Communication Course Descriptions

1003 VOICE & DICTION.

Trains the student to isolate and reproduce each sound in the English language. Uses practical situations to emphasize a more effective speaking voice.

1013# SURVEY OF COMMUNICATION.

This course will provide students the foundational principles that champion the communication studies discipline. More specifically, this course will survey theory and practice in the following areas: intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, group, media and ethics, and public communication.

1153 DESKTOP PRESENTATIONS.

This course shows students how to combine creative thinking and the latest in electronic publishing devices to create media presentations. (Previously listed as COMM 3153)

1233# INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION.

Gives a thorough introduction to the field of interpersonal communication. Shows the student how to apply these principles to everyday interactions.

1553# LISTENING.

Introduces the student to techniques to be used in improving listening skills.

2113 WRITING FOR MASS COMMUNICATION I.

Theory and practice of gathering, writing, and evaluating information for dissemination through mass communication channels, both print and electronic. (Prerequisite: minimal word processing skills)

2213# BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SPEAKING.

Students perform a variety of speeches and learn organization, research, structure and delivery techniques. Students learn conference techniques and interviewing skills.

2223 WRITING FOR MASS COMMUNICATION II.

A continuation of COMM 2113 with emphasis on in depth reports, coverage of complex news events and public issues. (Prerequisites: COMM 1013 and 2113, or permission of instructor)

2233# FUNDAMENTALS OF ORAL INTERPRETATION.

Focuses on the ability to transfer the author’s meaning from the printed page to the audience’s mind. Units on poetry, prose, and dramatic literature are included. (Same as THTR 2233)

2243 PUBLICATION PRODUCTION AND DESIGN.

Fundamentals of publication design and layout as they apply to the production and editing of the University’s student publications. (Previously listed as Yearbook Production)

2253# SURVEY OF MASS MEDIA.

An introductory survey of the role and history of mass media in modern society through an examination of the impact of books, magazines, newspapers, movies, radio, television, advertising, public relations, and the world wide web. (Previously listed as COMM 3253)

2563# COMMUNICATION LEADERSHIP.

This course introduces the communication concepts that are central to effective leadership.

Additionally, this course examines competing perspectives concerning how leadership should be enacted in various communication environments. (Previously listed as Parliamentary Procedure & Leadership (COMM 2562))

2573 AUDIO PRODUCTION.

This is an introductory level course in audio production for both broadcast and non broadcast applications.

This course provides an overview of digital non linear editing and radio station operations.

The theories, tools, techniques, and regulatory controls of audio production are examined.

Students are required to complete laboratory activities for this course. (Previously listed as Fundamentals of Broadcasting I)

2583 PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS.

This is the beginning course in the public relations program and is designed to teach students through the use of media and problem solving techniques to offer solutions to public relations problems.

3113# COMMUNICATION THEORY.

This course surveys basic theories of communication and introduces beginning research methods.

(Prerequisites: COMM 1013; or permission of instructor)

3123# NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION.

This course identifies the major areas of nonverbal communication and the current terminology used in the field.

Relevant connections of nonverbal to other areas of communication will be presented. (Previously listed as COMM 3123)

3223 EDITING IN PRINT MEDIA.

Theory and practice in editing, copy writing, layout and design of print media publications with emphasis on newspapers. (Prerequisites: COMM 1013 and 2113, or permission of instructor)

3233 FEATURE WRITING.

Techniques of feature writing, writing leads and structuring and polishing the feature story of the unusual or dramatic situation, determining news values and writing different types of stories. (Prerequisites: COMM 2113 or permission of instructor)

3243 EDITORIAL WRITING.

A study of the entire process of creating an editorial page from the editorial conference to the letters column where readers have their say. A study of views and open expression to preconceptions and prejudices. (Prerequisites: COMM2113 or permission of instructor)

3273 HEALTH COMMUNICATION.

This course focuses on the role of communication in shaping professional health care messages and public acceptance of these messages.

The course provides instruction of the development and use of health related and care related messages and media; the goals and strategies of health care promotion; relationships, roles, situations, and social structures within the context of health maintenance and promotion; and applications to disease prevention, health advocacy and communications concerning treatments.

3283 PHOTOJOURNALISM.

Study of photography in journalism, practices of newspaper and magazine photojournalism, news value and photos, photo ethics instruction in black and white film use and darkroom techniques, camera and lens selection, available light photography. (Previously listed as Principles of Visual Journalism)

3313# GREAT SPEECHES OF THE 20TH CENTURY.

A study of 20th Century public discourse on the ideas and issues of politics, gender, culture and history of the United States. This study includes presidential, civil rights, and women’s movement rhetoric. This course emphasizes the rhetoric of liberalism and conservatism. Includes a comprehensive study of great American speeches. (Prerequisite: COMM 2213 or permission of instructor) (Previously listed as Public Address)

3323# GROUP DISCUSSION.

Includes how groups are formed, why they are formed, how leadership develops and what leads to the dissolution of groups. (Previously listed as COMM 3473)

3453# POLITICAL COMMUNICATION.

An investigation of the processes political candidates and the mass media employ to generate and disseminate political narratives. This course considers the impact of the mass media, especially television, on political power and consciousness in the United States. Particular emphasis on political campaigning. (Previously listed as Rhetoric and Politics)

3463# THEORIES OF PERSUASION.

This course introduces the theory and practice of persuasive communication. Students will enhance message construction skills as well as critical thinking skills. This study emphasizes interpersonal influence, group leadership and power, negotiation strategies, political communication and propaganda. (Prerequisite: COMM 2213 or permission of instructor)

3513# PRINCIPLES OF FAMILY COMMUNICATION.

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts and theories regarding communication patterns in family settings, such as power and control, parent child communication, sibling communication, and communication roles in the family. The course will also examine the history of and changing nature of communication in the family. Students will be challenged to understand, critique, and apply theories of family communication.

3543# ARGUMENTATION AND ADVOCACY.

A study of theory, research and practice in developing and presenting arguments on public policy and legal issues. This course emphasizes reasoning skills and sound communicative strategies. (Prerequisite: COMM 2213 or permission of instructor) (Previously listed as Argumentation and Debate)

3553 BROADCAST ANNOUNCING.

This is a course in both theory and practice of broadcast announcing.

Designed to familiarize students with the requirements of a variety of broadcast announcing situations. Students are required to complete laboratory requirements for this course. (Prerequisite: COMM 2573 or permission of instructor) (Previously listed as Radio and Television Announcing)

3573 VIDEO PRODUCTION.

This is an introductory level course in video production for both broadcast and non broadcast applications.

This course provides an overview of digital non linear editing, video, composition, and field production.

Students are required to complete laboratory activities for this course.

(Prerequisite: COMM 2573 of permission of the instructor). (Previously listed as Fundamentals of Broadcasting)

3583 PUBLIC RELATIONS CASE STUDIES.

This course shows students how to use the case study approach to offer solutions to public relations problems.

3663 BROADCAST AND CABLE PROGRAMMING.

Theories and strategies of program selection, scheduling and evaluation for broadcast stations and cable television systems. Audience psychology and principles of audience analysis. Examination of methods for determining characteristics of greatest program appeal to a desired audience. Examination of program types, ratings, and program selection. (Prerequisites: COMM 2573 and COMM 4423 or permission of the instructor) (Previously listed as Programming for Media)

3753# INTRAPERSONAL COMMUNICATION.

This course provides students with materials, suggestions, and explorations for using concepts learned about human communication. The student will develop a vocabulary, define own terms, and find those concepts that are real to them.(Prerequisite: COMM 1233 or permission of instructor)

3773 ADVERTISING COPYWRITING AND DESIGN.

The student will explore the creative process of copywriting and advertising design. (Previously listed as Media Advertising)

3783 BROADCAST NEWSWRITING.

Introduction to the various styles of writing news and non news material for presentation on radio, television, and cable. Familiarize students with the structure and function of broadcast journalism. Examines theoretical and practical aspects of broadcast journalism. Students are required to complete laboratory activities for this course. (Prerequisite: COMM 2573 or permission of instructor)

3883 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION.

The role of the person in the organization will be emphasized.

Understanding the role of communication in the world of work is a high priority in industry today.

3893 COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS.

This course deals with the various elements involved in the production of a communication campaign from inception to conclusion.

4433# INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION.

This course focuses on the key concepts of communication and culture covering such topics as barriers in intercultural communication; dimensions of culture; multiculturalism, women, family and children; and culture’s influence on perception. It will help students build communication skills with particular emphasis on crossing cultural barriers through student activities.

4443# COMMUNICATION CRITICISM.

This course introduces the methodologies available to examine communication artifacts. This study emphasizes the critical abilities necessary to describe, explain, analyze, and evaluate speeches, advertising, songs, art, film, and television. (Previously listed as Methods of Rhetorical Criticism)

4463# FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

Analysis of contemporary debate concerning the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech and the proper limits to expression. Major topics include, but are not limited to, artistic expression, hate speech, subversive speech, nonverbal expression, and technology. (Previously listed as Persuasion and Symbolic Speech)

4533 LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT & DISORDERS.

An introductory course focusing on both language development and barriers to effective communication. Units on cleft palate, stuttering, articulation errors and hearing difficulties are included.

4573 BROADCAST WORKSHOP.

This is an advanced level course in both audio and video production for both broadcast and non broadcast applications.

This course will utilize real world assignments to provide additional development in all aspects of audio and videoproduction. Students are required to complete laboratory activities for this course.

(Prerequisite: COMM 2573 and 3573,or permission from the instructor).

4690# SENIOR CAPSTONE COURSE.

This course serves a comprehensive review and practical application for students to utilize and apply their acquired knowledge, expertise, experience, accomplishments, and skills in interpersonal, organizational and strategic communications, for the purpose of pursuing the student’s career in professional settings and/or graduate studies.

4773 ELECTRONIC MEDIA MANAGEMENT.

Examines the management principles and practices in the broadcasting and cable industry. Examines the legal, financial, and technical aspects of broadcast stations and cable television systems. Theory and practicum. (Prerequisite: COMM 2573) (Previously listed as COMM 4553 Radio and Television Management)

4853# MEDIA LAW AND ETHICS.

Legal and ethical limitations and privileges affecting the mass media. Issues such as First Amendment rights, libel and slander, invasion of privacy, access, copyright, obscenity and indecency, and cyberspace. (Previously listed as COMM 3323 Law of Mass Media)

4893 ADVERTISING SALES.

This course deals with the various theories and advertising skills needed for media sales.

Students create and sell advertising on campus and off campus for organizations and businesses.

4920 COMMUNICATION PRACTICUM.

An intensive field experience that provides application of theory and principles developed in the classroom in an on campus position under supervision of a professional. (Repeatable up to a maximum of three hours credit.)

4940 COMMUNICATION INTERNSHIP.

The internship is an intensive field experience that provides application of theory and principles developed in the classroom in an off campus position under supervision of a professional. (Repeatable up to a maximum of three hours credit.)

4950# RESEARCH IN COMMUNICATION.

This course will provide an introduction to research methods and design. It will emphasize research methods that are significant to all types of communication studies (e.g. rhetorical, mass, interpersonal organization). Students will be exposed to the four major kinds of methods: survey, experimental, introduction, and field analysis. The course will be required for all communication majors.

4960 DIRECTED READING.

Subject named in title listing. (Prerequisite: permission of the instructor)

4970 SPECIAL STUDIES.

Subject named in title listing. (Prerequisite: permission of the instructor)

4980 SEMINAR.

Subject named in title listing. (Prerequisite: permission of the instructor)

4990 RESEARCH.

Subject named in title listing. (Prerequisite: permission of the instructor)

# Liberal Arts and Sciences Course