Communication Studies Major

The major consists of a minimum of 9 full courses (or the equivalent).

Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the major.

View the catalog page for the writing and communication department.

The major in communication studies integrates elements of the theoretical and practical dimensions of the field including the creation, delivery, and receiving of both verbal and non-verbal messages. Through coursework that combines theory and practice, communication studies majors will develop critical skills for oral, written, and digital communication. These skills will help them craft messages to engage effectively with various audiences and within numerous contexts. Additionally, majors will explore the theories and research that drive the field. While the major provides students with a broad understanding of the communication discipline, there is a particular emphasis on rhetorical theory and practice in the context of civic discourse and deliberation. Communication Studies is a multidisciplinary field as it draws on a number of interrelated disciplines (e.g., rhetorical theory, media studies, and gender and ethnic studies). The study of communication cuts across cultural, socio-economic, and political contexts, analyzing how meaning is generated and communicated in interpersonal, private, public, and mass communication settings.

Summary of Requirements

Note(s) on Requirements

Students are strongly encouraged to take CIME 211 , or another media-focused course, for one of their interdisciplinary context courses.

Transfer of Credit Toward the Major

Students may request that courses taken while on a study away program or as transfer credits be counted towards the major. Students should consult with the department chair about transfer of credit, preferably before they register for courses outside of the Oberlin curriculum.

Detailed Major Requirements

Communication Studies Major Course Lists

Specialized Writing Courses

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Specialized writing courses focus on developing a range of composing skills, and will engage students in the deep exploration of either a particular set of genres or creating texts for particular audiences and purposes.

Communication and Culture Courses

Communication and culture courses focus on the study of communication in various cultural, social, and political contexts.

Writing and Communication Pedagogy Courses

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Writing and communication pedagogy courses examine the pedagogies of writing and speaking and prepare students to communicate effectively with peers who are themselves engaged in communicative acts.

Interdisciplinary Context Courses

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In interdisciplinary context courses, students will learn about communication from the point of view of other departments or develop relevant skills not available in the Department of Writing and Communication. These courses enable students to see the concepts they learn in their communication studies major in the context of information or analyses offered beyond the writing and communication department, as is desired in liberal arts learning. Students are encouraged to pick courses from this list that will build on their personal, specific interests in the communication studies major.

Note: Students are strongly encouraged to take CIME 211 , or another media-focused course, for one of their interdisciplinary context courses.