Communication Arts Graduate Program Outcomes
Communication Arts at the University of the Incarnate Word offers a unique blend of theory-driven and experienced-based classes. These classes focus on the critical knowledge and practical skills that prepare students to enter the media industry in a variety of capacities from media studies, multimedia production, print media, public relations and to prepare students for further graduate studies.
In keeping with both the liberal arts approach and the mission of Incarnate Word, the department seeks:
- To cultivate the student’s imagination and creativity in the implementation of theory content and technical application of effective communications.
- To foster exploration of diverse and alternative perspectives including critical interpretation of ideas, images, and symbols.
- To encourage students to examine the role of media in our society so they are prepared to participate confidently, ethically, and competently as concerned, enlightened citizens.
The Communication Arts Graduate program addresses the Guiding Principles and Objectives for Graduate Studies in the following ways:
- Mastery of both theoretical and empirical knowledge in the field of communications.
- Intellectual imagination and professional creativity demonstrated in individual theses and projects on various issues of communications.
- Critical analysis of mediated communication in both social and cultural scopes.
- Articulated presentation of scholarly concepts and professional works.
- Contribution to both academic and professional sectors in the field of communications through original research and alternative perspectives.
Communication Arts graduate students will be able to:
- Articulate the social scientific and cultural theories of communication and apply these theories to different communication situations and processes.
- Explain the history of ethical thought and philosophical theories of ethics and apply moral theories to situations involving mediated communications.
- Research, organize and write scholarly papers in the field of communications.
- Explain and employ qualitative and quantitative research methods to the study of communications.
- Write, using the appropriate style and structure, products in a variety of communication forms including news, features, scripts, press releases, marketing, and advertising copy.
- Comprehend the development of new media technologies and their impact on culture, society and daily-life.
- Critique and apply aesthetic principles to visual media and visual design.
- Comprehend narrative film theory, visual/aural cinematic structure and cultural studies in the development of meaning in film.
- Produce, using a systematic planning process, a variety of multimedia software and equipment, media products, which include video, audio and interactive media.
- Demonstrate their ability to communicate well through the spoken and written word and through the use of visual mediums and a variety of technology.
- Demonstrate their competency with information technologies for accessing and retrieving information for research and communications purposes.
- Demonstrate their ability to develop and create an original proposal and thesis or project based on scholarly practice.
