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
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
Promotion and Visibility for the Online Rebirth of Moebius, Amanda Gonzalez
Sole4Souls/Running Warehouse: An Application of Communication Principles in Non Profit Event Planning, Tiffany Gummow