Communication Option, Arts and Science, A.A.

CONTACT

Matthew Whiton, 413.552.2494, mwhiton@hcc.edu

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The communication option provides a foundational understanding of communication in society and in our everyday lives, as well as the opportunity for students to develop skills in digital media production.

Goals of the program are both skills-based and analytical:

to introduce students to a variety of perspectives from which human communication may be studied
to foster communication competence in a variety of personal and professional contexts
to stimulate cultural awareness by fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of intercultural differences
to develop an understanding of media institutions, media history, and the effects of media on society and individuals
to communicate ideas effectively using a variety of digital media

The program prepares students for transfer to a 4-year institution, and is suited for students who wish to pursue careers in the field of:

Advertising
Broadcasting
Business
Communication
Digital content creation
Education
Film
Journalism
Politics
Public relations
Social Media

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

demonstrate competent communication skills in various contexts
demonstrate analytical, critical and creative uses of communication
explore ethical and equity based connections between communication, identity, and culture

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: 35-36 CREDITS

ENG 101(A) - Composition I Credit(s): 3
ENG 102(A) - Composition II Credit(s): 3
Social Science Elective (B) Credit(s): 3
Social Science Elective (B) Credit(s): 3
Social Science Elective (B) Credit(s): 3
Humanities Elective (C) Credit(s): 3
Humanities Elective (C) Credit(s): 3
Humanities Elective (C) Credit(s): 3
Mathematics Elective (D) Credit(s): 3-4
Laboratory Science Elective (E) Credit(s): 4
Laboratory Science Elective (E) Credit(s): 4

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: 9 CREDITS

COM 121(C) - Introduction to Communication Credit(s): 3
COM 131(C) - Mass Communication Credit(s): 3
COM 150(C) - Public Speaking Credit(s): 3

PROGRAM ELECTIVES: 12 CREDITS

select from the following:

COM 109(C) - Introduction to Digital Media Credit(s): 3
COM 110 - Fundamentals of Video Credit(s): 3
COM 113 - Journalism I Credit(s): 3
COM 117(C) - Interactive Digital Storytelling Credit(s): 3
COM 126(C) - History and Criticism of Film Credit(s): 3
COM 127(C) - Podcasting Credit(s): 3
COM 141 - Practicum in Communication, Media, or Theater Arts Credit(s): 1-3 ¹
COM 142 - Practicum in Journalism Credit(s): 1-3 ¹
COM 205(C) - Gender and Communication Credit(s): 3
COM 211(C) - Advanced Video Credit(s): 3
COM 214(C) - Social Media: More Than Just Friends Credit(s): 3
COM 235(C) - Topics in Communication, Media, and Theater Arts Credit(s): 3
THE 110(C) - Fundamentals of Acting Credit(s): 3
THE 218 - Voice and Diction Credit(s): 3

SUGGESTED ELECTIVES: 4 CREDITS

Sufficient to complete 60 credit graduation requirement; any course listed in the catalog is acceptable

TOTAL: 60-61 CREDITS

NOTES

¹ A maximum of 6 practicum credits can be used towards this degree.

Only 6 non-Arts and Science credits may be taken towards an A.A. degree.

This program qualifies for MassTransfer, which guarantees credit transfer to Massachusetts state colleges and universities. MassTransfer will also grant students automatic acceptance to certain state colleges and universities by achieving the minimum grade point average and the HCC degree.

Depending on course selection, 50% of this program can be completed online. Go to Online Learning for more information.

(H012)