Areas of study within the Communication Arts major: Digital Filmmaking, Digital Journalism and Writing, Global Communication and Media and Visual Communication Design (graphic design).

The Communication Arts Major prepares students for a richly interdisciplinary field that functions at the intersection of media, design, film and society. Emerging in the mid-1900s to become one of the most influential disciplines of the 21st Century, the field of communication is the study and practice of contemporary tools, languages, technologies, media and discourses of and about culture.

Faculty

The Communication Arts faculty includes nationally and internationally recognized scholars, authors, journalists, professional designers  filmmakers and writers whose work has been featured in publications, festivals and exhibitions, as well as in books and academic journals.

Curriculum

Students in the Communication Arts major begin their study with foundational knowledge in new technologies and practices in the communication disciplines. They then choose one of five concentrations for further study: Digital Filmmaking, Digital Journalism and Writing, Global Communication and Media and Visual Communication Design. Courses in theory, history, criticism, research, writing and hands-on production engage students analytically and creatively with the social, cultural, and aesthetic issues of media.

The curriculum culminates in a senior portfolio Capstone project that demonstrates each student’s ability to conceptualize and execute meaningful work using the relevant technologies of his or her concentration.

Co-Op / Internship

As part of the curriculum, Communication Arts students are required to complete a co-op or an internship in their area of interest.  Students leave Ramapo College with professional experience in disciplines that include promotions, public relations, advertising, writing, broadcast, print and web design, interactive media, film, television, journalism publishing and non-profit.

Clubs, Events and Exhibitions

Other experiential and co-curricular activities include regular Cinematheque film screenings; the Rho Phi chapter of Lambda Pi Eta; the National Communication Arts Honor Society; a student Creative Media Club; regular presentations by artists, professionals, and alumni; and Media Collision, the annual spring showcase of outstanding student work.

Facilities

The Communication Arts Major maintains a wide range of facilities. Mac and PC computer labs are configured for use in the areas of print and web design, interactive multimedia production, animation, film and audio post-production, new media journalism and global communication and media research. Other facilities include a field production classroom, private editing suites, audio recording studio, student access clusters, print lab, and studio facilities for television/digital film/new media production.

Students completing this program will receive a B.A. degree. A minor in Digital Filmmaking is available.

Goal: Demonstrate knowledge and critical thinking relative  to the ways that  media and communication impact society.

Outcome 1:  Demonstrate understanding of media as an economic, cultural, political and ideological force in society.

Outcome 2:  Demonstrate understanding of the ways in which the formal elements of media language (image, text, sound) create meaning.

Goal:  Communicate oral, visual and written ideas effectively.

Outcome 3:  Be able to write appropriately to their discipline using proper documentation.

Outcome 4:  Demonstrate effective oral communication.

Goal: Produce innovative content and creative work across media to prepare students for postgraduate studies and professions in media and communication industries.

Outcome 5:  Apply original thinking in the work they produce.

Outcome 6:   Produce advanced work making appropriate choices about tools and techniques.

1. Transfer students who have 48 or more credits accepted at the time of transfer are waived from the courses marked with a (W) below.  Waivers do not apply to Major Requirements.
2. Double counting between General Education, School Core, and Major may be possible.  Check with your advisor to see if any apply.
3. Writing Intensive Requirement (five):  two writing intensive courses in the general education curriculum are required: Critical Reading and Writing II and also Humanities; the other three courses are taken in the major.
4. Not all courses are offered each semester.  Please check the current Schedule of Classes for semester course offerings.
5. The Career Pathways Program requirements must be completed prior to graduation. Visit the Cahill Career Center.

COMMUNICATION ARTS MAJOR

Note: A 2.0 GPA in the major is required for graduation.

• At least half of the courses fulfilling a minor must be distinct from the student’s major. That is, three of the five courses required for a minor cannot be used towards fulfillment of major requirements. A School Core does not need to be completed for a minor. Minors are open to students regardless of school affiliation.
• Students pursuing majors not offered by the School of Contemporary Arts will need to take 5 classes.
• Contemporary Arts school majors and Communication Arts students from different concentrations seeking the Digital Filmmaking minor should be aware that some of the courses take 3 to 4  courses in the minor depending on their concentration or major.

DIGITAL FILMMAKING MINOR

• At least half of the courses fulfilling a minor must be distinct from the student’s major. That is, three of the five courses required for a minor cannot be used towards fulfillment of major requirements. A School Core does not need to be completed for a minor. Minors are open to students regardless of school affiliation.
• Students pursuing majors not offered by the School of Contemporary Arts will need to take 5 classes.
• Contemporary Arts school majors and Communication Arts students from different concentrations seeking the Graphic Communication minor. Should be aware that some of the courses offered in the minor can count in their majors so they will need to take 3 to 4 courses in the minor depending on their concentration or major.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION MINOR

General Education Requirements
Four Year Plan
Graduation Requirements
School of Contemporary Arts Website
Faculty Profiles