Communication, Language, and Literature

Faculty

Ann Cerminaro-Costanzi Ph.D, Chairperson

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

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.

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, Language, and Literature therefore offers a variety of programs of study, including majors in:

Multimedia Communication
English/Literature
English/Secondary Education
English/Writing
Spanish
Spanish/Secondary Education

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 Multimedia Communication program prepares 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
Latino Studies
Multimedia Communication
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.

Modern Language Requirements for All Undergraduate Students

For modern languages, all students must take 3-6 credits of modern language as outlined here. To enable each student to continue progressing in a second language and to achieve the highest possible proficiency, the Department offers an online placement test, the results of which determine the level course at which the student will begin study. The results of the language placement test are received by the department, and shared with both the Registrar’s Office as well as the student’s advisor, who ensures that the student takes the appropriate level class/es as required prior to the student’s sophomore year. 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 who place beyond the 212 level:

Students whose placement test indicates beginning language study with a course beyond the 212 can complete the language requirement with only one 3 credit course provided that the course taken is BEYOND THE 212 LEVEL. 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 who place below the 212 level:

These students are required to take six credits in sequence in the same language beginning at the course level indicating by the placement test. Courses taken below the level indicated by the student’s placement exam will not count toward fulfillment of the language requirement. Students seeking a change in placement must consult with the Modern Language Department in order to be approved for a change in placement.

Any student seeking a waiver of the modern language requirement must receive a passing score on the CLEP exam or bring in AP college credit.

Bilingual students

Native speakers of a commonly taught modern language other than English may take one course beyond the 212 level as recommended by the Modern 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 modern 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 Modern 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 modern language would benefit from additional English language study, LANG 101 and 102 would be required to fulfill the modern 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 modern language not previously studied must take two elementary level courses (101 and 102) in that new language in order to fulfill the language requirement.

Multimedia Communication 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 Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA); and the Society for Collegiate Journalists (SCJ). The department also supports its activities through its own contemporary teaching facilities including a television station, radio station and numerous production facilities with 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 Multimedia Communication. 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 and Video Labs

Dedicated instructional and work- spaces for audio and video editing.

Newsroom

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.