Communication Arts, English, and Foreign Languages

Faculty

Ann Cerminaro-Costanzi Ph.D, Chairperson

Lindsey Wotanis, Ph.D., Program Coordinator, Communication Arts

Erin Sadlack, Ph.D., Program Coordinator, English

Helen Bittel, Ph.D.

Deborah E. Brassard, Ph.D.

William Conlogue, Ph.D.

Joshua Deckman, Ph.D.

Lauren Esposito, Ph.D.

Douglas B. Lawrence, Ph.D.

Paola Marrero Hernández, M.A.

Ernest Mengoni, B.A., Coordinator of Broadcast Operations

Sr. Christine Mihelich, IHM, Ph.D.

Michael Mirabito, Ph.D.

Kimberly Anne Petro, M.A.

Frances M. Zauhar, Ph.D.

Goals

Read on. Write on. Speak up. Because words have power.

This motto reflects our department’s conviction that words and narratives can shape thinking, inspire action, and evoke emotion. Those who are most engaged with words can harness this power to make a positive difference in their own lives and in the lives of others. More than ever, students who are able to communicate effectively—especially in multiple languages—are well prepared to succeed in the careers of their choosing. Through such coursework, students think critically, improve written and oral communication, and develop an increased historical and cultural awareness that fosters understanding and social concern, all of which enhances their ability to achieve both civic and professional goals.

General Program Overview

The Department of Communication Arts, English, and Foreign Languages therefore offers a variety of programs of study, including majors in:

Advertising and Public Relations (Ad/PR)
Digital Media/ Broadcast Production
Multimedia Journalism
English/Literature
English/Secondary Education
English/Writing
Spanish
Spanish/Secondary Education

Students may also take courses in Film Scriptwriting, Motion Graphics, Audio Production, Digital Filmmaking, Communication Ethics, and Law and Speech.

The department offers a 4+1 Master of Arts degree and a traditional Master of Arts degree in Professional Writing. We also offer an 18-credit Spanish track for Nutrition majors. The Communication Arts programs prepare students to assume roles as communication professionals at newspapers, television and radio stations, advertising and public relations firms, audio/video production houses, and other public and private organizations. Career paths include digital filmmakers, documentarians, TV producers, media reporters, advertising specialists, and administrators and educators in the communications industry.

For all students, we offer minors in:

English Literature
Journalism
Latino Studies
Multimedia
Spanish for Professionals
Writing

If students are interested in minoring in other languages, particularly French or Italian, on an ad hoc basis, please see the Department Chairperson.

English Requirements for All Undergraduate Students

All undergraduate students are required to take 9 credits of English courses and 3-6 credits of Foreign Language as part of the general education requirements. Final approval of all transfer credits rests with the department chair.

For English, all students must take (or satisfy) the following required courses:

ENGL 160 Composition and Rhetoric

This course lays strong foundations for college-level argumentative and inquiry-based writing by increasing rhetorical awareness, analytical skills, and research proficiency. Through guided practice with process-based academic writing, students produce original arguments that employ research to engage in ongoing academic conversations. A minimum grade of “C” is required in order to fulfill the University’s requirement of writing competency, and the course can be retaken only once at Marywood.

ENGL 180 Introduction to World Literature

This course surveys western and non-western literature of the world. Students will read texts in several genres. Course content will vary by instructor. Prerequisite: ENGL 160.

Any course from ENGL 300 or above

Students may select any upper-level Literature or Writing course at an advanced level to hone further their critical reading, thinking, and writing skills.

N.B.: English 160 and English 180 are prerequisites for all literature courses. ENGL 160 is the prerequisite for all writing courses.

Foreign Language Requirements for All Undergraduate Students

For Foreign Languages, all students must take 3-6 credits of Foreign Language as outlined here. To enable each student to continue progressing in a second language and to achieve the highest possible proficiency, the Department places students into classes based primarily on the number of years they have studied the language, as well as their achievement level. Notice of this placement is provided to the Registrar and then communicated to advisors and students. We strongly encourage students to continue the same language they studied in high school and to continue that study as early as possible in college.

Students with 4 years of high school language study

Students who have successfully completed four years of the same foreign language in high school are placed into upper level language classes. These students may complete the University’s foreign language requirement with three credits, provided that these three credits are taken above the 212 level.

Students with 0-3 years of high school language study

These students are required to take six credits in the same language at the level appropriate to their prior language preparation as determined by the Foreign Languages Department. Students who register for courses at a level that the Foreign Languages Department faculty has decided is not appropriate to their previous preparation will not fulfill the school-wide foreign language requirement. Levels 101-102 will fulfill the foreign language requirement only for those students with no prior study of that foreign language.

Any student seeking a waiver of the foreign language requirement must receive a passing score on the CLEP exam.

Bilingual students

Native speakers of a commonly taught foreign language other than English may take one course beyond the 212 level as recommended by the Foreign Languages Department in that same language either at Marywood (if offered) or elsewhere (with prior approval of the department), or they must take and pass an advanced level CLEP exam in that language.
Native speakers of a lesser taught foreign language may find that no CLEP exam or advanced level college course in that language exists. In this case, the student may take one upper level course taught in the English language as determined and approved by the Foreign Languages Department. NOTE: This course may not be concurrently used to fulfill any other requirements in the Core Curriculum.
Should it be determined that a native speaker of a foreign language would benefit from additional English language study, LANG 101 and 102 would be required to fulfill the foreign language requirement. NOTE: This sequence may not be concurrently used to fulfill any other requirements in the Core Curriculum.

Any student wishing to begin study of a foreign language not previously studied must take two elementary level courses (101 and 102) in that new language in order to fulfill the foreign language requirement.

Communication Arts Special Features

The program offers students a number of opportunities to enhance their education. These include professional internships, independent studies, and membership in professional and student-based organizations and honor societies such as Lambda Pi Eta (communication arts); the American Advertising Federation (AAF) and the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) (advertising/public relations); the National Association of College Broadcasters (NACB) (digital media); and the Society for Collegiate Journalists (SCJ) (multimedia journalism). The department also supports its activities through its own and campus wide contemporary teaching facilities including a television station, radio station and numerous production facilities and state of the art equipment.

Professional Internships

Internships provide practical experience under the direction of qualified professionals at cooperating organizations in all of the areas of specialization in Communication Arts. An internship may be arranged with organizations in various geographical locations to meet the student’s career objectives.

Facilities

Radio Station: WVMW-FM

Award-winning, cutting-edge technology equipped on-air stereo radio station licensed by the FCC; studio for interview programs equipped with PC-based music system, a digital delay for talk shows, and a sound booth. A student staff manages and operates the station’s daily broadcasting schedule with a coverage area that encompasses northeastern Pennsylvania and is streamed globally online; affiliated with the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System.

TV Marywood

Innovative technology equipped digital facilities with full audio and video production capabilities, electronic field, graphics, and post-production facilities. Students have ready access to computer-based audio labs, nonlinear editors, and a comprehensive television control room and studio. The studio functions as a soundstage for digital filmmaking, audio recording, and virtual set design and implementation. Professional audio and lighting kits complement sophisticated digital field production systems. Student management and operational staff direct live and taped programming via regional facilities of Comcast Cable and internet streaming; programming may also be produced for internal and external clients.

Audio, Video, And Animation Labs

Dedicated instructional and work- spaces for audio and video editing and introductory animation production.

Computer Laboratory

Word processing, desktop publishing, 3D graphics, scriptwriting, and multimedia productions. Access is also provided to the Internet.

The Wood Word

Marywood’s award-winning, online student news source; student positions range from editors to photographers to writers. Students publish news and other editorial content, including photographs and video reports, daily. Students have access to a virtual as well as a physical newsroom equipped with computers and collaborative work space.