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 2015
“Betches,” “Slams,” and Gender Construction: Satire (Mis)Use in Total Frat Move and Betches Love This, Jenna Gollands
"Indians Are Not Mascots": Using Critical Race Theory to Examine the Documentary In Whose Honor, Karina Greek
An Experiment: Instagram Marketing Techniques and Their Effectiveness, Ashley Ha
A Close Reading Analysis of Bud Light's PacMan Super Bowl Commercial, Sally Hurst
"Up For Whatever": A Close Reading of Anheuser-Busch Superbowl Advertisement, Jamison Jordan
Locals Only!: Understanding Localism in San Luis Obispo Surfing, Matthew Alan Khachadoorian
Environmental Communication Strategies through the use of Posters: A Comparative Analysis, Dacy Marie Lewis
Investigating Hostility in a Retail Setting, Carlos D. Martinez
Ethnography of Coachella: Communication within the Intersections of Popular Culture, Fandom, Music, and Performance, Vanessa Minh-Trang Pham
A Proposal for the program “Information Communication Technology For Development” (ICT4D) to the Cal Poly Campus, Mika Jennifer Raz
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: A Feminist Critique of Lisbeth Salander, Sandra Michelle Robles
Harmful Recurring Themes in the Media: The Cost of Fifty Shades and Lovelace, Ashley Sanbonmatsu
The Power and Importance of Emotional Investment in Scholarly Research: An Ethnographic Account of San Luis Obispo County Juvenile Hall, Claire E. Shannon
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy: A Metaphorical Look at Life, the Universe, and Everything, Thomas David Thompson
The Implementation of Communication Theories to Assist in Resolving Perennial International Conflicts, Kelly Witkop
Senior Projects from 2014
Drenched Fitness: Marketing Toward Men, Erin Sydni Abzug
Loose Connections, Strong Networks: Self-Enrollment and the Rhetoric of 350.org, Daisy Celine Lucile Brightman
Use of Peripheral Route Triggers to Test Buying Habits on Social Curating Sites, Kellie K. Brown
Media Portrayal of Individuals in the Lower Class and its Effects on Attributions of Educational Hardships, Krista A. Burke
Lady Gaga: Performer, Persona, and Political Advocate, Cassidy Burns
Analyzing Organizational Consulting as a Professional Practice: An Exploration of the Theoretical and Attitudinal Assumptions, Kristina Rose Cosgrave
OCBF Fundraising Handbook, Clare Devlin
An Attempt To Unify: A Rhetorical Analysis On Abraham Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address, Chanel E. Garcia
Learn By Traveling Through AIESEC: The Importance of Studying and Experiencing Intercultural Communication, Haley Gross