Communication Courses
As a Journalism major at St. Ambrose, you will study the liberal arts and sciences to acquire the depth and breadth of knowledge you need in order to understand the world, as well as learn the special skills needed by reporters, editors, broadcasters and photojournalists to communicate that knowledge to others.
The Journalism program teaches students how to communicate using the written and spoken word and using visual communication skills such as graphic design and still photography. Students learn how to gather information by interviewing news sources and researching various writing styles used to convey news through different media. In addition, students train in the latest desktop publishing and nonlinear audio and video production techniques.
Course highlights include Media Writing, Advanced Media Writing, Print News Practicum and News Broadcasting. Students complete their education with Contemporary Journalism, a capstone course integrating the skills, technologies, and aesthetics of Journalism.
The St. Ambrose Media Studies major gives students the opportunity to take a focused selection of courses in journalism, public relations, public speaking, and media theory in preparation for graduate study in communication or law. In addition, Media Studies majors will have the opportunity to take courses in Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, English, Art, and Theater.
As a student majoring in Public Relations and Strategic Communication, you will learn how to help organizations create and promote a positive image by keeping the public informed of the organization's goals and policies and their effects on the community. You will develop skills in using public relations techniques and strategies based on communication theory and research. Students are also encouraged to contribute to the student newspaper to enhance journalistic skills and to work at the University's television and radio studio to develop an understanding of media.
Curriculum highlights include: Principles of Public Relations, Media Writing, Public Relations Techniques, Business and Professional Speaking, Media Theory and Ethics, and Public Relations Cases and Research. Students demonstrate mastery of their course work by completing a capstone course in Communication Campaigns.
At St. Ambrose, Radio and Television majors gain experience in all aspects of radio and TV production. From their first year in the program, students receive hands-on training operating audio/video equipment and reporting broadcast news. Students also have the opportunity to become involved with KALA Radio and SAUtv, the university's student-run radio and television stations.
Course highlights include Radio and Television Production, Media and Society, Television Practicum, and Broadcast Technologies. Students complete their education with Media Programming and Management, a capstone course with emphasis on a particular issue, topic or methodology.
