traditional print newspaper to an online news platform. Wildcats Media’s presence on the Internet includes our Facebook page, Twitter feed, and YouTube channel. Written, edited and published by student staff members, under the direction of a faculty advisor, our website provides a laboratory experience for the development of journalistic skills.

Wildcat Weekly

Wildcat Weekly is a combined production of students that serves several roles. In the fall semester, Wildcat Weekly follows the Louisiana Christian University football and soccer teams and provides highlights and interviews in a weekly format. In the spring, Wildcat Weekly focuses more on overall campus events with an annual wrap of top stories. Throughout the entire academic year, Wildcat Weekly Minute Update is played before Tuesday morning chapel services to give a glance of events occurring on the LCU campus. Speaking of chapel, ours is recorded each week by a team of students running multiple cameras, audio, pro-presenter and other broadcast components.

Bachelor of Arts in Convergence Media

Students majoring in Convergence Media receive a Bachelor of Arts in Convergence Media in one of three concentrations: Journalism, Media Production or Public Relations. Each concentration requires the successful completion of 48 hours of coursework. Regardless of concentration, all students within the program complete a 21-hour core block of courses designed to develop diverse skills required of an increasingly convergent media environment. Students then take an additional 27-hour block of courses within a specialized concentration of their choosing, be it focused in Journalism, Media Production or Sports Media. The 21-hour core classes required of all Department of Convergence Media students includes: CM 100 , CM 216 , CM 421 , MP 101 , CM 490 ,  JN 201  and PR 368 .

Journalism Concentration

The Journalism concentration equips students for success in the modern media landscape by requiring students to develop effective skills in traditional journalistic forms such as writing, broadcasting and photography as well as skills in cutting-edge digital, graphic and web-based formats. The B.A. in Convergence Media requires 21 Communication Core hours, and 27 Journalism concentration courses. The 27 hours will consist of: JN 184  (1) /JN 284  (2) / JN 384  2) /JN 484  (1), JN 301 , JN 305 , JN 400  and 12 (12) hours from among the following: JN 302 , JN 309 , JN 315 , JN 325 , JN 327 , JN 342 , JN 352 , MP 268 , MP 410 , or CM 450 .

Media Production Concentration

The Media Production concentration equips students for success in various production applications, be it ministry production, television or news production as well as film and documentary focused projects. The B.A. in Convergence Media requires 21 Communication Core hours and 27 hours in Media Production concentration courses. The 27 hours will consist of: MP 370  (1), MP 371  (1), MP 372  (1), MP 373  (1), MP 374  (1), MP 375  (1),  MP 261 , MP 268 , MP 410 , MP 470 , CM 250 , and six hours from MP 325  (2) and MP 326  (1), MP 365 , JN 352 , JN 184  (1), JN 284  (1), JN 384  (1), JN 484   (1), or CM 450 .

Sports Media Concentration

The Sports Media concentration equips students for success in the fast-paced world of sports journalism, broadcasting and production. In addition to developing skills in traditional forms of sports reporting and photography, you will develop skills in cutting-edge digital, graphic and web-based formats. In addition to the 21-hour Communication Division Core, you will take 27 hours in the concentration: JN 325  and JN 436  plus choose 21 hours from: JN 184 /JN 284 /JN 384 /JN 484  (4 hours), JN 305 , JN 315 , JN 327 , MP 261 , MP 268 , MP 372 /MP 373 (2), JN 400  and CM 450 .

Minors in Convergence Media

In addition to the three concentrations, the Department also offers five minors to meet the needs of students majoring in other fields of study. Designed to complement virtually any major, the Department of Convergence Media offers minors in: Journalism, Mass Media Studies, Media Production, Public Relations and Sports Media.

The minor in Sports Media equips students with basic skills in the fast-paced world of sports journalism, broadcasting and production. Requirements for this 21- hour minor include: Three (3) hours of production labs (JN 184 , JN 284 , JN 384 ), and JN 201 , JN 315 , JN 325 , JN 436  and choose two from: JN 305  or JN 327  and MP 261  or MP 268 .

Designed for students considering graduate work in mass communication, the minor in Mass Media studies requires students complete 21 hours including: CM 100 , CM 250 , CM 421 , CA 313 , CA 400  and six (6) hours from among the following choices: CA 330 , CM 465 , JN 342 .

Students desiring a minor in Media Production are required to take 21 hours including: Three (3) hours of practicum (MP 370 , MP 371 , MP 372 , MP 373 , MP 374 , MP 375 ), MP 101 , MP 365 , MP 268 , CM 250 , and six (6) hours selected from among the following options: MP 325 , MP 326 , MP 410 , and CM 450 .

A versatile minor beneficial for students seeking a career in virtually any field, the minor in Public Relations requires the completion of 21 hours including: PR 368 , PR 472 , PR 473 , JN 201 , PR 482 , CA 400  and choose one: JN 309 , JN 315 , MG 334 , CM 421 , CM 465 .

The minor in Media Ministry allows students desiring to work in ministry to get skilled in the production side with hands-on learning in the technical aspects of the field. The 21-hour minor consists of three hours of practicum chosen from: MP 370 , MP 371 , MP 372 , MP 373 , MP 374 , MP 375 , and the following required courses: MP 101 , MP 268 , MP 325 /MP 326 , MP 365 , and MP 410 . 

Communication

The study of communication is one of the oldest academic disciplines in the Western world and it continues to be one of the most advantageous skill sets sought by potential employers and individuals aspiring to excel in a wide array of fields from education and business to healthcare and Christian studies. Beneficial as both a major area of study or when added as a minor, Communication Studies offers a skill set that equips students to lead in any field.

Students at Louisiana Christian University who major or minor in Communication Studies will be exposed to numerous communication theories across multiple contexts. The learning approach to the study of communication is that of comprehension, adaptation and application. These approaches share a common heritage in the classic Trivium learning model, as advocated by such classic scholars as Plato and Aristotle, which consists of grammar, dialectics and rhetoric. The Communication Studies student at Louisiana Christian University will work to comprehend communication via a theoretical approach. Once the student is equipped with an understanding of theoretical concepts, they will learn how these concepts are adapted in multiple contexts.

As the student comprehends theory and how it is adapted in society, they will then apply the theory to a specific context. This approach is beneficial whether a student is approaching the study of communication in order to be more competitive in the job market, via teaching speech, drama and debate or should the student wish to pursue an academic career. The thrust of Communication Studies at Louisiana Christian University falls directly in line with the mission of the university. As students gain skill sets in the study of communication, they will also learn about the intersection of faith and communication. Therefore, the chief aim of the Communication Studies program is to bring glory to God. We believe this is best achieved by educating students in the pragmatics of human communication in a way that highlights Christ as the standard and Chief communicator.

Students entering the Communication Studies program have a tremendous amount of flexibility in terms of course selection. By reducing the number of program specific core classes required, the student is able to select from a group of courses the content that best meets their future goals. For example, if a student is majoring in Business and minoring in Communication Studies, they may complete their minor requirement and then select courses such as Leadership Communication, Crisis Communication or Negotiation and Debate to complete their minor requirements in a way that best complements their field of study. The flexibility and power of choice that is afforded the student who either majors or minors in Communication Studies is invaluable.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

Students majoring in Communication Studies receive a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. The major requires 48 hours be completed in Departmental offerings. Specifically, students are required to take a Communication Core of 21 hours consisting of CM 100 , CM 216 , CM 421 , CM 490 , JN 201 , MP 101 , and PR 368 . In addition, students are required to take 27 hours in Communication Studies courses. The 27 hours will be chosen from: CA 212 , CA 301 , CA 320 , CA 330 , CA 400 , CA 415 , CA 460 , CA 115 /CA 315  (1 hour, up to 4 each), CA 214 , CA 313 , CA 325  or CM 450 .

Public Relations Concentration

The Public Relations concentration equips students for success in a rapidly expanding industry offering a wide array of possible career options including: Corporate, Non-profit or Governmental Relations, Health Communication, Web-based Relations, Conflict Management or Sports and Entertainment focused communication. The B.A. in Communication Studies requires 21 Communication Core hours and 27 hours in Public Relations concentration courses. The 27 hours will consist of: PR 472 , PR 473 ,  PR 482 , and choose six courses from the following: CA 214 , CA 311 , CA 313 , CA 320 , CA 330 , CA 400 , CA 415 , CS 380 , JN 309 , JN 315 , CM 465 , MG 334 , or MG 485 .

Minors in Communication Studies

In addition to the major, the Department of Communication Studies offers two minor options: a minor in Communication Studies as well as a minor in Speech Education for prospective educators seeking to teach Communication-related courses in a scholastic setting.

A minor in Communication Studies includes 21 hours from the following: CA 150  (should be taken in college core),  CA 214 , CA 400  and 12 hours from the following: CA 301 , CA 115 /CA 315  (up to 3), CA 320 , CA 325 , CA 330 , CA 415 , CA 450  and PR 368 .

For those seeking additional information about the Department of  Media and Communication, its programs or curriculum, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Clarke.

Programs

    Certificate
    Major
    Minor

    Courses

      Communication Studies
      Convergence Media
      Journalism
      Media Production
      Public Relations

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