COM 210 Speech Communication (3.00)
Provides an overview of the process of communication and introduces communication theory. Provides practical training in the fundamentals of effective presentation for individuals in both public speaking and group communication settings. Emphasizes discussion of contemporary issues and the analysis of public discourse.
Cross listing(s): COM 210C.
COM 210H Honors Speech Communication (3.00)
Provides knowledge and skills to enable students to lead others more effectively through improved presentational communication in a variety of contexts. Includes developing a more meaningful voice based on ethical communication, audience engagement and thoughtful responses to contemporary issues. NOTE: Honors students only.
COM 303 American Media Institutions (3.00)
Surveys the historical development of American mass media. Explores regulatory, economic, political and social influences of mass communication.
COM 307 Perf Texts: Interpretation & Acting (3.00)
Oral interpretation and acting both involve analyzing and interpreting literature (poetry, prose, drama) and communicating that interpretation through performance.
Pre-requisite: TAKE COM*210;
COM 310 Interpersonal Communication (3.00)
Studies interpersonal aspects of communication. Introduces concepts and related skills that define communication in a variety of face-to-face contexts. Includes models of communication, language and meaning, nonverbal and verbal communication, perception, conflict and establishing positive human relationships via communication.
COM 311 Business & Professional Communication (3.00)
Introduction to basic skills, principles and contexts of communication in business and professional settings. Focuses on organization, adaptation and delivery of presentations for many types of business and professional settings.
Pre-requisite: TAKE COM*380;
Cross listing(s): BA 311.
COM 312 Performances of Self and Society (3.00)
Provides an overview of the many performances that create and support individual and social identity. Studies the notion of 'performance' through sociological, anthropological and literary/artistic lenses. Points performance as one of the most creative, imaginative and pragmatic of human communication responses.
Pre-requisite: COM*210
COM 380 Com: Questions, Contexts & Theory (3.00)
Examines ways that communication constitutes social life and introduces several important theories of meaning-making for dialogic consideration. Explores interpersonal relationships; the intersections of language, gender, culture and power, and the dynamics of mass media and society. Foregrounds the notion of context, and engages the question of how we ought to live.
COM 381 Research Methods in Communication (3.00)
Surveys a variety of communication research methods and guides students through their own research proposals and/or projects. Students learn to write literature reviews, research questions and reports, observe, document and analyze communication, and conduct interviews and surveys.
Cross listing(s): COM 281.
COM 400 Intercultural Communication (3.00)
Using readings, film, field experience and/or dialogue, the course investigates cultural identity, meaning, patterns, relationships and conflicts that arise as contact increases between people of different cultures in our global society.
Cross listing(s): PJ 406.
COM 402 Media Aesthetics (3.00)
A survey of aesthetic considerations of television, film and radio. Students will examine the fundamental image elements-light, space, time-motion and sound.
Pre-requisite: COM*380
COM 403E-W Forensic Participation: (1.00)
Students prepare at least two events in public speaking and/or oral interpretation of literature. Requires attendance at a minimum of two tournaments to qualify for credit. NOTE: Students who wish to participate in competitive forensic tournaments can earn up to three (3) semester hours credit (credit per semester over three semesters).
Pre-requisite: COM*380
COM 409 Critical Methods for Visual Commun (3.00)
Studies a variety of methods currently utilized for conducting a critical analysis of communication acts. Includes dramatism, semiotics, narrative theory, reader-oriented criticism, feminist criticism and others. Students apply one or more of these methods in developing and presenting critical analyses of discourses.
Pre-requisite: COM*380
COM 413 Strategies of Dialogue (3.00)
Examines the dynamics of group communication through theoretical lenses, explores some difficulties in negotiating high-stakes or emotional terrain, and practical approaches for imagining, conducting and participating in productive dialogues.
Pre-requisite: COM*380
Cross listing(s): PJ 413.
COM 414 Small Group Communication (3.00)
Provides a comprehensive overview of psychological group theories and empirical findings, emphasizing principles of group dynamics. Includes group projects and classroom simulations.
Pre-requisite: COM*380 PY*250
Cross listing(s): PY 445.
COM 416 Public Relations (3.00)
Studies the history, purpose and processes of public relations. Examines public relations tools and practices, ranging from preparing and conducting a public relations program, setting up a news conference, establishing and running a speaker bureau, designing and producing a brochure and editing an employee newsletter.
Cross listing(s): BA 416.
COM 418 Organizational Communication (3.00)
Surveys contemporary organizational communication theories and practices. Investigates issues such as diversity, participation, technology, corporate ethics, the environment, and globalization. Focuses on analyzing and critiquing current organizational practices and assumptions, with an aim toward increasing social justice and ethics.
Cross listing(s): PJ 423 BA 418.
COM 421 Persuasion and Argumentation (3.00)
Studies persuasion and argumentation from the early Aristotelian perspective to contemporary research. Includes models of the persuasive process, emotional stimulation, proofs and reasoning, cultural premises, and ethics of persuasion.
Pre-requisite: COM*380
COM 424 New Communication Technologies (3.00)
Examines how new media works, what effects may result from their use in public and private settings, and how they might, when necessary, be regulated.
Pre-requisite: COM*380
COM 425 Video Production (3.00)
A survey of video production methods and aesthetic theory. Students become proficient in pre-production planning, basic video production techniques and equipment, using both studio and remote equipment. Students produce a basic video project.
Pre-requisite: COM*380 COM*402
COM 427 Communication Ethics (3.00)
Explores theoretical and practical issues in the explanations of ethical options and decisions in relational, organizational, and mass communication contexts. Case studies, practical analysis, and current ethical dilemmas in communication are investigated from multiple theoretical perspectives.
COM 428 Media and Politics (3.00)
Examines the relationship of mass media and political campaigns. Explores political communication aspects including news, debates, polls, advertising, technology, and effects on voters. Examines the role of media in political scandal or foreign affairs.
Pre-requisite: COM*380
COM 430 Music/Audio Technology (3.00)
Engage creatively and critically with the society around us in artistic and socially aware ways through creation of original audio projects such as studio and live recordings, electronic compositions, radio plays, oral histories, audio postcards, etc. Techniques to be covered include the use of microphones, recording equipment, and audio sequencing/editing software.
Cross listing(s): FAMT 430.
COM 432 Advertising Theory and Practice (3.00)
Studies advertising and promotional aspects of marketing in depth. Integrates theory with practical planning, management and strategy issues.
Pre-requisite: COM*380
Cross listing(s): MKT 432.
COM 440 Gender, Sexuality & Communication (3.00)
Explores connections between communication, gender, and sexuality in close relationships, organizations and the media. Course involves readings, dialogues, films, field trips, and group projects.
Pre-requisite: TAKE COM*380 WS*400;
Cross listing(s): PJ 440 WS 440 WGS 440.
COM 445 TV Programming and Criticism (3.00)
Studies television programming, theory, techniques and strategies. Explores the themes and assumptions inherent in television messages and the role of audience research in the development of television content.
Pre-requisite: COM*380
COM 464E-W Film Criticism: (3.00)
Introduces the technical evolution and history of film and the principles of aesthetic criticism, film analysis and the evolution of themes and genres. Considers basic elements of cinema including screen writing, direction, casting, production, cinematography, and editing.
COM 475 In-Depth News Reporting and Writing (3.00)
Develop beat and in-depth news stories, practicing skills in research, source development and interviewing; story framing, structure, and style; graphics and layout design. Considers perspectives on the role of journalists in democratic society.
Pre-requisite: COM*380
Cross listing(s): PJ 495K.
COM 485E-W Special Topics/Communications: (3.00)
Examines special topics in the field of communication in depth. Includes assignment options of original research and creative projects.
COM 486 Mass Communication and Society (3.00)
Investigates and analyzes economic, political and ideological dimensions of mass communication and social control, and the development of mass media forms.
Cross listing(s): SO 486.
COM 490E-W Independent Study in Communication (1.00 - 6.00)
Supervision by a faculty member on advanced research or practice in one of the media that meets the individual needs of the student.
COM 495 Senior Capstone Experience (3.00)
Brings senior Communication majors together to explore the synthesis of the discipline. Students engage in research projects, job-search strategies, interviewing and professional development.
Pre-requisite: COM*380