About Us
The Department of Communication takes a leading role in sustaining the strongly student-centered, broadly accessible educational mission and vision of Indiana State University. We do so through engaging students in experiential learning, fostering their development of skills, and promoting competencies such as a complex understanding of the communication process as the foundation of the ongoing human process of meaning-making and community-building; profound respect for the diverse range of identities and ideologies within our local and global communities; a sophisticated grasp, as creator and user, of the wide range of information technologies that shape communication today and of those which will evolve to shape it differently in the future; and a lifelong commitment to presenting and interpreting communication in an ethical, responsible manner. Listed below are the essential dimensions of the study of communication:
- Explain the complexity of human communication processes. Demonstrate an understanding of the classical, critical/interpretative, and social scientific theories and research methods used by communication scholars.
- Demonstrate an understanding of theories and research as they apply to the design and evaluation of original research proposals and projects.
- Understand appropriate research methods as these are relevant to both the analysis of texts and the creation of communication research projects.
- Explain the situatedness and discipline of the field of human communication.
- Practice and demonstrate competence in the ability to speak in a variety of communication contexts.
- Practice and demonstrate competence in the ability to work effectively in groups.
- Demonstrate the ability to write effectively in a variety of communication contexts.
- Demonstrate critical thinking by analyzing and evaluating communication products and processes using relevant communication frameworks.
- Demonstrate and employ the skills necessary for conflict management and resolution.
- Demonstrate and employ the skills necessary for effective decision-making.
- Design texts for diverse audiences, campaigns, and organizational environments.
- Demonstrate creative and analytical abilities in communication projects.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the variety of communication practices found in a multicultural and globalized society.
- Apply an ethical framework to various communication interactions and dilemmas.
- Evaluate and analyze the ethical dimensions of communication situations.
Prospective Students
The Department of Communication at Indiana State University offers a study program that prepares students to work in today's constantly changing world. Our need to create, employ, and understand effective communication is more important than at any point in recorded history. Human interaction and communication technologies shape action and interaction globally, impacting the lives of individuals and communities. The communication program at ISU involves students in experiential learning through a course of study that includes common core requirements. Students take courses in the history, theory, and practice of communication, conducting research, engaging in writing projects, and producing cultural artifacts.
