Mission Statement: Students majoring in communication arts will, in their area of concentration, understand the theories, principles, and history of communicating arts, demonstrate competency in written, oral and visual communication skills and demonstrate knowledge of the impact on society. READ MORE
The Communication Arts Department offers a wide range of courses designed to meet the complex and significant communication skill requirements of students.
The Department is affiliated with several programs that enhance student learning. Majors have participated in the Los Angeles Film Studies Center, American Studies Program, and the Summer Institute of Journalism and have attended Broadcasting, Student Publications, Public Relations and Grass Roots Politics Schools sponsored by the Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C. Faculty encourage participation in state and regional conferences; most students complete internships in their majors. Theatre students audition at the Tennessee Theatre Arts Conference and the Southeastern Theatre Conference.
Communication Arts has long offered a major in Public Relations/Advertising, but beginning Fall 2009 we will offer separate majors and minors in both Public Relations and Advertising. The Advertising major will build upon the current course offerings by adding courses in ad copywriting, ad campaigns, as well as partnering with the school of business, requiring courses in marketing and consumer behavior. Students will also have the opportunity to take hands on courses in video production and graphic design.
Broadcasting students at Union learn performance skills in front of the camera and cutting edge editing and production techniques behind the scenes as well scriptwriting, reporting, editing, and news analysis skills. Union graduates are in positions to influence the broadcast media. Recent graduates hold positions in at CNN, FoxNews, and Top 50 market stations across the country. Graduates also work in international media including Focus on the Family and the International Mission Board.
During the year, Union students produce Jackson 24/7, a daily live news program, and Union Bulldog Basketball games, both for our local cable system. Students have also had internship opportunities with the Boston Red Sox, Jeopardy!, FoxNews, Good Morning America, and Who Wants to bea Millionaire?
The Digital Media Studies major is an interdisciplinary program joining Art, Communication Arts, and Computer Science. Its purpose is to produce a student that is aesthetically, theoretically, and technologically trained and capable of excellence in the relatively new area of the design, production, and implementation of digital communications media. By placing an emphasis on public relations and media development, the communication arts emphasis is geared toward those interested in critically looking at the way they convey a message. Courses include Interactive Media, Principles of Public Relations, Digital Filmmaking, and Communication Law. LEARN MORE
The Film Studies minor is designed for those who want to study film. For students interested in becoming more knowledgeable about film—its history, its theory, and how to view films from a Christian perspective—the Film Studies program provides an series of film courses taught in Christian Studies, Communication Arts, English, Philosophy and Political Science. For students interested in making films, the Film Studies program offers the chance to study filmmaking for a semester in Hollywood at the CCCU-sponsored Los Angeles Film Studies Center.
Union's journalism major equips students to join newspapers, magazines and corporate communication organizations. Students gain practical experience through internships and working with the Cardinal & Cream, Union campus newspaper. The Cardinal & Cream is associated with the Southeast Journalism Conference, Tennessee Press Association, Baptist Press Collegiate Journalism Conference and Society of Collegiate Journalists. The newspaper and its staff have earned top honors for writing, editing, layout/design and photojournalism in SEJC and Baptist Press competitions.
This new major is designed for students who are interested in creating compelling stories through a variety of media, including film, video and interactive media. Media Communications students will take courses in digital storytelling, television production, interactive media, and digital filmmaking. Additionally, students will have numerous opportunities to work behind the scenes on live television programs including Jackson 24/7, Union University Basketball, WestTenn DiamondJaxx AAA baseball, and the Circles of Hope telethon.
The power of visual imagery in today’s world is unmistakable. Study in photojournalism assists in the development of the artistic, technical and personal qualities required of those in pursuit of a career in most any communications field today. It provides grounding in current trends and issues common to its practitioners. Through close examination of the visual message within our society and the greater world culture students see more clearly the significant role of this aspect of communication. An understanding of the methods and practices of the visual journalist today strengthens the student’s potential for impact upon our world. Courses include Photo Editing, Social Documentary and Professional Portfolio.
PR majors incorporate journalism skills, creativity and strategic planning to produce PR campaigns. Working with media outlets, writing ad copy and designing ad campaigns are emphasized.
Union's public relations program is accredited by PRSSA (the educational division of the Public Relations Society of America) making it one of only 7 schools in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) to earn this distinction.
The Theatre/Speech major at Union University prepares graduates for careers in acting, directing, technical theatre, writing and teaching licensure in Theatre/Speech. Four major productions compose the University theatre season. In addition an annual student directed showcase and alumni productions offer theatre students at Union a wide variety of opportunities for involvement and development of their skills.
Union graduates are working in all phases of theatre throughout the country. Many are in secular and Christian theatre companies throughout the United States, and others are pursuing graduate degree programs at The Actors Studio and New Actors Workshop in NYC, University of Memphis, and University of Houston.
Please see the Academic Catalogue description for more detail. Some minors do not appear here.
The Communication Arts Department sponsors several student organizations designed to promote achievement within the field of communication arts. Majors and minors are extremely encouraged to become involved in organizations of his or her choice.
Advisor: Dr. Kathie Chute
Alpha Delta Sigma is the national honor society that recognizes and encourages scholastic achievement in advertising studies.
Advisor: David Burke
This national dramatic fraternity was founded at Fairmont State College, Fairmont, West Virginia, on August 12, 1925. The local chapter, Beta Mu, is composed of students who have been members of the Union University Players and have earned a set number of points, awarded for dramatic work. The chapter seeks to develop dramatic talent, to cultivate a taste for the best in drama, and to foster cultural dramatics.
Advisor: Kathie Chute
The American Advertising Federation-Union University is open to all students interested in advertising and is associated with the national AAF organization. Members have an opportunity to network with professionals, to participate in the National Student Advertising Competition and to compete for paid, national-level internships. Alpha Delta Sigma is the national honor society that recognizes and encourages scholastic achievement in advertising studies.
Advisor: Dr. Michael Chute
Website: http://www.uu.edu/cardinalandcream/
The Cardinal and Cream is the official campus newspaper of Union University. Budgeted as a part of the Communication Arts Department, the newspaper is published biweekly and is distributed to students, faculty, staff and administration without charge.
The Cardinal and Cream is written and edited by students under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Staff positions are provided for students who are interested in the field of journalism. The campus newspaper enhances the experiences of students in writing, layout, editing, photography, advertising and journalism administration.
An editorial board works closely with the advisor and oversees the publication. This newspaper holds membership in Associated Collegiate Press, Southeastern Journalism Conference, and the Society for Collegiate Journalists.
Advisor: Dr. Web Drake
Website: http://www.uu.edu/org/debate/
The Debate Team competes in the International Public Debate Association against schools across the nation. The team seeks to promote excellence in public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation. Membership is open to any full-time student.
Advisor: Ashley Fitch Blair
Union University’s PRSSA chapter provides public relations/advertising majors and minors practical experience in the field. In keeping with the chapter’s motto “make connections. gain experience. see the future.,” PRSSA members work with local clients, take professional development trips, participate in professional networking opportunities and are eligible for $20,000 in annual competitive scholarship awards.
Advisor: Steve Beverly
The Union Broadcasting Society exists for students interested in the broadcasting field. The Society plans to become affiliated with the student chapter of Radio and Television News Directors Association (RTNDA) and Alpha Epsilon Rho, a professional broadcasting fraternity. UBS produces Jackson 24/7, a half-hour live news program aired on our local cable system as well as producing Union’s basketball games. The Society seeks to strengthen students’ contacts with professionals in the broadcasting industry.
Advisor: Dr. Chris Blair
The Union Film Society seeks to foster interest and innovation in the art of filmmaking through a variety of experiences; bring together members from all areas of filmmaking including, but not limited to, writers, directors, crewmembers, producers, and public relations; foster a creative environment for film projects; and provide resources necessary for the filmmaking process.
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