Communication Studies: Communication and Social Interaction

The Communication and Social Interaction Program

Communication and Social Interaction explores how individuals use verbal and nonverbal messages to create shared meaning.  Students study communication messages across various contexts including interpersonal, organizational, intercultural, health, computer-mediated, and political situations.  The communication and social interaction coursework promotes the effective, appropriate and ethical practice of human communication.

Specific courses investigate how relationships are initiated, maintained, and terminated, including concepts of conflict and listening.  Majors also examine public communication which includes the study of public speaking, the principles of persuasion, argumentation, and rhetoric.  Class discussions frequently focus on how individual people differ in their communication style and how gender and culture influence communication and relationships.

Skilled communicators are highly valued in the workforce.  Communication and Social Interaction majors hold positions in human resources, government, sales, advertising, publishing, journalism, education, research, customer relations, public relations, web development, management, communication consulting, as entrepreneurs, and in event planning/coordination.

Our majors are encouraged to apply their theoretical and practical coursework through internships, capstone experiences, in student government and by participating in the department's honor society, Lambda Pi Eta.

For more information contact:
Professor Christine Hirsch, Area Coordinator
12 Lanigan Hall
Telephone: 315.312.3528
Email: Christine.Hirsch@oswego.edu