This paper provides a comparative overview of two broad academic disciplines — Communications Studies and Women's Studies — as offered at a major U.S. university. Drawing on program materials from the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication and the School of Social Transformation, the paper examines each discipline's defining subject matter, undergraduate and graduate program structures, and internal subfields. It highlights the global relevance of both fields and concludes that, despite their distinct identities, both disciplines share an overarching goal: preparing students for multidisciplinary engagement in an increasingly interconnected world.
Even a cursory review of major U.S. universities reveals a Communications discipline and a Women's Studies discipline of one sort or another at most, if not all, of these institutions. Examining the Communications and Women's Studies programs at a major research university provides a strong overview of common characteristics across both fields. While individual universities may use different terminology, they typically offer the same essential subject matter and subfields.
Communication studies are increasingly important on a global scale. The worldwide relevance and interplay of the discipline can be seen, for example, in the fact that China and Japan have agreed to collaborate in their Communications Studies programs (JIJI Press America, Ltd., 2005). In addition, major universities across the United States now offer Communications Studies in one form or another.
The Hugh Downs School of Human Communication takes a comprehensive approach to the discipline (Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, n.d.). Encompassing both undergraduate and graduate studies, the School seeks to promote healthy relationships and workplaces, safe and supportive communities, and productive intercultural exchange by studying and critiquing human communication to create "knowledge, creativity and understanding" (Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, n.d.). At the undergraduate level, the School awards Bachelor of Arts degrees and focuses on teaching students how identities, relationships, workplaces, and communities are created, maintained, and transformed through the processes of communication (Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, n.d.). To that end, the School emphasizes foundational knowledge of research methods and communication theories, as well as conceptual knowledge and practical skills suited to a global, complex world (Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, n.d.).
The emphasis on communications aptitude and developed skills is also evident in doctoral program admissions requirements. In addition to a bachelor's or master's degree, successful applicants must provide evidence of scholarly writing in the form of an honors thesis, a master's thesis, or an equivalent work. Applicants must also demonstrate familiarity with basic qualitative and quantitative research methods, communication theory, and social statistics. Finally, applicants' academic and professional records must show a particular interest in and aptitude for systematic communications research (Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, n.d.).
The undergraduate Communications major encompasses a wide range of subfields, including: the impacts of gender, race, and social class on communication; communication at the family and personal levels; organizational communication; conflict and negotiation; strategic global communication; intercultural persuasion and social influence; rhetoric; public discourse; performance's influence on individual and community identities; and technology's role in interpersonal, organizational, and cultural communication (Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, n.d.).
These subfields are pursued with the goal of preparing graduates for applied communications work in postgraduate education in law, business, and related fields, as well as careers in human resources, sales, public relations, nonprofit management, and other roles centered on research skills, effective communication, statistical literacy, and critical thinking.
"Global context and program values of Women's Studies"
"Interdisciplinary subfields and internship opportunities"
Both Communications Studies and Women's Studies are wide-ranging, globally important disciplines with applications in fields as diverse as education, law, business, and nonprofit administration. The Hugh Downs School of Human Communication takes a comprehensive approach to Communications, encompassing both undergraduate and graduate studies. By studying and critiquing human communication, the program seeks to create "knowledge, creativity and understanding" vital to families, workplaces, and communities. Emphasizing foundational knowledge of communication theories, research methods, and practical skills, the program is focused on preparing globally effective professionals for communications-related fields such as law, business, sales, human resources, public relations, and nonprofit management. By readying undergraduates and graduates for careers with worldwide relevance, such programs are addressing the needs of an increasingly complex and interconnected globe.
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