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Minor in Communications | John Cabot University in Italy
Department of Communications at John Cabot University in Italy
Minor in Communications | John Cabot University in Italy

Minor in Communications

A Minor in Communications exposes students to core theories and issues in media studies and visual communication. 

Overview

Students have an opportunity to combine theory and practice by having the flexibility to take courses in critical media studies, digital media arts and journalism. Upon completion of the minor, students will have gained fundamental skills in textual analysis, effective communication, and a basic understanding of the relationship between media, culture and society.

Students pursuing a Minor in Communications will improve their writing and communication, and learn essential media literacy and analytical skills that will enhance their learning across disciplines. Due to the need to engage the public and advance interests through digital media, all individuals, groups and organizations (nonprofit, enterprise, government and nongovernment) require a basic literacy in how media and communications work in the global media landscape. A Minor in Communications provides the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to fully participate in a mediated world.

Learning Outcomes 
  • Apply multidisciplinary theoretical perspectives to identify the major debates, controversies, dilemmas and conflicts in media studies by critically assessing institutional and individual media practices
  • Interpret representation in media texts and demonstrate competency in media literacy (information, visual, technological, and textual)
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of formats (oral, written and multimedia) 

Requirements for the Minor 

  • COM 111 Intro to Visual Communication
  • COM 220 Media Culture & Society (Pre-requisite COM 111 Introduction to Visual Communication)
  • Either COM 230 Foundations of Digital Media OR COM 311 Digital Media Culture
  • One course at 200-level or higher (from CMS, COM, DMA, DJRN)
  • Two courses at 300-level or higher (from CMS, COM, DMA, DJRN)

General Requirements for all Minors 

  • No more than one grade of lower than a C- will be accepted in courses applying to the minor.
  • In the case of multiple minors, no course may apply to more than one minor.
  • No more than three courses may apply to both the major and the minor.
  • At least four courses must be taken in residence at John Cabot.
  • Requirements for the minor must be completed by the time of graduation.