Communication and Theatre Division

The Division of Communication and Theatre equips Christ-centered communicators, grounded in theory, scholarship, and professional skills, who give voice to stories that impact culture. The division offers five majors: Communication Studies, Convergent Journalism, Media Communication, Public Relations, and Theatre. Each major provides students with a strong foundation in communication theory and practice; knowledge and skills in utilizing contemporary images, methods, and media; opportunities to apply knowledge and skills in hands-on, professional settings; and an understanding of how their storytelling can impact contemporary culture–all within a Christian worldview.

Communication and Theatre Organizations and Opportunities

The Division of Communication and Theatre provides a variety of opportunities and organizations to supplement its academic offerings:

1. WIWU-TV 51: Students gain practical experience by working for this 24-hour digital television station, housed in the Division of Communication and Theatre's media facilities. Students work with staff professionals on local news magazine shows, live athletic events, community telethons, and IWU cultural and worship events.
2. The Sojourn: Students experience the satisfaction of applying their knowledge and skills, working as a team, and collecting published work by writing for The Sojourn, IWU's award-winning campus newspaper, in print and online. The student-managed Sojourn awards stipends for all editors, business and distribution managers, and photography staff.
3. WIWU-FM: Student managers operate an FCC licensed radio station with the assistance of a faculty advisor. Students serve as on-air announcers as required in various radio courses. WIWU-FM (94.3, The Fortress) broadcasts to all of Marion and Grant County with contemporary Christian music and local programming.
4. Theatre: The theatre program provides at least four productions each year–one faculty-directed and one student-directed production in both the fall and spring semesters. Recent productions include The Glass Menagerie, The Importance of Being Earnest, Tuesday's with Morrie, Romeo and Juliet, and The Mikado.
5. Indiana Wesleyan Theatre Guild: Each fall, in conjunction with the theatrical productions, all IWU students are invited to interview for roles (actors, technicians, production managers) in the Guild. Guild members meet periodically to promote the theatre and aid in its advancement as well as participate in community service projects. Involvement in theatre productions does not require Guild membership.
6. PRSSA: The IWU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America allows students to gain valuable out-of-classroom experience and knowledge in public relations and to develop relationships with working professionals and students in chapters across the country.
7. Indiana Collegiate Press Association and Associated Collegiate Press: The division is active in both journalism organizations and students and faculty advisors attend annual workshops and conventions. The Sojourn earns numerous awards from both annually.
8. Caesura and Legacy: The university's literary magazine and yearbook provide opportunities for student writers, layout designers, and photographers to gain practical experience and work collaboratively.
9. SIFE: Students in Free Enterprise, sponsored by the Division of Business, is one of the many student organizations the division partners with to provide opportunities for collaborative hands-on learning and networking with professionals.

CCCU Best Semester Program Options

Students who wish to attend a CCCU BestSemester Program must visit the Global Studies Office and their academic advisor very early in the process of their considerations. Students approved to attend must be in good standing with Student Development, may not be on disciplinary probation, must have at least a 2.75 GPA, and have earned a minimum of 30 credits at IWU

American Studies Program

Communication students interested in public policy issues, advocacy, government, or politics may participate in this interdisciplinary internship/seminar program based in Washington, D.C. Students develop an appreciation for how biblical faith relates to thinking critically about public policy and marketplace issues. They also experience responsible Christ-centered service in their personal and public vocations, whatever their career paths or walks of life.

Los Angeles Film Studies Center

This program, based in Hollywood, Calif., involves a study of the film industry from a Christian perspective and provides students with hands-on experience and internships in the film business. The program is an intensive one-semester immersion into film studies during which the student may earn 16 credit hours.

Washington Journalism Center

Journalism, Media Communication, and Public Relations students may take advantage of an advanced, experiential semester in Washington D.C. that will cultivate professional news skills and encourage students to think through the implications of being a Christian working in the news media, in a city that is home to the powerful and the powerless.

Contemporary Music Center

This interdisciplinary off-campus study program in Nashville, Tennessee provides an opportunity for young musicians, engineers and aspiring music executives. Designed as an artists' community, the program seeks to develop artists, technicians and music executives with a Christ-centered vision for music content, production and delivery.

Australian Studies Center

From art and ministry to drama and dance, students attending ASC have every opportunity to pursue their passions and interests with other Christians from around North American and the world even as they compare and contrast the Australia of myths and movies with the realities of everyday life. Designed to provide undergraduates of all majors and career interests with the opportunity to study the arts and theology in Sydney, the program also emphasizes Indigenous studies and faithful, global involvement.