Communications and Cinema Departmental Records

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: RG10-05-002

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains records produced by the Department of Communications and Cinema from 1982-2021. It is broken down into four series: course documents, departmental reviews & reports, handbooks & major requirements, and department events & programs. The first series is composed of course proposals, class syllabi, and student-produced coursework. The student-produced course work consists of a series of filmed interviews with recipients of the McDaniel College Distinguished Teaching Award. These interviews were created as part of the class, COM4465-01, In-Depth Interview Production.

Series two contains departmental reviews and reports. The reviews are arranged chronologically and consist of both external evaluations of the Communications department and self-evaluations. The reports cover topics such as annual reports to the Provost’s Office, start-of-term updates, memos, and departmental statistics. They are arranged by extent and departmental focus with more general records pertaining to the whole campus coming last.

Series three covers departmental handbooks and major requirements. Series four consists of copies of the Communications department newsletter and memorabilia from department sponsored events.

Dates

1982 - 2021

Creator

McDaniel College (2002-). Department of Communication and Cinema (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Records created less than thirty years ago are restricted in accordance with archives policies. Records created thirty years ago or later may be accessed barring any other restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Papers may be copied in accordance with the McDaniel College Archives' usual procedures.

Biographical / Historical

The first communications program at Western Maryland College began in the mid-1970s following a push from students interested in completing a student-designed major in the subject. By 1982, there was enough interest in the program to warrant its establishment as a formal major. Two years later, the Communication and Theatre Arts Department was formed. Originally, the department hosted an amalgamation of faculty from the English, French, and Drama departments. This cross-departmental staffing emphasized its largely interdisciplinary focus. As the program expanded, the department gradually transitioned to a social science basis. However, it was not until 2000 that the Communications department was staffed entirely by faculty with degrees in communications.

Film studies functioned as an integral part of the program’s coursework from its inception. As the department grew, the program offered a concentration in film and video studies and, eventually, a formal minor in 2004. In 2013, McDaniel officially offered Cinema as a major.