EC communication department splits into two new sections

Elmhurst College launched two new departments this fall semester, the department of theatre and dance and the department of communication and media.

The new departments were previously housed under the department of communication arts and sciences but have separated due to the disciplines evolving in their respective fields.

“The purpose of the change is to accommodate the expansion of the department of communication arts and sciences into the field of digital communication,” said Alan Weiger, department chair for theatre and dance.

This will help with being able to identify the respective majors.

“Before, a student might not have known to look for dance in communication arts and sciences, but now it’s in theatre and dance,” explained Courtney Miller, chair of communication and media department.

“The disciplines of theatre and communication have been together historically at Elmhurst, and since communication has evolved it made sense to separate the fields at this time,” Weiger continued.

According to Weiger, there will be no change in terms of how the department will function, besides minor budget adjustments.

One change in the department of communication and media is the addition of the digital media program.

“The program will definitely continue to grow,” Miller said, “Right now we have the three new majors: digital media, digital marketing and communication major, and the multimedia journalism major.”