Calendar 
Communication
Program Description
The Department of Communication offers major and minor bachelor degrees in communication studies. The Department also makes significant instructional contributions to undergraduate major and minor degrees in film studies and a minor in cultural studies. Eleven faculty and two adjunct instructors provide critical instruction for over 150 majors. Research and program objects broadly focus on the convergences of rhetoric, media criticism, and organization, relational, and political economic analysis. Specific areas of study include: the effects of globalization on cultural industries, popular texts, the environment, and communication politics; the historical and contemporary role of new media technologies in historical and current contexts; position of cultural identity in relationships, cultural production, and social movements; and the comparative state of democracy and citizenship in rhetorical argument and institutional practice. Courses contribute to the development of a critical understanding of rhetoric, communication theory, consumerism, film studies, new media, and cultural politics.
Subject Resource Guide
Scope
Selection emphasis is primarily on materials supporting teaching and research in intercultural, interpersonal, organizational, and visual communication with a special emphasis on Caribbean mass media (musical and cultural), cultural studies, gender studies, rhetoric and speech studies, journalism, and film theory and criticism (particularly African and Latin American).
Type
The library collects journals, monographs, monographic series, conference proceedings, and specialized reference works with particular emphasis given to scholarly editions. Textbooks, dissertations, manuscripts, and most collections of previously published materials are not regularly sought.
Format
Journals, monographs, monographic series, proceedings, and reference works are generally purchased as printed text. To broaden accessibility, journals are sought online when this format is available. Print journals may be canceled to reduce costs when ownership of the online version is assured. Online access that requires additional costs with a print subscription will be sought selectively. Other formats are considered, especially when the alternative format would improve access or utility.
Language
English is the primary collecting language for lower level and core materials. All other languages are considered for higher level materials.
Chronological Period
Materials focusing on relevant topics within contemporary and 20th century time periods are emphasized. However, additional materials covering pre-20th century periods are included to meet the historical component of this program.
Imprint Date
Preference is given to materials published within the past three years. Retrospective collecting of seminal materials is ongoing on a title by title basis.
Geographical Considerations
All geographic regions are represented. In accordance with instructional emphases, special attention is given to materials originating in Europe, North America, Africa, Latin America, and South America.
Cooperative Resources
The Howard-Tilton Memorial Library is one of 14 members of a cooperative consortium of southern research libraries called KUDZU, which includes a shared online catalog. Loan requests through this system receive priority processing and expedited two-day delivery. The library is also a member of the cooperative Center for Research Libraries (CRL) in Chicago, through which we may borrow a wide range of rare materials for our users. Undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty may borrow materials directly from the main library nearby at Loyola University of New Orleans through a reciprocal agreement called TU/LU. Graduate students and faculty may borrow materials at other New Orleans area academic libraries, and at other academic libraries throughout the state, through the LALINC consortium. For more information about cooperative borrowing privileges inquire at the library's Circulation Desk.
Supply Sources
Monographs and monographic series are purchased on approval from Blackwell’s Book Service. Books from publishers not covered by Blackwell’s are purchased on a title by title basis from Amazon or similar book vendors. DVDs are purchased from a variety of vendors in addition to Amazon, including Passion River, Icarus, Kino, Filmmakers, Third World Newsreel, Women Making Movies, among others.
Endowed Funds
The Glenda Burke fund may be used for the acquisition of monographs in rhetoric, debate, speech, and related topics.
Selection Tools
Choice, Quarterly Journal of Speech, Journal of Communication, Communication Monographs, Text and Performance Quarterly, and Journal of Applied Communication are reviewed regularly.