Communication and Media Departmental Goal

• Students will prepare for careers (or graduate school) in public communication or media-related fields
• Media students will acquire solid background in communication
• Communication students will use technical skills involved with the media field

Progressive Development

• Lower level courses focus on development of communication skills
• Middle level courses encourage application of theory and research methods, as well as an introduction to the technical aspects of communication
• Upper level students are required to study Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics as well as develop a portfolio of their skills and accomplishments

Hands-on Experience

• Both internship and advanced independent seminars are highly encouraged
• Majors and non-majors can utilize the campus radio station (WMCR) and the campus television station (WMCTV)
• Substantial in-class writing and discussion
• Professional experience may be gained in several areas:
  • radio
  • television
  • journalism
  • public relations
  • business communication

Theater Program
We offer theater education as a component of general communication development. Course work and performance are planned so as to allow movement into professional training, certification, graduate school, or the general communication job market. A chance to work in Theater and other areas of public performance exists. Theater at Monmouth offers many advantages. It is not uncommon for freshmen to act in two shows, even to have lead roles. All Theater design is done via computer-aided drafting. All directing students direct at least a one-act play; most have additional experience with full-length productions. Crimson Masque (Drama Club) members organize workshops, attend area productions and participate in state-wide festivals. Crimson Masque is one of the largest student groups on campus.

Equipment/Facilities
The Wells Theater, built in 1990, is a state-of-the-art facility. It features computerized lighting control, a counterweighted fly system, large scenic and costume shops, a design lab with a CAD system and plotter, and computerized front-of-house operations. The cable television studio is a large, versatile facility with stage, lighting and audio equipment for producing newscasts and variety shows. The programming is broadcast through a campus-wide cable television station which is supervised by the CATA department.

The radio station is a fully operational, student-operated campus station. WMCR is broadcast through the campus cable system in FM stereo. It can be listened to through a television receiver or a hi fi stereo system. Because it is on-campus only, it is not regulated /controlled by the FCC, which permits greater flexibility in the training and programming provided - a big advantage over educational FM licensed stations. The station has two professionally equipped audio broadcast studios, one "on-air" and one for production and laboratory work. The studio equipment used is very similar to that of a commercial studio. WMCR has a large music library of classic rock and a CD collection of recent rock, rap, reggae and other music - all available for use at the station or to be checked out.

Off-campus Programs
Many CATA majors have profited from the ACM Chicago Urban Studies program. The internship opportunities in Chicago are excellent, giving students the chance to work in major corporate or media settings. The Chicago Program in the Arts has been similarly used by a number of our majors.

Many students serve internships with local theater and arts groups, or in larger operations, such as Goodman Theater in Chicago.

Independent Study
Students regularly do independent study projects in areas such as CAD, directing, playwriting and TV production.

Graduate School Opportunities
In the last few years, a substantial number of our graduates have pursued post-graduate training primarily in speech communication and law at schools such as: University of Illinois, University of Michigan, St. Louis University, Northern Illinois, Western Illinois and the University of Iowa.  Areas of specialty in graduate school include communication theory, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, media studies and communication education.

Students who choose to pursue post-graduate study in the communication fields can usually attend tuition free.  This is possible because, at research universities, large numbers of undergraduates need to take introductory communication courses such as public speaking or interpersonal communication.  These courses are taught by graduate student teaching assistants (unlike Monmouth where full-time faculty do the teaching) who typically receive free tuition plus a living allowance.  In many communication graduate programs, all admitted students receive free tuition.

Communication and Theater Arts Major
A major in Communication and Theater Arts consists of 36 semester hours, including CATA 101, three hours of 100/200 workshop credit, CATA 230, 261, 321, 421, 491, an independent study or internship and acceptance of a senior portfolio.

In addition, majors must complete one of the following concentrations: Communication and Media — CATA 231 or 235, two courses from CATA 333, 335, 337 and 339; and one course from CATA 263, 363 or 365; Theater — CATA 273, 275, 375, 377 and one course from CATA 370, 371, or 372.

Teacher Certification
Those majors working toward secondary teacher certification should confer as early as possible with the chairs of the Communication and Theater Arts and Education departments to ensure that their program will meet state standards. (Note: Secondary certification in a “primary teaching field” requires a minimum of 32 semester hours.) A second teaching field in a related area of study is recommended.

Communication and Theater Arts Minor Requirements
The following focused minors are available:

1. Communication Minor. CATA 101, at least one semester hour of workshop credit, plus CATA 231 or 235, 233, and two courses from CATA 333, 335, 337 and 339.

2. Media Minor. CATA 101, at least one semester hour of workshop credit, plus CATA 261, 263, 363, and 365.

3. Theater Minor. CATA 101, at least one semester hour of workshop credit, plus CATA 273, 275, and one course from CATA 370, 371, 372, and CATA 375 or 377.

IMPORTANT DATES