Within the Department, Communication Studies is offered as a major area of study as well as a minor to complement other academic disciplines. The Department, in collaboration with the Department of Theatre, additionally offers a Speech Education minor for students seeking a career in secondary education. For students interested in debate, the Department is also home to LCU’s Debate program.
The learning approach to the study of communication at Louisiana Christian University is that of comprehension, adaptation, and application. These approaches share a common heritage in the classic Trivium learning model, as advocated by such classic scholars as Plato and Aristotle. Students are exposed to multiple communication theories across a host of contexts. Once students are equipped with an understanding of theoretical concepts, they then learn how these concepts are adapted and subsequently applied in varied situations throughout society. This approach is beneficial whether a student seeks to be more competitive in the job market or pursue further academic study.
Consistent with the mission of Louisiana Christian University, Departmental faculty additionally emphasize the role of faith in communication. Students in the Communication Studies program are educated in the pragmatics of human communication in a way that highlights Christ as the Chief communicator.
Department Information
Degrees & Programs
Debate
The Department of Communication Studies is home to LCU’s award-winning debate team. Whether a student has formal debate experience or is a newcomer to the practice, LCU Debate offers an excellent opportunity to continue honing communication skills prized by employers and organizations alike. Utilizing a Christ-centered approach, LCU Debate promotes a sense of community through the development of healthy competition and a clear commitment to professionalism. LCU Debate welcomes all volunteers.
For more information, please contact Brian Manuel at brian.manuel@lcuniversity.edu or 318-487-7597.
Many essential life skills are among those you will learn as a member of the debate team.
- Knowledge – You will learn about current events in your area and world, politics, the economy, science and much, much more.
- Persuasion – You will be better equipped to form a cohesive argument, which will make you more confident in convincing people.
- Cooperation – Debate is a team sport. You rely on others. They rely on you.
- Critical Thinking – You have to think fast. The training requires you to analyze a problem deeply and quickly.
- Focus – It’s noisy and the clock is ticking. You will learn how to focus under extreme pressure.
- Organization – Honing organizational skills is key to efficient, hassle-free debate presentation.
- Responsibility – Everyone works on the research needed to make a successful argument. Everyone is responsible for the win or loss.
- Note-taking – You will get better and faster at taking good notes because it’s necessary for the rapid speaking requirement in debate.
