Faculty with a group of students during class
Undergraduate

Communication and Media

Learn how to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences through print, video, audio, and digital media.

Why Study Communication and Media at Assumption?

As a major in Communication and Media, you will learn to analyze various forms of multimedia such as television, radio, websites, and film productions as constructed texts while developing your voice as a writer and your skills in this field. 

Workshops in journalism, fiction, poetry, and/or autobiography will hone your critical and creative writing skills. At the same time, production courses will give you the chance to learn how to create your own podcasts or radio or TV shows. Participating in an internship (or two) will provide you with experience in the field and the opportunity to work alongside professionals. Taking courses in communication theory will give you the key terms, concepts, and skills that professionals use. All of these learning experiences will be capped in your final year as you collaborate with your classmates to produce a project to present before a live audience—and put on your resume.

Assumption also offers a program in Organizational Communication through the Grenon School of Business.

Program Contact

Rachel D. Ramsey, Ph.D

Associate Professor of English
508-767-7337 Founders Hall - Room 204

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

  • The major in Communication and Media combines the traditional skills of rhetorical analysis, effective style, critical thinking, and ethical questioning with contemporary applications through oral, written, and visual communications in both traditional and new media. The goal of the program is to help students understand how language shapes our world and to use responsibly and effectively the various forms of communication that define and construct contemporary life and culture. 

    Required Courses (11)

    These do not include ENG 130 Writing in the University or ENG 140 Literature and Its Interpretations. Students may take a total of 14 courses designated ENG.

    Gateway Courses (3)

    ENG 201

    Writing Workshop: Argument and Persuasion

    ENG 202

    Introduction to Journalism

    ENG 219/ENG 214

    Approaches to Media Analysis/Introduction to Communication and Media

    Electives: Literature (3)

    Three literature classes (ENG 225-295, ENG 320-395), two of which must be at level 300 or higher.

    Capstones (2)

    ENG 415

    Capstone Senior Seminar in Communication and Media

    ENG 420

    Communication and Media Practicum: Internship

    Specialties (3) Three courses from ONE of these Specialties:

    Journalism and Professional Writing

    ENG 301

    Special Topics in Communication and Media

    ENG 302

    Special Topics in Journalism

    ENG 304

    Business and Technical Writing

    ENG 308

    Writing and Editing

    ENG 309

    Writing Workshop: Creative Nonfiction

    Creative Writing

    ENG 203

    Writing Workshop: Autobiography

    ENG 209

    Creative Writing

    ENG 305

    Writing Workshop: Fiction

    ENG 306

    Writing Workshop: Poetry

    ENG 309

    Writing Workshop: Creative Nonfiction

    Media Studies and Production

    ENG 211

    Speech

    ENG 217

    Introduction to Film Studies

    ENG 237

    Film and Literature

    ENG 293

    Special Topics in Film and Literature

    ENG 301

    Special Topics in Communication and Media

    ENG 396

    American Film

    ARD 115

    Graphic Design I

    ARD 215

    Graphic Design II

    ARD 175

    Introduction to Digital Photography

    CSC 181

    Electronic Communication and Multimedia

    TVP 290

    Video Communications Skills

    TVP 295

    Video Production I

    TVP 390

    Video Production II

    Note: At least five courses in the major must be at the 300- or 400-level. Students also have the option to design their own specialization, in consultation with their advisor and with the approval of the Chair. In addition, if for some reason courses for a particular specialization are not available, students may, in consultation with their advisor and approval of the Chair, make appropriate substitutions. 

    Course Descriptions

  • The minor in Communication and Media helps students develop their writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills. The three required courses in the minor introduce students to the writing process, the theoretical underpinnings of the study and practice of communication, the power and immediacy of visual communication. Having established this foundation, students complete the minor by choosing from a variety of electives, allowing them to pursue specific interests and develop skills essential to their other personal and professional goals. 

    Required Courses (3)

    ENG 130

    Writing in the University

    ENG 214/ENG 219

    Introduction to Communication and Media/Media Analysis

    TVP 295

    Video Production I

    Elective Courses (3)

    ENG 201

    Argument and Persuasion

    ENG 202

    Introduction to Journalism

    ENG 211

    Speech

    ENG 214

    Introduction to Communication and Media (if not counted above)

    ENG 217

    Introduction to Film Studies

    ENG 219

    Media Analysis (if not counted above)

    ENG 311

    Broadcast Journalism

    ENG 396

    American Film

    ART 115

    Graphic Design I

    TVP 395

    Video Production II (to be renumbered as ENG 395)

    Note: with the approval of the department chair, strategic substitutions may be permitted.

Faculty

Rachel D. Ramsey, Ph.D
Chair, Department of English Associate Professor of English
Kristen Carella, Ph.D.
Professor of English
Becky L. DiBiasio, Ph.D
Associate Professor of English
Mary DiDomenico
Visiting Assistant Professor of English
Shahara B. Drew, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Practice of English
Christopher J Gilbert, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of English
John Hodgen
Writer-in-Residence
Lucia Z. Knoles, Ph.D
Professor of English
Michael Charles Land, Ph.D
Associate Professor of English Director, Community Service-Learning Program
David Nordman
Adjunct Faculty
Paul S. Shields, Ph.D
Associate Professor of English
David Thoreen, Ph.D
Professor of English
Molly Williams
Adjunct Faculty

Experiential Learning

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.


Programs Related to Communication and Media

English

Undergraduate