UWFox :: Department of Communication & Theatre Arts

Overview

Studying communication helps us better understand the process and become more competent and adaptive communicators. Students that major in Communication Arts prepare for work where written and oral communication are the defining skills. Taking introductory courses will acquaint you with the basics of communication processes which can then be applied to more specialized study.

Communication researchers investigate a wide array of phenomena, including how small groups make effective decisions, what factors lead to attitude change, and how the media affect audience responses. In corporate, political, and fine arts arenas, communication professionals work as speech writers, public relations practitioners, advertising executives, performers, or media consultants.

Theatre majors often specialize in either the performance or production side of the stage. Opportunities exist at UWFox to hone skills in both of these areas. Future jobs include actors, directors, stage managers, and designers in community and professional venues.
Radio/TV majors prepare for on-air or production positions in the industry. Beginners ordinarily find first jobs at small stations. They need to be knowledgeable in news, business, health care, and consumer issues.

Journalism majors are trained to gather information and prepare stories about local, state, national and international events. They write about public officials and interest groups and observe society and how it works. They work with (print and electronic) documents and learn to interview sources doing so with respect to deadlines.

Public relations and advertising majors often study journalism and then use that knowledge to work in the private sector or as part of the business staff of a media company. Public relations people serve as advocates for businesses, governments, universities, hospitals, schools or other organizations to establish and maintain positive relations within a community. Advertising people develop ad campaigns. They work on graphics, design and content of messages meant to convince people to purchase a product. Both public relations and advertising professionals must be able to work with deadlines and communicate with people inside and outside their organizations.

If you are planning to major in Communication Arts, your freshman and sophomore years at UWFox are spent studying the basic humanities, social sciences, fine arts, sciences, composition, and completing beginning courses for your major area.

Career Opportunities

Actors and Technicians use their talent and training to bring plays to the stage.
Radio/TV/Film majors may work in production and as talent in electronic media.
Journalism majors are trained to gather information and report on local state, national, and international issues and events.
Speech therapists are employed in medical and school settings.
Public relations and advertising majors use their media skills to help their clients communicate with key publics.

Curriculum Guidelines

The courses may vary from one program to another. UWFox can offer you the freshman and sophomore curriculum needed to begin a communication major. You should refer to the catalog of the bachelor degree-granting institution to which transfer is planned. The Communication Arts courses offered at UWFox provide a solid introduction.

Communication Core Courses

Introduction to Interpersonal Communications Introduction to Public Speaking Applied Journalism Introduction to Theatre Theatre Laboratory Introduction to Film News and Informational Writing Introduction to Mass Communication Introduction to Television Broadcasting Introduction to Acting

Liberal Arts Courses

Composition Mathematical Sciences Social Sciences Humanities and Fine Arts Natural Sciences Ethnic Studies Interdisciplinary Studies Application/Performance
The beginning English and mathematics classes will be dependent upon placement scores.

General Liberal Art Courses

Written/oral communication Humanities Social Sciences Natural/Lab Sciences

Academic and Career Advising

Faculty members are available to assist you within their respective discipline. Student Services advisors are available to assist you with both academic and career selection. The staff will help you to select courses to fulfill academic requirements for your desired majors. Advisors will also be able to assist you with career exploration through computerized interest inventories, resource materials, and job shadowing opportunities.

Further Information

E-mail address is foxinfo@uwc.edu
Web address is www.uwfox.uwc.edu
Career information web address is www.uwhelp.wisconsin.edu
Call the Student Services Office at (920) 832-2620
Write to the following address: Student Services Office University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley 1478 Midway Road, Menasha, WI 54952
Visit the campus Student Resource Room
Explore career options on WISCAREERS computer program

University of Wisconsin–Fox Valley

Communication & Theatre Arts