University of Minnesota
Communication Studies
612-624-5800


Communications Studies' Home Page

Department of Communication Studies

The University of Minnesota's Department of Communication Studies continues a rich heritage of teaching and research that began in 1914 under the leadership of Frank M. Rarig and H. B. Gislason. Today, with 12 faculty members, about 50 graduate students, and over 600 undergraduate majors, the department pursues a wide range of interests including: the criticism of public discourse, interpersonal communication, language and gender, small group communication, discourse analysis, intercultural communication, mass media studies, feminist and African-American rhetoric, communication theory, and rhetorical theory.

News

  • Doing Rhetoric Conference Saturday April 27th

    The University of Minnesota's Communication Studies and Writing Studies departments proudly invite you to our first annual conference titled "Doing Rhetoric at the U" on April 27, 2013, at the Weisman Museum.

    Our inaugural question, "What does it mean to 'do rhetoric' at the University of Minnesota in the 21st century," is an invitation extended to faculty and graduate students interested in rhetoric from all department to showcase their current research and create new pathways of collaboration across campus.

    With keynote addresses from top scholars in our field and a remarkable selection of 20 papers we begin a crucial conversation with far-reaching implications about our status at the U, our role as scholars, and our impact on the world around us.

    For up to date information, check out the conference page at http://doingrhetoric.wordpress.com/

     April 24th, 2013

  • Selmer Birkelo Scholarship Winner: Mariah Mousel

    Congratulations to Mariah Mousel. Mariah is a Communication Studies major and one of only 14 students in the College of Liberal Arts to receive a Selmer Birkelo Scholarship (up to $4000) for next academic year.

    April 16th, 2013

  • COMM Undergrad Research to be presented at St.Thomas Undergraduate Research Conference

    The following undergraduates will be presenting their research at the 22nd Annual Undergraduate Communication Research Conference at St. Thomas. Congratulations!

    Gabe Jensen, Senior, Communication Studies -- analyzes Bill Clinton's 2012 DNC address and how Clinton's persona as the "elder statesman" of the Democratic party worked to galvanize support behind President Obama's run for second term

    Luwana Kotchian, Senior, Communication Studies -- compares Bill Clinton's rhetoric after the World Trade Center bombing and the Oklahoma City bombing to GWB's rhetoric following 9/11 and argues that the two different "war rhetoric" responses directly influenced how the U.S. public responded to the domestic attacks

    Amina Maameri, Senior, Communication Studies -- analyzes Lincoln's First Inaugural and how Lincoln spoke to both the North and the South in his address. Amina also provides some excellent post-speech reaction from Northern and Southern newspapers.

    Amy Marcus, Junior, Communication Studies -- examine's architect Philip Johnson's 1979 Pritzker Prize Address and how Johnson's speech is structured to "build up" the field of architecture and provide direction for its future.

    Vishakha Mathur, Junior, Journalism with Communication Studies minor -- examines the 2011 Republican Primary Debate at the Reagan Library and how the candidates discuss the issue of immigration reform. Vishakha argues that the party's language excludes and others all immigrants, including those who are in the U.S. legally.

    PaZong Thao, Junior, Communication Studies -- examines the collective discourse of U.S. officials and the Hmong community following the death of General Vang Pao in January 2011. PaZong has done tremendous archival research to document Pao's participation in the Vietnam War and in developing a cohesive community in Minnesota and California after he moved to the United States.

    April 5th, 2013

Undergraduate News