Communications and Critical Thinking
Effective communication is an essential tool for those seeking careers in journalism, advertising, commerce, law, public relations, education or related fields.
The Communications and Critical Thinking (C&CT) track in philosophy serves students preparing for these careers with a unique interdisciplinary course of study that puts them on the fast track for any of those professional choices. It provides training in the latest media technologies and in timeless communication skills such as presenting good arguments, critical reasoning and logical evaluation of competing opinions.
Students specialize by selecting a specific set of courses from the wide variety offered for the major, and by adding minors in other related areas such as computer science, English, music, art, economics, psychology, sociology or political science.
Image by Tory Germann
Required Philosophy Classes
For more information, including program requirements, course descriptions and listings, as well as Degree Pathways please visit the UMass Lowell online Undergraduate Catalog.
Interdisciplinary Electives
Students must take three interdisciplinary classes in subjects relevant to the Communications program. Since the availability of these classes is subject to change, there is no comprehensive list of classes that satisfy this requirement. Students should consult with their advisor if they have questions about whether a particular class would count.
Practicum
Students will ordinarily take a three-credit practicum consisting of a volunteer internship at a professional site relevant to their course of study. At the end of the practicum, students will write an eight-page essay describing their experience and its contribution to their course of study. Students may also opt out of the practicum and do a focused directed study leading to a 20-page thesis paper on a topic they want to explore in depth.