Communication Studies examines the creation, transmission, and analysis of the messages we receive everyday. Communication Studies students investigate communication processes as they occur within and among individuals, groups, organizations, and societies. They explore interpersonal and nonverbal communication, rhetoric and criticism, argumentation and persuasion, and other aspects of communication.
We agree with Isocrates, Webster and Mead
“In most of our abilities we differ not at all from the animals; we are in fact behind many in swiftness and strength and other resources. But because there is born in us the power to persuade each other and to show ourselves whatever we wish, we not only have escaped from living as brutes, but also by coming together we have founded cities and set up laws and invented arts, and speech has helped us attain practically all of the things we have devised . . . . By speech we refute the wicked and praise the good. By speech we educate the ignorant and inform the wise. We regard the ability to speak properly as the best sign of intelligence, and truthful, legal, and just speech is the reflection of a good and trustworthy soul. . . . If I must sum up on this subject, we shall find that nothing done with intelligence is done without speech.” (Isocrates Antidosis)
“If all my talents and powers were to be taken from me by some inscrutable providence, and I had my choice of keeping but one, I would unhesitatingly ask to be allowed to keep the power of speaking, for through it, I would quickly recover all the rest.” (Daniel Webster)
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” (Margaret Mead)
100 Years and Counting! The origin and development of the Communication Studies Program.
We're 100! The department of "Reading and Public Speaking" was established at Southwest Texas State Normal School in 1912. For a century, the principles and practices of communication have been studied in San Marcos. In those 100 years, Communication Studies been linked with the academic study of elocution, oral interpretation, reading English & theatre.
Dr. Steven Beebe, chair of the Department of Communication Studies at Texas State said, “We've been pioneers in the study of communication, and we continue to be national leaders." "As we look ahead, we see milestones glistening like rising stars, promising even better things for our future."
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