Communication

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Communication is one of the largest majors on campus. We offer a premier undergraduate learning experience in communication by preparing students to create and share meaning for the common good. The Hope College Department of Communication has been recognized by the National Communication Association for its outstanding curriculum and was twice named a “Program of Excellence” by the Central States Communication Association for its curricular program. In 2024 the department entered into a 4+1 collaboration with the School of Communication at Western Michigan University to offer Hope College communication majors an accelerated path to a master’s degree. Our students collaborate with faculty on research, participate in department-affiliated professional development clubs, and have won national recognition for their creative and scholarly projects.

About The Program

To major in communication means to study the processes by which people create and share meaning. Meanings are created and shared in various contexts; thus, the curriculum integrates theory and practice emphasizing these contexts of communication: corporate communication, global communication and peace studies, journalism and writing for media, media production and criticism, organizational communication and leadership, relational communication, and rhetoric and public advocacy. Through research, experiential learning (e.g., internship or off-campus study) and civic engagement, our curriculum will give you a deep understanding of how communication plays an integral role in social life. The Department of Communication is housed in the state-of-the-art Martha Miller Center for Global Communication, where students can use video production, journalism, speech and research facilities.

Communication knowledge and skills are essential for personal success and for participation in a complex, globalizing society. Communication competence incorporates a number of learning goals often identified as important by employers and graduate schools. These goals include:

• Interacting easily and productively with others;
• Thinking critically and solving problems;
• Communicating ideas clearly and effectively;
• Creating messages for various media and audiences;
• Balancing conflicting viewpoints;
• Interpreting quantitative and qualitative data;
• Working for social justice and change.

Social Science Requirement

The Department of Communication offers two courses that satisfy the Anchor Plan Social Science requirement:

COMM 101 The Communication Process . This course focuses on communication competence - the ability to communicate effectively in relationships and to critically analyze media messages.

COMM 151 Media and Society . This course is an introduction to the different types of media and the impact of media on society with heavy emphasis on digital media.

Majors

Communication majors at Hope often link their academic programs with other disciplines as they prepare for careers in public, private and non-profit organizations, media, business, theatre, and teaching. Professional plans in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, human resource development, film, corporate communication, public speaking, ministry, advertising, global communication, and government often stem from opportunities provided to communication majors. The nationally-recognized Hope communication curriculum also provides a strong and well-regarded foundation for students planning further study in communication at major graduate institutions.

Programs

• Communication, BA

• Communication Minor

Courses

• COMM 101 - The Communication Process
• COMM 140 - Public Presentations
• COMM 151 - Media and Society
• COMM 210 - Interpersonal Communication
• COMM 220 - Small Group Communication
• COMM 231 - Communication and Conflict
• COMM 240 - Intergroup Dialogue
• COMM 241 - Sport Communication
• COMM 251 - Media Production I
• COMM 255 - Writing for Media
• COMM 256 - Workshop - Digital Design for Media Campaigns
• COMM 257 - Communication for Public Relations
• COMM 260 - Rhetorical Methods in Communication Research
• COMM 270 - Qualitative Methods in Communication Research
• COMM 280 - Quantitative Methods in Communication Research
• COMM 295 - Topics in Communication
• COMM 320 - Family Communication
• COMM 330 - Organizational Communication
• COMM 335 - Leadership Skills and Perspectives
• COMM 340 - Intergroup Dialogue Facilitation Practicum
• COMM 354 - Digital Cinema
• COMM 356 - Advanced Media Writing
• COMM 357 - Documentary: Theory and Practice
• COMM 358 - Advanced Public Relations and Strategic Communication
• COMM 360 - Persuasion
• COMM 371 - Intercultural Communication: Communicating Across Differences
• COMM 372 - Gender Communication
• COMM 395 - Advanced Topics in Communication
• COMM 399 - Communication Internship
• COMM 451 - Media Theory
• COMM 460 - Communication Theory
• COMM 463 - Rhetorical Theory
• COMM 470 - Cultural Communication Theory
• COMM 480 - Communication Honors
• COMM 495 - Studies in Communication

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