Undergraduate Course Descriptions

Communication Studies

COM 105 Foundations of Oral Communication (4 credits)
A study of the principles and processes of oral communication with emphasis on speech design and delivery. Vocal and linguistic skills will be practiced. Critical thought will be developed through analysis of current and historical speeches.

COM 132 Interpersonal Communication (4 credits)
Focus on communication theories as applied to individual and small-group situations. Topics such as perception, nonverbal communication, language, and self-disclosure are examined using readings, in-class exercises, and analysis of actual situations.

COM/LNG 242 Cross-Cultural Communication (4 credits)
An exploration of the ways in which cultural factors, including rituals, attitudes, values, beliefs, behavior, and cultural assumptions, affect communication. Topics will include models of cultural effect, relationship of dominant and non-dominant cultures, religious traditions, para-language, non-verbal communication, chronemics, and proxemics. Especially appropriate for majors in the areas of business, communication, criminal justice, sociology, social work, and education.

COM 245 Group Communication (2 credits)
Communication theory as applied in the small group. Forms and formats of the group experience will be examined. Topics for study include group dynamics, leadership, and problem solving.

COM 255 Persuasion (2 credits)
Persuasion as a rational process with primary emphasis upon the art, science, and craft of argument. Topics include the importance of the audience, formal and informal fallacies, the Toulmin model, and standards of evidence.

COM 260 Mass Media (4 credits)
A consideration of the cultural, psychological, social, ethical, legal and aesthetic aspects of television, radio, film, print journalism, new communication technologies and other mass media channels in contemporary society. A study of the processes and effects of mass communication systems with student involvement in media appreciation.

COM 265 Television Production (4 credits)
An introduction to the skills and equipment used in television and video productions, particularly ENG or film-style video production using the single camera. Areas addressed include audio, composition, scripting, lighting, and simple electronic editing.

COM 303 Organizational Communication (4 credits)
Communication theory in organizational contexts is studied with emphasis on classical structural theory, transitional theories, and contemporary theories. Organizational communication perspectives on topics such as organizational climate, information flow, decision making, and power are stressed.

COM 348 Thematic Studies: Rhetorical Communication Theory (4 credits)
The rhetoric of Western thought will be examined in three stages: classical rhetorical theory, British rhetorical theory, and contemporary rhetorical theory. This analysis will focus on the communication process in terms of its philosophical bases, its major variables, and its forms and effects. Prerequisites: ENG 101-102 or 110-111. Not open to students with credit for COM 248c.

COM 1/2/3/485 Special Topics (1-4 credits)
A study of topics in communication of special interest to a specific group of students. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

COM 2/3/486 Independent Study (1-4 credits)
Intensive individual work in an area of communication studies. Prerequisites: Junior standing; 3.0 GPA in all course work, must have completed at least two courses in communication studies, consent of instructor, academic advisor and division chairperson.

COM 497 Internship (1-4 credits)
Supervised internship of 40 clock hours for each semester credit in a setting meeting the needs and interests of the student. Four credits maximum. Prerequisites: Junior standing, 3.0 GPA in all course work, must have completed at least two courses in communication studies, consent of instructor, academic advisor, and division chairperson; successful completion of application requirements for internship.

COM 498 Communication Seminar (4 credits)
Intensive study of selected issues in communication studies. An integrating experience for communication studies majors including the development of a major research or creative project in an area of individual interest. Prerequisites: Senior standing or consent of instructor and completion of at least two courses in communication studies.