Chair: Janie Harden Fritz, Ph.D.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes for Communication & Rhetorical Studies
- Students will be able to write, speak, synthesize information quickly and clearly, and communicate well with others.
- Students will possess professional knowledge and intellectual agility within their chosen area of applied communication study.
- Students will demonstrate a commitment to ethical and moral discussion in a complex world.
Integrated Marketing Communication Degree
- Students will demonstrate fluency and competency in the vocabulary and skills of public relations and advertising as a function of integrated marketing communication (IMC).
- Students will be able to offer a strategic, coordinated IMC public relations and advertising campaign to a marketplace client.
- Students will demonstrate a commitment to ethical and moral discussion in a complex world.
Corporate Communication Degree
- Students will demonstrate diverse and varied theoretically-informed practices appropriate for the work of a corporate communication professional.
- Students will value the liberal arts as an element of contemporary corporate communication theory and practice.
- Students will demonstrate a commitment to ethical and moral discussion in a complex world
Communication Studies Degree
- Students will demonstrate appropriate and effective communication skills appropriate for marketplace contexts.
- Students will apply communication theories to marketplace contexts.
- Students will demonstrate a commitment to ethical and moral discussion in a complex world.
Rhetoric Degree
- Students will explain the ethical function of rhetoric in a democratic society.
- Students will articulate the role of faith in relation to reason within the narrative/faith/religious tradition or world view within which they find meaning.
- Students will demonstrate a commitment to ethical and moral discussion in a complex world.
Why Study Communication at Duquesne University?
Top Tier Ranking
Studying communication in the Department of Communication & Rhetorical Studies is a starting point for an exciting and successful professional journey. The program, recognized by the Princeton Review in 2008, unites communication research and client-based marketplace projects through a humanities education. Ongoing faculty scholarship and marketplace involvement infuses student learning experience with ideas and the ability to put those ideas into action.
Leadership Development
The Department’s ongoing commitment to research, ethics and engagement in the marketplace brings classroom learning to life through four majors: Integrated Marketing Communication (Advertising & Public Relations for the 21st Century), Corporate Communication, Communication Studies, and Rhetoric.
Each major provides opportunities for students to put theory into practice, honing your skills as a communication professional. We prepare you to be a communication leader who will shape this century.
Marketplace Preparation
Energized by the Spiritan tradition and a firm belief in the mission of Duquesne University, the Department’s distinguished faculty, dedicated staff, and involved students are inspired, called to serve, and driven to succeed. Faculty and students are involved in learning outside the classroom that includes volunteer, internship and practicum experiences nationally and internationally.
Undergraduate Majors and Minors in Communication
Basic Requirements
As a major in Integrated Marketing Communication, Corporate Communication, Communication Studies, or Rhetoric, students complete between 30 and 45 credits of study in the department.
- 15 credits are dedicated to core courses in department.
- At least 15 credits are dedicated to courses in the chosen major.
In consultation with the Undergraduate Directors, students will design a plan of study that develops their knowledge in the skills, strategy and management of communication. The Department encourages students to plan ahead for volunteer and for-credit internship experiences available through the Communication Internship Office.
Required Core (6 credits)
No matter which major they choose in Communication & Rhetorical Studies, students will understand themselves as part of history and strive to be ethical communicators. All B.A. students in Communication & Rhetorical Studies take the following courses:
- COMM 301W History of Communication
- COMM 494W Communication Ethics
Elective Core, Part I (6 credits)
The elective core unites communication, the marketplace, persuasion, and cultural difference. These areas are strongly represented in this portion of the elective core. Simultaneously, the courses address crucial institutions and contexts for communication leaders in the twenty-first century. Students choose two of the following three courses, with specific selections depending on the major:
- COMM 201 Human Communication & Society
- COMM 206 Communication in the Marketplace
- COMM 407 Intercultural Communication
Elective Core, Part II (3 credits)
The exploration and advocacy of ideas is essential to a student’s role as learning worker in the marketplace. Students choose one of the following courses:
- COMM 204 Professional Communication in Integrated Marketing
- COMM 304W Persuasion
Overview of Career Building Majors
Integrated Marketing Communication
Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) unites advertising and public relations with the breadth of the marketing communication field for ethical strategic communication in a changing world. IMC is the strategic integration of communication to reach all business stakeholders, from customers to employees to the community. Advertising and public relations are critical functions of IMC, as are promotions, event planning, community relations, interactive strategies, and every communicative activity that connects an organization to its multiple and diverse audiences.
As an IMC major, students will be introduced to functions and strategies of the integrated process through foundational courses in advertising and public relations. In addition, students will choose from a variety of courses that will enhance their understanding of a fully integrated approach to marketing communication: the advertising and public relations degree for the 21st century.
Courses available in this major include, but are not limited to:
Advertising
- COMM 333 Integrated Marketing Comm. Functions II: Advertising
- COMM 433 Integrated Marketing Comm. Strategies II: Advertising
Public Relations
- COMM 330 Integrated Marketing Comm. Functions I: Public Relations
- COMM 430 Integrated Marketing Comm. Strategies I: Public Relations
- COMM 350 Communication and Community Relations
Marketing Communication
- COMM 204 Professional Communication in Integrated Marketing
- COMM 305 Undergraduate Research and Development I
- COMM 306 Undergraduate Research and Development II
- COMM 342 Environmental Communication
- COMM 387 Event Planning: Communication Architecture
- COMM 388 Corporate & Integrated Marketing Comm. Research
- COMM 432 IMC: Brand, Identity, Reputation
- COMM 436 Integrated Marketing Comm.: Coordinating Ad & PR
- COMM 438 Integrated Marketing Comm.: Interactive Strategies
- COMM 445 Nonprofit Development & Philanthropy Communication
The IMC degree is ideal for employment in advertising, public relations, and integrated marketing communication agencies, political campaigns, for-profit and nonprofit firms, and other venues. All IMC majors are encouraged to pursue one or more internships, both as a volunteer and as a for-credit experience. Internship opportunities are available year-round through the departmental Internship Office. IMC majors must take COMM 206 (Communication in the Marketplace) as one of their primary elective core classes and COMM 204 as their secondary elective core class. IMC majors must take 3 of the 4 IMC Functions/Strategies courses (COMM 330, 333, 430, 433) and the IMC capstone course (COMM 436) as part of the 15 credits of the major.
Corporate Communication
Corporate Communication is the study and implementation of strategic organizational leadership in a changing global marketplace. It addresses organizational communication strategies that prepares students for ethical decision-making and leadership in business contexts. Students will engage sophisticated theories of conflict and crisis management, strategies for corporate and community relations, small group and team management, and sensitivity to gender and cultural issues in the marketplace. Corporate Communication recognizes the importance of interpersonal and public communication in national and international organizational contexts, especially in terms of corporate public relations (public affairs), event planning, employee and community relations, communication management, and conflict negotiation.
As a Corporate Communication major, students will be introduced to courses that include, but are not limited to:
Organizational and Management Communication
- COMM 388 Corporate & Integrated Marketing Comm. Research
- COMM 427 Communication Management
- COMM 455 Small Group & Team Communication
- COMM 456 Organizational Communication
- COMM 463 Strategic Corporate Communication
- COMM 486 Organizational Consulting
Public Relations
- COMM 330 Integrated Marketing Comm. Functions I: Public Relations
- COMM 430 Integrated Marketing Comm. Strategies I: Public Relations
- COMM 322 Corporate Communication: Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Communication
- COMM 350 Communication and Community Relations
- COMM 387 Event Planning: Communication Architecture
- COMM 445 Nonprofit Development & Philanthropy Communication
Professional Communication Skills
- COMM 202 Business & Professional Communication
- COMM 204 Professional Communication in Integrated Marketing
- COMM 309 Visual Communication
- COMM 418W Conflict Management in Organizations
- COMM 454 Interpersonal Communication
As a Corporate Communication major, students are prepared for employment in corporate communication, internal marketing communication, public affairs, community relations, human resource management, for-profit and nonprofit firms and other business contexts. All Corporate Communication majors are encouraged to pursue one or more internships, both as a volunteer and as a for-credit experience. Internship opportunities are available year-round through the departmental Internship Office. Corporate Communication majors are strongly encouraged to take COMM 206 as one of their primary elective core classes.
Communication Studies
Communication Studies is applied communication for public and private life. It takes theory into practice in every area of life, from business and industry to family and friendship. As a Communication Studies major, students will "build their own" degree in consultation with the Undergraduate Directors to design a program of study tailored to meet their professional and personal goals.
In this major, students may select from the entire set of course offerings in the department. Course examples include:
- COMM 201 Human Communication in a Technological Age
- COMM 304W Persuasion
- COMM 342 Environmental Communication
- COMM 350 Communication & Community Relations
- COMM 454W Interpersonal Communication
- COMM 456 Organizational Communication
- COMM 458 Rhetoric & Popular Culture
- COMM 406 Political Communication
- COMM 407 Intercultural Communication
- COMM 422 Communication Research Methods
Communication Studies prepares students for employment in entrepreneurial ventures, family business, for-profit and nonprofit firms, and other industry specific opportunities. All Communication Studies majors are encouraged to pursue one or more internships, both as a volunteer and as a for-credit experience. Internship opportunities are available year-round through the departmental Internship Office.
Rhetoric
Rhetoric is the study and practice of ethical persuasion. This ancient discipline brings enduring currency through the ages to the marketplace and civic life to engage today's global community.
Rhetoric combines ethical concern for contemporary issues with artful public persuasion. It reflects the department's strong philosophical and humanities focus. Argumentation and persuasion are skills fundamental to this major and are informed by rhetorical theory and philosophy of communication. As a Rhetoric major, students will analyze the practice of these theories in areas such as religion, free speech, organizational communication, and popular culture.
As a Rhetoric major, students will choose from a variety of rhetorically and philosophically grounded courses. These courses include, but are not limited to:
Rhetoric & Philosophy of Communication
- COMM 220 Approaches to Rhetoric, Religion, & Society
- COMM 304W Persuasion
- COMM 342 Environmental Communication
- COMM 406 Political Communication
- COMM 423 Communication & Evidence
- COMM 426 Free Speech & Responsibility
- COMM 458 Rhetoric & Popular Culture
- COMM 459 Philosophy of Communication
- COMM 461 Rhetorical Theory
Rhetorical Performance
- COMM 102 Public Speaking
- COMM 303 Presentational Communication Skills
- COMM 402 Argumentation
A major in Rhetoric is ideal for students who are interested in law or graduate school, a career in politics, or any vocation where argument and persuasive strategies and skills are important. All Rhetoric majors are encouraged to pursue one or more internships, both as a volunteer and as a for-credit experience. Internship opportunities are available year-round through the departmental Internship Office. Rhetoric majors should choose COMM 201 as one of their options in the primary elective core and COMM 304 in the secondary elective core.
Overview of Double Major Options
Communication and English
Students who choose this major can add a major in English, and majors in English can add a major in Communication & Rhetorical Studies. The first selected major requires 30 credit hours and the second major 24 credit hours
Accelerated Communication B.A./M.A.
Undergraduate students at Duquesne and at selected Catholic universities can begin a Master of Arts degree as undergraduates. Undergraduate students are able to earn six graduate credits by taking two 400-level senior courses in which they are assigned graduate-level work by the professors at their undergraduate university.
Overview of Minor Options
A minor in Communication & Rhetorical Studies requires a minimum of 18 credit hours (6 courses), including COMM 494W (Communication Ethics), the student’s choice of COMM 201 (Human Communication in a Technological Age), 206 (Communication in the Marketplace), COMM 114 (Exploring Intercultural Communication), or COMM 407 (Intercultural Communication), and any three additional courses with the exception of the internship (internships credits are available for majors only).
Notes of clarification
- Following McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts policy, students majoring in one of the four majors in Communication & Rhetorical Studies may not take a second major nor a minor in Communication & Rhetorical Studies.
- Students may not take both the major in the Integrated Marketing Communication (Department of Communication & Rhetorical Studies) and the major in Public Relations and Advertising in the Department of Journalism and Multimedia Arts.
Undergraduate Communication Organizations and Activities
The Classroom-Outside-the-Classroom
In addition to the formal internship experiences available to students through the departmental Internship Office, students can gain valuable communication experience through campus organizations and activities, especially those directly associated with the field of communication. Portfolio pieces are generated by involvement in official internships, as well as student organizations and activities, volunteer professional experiences, and classroom campaigns.
The following are some of the ways to experience the classroom-outside-the-classroom.
Undergraduate Research and Development
The Department of Communication & Rhetorical Studies is home to a communication R & D firm dedicated to for-profit and nonprofit client-centered communication work in integrated marketing, corporate and intercultural communication. Interested majors are invited to participate in this firm beginning their freshman year. It can be engaged as a volunteer opportunity or as a for-credit course experience.
AAF (American Advertising Federation) Student Chapter
The "ad club" is a volunteer, student-led organization that researches and develops a fully integrated marketing communication campaign involving advertising, public relations, and the breadth of the marketing communication field for a nationally selected client. Completed IMC campaigns are submitted for competitive review and presentation in the national student competition.
PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) Chapter
PRSSA is a volunteer, student-led organization that researches and develops a public relations campaign for a national client. Completed PR campaigns are submitted for competitive review nationally.
City Dialogues
The Department of Communication & Rhetorical Studies connects communication majors to Pittsburgh's cultural and civic heritage through specialty events throughout the year. All majors are invited to participate in these learning excursions. Representative City Dialogue host sites include the Heinz Regional History Center, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chatham Baroque.
Marketplace Colloquia
Every semester the Department of Communication & Rhetorical Studies hosts dynamic and informative sessions specific to its majors. These colloquia showcase successful program graduates who share professional advice and insights for entering today's marketplace. Colloquia are open to all majors.
Lambda Pi Eta (LPE), National Communication Honor Society
In their junior year, majors with a specific GPA are invited to join the national communication honor society. LPE members participate in service activities, invitation-only events, and special marketplace opportunities.
Communication Internship Office: Portfolio and Professional Development
From the first semester at Duquesne University, students are invited to "Walk the Humanities into the Marketplace" by connecting classroom learning with practical experience. To this end, the Department encourages students to participate in a minimum of one internship during your time here.
- Freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to experience resume-building opportunities through campus organizations and activities, as well as though volunteer opportunities in the marketplace. An excellent starting point for getting involved are the communication organizations and activities offered through our department.
- Juniors and seniors are encouraged to continue their campus involvement while pursuing additional for-credit internship experiences locally, nationally and internationally. All majors have up to six elective credits allocated for internships.
Professional Advisement
Through the Internship Office, students have access to professional advisement by a number of qualified faculty and staff including the Marketplace and Internship Directors (the Undergraduate Directors serve in this capacity), Marketplace and Internship Coordinator, and Communication Internship Assistant.
Professional Services
The Internship Office is connected to over 100 organizations offering professional communication experience. It supports professional growth through the ongoing cultivation of marketplace opportunities related to student majors and by providing students with invaluable resources and consultation in several areas:
- Resume Building
- Interview Preparation
- Portfolio Development
- Professional Leadership
- Internship and Career Planning
Professional Preparation
As a complement to its professional services, the Department provides students with professional guidelines that shape for-credit internship experiences. These requirements serve to refine and enhance professional development, making students even more competitive candidates for future employment in their desired career or vocation.
Internship requirements include:
- Completion of weekly time reports
- Completion of two summary reports
- Mid-term Employer Performance Appraisal
- Final Employer Performance Appraisal
- Completion of a Final Paper or Portfolio Project
Professional Opportunities
Some of the organizations with which the Department has internship relationships are ALCOA, Bayer Corporation, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Penguins, Giant Eagle and Giant Eagle's Market District, Sargent Electric Company, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Chatham Baroque, the Michael P. Weber Learning Skills Center of Duquesne University, U.S. and State Senate offices, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, MARC USA, Ketchum Public Relations, Brunner and Mullen.