Mass Communication
Mass Communication Department's Website
Mass Communication Courses Offered
Faculty
Michael Huntsberger Ph.D.Susan Sivek Ph.D.
Brad Thompson Ph.D. (Chair)
Lisa Weidman
Dr. Weidman teaches courses in public relations, advertising, journalism, media studies, and career preparation. Before joining the Linfield faculty in 2009, she worked as a communications professional in newspapers, magazines, book publishing, public relations and advertising, and taught at the University of Georgia. She has appeared on television and radio and has been quoted in newspapers and magazines. She grew up in Sacramento, California, and has since lived in four other states and three big cities—San Francisco, Philadelphia and New York. Now she lives in the country a few miles outside of McMinnville, along with her husband and five cats.
Ph.D.Susan Barnes Whyte M.L.N.
The mass media tell us most of what we know about the world today, yet few people truly understand the central role of the media in society. Students in Mass Communication are media creators and analysts who study the structures, functions and effects of the media during this exciting time of transformation. Whether they focus on news, entertainment or strategic communication, Mass Communication students gain special insight into the role of media in today’s world.
Mass Communication students engage with media from multiple perspectives in the program’s wide range of courses, which combine the theory and practice of mediated communication to complement Linfield’s liberal arts education. Students customize the flexible Mass Communication curriculum to explore their individual interests in different media and related topics, including journalism, entertainment, public relations and advertising. The senior seminar course offers the chance to create an in-depth, advanced project that integrates the student’s experiences throughout the program.
Mass Communication students have opportunities to use in the professional world what they have learned in the classroom. Students who want a real-world taste of media and strategic communication careers can take internships for course credits that count toward the major. Mass Communication coursework comes to life through these experiences, and students make valuable connections with professionals. Students also have opportunities to apply their skills at the student newspaper, its website and the student radio station, and in various offices on campus.
Studying Mass Communication develops a powerful set of skills suited for careers in advertising, broadcasting, radio, television, online media, photojournalism, newspapers, magazines, public relations, as well as for graduate study. These skills are transferable to innumerable other businesses.
Goals for the Major
In successfully completing a major in mass communication, students will:
- create entertaining, informative, and/or persuasive media content;
- analyze and evaluate media content;
- understand the effects of media on audiences; and
- understand the structures and functions of mediated communication.
Goals for the Minor
The media studies minor is designed for students whose interests in communication are focused on the origins, structures and implications of the media in American culture and society. Students critically examine issues related to the power of media in our social, political and legal systems and in popular culture.
Requirements for Major or Minor
The mass communication major is available as a bachelor of arts degree only.
For a major: 40 credits including 111 or 112, 150, 175, 275, and 485, and additional courses in writing, visual communication and media studies as approved by the academic advisor, and at least one of the following: 370, 375, 378, and 475. Only courses in the major completed with a grade of C- or better may be used to meet prerequisite requirements or count toward the major. No more than 45 credits from Mass Communication can be counted toward graduation. In addition, majors are strongly encouraged to either minor in other disciplines or double major.
While 111 and 112 may be taken more than once, only one credit may be applied toward a Mass Communication major.
For a minor in Media Studies: Students complete a core of courses including 111 or 112, 150, and 275. They then select three courses from among 327, 333, 337, 345, 347, 340, 350, and 498 to total 20 credits. Courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better to count toward the minor. The Media Studies minor is not available to Mass Communication majors.
Organizations
The Linfield Review is the independent, student-operated weekly newspaper. The department advises the publication and encourages its students to participate in its production.
KSLC-FM is the student-operated, FCC-licensed radio station. The department advises the station and encourages its students to participate in its operations.
Wildcat Productions is the student-operated television production organization. The department advises the club and encourages its students to participate in its operations and activities.
Scholarships
Each year the department awards the J. Richard and Evelyn Nokes Scholarship to an outstanding junior in journalism. The scholarship, designed to contribute to the funding of the senior year of study, is awarded on the basis of a student's academic record and promise in journalism.
The Ackerley Merit Award recognizes an outstanding student who as a high school senior showed high academic achievement and demonstrated an interest in communication, broadcast management, graphic arts, business or sports administration.
The Charlotte Filer Linfield College Journalism Scholarship is awarded annually to assist worthy communication/print media students.
Any Questions? If you are interested in learning more about the curriculum at Linfield, please contact the Office of Admission at (800) 640-2287 or email admission@linfield.edu. An admissions counselor will be happy to answer your questions or put you in touch with a faculty member.