Communication Across the Curriculum

At a recent meeting of the WAC (writing across the curriculum) committee of the Council formerly known as Arts and Sciences, there was a short discussion of the concept of communication across the curriculum or CAC. Just so the discussion does not wander too far down the road before we get a word in, here is what the National Communication Association has stated about such programs: (1996)

Resolved, That Communication Across the Curriculum programs should not be approved as substitutes for basic communication instruction provided by the discipline.

Resolved, That Communication Across the Curriculum courses are endorsed as useful extensions of and supplements to courses taught in departments of communication.

Resolved, That courses in Communication Across the Curriculum programs should be developed in close consultation with the communication faculty on the campus, and with ourside consultants as needed. These cross-disciplinary efforts must be acknowledged with resources, administrative support and recognition of faculty effort.