Communication Arts

We believe there is intrinsic value for all students in examining the role of media and communications processes in our society today. They permeate our lives in both overt and subtle ways and their serious study is appropriate within a liberal arts context. In addition we believe preparing students to participate in these media related fields is also a significant and worthwhile endeavor. Studies in communication arts provide skills basic for careers in the mass media and in corporate communications, along with valuable insights into the social, political, economic and cultural roles of communication institutions in modern society. Through the classes, internships and other on or off campus media work, students learn and apply professional skills and can document their aptitudes for media careers.

In 2002 we altered and updated our curriculum to reflect changes in both industry and educational trends. Instead of the four concentrations we have had for many years, we now have three: Integrated Communications (CAIC), Electronic Media (CAEM) and Journalism (CAJR).

Integrated Communications

A recent industry trend, now beginning to be reflected in its academic counterpart, is the combining of Public Relations and Advertising – and in some instances, marketing – into one broad and unified area: Integrated Communications. The concept involves the convergence of all of these areas that has subtly been taking place over the last several years. The expanded role of the computer is one reason for this integration approach, as it provides the avenue for these previously separate disciplines to come together. Writing in a variety of forms is stressed – copywriting, press releases, public service and commercial writing, research analysis, etc. It has become essential for people to demonstrate broad knowledge and skills, with an awareness of the complexities inherent in communications ventures today. Several of the classes in this concentration involve the students taking on projects for existing agencies, particularly non-profits, in the form of special event plans, writing and design of brochures and developing strategic media plans for these agencies. They, along with internship possibilities, provide the students with real world experience and enable them to develop potentially impressive portfolios before they graduate.

Electronic Media

This concentration was formerly termed Radio/Television. We have long since dispensed with any major emphasis on radio. The title again refers to the significance of the computer in today’s visual and aural communication methods. This concentration is centered around the visual and aural aspects of television and the computer, both the critique and appreciation of their language, structure and impact; and the learning of the production techniques themselves. Since television has borrowed heavily from film and is a common form for the distribution of motion pictures, that medium is also a topic for exploration and understanding. Within a small school like Spring Hill, it is increasingly impractical to devote our energies, personnel and equipment budgets to the development of studio, multi-camera production techniques. We concentrate on what is called single-camera production, both in the learning of the techniques themselves and in the analysis and critical appraisal of that type of programming and its impact on society. Computer manipulation and animation, digital video, DVD and web applications for video and audio are also becoming integral aspects of study and analysis within this concentration. Students will produce works in documentary, short fiction and commercial formats.

Journalism

This concentration has changed the least within our new curriculum. It retains its emphasis on the education of students in what is journalism’s highest aspiration, the pursuit of objectivity and truth in the process of informing the public. Society’s news structures are studied and again a great emphasis is placed on writing – whether it is for print, broadcast or the web. The 18 station Mac Lab serves as the center for the learning the writing process. The lab is updated regularly with the latest versions of the key software programs in the industry – Quark Express, Abode Photoshop and Illustrator and the Macromedia web program, Dreamweaver. The student weekly newspaper The SpringHillian provides the primary outlet for the various forms of writing to be displayed, as well as the development of other skills such as in ad sales, layout and design (including for the web) and photography. Emphasis throughout the program is placed on the ethics of journalism, both in study of the important historical precedents and in its practical application for the students in producing their newspaper, The SpringHillian. Again the computer is uniting several previously distinct skills that are now essential for all journalists to learn and that are developed in such diverse courses as Electronic Editing, Newspaper Column and Headline Writing, Photojournalism and Broadcast Journalism.

Fine and Performing Arts

The arts are systems of communication that teach us about human interaction and creativity in problem solving. They challenge our perceptions and teach us to sense and interpret the world around us, and they bring us pleasure.

Students may choose from a variety of courses in art, music, dance and drama. Appreciation and performance-based classes reveal how personal expression can both reflect and change the culture from which it springs, develop creative approaches to problem solving, communicate in profound and exciting ways, and help us all learn what it is to be fully human and alive.

Students majoring in Fine Arts programs at Spring Hill have 3 options: Studio Art, Art Therapy and Art Business, which open up a variety of career options. Because our programs are pre-professional in nature, some choose to attend graduate school as a first step. Our graduates include professional artists represented in galleries and private collections here and abroad. Some have become art therapists or use art therapy in combination with other counseling methodologies. Some work in galleries or museums. Our graduates have also illustrated books and worked in advertising/graphic design. Other career options include becoming arts managers, working with individual artists and art organizations, and working in other art-related fields, such as interior design.

The major in theater provides an opportunity to integrate the study of dramatic literature with acting, interpretation, playwriting, directing, or design. It is shaped by an acknowledgment of dramatic texts as designed for performance and theater as an integrative art. The major seeks to lead students into a fuller appreciation and understanding of the genre of drama by insuring a balance of historical, literary, and theatrical approaches to drama. It offers students enough flexibility to pursue special interests within the field. All program majors must work out a long-range plan of study with the program director.

Graphic Design Major

This major is an exciting addition to the department and the division as it combines a strong background in aesthetic principles, art history and traditional artistic expression with the technical and practical applications within modern communication forms. The graphic design explosion in recent years is directly attributed to the rise of the Internet. and the myriad of new graphic formats that medium allows. The major is designed to allow students to develop skills and enhance their artistic talents, providing them with a firm basis for direct employment opportunities as graphic designers in a multitude of media environments, or for going on to graduate studies in one or more of these areas.

Students will first learn the basic concepts of 2-D, then 3-D design in both drawing and computer formats, as they are simultaneously exposed to the rich history of artistic expression in art history classes. They will also take various courses within the Communication Arts Department to gain familiarity with modern mass media and to strengthen their computer and desktop publishing skills. The advanced courses allow for individual expression and provide real world problems in the execution of assignments that will form the student's portfolio upon completion of the degree. The combination of courses within the two departments will ensure the students majoring in graphic design receive a broad background based in classic design principles but that is executed in modern computer applications. Our eighteen station Mac lab with color laser printer, flatbed and film scanners and the latest graphic software is the primary work space for students in this major.

Visit the Graphic Design hompage for more information.