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
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
Souls4Soles/Running Warehouse 2013. An Application of Communication Principle in Non Profit Event Planning, Vianna Hochstrasser
ELM in the Courtroom: Application to Trial Juries, Natalie Claire Hopkins
A Metaphor's Power Over Salience and Ideology, Aaron McKinnon
A Twist in Hip Hop Culture--A Feminist Perspective, Brandon Edward Michalkiewicz
Recognizing a Shift Toward Continued Secondary Orality: The iPhone's Contribution to the Development of Human Communication, Heather Christina Parks
The Myth of "Moonrise Kingdom": A Children's Tale, Laura Ragsdale
Queen B: A Modern Feminist Critique of Beyoncé, Catherine Demi Ray
Mexican-American Anglophile, Lorena A. Saldana
A Critique of Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty, Sarah Scott
The Real CSI: A Criticism of Media’s Manipulation of Forensic Science, Stephanie Adrianne Slaught
Lives Interrupted: A Sibling’s Guide to Cancer, Robin Sweeney