184 Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities MENG 6960 - Thesis Credits: (6) Thesis credit may be taken in increments of 1-3 hours in any term. The thesis is a capstone research and scholarly writing course for the Master's Degree Program. May be repeated 5 times with a maximum of 6 credit hours. Department of Communication Department Chair: Dr. Sheree Josephson Location: Elizabeth Hall, Room 330 Telephone: 801-626-8924 Professors: Susan Hafen, Rebecca Johns, Sheree Josephson; Associate Professors: Kathryn Edwards, Colleen Packer, Ty Sanders; Assistant Professors: Anne Bialowas, Nicola Corbin, Eric Harvey, Yeonsoo Kim, Sarah Steimel; Instructors: Cynthia Bishop, Clair Canfield, Ryan Cheek, Omar Guevara, Mark Merkley, Russ Rampton, Kim Smith, AnDrew Tyler Communication is a dynamic process that plays a complex and profound role in shaping both individuals and society and is vital to the free exchange of ideas central to a democratic society. The Weber State University Department of Communication seeks to promote an understanding of this process and the effective and ethical practice of human communication by focusing on how people create and use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels and media, including those delivered through technology. WSU Communication Department curricula and programs are grounded within a liberal arts tradition and designed to help students live vital and successful lives in an ever-changing global environment. The curriculum for the major is designed to provide a liberal arts-based study of human communication combined with a course of study that prepares graduates for entry-level employment in Communication and Communication-related careers. The major also serves to prepare students for graduate study in Communication and related disciplines. The Department is committed to enhancing student learning through required internships and through co-curricular opportunities afforded by our award-winning student- operated organizations, including The Signpost, KWCR-FM 88.1, Ogden Peak Communications, and Studio 76 (digital media production), as well as our nationally prominent intercollegiate debate program. Communication majors may select one of six interdisciplinary emphasis areas: Civic Advocacy, Digital Media, Interpersonal & Family Communication, Multimedia Journalism, Organizational Communication and Public Relations & Advertising. A Communication Teaching major with emphases in Communication Studies or Multimedia Journalism also is available. Students may earn the Communication major as either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. The Communication minor and the Bachelor of Integrated Studies Concentration in Communication (BIS) are designed to provide the student with knowledge and skills in Communication that complement the student's major or other concentrations of study. These curricula, characterized by both required and elective upper-division course work after completion of a required core, also are designed to complement the student's overall program of study and to be compatible with the student's career goals. In addition to emphasizing knowledge, understanding and demonstrated competence in the skills of human communication, curricular and co-curricular programs emphasize the development of character in our students. Accordingly, Department faculty discourage symbolic expression that demeans and degrades other human beings and encourage symbolic expression that celebrates the fundamental dignity of all human beings. Obsolete Credit Credit earned more than 10 years earlier than the proposed date of graduation will not be accepted for the major, minor or BIS concentration in Communication unless validated through a challenge examination or department chair approval. Co-curricular and Extra-curricular Activities Scholarships, Fellowships and Tuition Waivers Scholarships, fellowships and/or tuition waivers are available to WSU Debate competitors and to The Signpost, KWCR- FM 88.1, Ogden Peak Communications, and Studio 76 staff members. Other academic scholarships are also available. Contact the department office at 801-626-8924 or visit the department website at weber.edu/communication for more information. Professional and/or Honorary Organizations Communication students are encouraged to join one or more of the professional and/or honorary organizations affiliated with the department. Memberships in these organizations provide students with opportunities to meet and network with Communication professionals, learn about employment opportunities in the field of Communication, and participate in practical experiences relevant to future employment. See the faculty advisor for each organization for more information: Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Dr. Sheree Josephson Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Dr. Yeonsoo Kim Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society Dr. Cynthia Bishop, Dr. Sheree Josephson Departmental Honors Dr. Susan Hafen Debate Participation in intercollegiate debate activities is conducted in conjunction with the instructional program in argument, public speaking, and civic advocacy. Students participate in regional and national debate tournament under supervision of the program's directors. The Department of Communication hosts the annual Bob Mukai College Classic, the annual Val Browning Round Robin, the state high school debate and speech championship, and a three-week summer high school camp. In addition, Weber State has hosted the 67th annual National Debate Tournament (2013), and the 9th annual National Debate Coaches Association national championship (2014). Weber State University 2014-2015 Catalog