Communications (CMN)

Chairman: Walter Horne
Professors: Sally Jacoby, Joshua Meyrowitz, Noh Hask, Mara Tonn

Invigorating new ideas and theories are meaningless if the creator cannot clearly express them. The Communications Department strives to improve students' speech and writing abilities, whether they're composing a paper on warp drive theory, making first contact, debating philosophy, or just meeting a new friend. The faculty emphasizes the importance of clear, concise communication in all aspects of a cadet's life.



CMN 101. Creative Writing

Fundamental techniques of expression through written language. Focus on analysis of literary techniques, interpretive skills, creative exercises, and critical evaluation. Weekly papers of varying lengths and formats; frequent conferences and presentations.


CMN 102. Communication and Social Order

Introduction to communication from a broad perspective, emphasizing the role of symbolic interaction in the construction of socially shared reality. Processes of intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, public and mass communication. Includes a visit to and speakers from the Federation Press and Information Bureau.


CMN 200. Public Speaking

Performance course supported by practical theories of public discourse and presentation. Focus on analysis of speaking situations and audiences, message construction, presentation, and critical evaluation. The course includes an analysis of famous speeches, including the Gettysburg Address, the Call of Kahless, and Sarek's "On the Logic of the Coridan Admission." Students give weekly speeches in class and are each expected to present a ten-minute speech for the class as part of a final exam.


CMN 204. Introduction to Argumentation

Persuasive discourse as inquiry and advocacy grounded in practical inductive and deductive reasoning. Discovery, analysis, and testing of practical arguments. The nature and function of proof. Emphasis on applied presentation. The course includes holographic recreations of famous debates from Federation history, from Martian secession to recent Federation Council meetings. Students attend and take part in debates at the Interstellar Caucus on Chia VII as part of the course requirements.


CMN 370. Systems and Theories of Rhetoric

Critical interpretation of significant works in the history of rhetorical theory and the major philosophical systems underlying them. Selected contemporary theories of rhetoric examined as they relate to classical perspectives. Explores fundamental philosophical and theoretical questions asked by rhetorical theorists and several responses to those questions. Reading includes "Ethics, Sophistry and the Alternate Universe" by Ving Kuda.


CMN 498. First Contact

A comprehensive study of first-contact- procedures and regulations, along with the skills and information necessary for establishing contact with new species. Including a study of famous first-contact situations, from Earth-Vulcan contact to the Klingon Empire to Malcor III. The Starfleet first-contact guidelines, by Captain McCoullough, are required reading, along with "The Prime Directive and First Contact: Ideals in Conflict" by Sollen Genor and "The Hur'q Invasion" by Brakkel. Students take part in simulated first-contact situations, including commanding a complete first-contact mission.