Communication Degree
The Communication degree is designed for those who have a deep interest in the art and science of communication and who want to find cutting-edge ways of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with maximum effectiveness in this information age. We are excited about the increased possibilities this degree will create for this generation. Within the new Communication degree, students may choose one of the following five emphases: applied media, cross-cultural communication, organizational communication, performance studies/theatre, and speech education. Depending on where their emphasis of choice may lead them, students in this program will focus on a wide array of communication aspects including vocal production, communication theory, public speaking, web development, digital media, video and audio production, marketing, creative and critical writing, drama, and performance studies. As a capstone experience to their program, each Communication student will participate in a culminating senior project. In the applied media, cross-cultural communication, and organizational communication emphases; students will experience a six-week internship program in an organization of their choice. Students in the speech education and performance studies and theatre emphases will perform a senior speech recital or direct a staged production.
Speech Education Emphasis
The speech education emphasis blends practical education in communication theory, public speaking, performance studies, and dramatic productions. Students in this emphasis will receive a solid philosophical foundation in their education courses, as well as the tools needed to minister with both Christian and secular drama. Outside of the classroom, speech education students may get involved in several annual performance opportunities such as two full–length dramas, performance hour, concert dramas, student dramatic productions, and more. Each speech education student will prepare a senior recital in their area of choice: public speaking, performance studies, or dramatic productions. During their final semester, speech education students will put their education and experience to work by participating in a ten-week student teaching program in a Christian school of their choice. This undergraduate program will equip students to teach as Christian educators or to pursue higher education after graduation.
Performance Studies and Theatre Emphasis
The performance studies and theatre emphasis is designed to expose students to a wide range of performable literature such as Greek drama, Shakespearean plays and sonnets, classic and modern novels, short stories, poetry, and Scripture. Using these various forms of literature, the performance studies student will participate in many solo, duo, and group performances as they progress through the program. This emphasis will also expose students to the world of dramatic productions through courses such as acting, stage directing, and stagecraft (makeup, lighting, and stage design). The performance studies student will have ample opportunity to audition for university stage productions and perform in other extra-curricular dramatic functions. The program culminates in a senior capstone project. Performance studies students may choose one of the following options for this senior project: performing a piece of literature in a one-hour senior recital or directing a play. This undergraduate program will equip students to teach as Christian educators, to pursue a career in some aspect of theatre, or to pursue higher education after graduation.
Organizational Communication Emphasis
Good communication has and always will be a necessary part of a healthy ministry or business. The organizational communication (org. comm.) emphasis equips students with the skill set for competent communication and leadership within any ministry, business, or organization. The required courses focus on public speaking, small group communication, organizational communication, conflict management, strategic planning, problem-solving, and public relations. As a capstone experience, students will complete an internship at a ministry or business that allows them to refine their skills in a real-life situation. This emphasis also offers a substantial number of elective hours that can be used to develop other areas of interest such as performance studies, applied media, biblical studies, event management, or cross-cultural studies. Students who complete this program may choose to enter graduate school in communication, rhetoric, or biblical studies; students will also be equipped to enter professions such as director of communication, public relations, non-profit fundraiser, event coordination, and human resources.
Cross-Cultural Communication Emphasis
As Marshall McLuhan said, our world is a "global village" as the internet continues to connect our once disconnected villages. Because of advances in technology and transportation, we are now able to interact with people in ways that were never possible making it imperative that we understand how to communicate with people from different cultures. The cross-cultural emphasis will equip students for cross-cultural ministry and professions through courses that focus on cultural anthropology, organizational communication, world religions, and cross-cultural communication. Students enrolled in this program will complete an internship in another country—enabling them to refine their skills in a cross-cultural context. This emphasis also offers a substantial number of elective hours that can be used to develop other areas of interest such as Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), applied media, biblical studies, or linguistics.
Applied Media Emphasis
The applied media emphasis includes five possible tracks: web development, digital media, video production, audio engineering, and marketing communication. Students in the applied media emphasis will choose to concentrate on two of these tracks in the course of their degree program. Each of the tracks has three levels (e.g., Web Development I, Web Development II, Web Development III) and will be offered in a practicum format. In other words, applied media students will not simply attend class as they would for most courses. Under the observation of specialists in each of the tracks, applied media students will complete cutting edge projects—projects that will not only immerse these students in relevant technology, but will also benefit the ministry of Northland directly (e.g., Northland’s web site, Northland’s iPhone app, Northland’s promotional videos, Northland’s e-mail campaigns, etc.). Here is what a student can expect to learn in each specific track:
Web Development:
This track is designed to give an introduction to web development, content and page layout, web 2.0 media, web-based applications, and web site creation. The student will be introduced to web-based technologies. The student will then learn how to plan, develop, and finish both a web site and a web-based application.
Digital Media:
This track exposes students to digital properties. This includes, but is not limited to, mobile technologies in android and iPhone, social networking development, podcasts, vidcasts, electronic content publishing, and much more. This emphasis focuses on the creation of a digital media strategy and on the implementation through the different mediums.
Video Production:
This track is in the planning and production of different types of video projects. This would include, but is not limited to, the following: documentaries, journalistic reporting, and feature film creation. The student will fully explore the production process: creating the script, working with the equipment, capturing the footage, working with the animation/graphics, editing the video, and finishing in a distributable format. The student will understand how to direct and produce a video from start to finish.
Audio Engineering:
This track is designed to introduce the student to both live sound and studio audio engineering. For the live sound, the student will be introduced to event production and be involved with live events both in the setup and production. On the studio production side, the student will be involved with audio engineering for video production and digital media. The training in both the live and studio sound will guarantee a well-rounded approach to understanding the intricacies of audio engineering.
Marketing Communication:
This track focuses on the development of the creative and visual aspects of selling a product or service, combined with a technical and practical focus on technology and business applications. The student will learn how to craft a message for a specific purpose and deliver the message with precision to the target market.