The minor is ideal for students contemplating law school, students interested in legal issues, or students in fields affected by law (such as journalism, strategic communication, or public policy).

The interdisciplinary cinema studies minor is intended for students who wish to augment their major program of study with courses that promote the study of film, television, and digital media.

The Communication Studies minor helps students acquire the practical skills necessary to succeed in the modern workplace.

The Digital Communication Minor builds on the strengths of the Communication Studies department in the areas of communication, technology, and society.

The interdisciplinary film production minor provides students with basic skills in media production. In addition to a foundational course in film production, students take electives dealing with documentary production, film analysis, screenwriting, storytelling, and video.

The Film Studies Minor focuses on one of the most influential art forms of the twentieth century and provides the tools required to analyze the formal aspects of cinema, as well as the broader aesthetic, social, cultural, political and technological contexts. The minor has been structured to ground students in basic aspects of the field — (1) a foundational course, (2) an analysis course, (3) a creative course, and (4) a theory course. By design, many of the courses included in the Film Studies Minor explore questions of class, ethnicity, gender, identity, nationality, race, and sexual orientation.

The human communication minor is for students who are interested in studying the role of interpersonal communication in relationships, including romantic relationships, friendships, and relationships in groups or in organizations.

Whether you are speaking at a meeting, engaging an audience, or energizing your team, effective presentation skills are essential to success.

Broader in focus than the program’s other two minors, the interdisciplinary minor in media and screen studies combines media production and analysis courses.

The media production minor is designed to foster an awareness of the important cultural, rhetorical, and critical contexts of media development. Successful students develop creative and artistic abilities through studying contemporary practices and standards and developing original creative work. The technical aspects of camera operation, audio design, lighting design, digital editing, and live broadcast are also covered.

The minor in Oratory and Public Speaking will provide students with opportunities to improve their writing skills as well as furthering their speaking skills.

Students in the minor choose an introductory path through music or theatre.

The Political Communication Minor is a joint program offered through the Departments of Communication Studies, Political Science, and Journalism. The focus of the minor is on the electoral process, political rhetoric, and the role of media in political life. It is intended to address the interests and needs of students considering careers in the political sphere, either as candidates, employees, volunteers, or reporters in political organizations and campaigns.

The rhetoric minor offers students the opportunity to acquire competence in the history, theory, and criticism of civic discourse and cultural practices.

Students interested in activism will have opportunities to explore social movements, advocacy, and citizenship in a wide array of situations.

This program examines the symbiotic relationship between sports and media, as well as how communication affects team culture, player-coach dynamics, crises in sport, race and gender issues, international relationships, and fandom.