Multi-dimensional in its approach, Communication Studies Department uses the rich resources of both the humanities and the social sciences in exploring the human capacity for speech - when, where, why, how, and with what effect people interact through language and extra-linguistic symbols - and focuses on the theory and practice of human communication in a variety of contexts: interpersonal, intercultural, instructional, organizational, political, in dyads, in small groups, and in the mass media. The Communication Studies program prepares students for graduate work or careers in a wide variety of occupations that place a premium on excellent communication skills. The Communication Studies degree program is now among the most popular in the College of Liberal Arts.
Modified from coms.calpoly.edu
Senior Projects from 2016
The Big Short, Elizabeth Armon
A Rhetorical Criticism of Blackfish: Making Waves in Orca Activism, Lindsay Beisheim
Modern Horror Film and the Evolution of the "Final Girl", Josi Bertling
A Fish Out of (Open) Water: A Close Textual-Intertextual Analysis of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Danielle Berton
Effects of Intrapersonal Communication on Reverse Culture Shock, Serena Brown
Edward Snowden, Hero or Traitor? An Analysis of News Media Framing, Cole N. Caster
Texting Etiquette and its Effects on Our Perceptions of Intimate Relationships, Taylor Clarke
Nike Pulls Away: An Analysis of Nike's "The Jogger" Advertisement and Other Marketing Strategies, Michael Sean Dingilian
SunSafe Health Campaign: Rationale and Planning, Jennifer Gonzales and Michelle Merritt
Cal Poly Sustainability Activities Newsletter Design, Alek C. Johnson
Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Sacred Waters Film, Cory B. Jones
The Ideology of Commodification in the Music Industry, as Exemplified by Taylor Swift, Sydney Taylor Jordan
#LikeAGirl: Realizing the Communicative Potential of Fourth Wave Feminism, Samantha Keville
Pretty Princess and Hurdling Heroes: A Content Analysis of Walt Disney Studio Movies, Jessica Noll
Lust for Lulu: An Examination of Lululemon Athletica's Marketing Authenticity and Branding, Sara Sousa
Beneath the Surface Dive and Beach Cleanup Festival, Megan van Hamersveld
The Emergence of Efficacy: Effects of an Orientation Leader Training Program on Participant Self-Efficacy, Hayley Marisa Walker
Thomas Davis and the Rhetoric of Sport: A Reception Study on an Athlete’s Positive Perspective, Andrew Vincent Walsh
Senior Projects from 2015
Search Engine Optimization: Starter Guide To Improve Website Visibility, Carley Ann Applegate
Biodynamic and Conventional Wine Cultures: Theoretical Implications from a Communication Studies Perspective, Audrey Elizabeth Coleman
Sublime Absence: An Analysis of the California Drought Discourse, Mitchell Cooledge
The Iconic Blue Box: A Semiotic Analysis of Tiffany & Company Advertisements, Lauren Drewniany
Josè Mujica's Speech at the UN: a Post-colonial Look at a Neo-colonial Issue, Alberto Ganis
The Movie "Wild": In Search of a Lost Soul, Jerry Duane Gibson