Communication and Theatre Arts (CO)

Professors: J. B. Miller (Associate Dean), J. J. Schmidt, M. E. Beadle (Dean), A. R. Stephenson
Associate Professors: R. A. Bruening, D. R. Bruce, M. A. Flannery, S.C. (Chair), B. G. Brossmann, K. L. Gygli, M. O. Finucane
Assistant Professors: R. D. Hendrickson, Y. S. Akande
Visiting Instructor: N. J. Kiefer

The Department of Communication and Theatre Arts is a nationally award-winning program concerned with the nature, process, and practice of the art of communication. Communication is studied from the viewpoints of interpersonal relations, radio/television, film, multi media, journalism, public relations and organizational communication, rhetoric, public address, speech science, theatre, and performance. In addition to a major and minor, the department offers a concentration in Political Communication, and is part of the concentrations in Environmental Studies and Perspectives in Sex and Gender.

Members of the department direct comprehensive programs in debate, radio, television, speech therapy, journalism, and theatre. Facilities of radio station WJCU FM, the Marinello Little Theatre, Kulas Auditorium, the Klein Television Studio, and the journalism writing lab are available for use.

CO 100 is required of all students for graduation. Students with a year or more of high school speech may test out of CO 100 by passing both a written examination and an oral presentation.

Practicum courses and CO 100 do not apply toward the department major, minor, or Division II of the University Core. Note: No more than a total of four hours may be earned toward graduation requirements in any combination of CO 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 175 or 180. No more than three hours can be earned in any one practicum.

Qualified senior majors may participate in internships and independent study. Not only can they earn credits for their work, but also gain experience in a communications industry. The department has an established network of internships in the Cleveland area – one of the country's largest communications markets. Internships are available at major television stations, cable companies, radio stations, and theatres. Interns studying public relations and interpersonal communications have been placed on a regular basis with Cleveland companies and advertising agencies.

Secondary teaching students may select sequences of courses leading to licensure in Language Arts. Timely consultation with a departmental advisor is essential to ensure that requirements of the State of Ohio are satisfied.

The department offers a master's degree in Communications Management. Course requirements are listed in the Graduate School Bulletin.

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