CAS Course Offerings

101 Oral Rhetoric (3). Students examine the principles of oral and visual rhetoric in this course, with an emphasis on guided practice in the development of effective speeches. The course leads students to understand the role of rhetoric in society, to think critically about rhetorical situations and practices, and to gain proficiency in the art of rhetoric.

140 Communication and Culture (3). This course examines the ways in which communication is used to create, maintain, and change culture. Students have the opportunity to apply a basic understanding of the concepts of communication and culture to a range of contemporary social issues, cultural texts, and communication practices. Emphasis is given to rhetorical and discussion methods to help students learn about analyzing and constructing oral and written arguments and to work cooperatively doing a research project for class presentation.

141 Visual Rhetoric (3). This course is a study of the rhetoric of images, how images create meaning, and how images are used to persuade. It leads students to understand the relationship between the rhetoric of images, the various audiences for those images, and their social contexts. Students learn to critique the construction of images, the ethical use of images, and the various meanings of images.

145 Introduction to Film (3). A study of film as an art form and cultural phenomenon, including dramatic, visual, and sonic elements, theme and focus, acting, and directorial style. Topics covered include the materials and methods of filmmaking, the major styles and genres of film to American and world culture. Course work includes a mandatory weekly screening (lab) and readings in the history, theory, and criticism of film.

190 Introduction to Video Production (4). An introductory course in film-style production in the medium of digital video, with instruction in all of the elements of production, including scriptwriting, videography, sound, lighting and editing. Students will produce a series of exercises and a short finished video. All equipment is provided.

200 Advanced Oral Rhetoric (4). Composition and presentation of types of
speeches, participation in various types of speeches, participation in various types of discussion, readings in rhetorical theory, and criticism of selected contemporary speeches. Prerequisite: CAS 101, or equivalent.

203 Introduction to Performance Studies (3). An introduction to performance as a means of analyzing, appreciating, and celebrating literature. By providing training in the principles and techniques of performing
literature before an audience, this course expands students’ understanding of the relationships between text and performance, literature and human action, and written and oral forms of discourse. Genres of literature examined include poetry, prose, and oral history. This course is designed for students considering careers in theatre, rhetoric, radio, television, or education.

204 Directing Co-Curricular Programs (1). This course explores how co-curricular programs, such as forensics and debate, are organized, administered, and implemented in schools. Students will explore the principles and rationale behind such programs and develop the instructional and assessment skills required to facilitate them. Students will participate in school settings.

205 American Voices (3). This course examines American oratory as an art form, an influence on the American experience, and a reflection of American culture. Students will develop an understanding of oratory as an aesthetic and practical art, deepen their knowledge of the American rhetorical tradition
in its historical and intellectual contexts, and learn how the art of public speaking shapes our understanding of ourselves and our world. Emphasis is given to methods of critical listening and analysis and to how oratory has been transformed by the electronic age and its focus on the image.

210 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech, Hearing, and Language Mechanisms (4). A study of the anatomic and physiologic bases for the development and use of speech, language, and hearing. The course focuses on the central and peripheral auditory mechanisms of the human body, and on the respiratory, phonatory, and articulatory mechanisms required for speech production. Prerequisites: Biology 115 and CAS 215 or permission of the instructor.

211 Argumentation and Advocacy (3). A study and application of basic principles of argumentation and advocacy. This course focuses on the dynamics of oral argument—ethical dimensions, use of language, informal logic, use of evidence and appeals, structure, and interactions with other arguments. Through analysis and practice, students will learn not only how to argue within academic contexts, but how to apply argumentative reasoning to everyday communication.

212 Speech and Hearing Science (4). Application of the scientific method to the studies of hearing, speech perception, and production. Topics include the introduction to basic acoustics, acoustic theory of speech perception and production, psychophysical methods of measuring hearing thresholds, acoustic phonetics, and synthesized speech.

214 Creating Communication Arts in the Classroom (3). This course addresses how the communication arts, such as creative drama, reader’s theater, and puppetry facilitate learning in educational settings. Students learn to analyze verbal and non-verbal communication, they engage in the strategies of rhetoric (such as organization, invention, and style) appropriate to the learning process, and they apply these skills and knowledge in school settings.

215 Introduction to Speech Pathology and Audiology (3). A general introduction to speech-language pathology and audiology. These rapidly growing interdisciplinary professions are devoted to helping individuals
manage or overcome communication challenges. Communication is a God-given gift that allows us to be social beings. When people have difficulty communicating, it affects almost all aspects of their lives. Students will gain a general understanding of prevention, evaluation, and rehabilitation issues for
persons with speech, language, and hearing disorders in clinical and educational settings.

216 Phonetics (3). A study of phonetic theories and the use of International Phonetic Alphabet symbols in analyzing, categorizing, and transcribing the sounds of American English. The course emphasizes understanding of the processes involved in the production of specific phonemes.

217 Principles of Theatre (3). This course studies the theatre through analysis of its artistic principles, genres, and forms. This foundational course concentrates on script analysis, major classical and modern theory, and critical methodology.

218 Principles of Acting (3). An introduction to the art of acting. Through readings, discussions, and numerous in-class exercises the students will become acquainted with major acting theories. The course is for students
interested in theatre-related professions, as well as for students wishing to deepen their understanding of theatre and dramatic literature. Prerequisite: CAS 217 or permission of the instructor.

219 Principles of Production Design (3). An introductory study of the basic principles, theories, and applications of technical production and design for theatre, television, and film. Includes lectures, lab demonstrations, and contextual readings, and seeks to introduce students to all aspects of the craft, including scenic, property, costume, make-up, sound and lighting production, while comparing the distinct visual media of theatre, television, and film. Prerequisite: CAS 217.

220 Calvin Theatre Company (1). Membership in the class is limited and is determined annually by audition/interview. The members will be given training in the various practical aspects of the production of drama. Students may participate more than one year, but not more than six semester hours may be
applied to the minimum requirements for graduation, and no more than three to the major. Prerequisite: A GPA of 2.0 or higher. M. Page.

222 Calvin Media Company (1). Students will participate in film, radio and
television productions. Students may participate more than one semester, but no more than four semester hours may be applied toward major or graduation requirements. Permission of instructor required.

230 History of North American Media (3). This course emphasizes changes in the means of communication, the control of media systems, the audiences for media products, and the changes introduced into North American life (Canadian, Mexican, U.S. ) by the press, telegraph, telephone, phonograph, photograph, cinema, wireless, radio, television, cable and satellite, and computers. It concentrates on the history of technological development, programming, audience development, representation of constituent groups in society – especially minorities – and changes in law and regulation that have affected media institutions.

238 Theory and Communication (3). An examination of the significance and role of theory in understanding the nature of human communication. The course focuses on the fundamental elements of communication processes,
the assumptions that underlie communication theory, the similarities and differences between theoretical approaches, and the means of evaluating theoretical perspectives, including a Christian critique of communication
theories. Prerequisite: CAS 140.

240 Group Communication (3). Small group communication theory and practice. Students participate in group projects leading to class presentations. Topics include leadership, discussion, roles, consensus, organization, decision-making, and persuasion. Standards for ethical conduct are considered throughout the course.

248 Writing for the Media (3). An introduction to the content, styles, and formats of media scripts. The course emphasizes the differences in media writing compared with more familiar forms of writing, the role of the script as text in producing media programs, the styles of writing used (journalistic,
dramatic, polemical, and emotive), and the technical requirements for scripts used to focus the work of directors, actors, camera, and sound technicians, editors and mixers in creating a media product.

249 Audio Design and Aesthetics (3). An introduction to the aesthetic principles that govern the production of media programs, focusing on sound. Students produce a variety of short audio programs in lab situations. The course also introduces students to the process by which media programs are
produced, the aesthetic and ethical challenges that this process demands, and how Christians could respond to such demands.

250 Multi-Camera Production (3). An introduction to the theory and practice of studio-based video production. Various program formats are discussed and evaluated in light of particular communication principles and needs. Students gain experience with stationary video cameras, recorders, switchers and related technologies. Performance for the camera, studio lighting, audio recording and mixing principles are analyzed and demonstrated. Prerequisite: CAS 190 or permission of the instructor.

251 Introduction to Cinema (3). A study of the development and structure of cinema as an art form and as a cultural medium. The course aims to develop the students’ understanding of cinematic language and to guide them in assessing films and film values. Course work includes readings in film history and criticism as well as the viewing and analysis of movies.

253 Intercultural Communication (3). An examination of the anthropological principles relating to cross-cultural communication. This examination requires an extensive comparison of the components of cultural systems and the nature of cultural dynamics. The areas of application include government, business, Peace Corps, development, and mission work, with special emphasis on the last two. Special topics include developing an appropriate attitude regarding indigenous cultures and the management of culture shock. Also listed as Sociology 253.

254 Media Criticism (3). The theory and practice of media criticism. This course develops a Reformed lens for consumers and producers of media to evaluate mass media on behalf of church and society.  Students write audience-focused reviews and evaluate others' criticism of media such as television, radio, popular music, and new media technologies (including the Internet, digital music, video games, and blogs). Prerequisites: ENGL 101 and CAS 140 or permission of the instructor.

255 Documentary Film and Television (4). An examination of the history, aesthetics, ethics and cultural and institutional functions of documentary film and television. Course includes a mandatory weekly screening (lab).

260 Interpersonal Communication (3). The interpersonal communication opportunities and problems faced by Christians as they seek to live the life of faith in contemporary society. The course focuses on the theories and the practice of interpersonal communication. Topics include the elements of dyadic communication, shyness, gender, conflict management, and relational enrichment.

262 Business Communication (3). This course will instruct students in the theories, principles and practices of business communication. Subject matter will include organizational culture, communication ethics, conflict negotiation, public presentations, appropriate uses of visual aids, listening, interviewing, and business writing. Prerequisite: CAS 101 and English 101.

270 Communication and Gender (3). A study and Christian evaluation of the relations between communication and gender, especially in interpersonal relationships, family, business, religious organizations, and educational institutions and religious settings.

281 American Film (4). The study of American film as an art form, including technology, industry, and the system of representation and communication from the silent era to the present. This course investigates how Hollywood
films work technically, artistically, and culturally to affirm and challenge images of America. Films considered represent major expressions of the classical Hollywood style and diversions from that style. Topics include film technique and style, narrative conventions and genres, the Hollywood studio and star systems, directors, and ideologies.

282 World Cinema (4). An introduction to significant film movements outside the United States. Topics include the early history and development of basic cinematic principles, the differences between the “Hollywood style” and the narrative forms developed in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere, and the response of various film industries to the dominance of the American cinema.

284 Critical Approaches to Film (4). An introduction to the key concepts and cultural paradigms employed in the study of film. Students are introduced to the diverse ways in which films are examined and critiqued, central theoretical, ethical, and critical issues surrounding the study of film, and major film theories based on cognitive, psychoanalytical, ideological, semiotic, structural, and feminist perspectives. Various schools of film criticism (e.g., formalist, auteur, genre, humanist, and religious) are considered. Prerequisite: CAS 251, 281, or permission of the instructor.

285 Advertising and Public Relations (3). How and why organizations use advertising and public relations to influence various publics. The course emphasizes the historical development of advertising and public relations, as well as current issues in these industries.

290 Single-Camera Production II (3). An intermediate- level course in video production. Course includes further development of technical and creative skills, with special emphasis on the writing, design and production of documentaries and narrative videos. Prerequisite: CAS 190 or permission of instructor.

296 Film as a Narrative Art (3). In-depth examination of the art of narrative film, focusing each semester on one or more directors, genres, or styles of filmmaking. The course pays particular attention to narration and narrative structure, characterization, conflict, setting, and point of view and also acquaints students with literary adaptation and with the contribution of film image and sound to narrative development. The course emphasizes the development of student skills in writing about film. Cross listed with ENG 296.

303 Community-based Drama (3). This course combines readings and field work in ethnography and community-based drama with performance as a method of cultural analysis, as a means of interpreting and conveying
cultural texts, and as a tool for creating of empathy. Topics include cross-cultural performance, storytelling, conversational analysis, community-based drama facilitation, and the creation and performance of oral histories and personal narratives as theatrical texts.

305 Persuasion and Propaganda (3). The theory and practice of persuasive communication. Topics include theory and research of persuasion, improving personal persuasive abilities, recognizing and resisting persuasive strategies, and the role of propaganda in modern society. Examples for analysis are taken from advertising, religion, sales, political campaigns, and democratic and totalitarian propaganda.

311 Child Language Development (3). An examination of early language development research in phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Theories of language acquisition and implications for practice
are examined. Particular attention is given to the role of adults in language development and to the relationship between language development and cognitive development. Also listed as Education 311. Prerequisites: An introductory course in Psychology or Education or permission of the instructor.

316 Principles of Directing (4). An introduction to the theory of directing.
Through readings, play attendance, discussions, and exercises, the students will develop a basic understanding of the directing process and an appreciation for the art of directing. This course is for students interested
in theatre-related professions as well as for students wishing to deepen their understanding of theatre and dramatic structure. Prerequisites: CAS 217 and 218, or permission of the instructor.

318 American Politics and Mass Media (3). A survey of the relationship between American politics and the mass communications media. The course covers the way the federal government, through its regulations and its
dissemination of information, affects the operations of the media, and how the media influence the social and political values of Americans and the functioning of the political system. Also listed as Political Science 318.

319 Topics in Advanced Production Design (3). An advanced study of the principles of production design for the theatre, television and film. This rotating topics course (scenic design/art direction, lighting design, and costume design) builds on concepts from CAS 219. Includes lectures, workshops, discussions, demonstrations, play reading and design projects, with special attention to the visual communication of design ideas in the form of written concept descriptions, drawing, rendering, painting, drafting and modeling. The course may be repeated for credit for each of the three topics. Prerequisite: CAS 219, or permission of the instructor.

320 History of Theatre and Drama I (3). A historical and analytical
study of theatre and drama from its origins to the nineteenth century.

321 History of Theatre and Drama II (3). A continuation of CAS 320.
A historical and analytical study of theatre and drama from the nineteenth century to the present.

323 Scene Studies for Actors and Directors (3). An advanced study of the principles of acting and directing for the theatre and television. Through lectures, demonstrations, readings, rehearsals, and exercises, students will develop competence in the aesthetic processes of acting and directing. Students are required to produce performance quality work for both stage and camera. Prerequisites: CAS 218 and 316.

327 Rhetorical Criticism (3). A study and application of principles for the analysis and evaluation of public discourse. Working within the humanistic tradition, students will investigate how humans use symbols to assign meaning to the world and attempt to induce others to share those meanings. The course will help students explain and interpret the dynamic relationship between author, text, context, and audience involved in any rhetorical act. Students read a variety of types of criticism and develop their own strategies for analysis.

330 Global Media, Global Culture (3). This course examines communication occurring across international borders, with special attention to the development of a global culture based in media flow. Topics include the history, use and regulation of international communications technologies, information and cultural impacts of media flow, international law, and the role of media in international politics, economics, culture, and religion. It includes significant attention to the development of global media organizations and their impacts on indigenous culture.

344/MSU 344 Evaluation Procedures in Audiology (4). The study of
the classification of hearing disorders and the behavioral and electrophysiological measurement of hearing, including subjective and objective testing procedures. This is a distance education course transmitted to Calvin from Michigan State University. Students attend a laboratory session at MSU one day a week. Prerequisites: CAS 210 and 212.

345/MSU 443 Aural Rehabilitation (4). The study of the fundamental aspects of auditory rehabilitation, including individual and group amplification
systems, auditory training, speechreading, and counseling with children and adults. This is a distance education course transmitted to Calvin from Michigan State University. Prerequisites: CAS 210 and 212.

346 Internship in Communication (4). Students work in profit or non-profit communication under the supervision of a professional. Typical placements include public relations or advertising agencies, broadcast or cable stations, video production companies and the like. A journal and seminar participation
are required. Grading is based on the professional’s evaluation, the tudent’s daily journal, and seminar participation. Prerequisites: Junior or senior status, 2.5 GPA, and recommendation of department.

351 Advanced Media Production (3). The intensive study and production of video in a particular style or genre. The course focus, designated by a subtitle, will alternate between documentary, narrative and other styles and
genres of video and television, and may include field and/or studio production and multimedia. The style or genre will be thoroughly investigated, with emphasis on its creative, ethical, and technical requirements and skills. Students will produce their own work in a digital video format. May be repeated for credit when course focus varies. Prerequisite: CAS 250 or CAS 290 or consent of the instructor.

352 Communication Ethics (3). This course examines the moral dimensions of human communication, exploring dilemmas in interpersonal, group, and mediated communication, with special reference to problems encountered in communications professions. While wrestling with cases and controversies, students also review and apply historic criteria for coming to reasoned moral judgment, including the contemporary voices of feminist, determinist, post-modern, and naturalist ethicists. Major Christian positions are reviewed and applied. Case studies are the focus of the class, with a variety of learning opportunities and encouragement for students to pursue personal learning objectives. Prerequisites: Biblical Foundations I, Developing a Christian Mind, and Philosophical Foundations.

354 Communication Policy and the Public Sphere (3). The course focuses on the conflict between expectations of communication in society and the realities of politics and economics. It examines specific disputes across
a broad range of communications activities, including the arts and media, and details the different points of view brought to bear in creating and maintaining public debate. It includes issues such as the representation of social or ethnic groups in ownership of media and in communications professions, the interplay of social responsibility theory and the development of media monopolies. It also applies the principle of social justice in an examination of these political and economic issues.

361 American Sign Language I (3). An introductory course in the use and comprehension of American Sign Language. Students will learn fingerspelling and basic signs. Additionally, students will be introduced to history of deaf communication, types and degree of deafness, general education issues, and insights into deaf culture.

362 American Sign Language II (3). A continuation of American Sign Language I. Students will improve their comprehension and use of American Sign Language, including increasing their use of sign vocabulary and
grammar. Students learn to use creative expression, classifiers, body postures, and signing space. Students will investigate the social, educational, and legal issues of the Deaf Community.

383 Film Theory and Aesthetics (3). An advanced study in film form and its implications, including narrative structure, editing and sound, acting, cinematography, production design, and their influence on viewers. The course also examines basic theoretical issues such as the relationships between film and reality, the nature of film as an art, adaptation, identification, and elicitation of emotional response. Prerequisites: CAS 284 and course work in the applied knowledge category, or permission of instructor.

384 Phonological Disorders (3). A study of the nature and prevention of phonological disorders. This course introduces students to the theories associated with speech, sound development, dialectal variations, and the factors related to phonological disorders. Students will learn specific phonological assessment procedures and remediation principles for teaching the perception and production of speech sounds. Students also explore Christian responses to individuals with phonological disorders—responses that shape assessment and remediation principles. Prerequisites:
CAS 215 and 216.

385 Seminar in Language Disorders (3). A study of the assessment and intervention in childhood language disorders in phonology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and morphology. The course introduces students to psychometric and descriptive assessment. Students also examine the integration of Christian faith and practice in intervention strategies that concentrate on improving communication between the child and the communication partners in the home and school settings. Prerequisites: CAS 215, 311, or permission of the instructor.

386 Clinical Practicum (2). An introduction to the clinical practice of speech- language pathology within a Christian perspective. Specifically, students will become acquainted with applied clinical procedures in speech-language pathology. This course includes observation and/or direct contact with clients under close professional supervision. Students may repeat this course up to four times. Prerequisites: a GPA of 3.0, CAS 215, CAS 387 and instructor approval prior to registration.

387 Neurogenic Disorders (3). A study of the nature, prevention, and treatment of neurogenic disorders. This course introduces students to the theories associated with neurogenic disorders. Students will learn specific assessment procedures and remediation principles for aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria, and traumatic brain injury. Students also explore Christian responses to individuals with disorders — responses that shape prevention, assessment, and remediation principles. Prerequisites: CAS 210, 215, and 216.

390 Independent Study. Independent study of topics of interest to particular students, under the supervision of a member of the department. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

395 Special Topics in Communication (3).

399 Senior Seminar (3). This capstone course examines the application of
a Reformed worldview to understanding communication and culture, especially communication-related vocations. It concentrates on the relationships between the Christian faith and professional communication and focuses on the ways in which communication-related professions define professional activity and on the responsibilities that Christians have to work in and through professions. It also examines a Christian view of success, the importance of understanding one’s gifts, finding and using mentors, committing to a location, mastering persuasive, honest interviewing and resume-writing, networking with reciprocity, overcoming Christian tribalism in a world economy, and being patiently flexible in the face of economic and cultural changes. Prerequisites: Biblical Foundations I or Theological Foundations I, Developing a Christian Mind, and Philosophical Foundations.

Calvin College Catalog

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