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 2014
Brave: A Feminist Perspective on the Disney Princess Movie, Danielle Morrison
The Deceptions of Powerful Female Roles: A Feminist Critique of Homeland, Shelby C. Murray
From Superhero to Human: A Genealogical Criticism of Depictions of Police Officers in Media from the 1970s to the Present, Samantha Wendy Ann Neher
A Look at Intercultural Communication in the Adult ESL Classroom: Using English to Empower not Overpower, Ashley Elizabeth Nelson
A Study of the Effect of Product Placement in Television Shows and its Influence on Consumer Behavior, Danielle Patton
Perceptions of the Communications Studies Major: Is There a Female Stereotype?, Kyle Petersen and Karina Almaguer
Respect, Cho Chang, and Asian Representation: A Critical Analysis of the White Gaze in Harry Potter, Kaitlin Pham
"The Falling Man" as Viewed in the Lens of the "Public Sphere", Laura Reinacher
Studying Communication: Deepening my Understanding and Insights, Katie Sepa
Humble Me: Increasing Awareness of Ethnocentrism and of the Need for Ethnorelativism Through a Spoken Word Performance Event, Corinne H. Sherman
Poly Royal 2014: Applying Communication Concepts in order for a Successful Annual Rodeo Event, Shyan Souza
Gender Representation in Sports Communication, Michelle R. Stiller
Cal Poly Open House: An Application of Communication Principles, Jillian Syftestad
Proposal for a Media Effects Study: What Preschoolers and Kindergartners Retain from Animated Children's Films with Intricate Storylines, Samantha Lynne Tanner
The Miscommunication of Standardized Education, Eliott James Walker
Entering a Musical Haze: How Music Festivals Have Created Their Own Culture, Kaitlyn Weaver
From Print Culture to Digital Culture: Effects on Communication, Culture, and Technology, Brent Weber
Where Does it Hurt? A Cultivation Theory’s Perspective on Domestic Violence, Kendra Grace White
Senior Projects from 2013
A Quantitative Survey: Are Twitter Advertisements Effective for College Students?, Christia J. Brockman
"Bridesmaids": A Modern Response to Patriarchy, Blair Buckley
Jackie Robinson: Impact the Game, Evan W. Busby
All You Need Is Capitalism?: An Ideological Criticism of the Beatles-Jackson Auction Controversy, Arianna Marie Chopelas
A Close Reading of Fashion Blogging: A Form of Postmodern Communication, Hasy Rose Crookston
The Virtual Bulletin Board: A Feminist Critique of Pinterest, Alexandra B. Davila