Communication as a Field: Communication as a phenomenon, as an academic discipline, as a system of processes and practices, and as a profession. Students should be able to describe and explain why people study communication, types of communication processes, and careers in communication. Theory: Theoretical analysis of communication processes and practices. Students should be able to use a variety of communication and other disciplinary theories to describe, explain, and predict communication processes and outcomes in a variety of contexts. Research Methods: Research methods as they relate to and inform communication processes and practices. Students should be able to identify, describe, and explain research methods used by communication scholars and professionals and use some of these methods to produce independent research and generate knowledge. Diversity & Globalization: Multiple cultural contexts and global processes and their implications for communication processes and practices. Students should be able to articulate the challenges and opportunities inherent in communication with diverse global participants and audiences. Ethics: Critical thinking about ethical problems in communication. Students should be able to apply their understanding of ethical responsibility in interpersonal, group, organizational, public, and mediated contexts. Communication Competencies: Targeted communication skill areas and competencies. Students should be able to use the theories, methods, analytical tools, and skills from their coursework across a variety of contexts.

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