Purpose Statement

The Department of Communication Studies provides students the opportunity to examine, study, and practice the principles and processes of the traditional and artistic forms of human communication.

At Bryan College, the challenge to impact our world for the Kingdom of God extends to every discipline, and communication is at the heart of this process. Communication has power to shape culture, and understanding the art of communication can give individuals important insights as they engage their culture.

We in the Department of Communication Studies desire to not only collaborate with other departments to train students to become critical consumers, but to develop a program that trains students to become effective producers of messages of truth and hope as well. Our ultimate goal is to train students to critically discern messages and audiences; to create messages of hope and redemption that are meaningful, coherent, and relevant with an appealing style; and to deliver biblically based messages using available methods.

Maybe this power of communication to shape culture explains why C. S. Lewis argued that we need fewer Christian writers and more writers who are Christian. In other words, we need to train students to adapt the redemption story into the vernacular of the secular marketplace, not just the Christian marketplace. Bob Briner, author of "Roaring Lambs," seconds Lewis's motion by challenging Christians to move out of the Christian subculture in which the word Christian is used as an adjective (Christian music, Christian television, Christian film) and into the mainstream as professional communicators who happen to be Christian.

We believe this site will give you a general overview of the Communication Studies department, but we encourage you to come visit us and get a first-hand look at the programs we offer.

Sincerely,
Dr. Randall Hollingsworth
Chairman, Communication Studies Department

Educational Objectives

• To develop students' abilities to speak, listen, and think logically, clearly, and critically prior to graduation.
• To guide students in formulating a worldview which is informed by an understanding of biblical truth as well as the contemporary issues unique to the discipline.
• To develop in students an appreciation for the unique cultural and religious heritage with which they are entrusted as Christians in a democratic society.
• To prepare students for graduate work or entry‑level employment in those fields related to the discipline.
• To develop students' communication competence in a variety of settings.
• To instruct students in the characteristics, history, and techniques of performance.
• To provide cultural activities to address the needs of the college and community.