Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Communication > Course Offerings

COMM 160 Oral Interpretation of Literature (4 C.H.)
This course covers the techniques and practical application of oral interpretation of literature at the introductory level. It will also acquaint the student with techniques in choral speaking and readers' theatre.

COMM 171 Introduction to Communication (3 C.H.)
This is a survey course designed to create an awareness of the basic principles and skills of human communication. Students are introduced to the concepts and elements of the communication process. Second, we examine internal elements, such as perception of self and others, and finally move toward interaction with others - interpersonal, to small group, to public communication. Students will also learn to analyze their personal communication strengths and weaknesses, listening skills, and interview preparation. Students should leave this course with a basic understanding and skill level that will enable them to enter many other communication courses. Students will complete both written and oral assignments. This course should be taken as a prerequisite to all other communication courses.

COMM 181 Public Speaking (4 C.H.)
This course is designed to provide students with skills essential to effective public speaking. These skills include: 1. Preparing the speech (topic selection, audience analysis, and research). 2. Organizing the speech (outlining). 3. Content (reasoning, supporting materials) and 4. Presenting the speech (vocal and physical delivery). Ideally, students should be able to apply these skills in a variety of public speaking situations, whether in future college courses or in non-academic settings. Students will also become active listeners and learn to analyze, critique, and evaluate the speaking of others. (It is recommended that students take English Composition.

COMM 185 Introduction to Radio (3 C.H.)
The study of the tools, techniques, and applications of radio broadcasting, including he principles of programming, formatics, and production. Students will be required to display basic radio techniques through on-air and production work.

COMM 195 Introduction to Broadcasting (3 C.H.)
An introductory course in which students will be familiarized with broadcasting history and theory, laws and regulations, contemporary issues and problems, equipment and facilities, basic production and direction, writing and performing, and programming and station management.

COMM 220 Journalism (3 C.H.)
An introduction to the theory and practice of newspaper production including reporting methods; news, feature and headline writing; copy editing, make-up, and design.

COMM 225 Interpersonal Communication (3 C.H.)
The course will examine how the process of communication shapes individual behavior, how individuals interact in interdependent communication situations, and how individuals improve their interpersonal communication skills.

COMM 240 Introduction to Broadcasting (3 C.H.)
An introductory course in which students will be familiarized with broadcasting history and theory, laws and regulations, contemporary issues and problems, equipment and facilities, basic production and direction, writing and performing, and programming and station management.

COMM 250 Group Process (3 C.H.)
Analysis of the theory of group decision-making. Theory is applied in group problem-solving of current campus and community issues.

COMM 260 Argumentation and Debate (3 C.H.)
The principles of reasoning and the analysis of evidence are applied to the process of argumentation as the basis for rational decision-making.

COMM 280 Mass Communication: Concepts and Issues (3 C.H.)
This course is designed to introduce the student to basic concepts of mass communication theory and research, to the history and development of various media, and to the links among mass communication, society, and culture.

COMM 285/295 Broadcast Media Production (3 C.H.)
An advanced broadcast production course combining classroom with studio experience to provide students with an opportunity to develop their skills in production, direction, writing, performance, and media management.
(P: COMM 240 or permission of instructor)

COMM 300 Persuasion (3 C.H.)
The goal of this receiver-oriented course is to enhance the students' ability to become more critical and responsible consumers of persuasive messages. The focus is on receiving, understanding, analyzing, and evaluating persuasion. Persuasive theories, strategies, and arguments that influence receivers are examined. What persuasive strategies/appeals are most and least effective in a particular situation and why? Finally, we will expore some of the contexts in which persuasion operates such as interpersonal persuasion, political campaigns, social movements, and advertising.
(P: COMM 171 and COMM 180)

COMM 321 Organizational Communication (3 C.H.)
This course examines the form and function of communication in complex organizations. Students study the role that groups and individuals play in decision-making, conflict management and organizational culture.(P: COMM 171) Offered fall term only.

COMM 331 Intercultural Communication (3 C.H.)
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts and issues of intercultural communication and to improve the students' sensitivity and skills in communicating with members of different cultures and microcultures.
(P: COMM 171)

COMM 340 A Survey of the Concepts of Public Relations (3 C.H.)
Case studies in public relations and an overview of how public relations acts as part of society's communication process.
(P: COMM 171 or permission of instructor)

COMM 350 Print Media Production (3 C.H.)
A practical course in advanced print journalism combining classroom lecture/discussion with laboratory production of publications focusing on design principles, layout and basic photojournalism.
(P: COMM 220 or permission of instructor)

COMM 380 Advanced Print Media Production (3 C.H.)
An advanced course in advanced print journalism combining classroom lecture/discussion with laboratory production of publications to provide students with an opportunity to develop their skills in advanced news writing, copy editing, layout and design and photojournalisn.

COMM 410 Film in American Culture (3 C.H.)
An introduction to the role of film in American culture, considering film's technology, influence on our society, morals, and values. Also considers film's rhetorical role and its place in the communication process.

COMM 430 Rhetorical Theory (3 C.H.)
A course designed to acquaint students with the classical, modern, and contemporary rhetorical and communication theories using readings from Plato through Kenneth Burke. Every fourth year the focus will be on the rhetoric of the presidential campaign. Students may repeat the course as topics change. Offered fall term.

COMM 440 Communication Theory (3 C.H.)
This course will critically survey many of the theoretical perspectives and approaches to the study of communication phenomena which have been developed both within and outside the academic discipline of communication. Topics include the nature of the discipline, the role of theory in the inquiry process, and critical evaluation of major communication theories.

COMM 455 Media Law and Regulation (3 C.H.)
A comprehensive survey of the legal and regulatory environment in which mass media operate in the United States. Readings and class discussions will be focused on the court system. First Amendment issues, the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Trade Commission, regulation of media content and ownership, computer-mediated communication and internet issues, MP3 and music "piracy," copyright and intellectual property, indecency, defamation, privacy and free press/fair trial.

COMM 470 Senior Seminar (3 C.H.)
Independent research project on a selected topic in the student's area of specialization with seminar-style meetings for discussion of readings and presentation of research. Offered fall term.

COMM 480 Communication Internship (C.H. Variable)
The opportunity to work part-time or full-time in a communication-field work site including periodic meetings with a faculty adviser, readings, and written reports.

COMM 490 Independent Study (C.H. Variable)