|
Programs:
Major:
Communication
Studies (options: Public communication; Interpersonal
communication; Organizational communication)
Minors: Communication
Studies; Campaign Communication;
Organizational Communication
Courses:
COMM: Communication
Studies
Communication Studies
offers
programs in public, interpersonal, and organizational
communication. The major and minors are designed to prepare students for
careers in business, government, politics, corporate communication, public affairs,
not-for-profit enterprises, the media, and for graduate study.
Students may receive either
a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree in
communication studies. Both degrees require completion of
21 credit hours of core classes that include foundation
courses in the study of communication. Students are
encouraged to complete these core classes prior to enrolling
in more specialized COMM courses. It is also highly
recommended that majors complete COMM 201 during the first
semester in the department.
Students will be guided by the outline
of baccalaureate Degrees, the
University Core
Curriculum, and by the
concentration areas that follow. After completing their core
classes, communication studies majors are required to
specialize in one of the following options: |
- Public communication:
This
option allows students to explore the principles
that account for human communication between
speaker and audience. Students will study such subjects as persuasion
theory, campaign communication, and effective language
use in public and mediated communication.
- Interpersonal
communication: This
option exposes students to a range of courses that aid
in understanding effective communication with our fellow human
beings in personal relationships and small groups. Students
will explore subjects such as relational development,
nonverbal communication, and conflict management.
- Organizational
communication:
This
option prepares students to apply communication theory and
research in organizational contexts. Students will examine
subjects such as business and professional communication,
leadership, organizational communication theory, training, and consulting.
|
|
Students who declare a communication
studies major must participate in departmental assessment
activities and submit a senior portfolio. |
|
The department also offers the following minors:
|
-
Communication studies:
This minor offers
students a fundamental understanding of basic interpersonal and public
communication and the opportunity to
choose the focus of their communication study.
-
Campaign communication: This minor
provides insight into the communication used in political,
issues-oriented campaigns. It requires courses in
communication studies, journalism, and political science.
-
Organizational communication. This minor
introduces students to important communication and human
relations issues, especially as they relate to improving
communication skills and applying those skills when
dealing with supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates
(management majors and communication studies majors only.)
|
| Students
interested in teaching speech communication at the middle school or
high school level should refer to the English/Language Arts teacher
certification program description in the Department of
English. |
MAJOR
IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES,
48-51 hours |
|
|
|
|
| PREFIX |
NO |
SHORT TITLE |
CR HRS |
| Common core requirements,
21 hours
|
| COMM |
201 |
Explore Comm |
2 |
| |
220 |
Argmt Debate |
3 |
|
240 |
Human Comm |
3 |
|
290 |
Intercul Com |
3 |
|
320 |
Persuasion |
3 |
|
360 |
Comm Theory |
3 |
|
375 |
Presen Comm |
3 |
| |
401 |
Sr Seminar |
1 |
| Complete one option |
|
| Public
communication option, 27 hours |
|
| COMM |
310 |
Spchmkg Demo |
3 |
|
322 |
Comm Pop Cul |
3 |
|
412 |
Rhetorc Crit |
3 |
|
420 |
Classic Rhet |
3 |
|
385 |
Rhet Pub Adv (3) |
|
|
or |
|
|
|
404 |
Polit Comm (3) |
3 |
| Directed
electives |
|
| 6 hours from
COMM other than COMM 210, 475 |
6 |
| 6 hours from |
|
| AHS |
221 |
Art US 2 (3) |
|
|
264 |
Film Analysis (3) |
|
| ANTH |
342 |
Amer Culture (3) |
|
| ENG |
220 |
Lang Society (3) |
|
|
285 |
Intr Cr Wr (3) |
|
|
303 |
Hist Rhet (3) |
|
|
335 |
Pub Disc (3) |
|
| HIST |
240 |
Intr Pub His (3) |
|
|
422 |
Amer Pop Cul (3) |
|
| MUHIS |
105 |
Mus Pop Cul (3) |
|
| PHIL |
202 |
Ethics (3) |
|
|
203 |
Social Phil (3) |
|
|
307 |
Aesthetics (3) |
|
| POLS |
411 |
Amer Thought (3) |
|
| SOC |
441 |
Change (3) |
6 |
|
|
|
_____ |
|
|
|
48 hrs |
Interpersonal
communication option,
30
hours |
|
| COMM |
330 |
Grp Dec Mkg |
3 |
|
370 |
Nonverb Comm |
3 |
|
440 |
Intpers Comm |
3 |
|
442 |
Conflict |
3 |
|
465 |
Comm Inquiry |
3 |
| Directed
electives |
|
| 9 hours from
COMM other than COMM 210, 475 |
9 |
|
|
| 6 hours from |
|
| CPSY |
230 |
Hu Relat Dev (3) |
|
| PSYSC |
213 |
Adjustment (3) |
|
| SOC |
221 |
African-Amer (3) |
|
|
224 |
Family Soc (3) |
|
|
235 |
Women (3) |
|
|
242 |
Problems (3) |
|
| FCSFC |
250 |
Family Relat (3) |
6 |
|
|
|
______ |
|
|
|
51 hrs |
| Organizational communication
option, 30 hours |
|
| COMM |
251 |
Bus Prof Com |
3 |
|
351 |
Commun Organ |
3 |
|
369 |
Professional (1-6) |
|
|
or |
|
|
|
479 |
Prac Exper (1-6) |
3 |
|
441 |
Iss Org Comm |
3 |
|
452 |
App Org Comm |
3 |
|
465 |
Comm Inquiry |
3 |
| Directed
electives |
|
| 6 hours from |
|
| COMM |
325 |
Interviewing (3) |
|
|
330 |
Grp Dec Mkg (3) |
|
|
340 |
Ldrshp Comm (3) |
|
|
442 |
Conflict (3) |
6 |
| 6 hours from
COMM other than COMM 210, 475 |
6 |
|
|
|
______ |
|
|
|
51 hrs |
| MINOR
IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES, 21 hours |
|
|
|
|
| PREFIX |
NO |
SHORT TITLE |
CR HRS |
| COMM |
240 |
Human Comm |
3 |
|
320 |
Persuasion |
3 |
|
375 |
Presen Comm |
3 |
| 12 hours from electives in
COMM (Except COMM 210, 475) |
12 |
|
|
|
______ |
|
|
|
21 hrs |
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MINOR
IN CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATION,
21-24 hours |
|
|
|
|
| PREFIX |
NO |
SHORT TITLE |
CR HRS
|
| COMM |
320 |
Persuasion |
3 |
|
404 |
Polit
Comm |
3 |
|
412 |
Rhetorc
Crit |
3 |
| JOURN |
250 |
Intro
Advert |
3 |
| POLS |
370 |
Pub Op Pol |
3 |
|
372 |
Pol Campaign |
3 |
| 3-6 hours from |
|
| COMM |
310 |
Spchmkg
Demo (3)
|
|
|
322 |
Comm
Pop Cul (3)
|
|
|
375 |
Presen Comm (3)
|
|
|
380 |
Prac Commun (1-6)
|
|
|
385 |
Rhet Pub Adv (3)
|
|
|
479 |
Prac Exper (1-6)
|
|
|
496 |
Direct Study (1-3) |
|
| JOURN |
261 |
Prin
of P R (3)
|
|
| POLS |
473 |
Am Pol Parti (3) |
3-6 |
|
|
|
______ |
|
|
|
21-24 hrs |
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| MINOR IN
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION, 24
hours |
|
|
|
|
| PREFIX |
NO |
SHORT TITLE |
CR HRS |
| ISOM |
341 |
Bus Mgl Comm |
3 |
| MGT |
300 |
Mgt Beh Org |
3 |
|
361 |
Mgt Hman Res |
3 |
|
363 |
Empl Dev |
3 |
| COMM |
325 |
Interviewing |
3 |
|
330 |
Grp Dec Mkg |
3 |
|
340 |
Ldrshp Comm |
3 |
|
351 |
Commun Organ |
3 |
|
|
|
______ |
|
|
|
24 hrs |
| This minor is
open only to communication studies and human resource management, entrepreneurship, and business administration majors. |
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COURSES:
COMMUNICATION
STUDIES (COMM)
201 Exploration of Communication Studies. (2)
An introduction
to the study of communication for students new to the field and/or
considering the field. Provides guidelines for being a beginning
communication student and scholar. Offered credit/no credit only.
Not open to students who have credit in COMM 401.
210 Fundamentals of
Public Communication. (3) Principles and practice of effective oral
communication; analysis and evaluation of the speaking-listening process; preparation in
message construction, emphasizing the selection, organization, and delivery of materials.
220 Argumentation and Debate. (3)
Explores argumentation
theory through the practice of debate. While examining foundational
theories of argument, the course provides students the opportunity to
develop fundamental debate skills: invention, research, organization,
delivery, refutation, and evaluation.
240 Introduction to Human Communication. (3)
Focuses on understanding interpersonal communication as a dynamic and complex system of
interactions rather than on the skills of platform speaking. Stresses the importance of
understanding and applying communication theory in everyday communication
situations.
250 Articulation and Text
Analysis. (3)
Development of oral performance techniques through an effective use of
voice and body including poise and ease before an audience, efficient
articulation, pronunciation, vocal variety, text analysis, and
discrimination in interpreting thought to others.
251 Business and Professional Communication. (3) Explores
a variety of communication issues in business and professional contexts,
including gender, diversity, co-worker relationships, interviewing, group and
team skills, leadership, and nonverbal communication. Also emphasizes written
communication and oral presentation skills appropriate to business.
290 Intercultural Communication. (3)
Critical survey of major concepts in cross-cultural and intercultural interaction.
Examines the effects of customs, behaviors, and values on the interpersonal communication
process.
299X Experimental/Developmental Topics.
(3-6)
Topics relevant to the discipline. Course titles will be announced before each semester.
A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned.
310 Speechmaking and
American Democracy. (3) Speechmaking as a force in political and
intellectual history; critical analysis of selected speeches in relation to political,
social, and economic issues. Analysis of issues dealing with problems of progress, reform,
and revolution. Emphasis on public address in American social and political institutions.
Prerequisite: COMM 210 or permission of the department chairperson.
320 Persuasion. (3)
Concerned with current theories and research related to persuasion and social influence.
Specifically examines variables affecting implementation of persuasion principles and
strategies. Designed to help students become critical consumers and effective, ethical
producers of oral and written communication.
Prerequisite: COMM 210 or permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite recommended: COMM 240.
322 Communication
and Popular Culture. (3)
Examines the modes of persuasion reflected in dimensions of American popular culture.
Attention focuses on the persuasive appeals employed in forms of popular culture and methods of
evaluating their persuasive potential and impact. Stresses the importance of applying
communication theory in everyday transactions.
325 Interviewing. (3)
Examines the principles and types of interviews, with application of the principles in
informational, persuasive, and employment interviews. Special attention is given to the
various communication facets of the employment interview process: résumés, cover
letters, selection interviews, and appraisal interviews.
330 Small Group Decision Making. (3)
Focuses on the theories, concepts, and processes of small group decision making and
problem solving.
333 Topics in Communication Studies. (3)
Critical examination of selected topics and issues in communication
studies. Designed to
help students become familiar with current trends and theoretical and methodological
issues in the discipline. May be repeated once by permission of the instructor and the
department chairperson.
A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned, but no more than 3 in any one semester or
term.
340 Leadership Communication. (3.0)
Introduces students to classic and contemporary leadership theories,
with an emphasis on the central role of leadership communication.
351 Organizational Communication. (3.0)
Introduces students to traditional and contemporary theoretical
perspectives in the study of organizational communication, with an
emphasis on the structure and function of communication in
organizations.
360 Communication Theory.
(3)
Introduction to the varied and complex underpinnings of the human
communication phenomenon. Several theoretical perspectives and
applications will be explored. Topics include message theories,
intrapersonal and interpersonal theories, and group and public
communication theories. Prerequisite: COMM 201.
369 Professional Experience. (1-6)
Paid, supervised work and learning experience related to careers in
communication with business firms and not-for-profit agencies. Job
description may include, but is not limited to, research, training,
organizing, program or event development and management, sales,
promotions, human resources, and marketing.
Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.
A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned.
Open only to communication studies majors and minors.
370 Nonverbal Communication in Human
Interaction.
(3)
Examines the nature, forms, and functions of nonverbal codes in human communication. Focuses on understanding one's own nonverbal communication and that of
others.
Prerequisite: COMM 240 for communication studies majors; recommended for nonmajors.
375 Presentational Communication. (3)
Focuses on the preparation and delivery of presentations and longer speeches within a wide
variety of communication settings. Uses both theory and practice in analyzing, organizing,
and delivering presentations.
Prerequisite: COMM 210.
380 Practicum in
Communication Studies.
(1-6)
Practical experience in intercollegiate debate, individual events, applied communication
research, or alternate communication studies projects.
Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.
A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned.
385 Rhetoric and Public
Advocacy. (3)
Examines rhetoric's role in changing society and influencing public
policy. Explores public debate of important social issues. Considers
concepts such as freedom of expression, social responsibility, culture,
power, race, ethnicity, class, and gender.
390 Honors Colloquium in
Communication
Studies.
(2-4)
Seminar focusing on various aspects and problems of communication as
they relate to people in their personal and professional relationships.
A total of 4 hours of credit may be earned.
Open only to honors students and to students with areas in
communication studies with permission of the
department chairperson.
401 Communication Studies Senior Seminar. (1.0) Designed to
assist senior communication studies majors with their transition from
the academy to the professional world. Students will participate in
assessment and explore career opportunities. Offered credit/no credit
only.
Open only to seniors.
404 Political
Communication. (3)
Examines the nature, forms, and effects of persuasion in organized political campaigns
that seek to influence mass publics. Focuses on the skills needed to describe, analyze,
and evaluate persuasive uses of language and to understand better the role of campaign
persuasion in influencing voter behavior.
Prerequisite recommended: POLS 372.
412 Rhetorical Criticism. (3)
The description, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of persuasive uses of language.
Theories and methodologies of selected classical and modern critics.
Prerequisite: COMM 320 or permission of the department chairperson.
420 Classical Rhetorical Theory. (3)
Explores the roots of rhetorical theory development by examining contributions
of seminal theorists such as Isocrates, Plato, Aristotle,
Cicero, and Quintilian.
Designed to provide insight into persuasion's role within Greek and Roman culture and
modern society.
440 Interpersonal Communication. (3)
Examines contemporary theories, concepts, models, and pertinent research related to the
communication process in relatively unstructured face-to-face settings. Particular
emphasis is given to understanding message exchanges between people and how they affect
the people involved. Introduces students to the approaches, variables, and topics that
influence social interaction. Special attention is given to communication models,
perception, symbols, systems, self-concept, attitudes, meaning, and nonverbal message
cues.
Prerequisite: COMM 240 (not required for organizational communication minors, but recommended).
441 Contemporary Issues in Organizational Communication. (3)
Study of contemporary theories of organizational communication,
including cultural, critical/feminist, and postmodern theories.
Examination of key theories of organizational communication in light of
current organizational trends and social problems.
Prerequisite: COMM 351.
442 Communication and Conflict Management. (3)
Explores the strategies of productive and nonproductive conflict within the organizational
setting. Theories of conflict are examined and explanations of the sources that stimulate
conflict are investigated.
Prerequisite: COMM 240, 360, or permission of the department chairperson.
452 Applied Organizational Communication. (3)
Focuses on the
diagnostic skills and pragmatic analyses necessary to undertake needs
assessments for training and development in organizations.
Prerequisite: COMM 351, 465, or
permission of the department chairperson.
465 Human Communication
Inquiry. (3)
Introduces, reviews, and evaluates the various methods of research in
the field of human communication from which the discipline’s body of
knowledge is derived.
Prerequisite: COMM 360.
475 Coaching and Directing Secondary School Forensics.
(3)
Examines the rationale and philosophy of coaching and administering
secondary school forensic programs. Concentrates on selection of appropriate
topics, materials, and coaching methods for interpretive, public address, and
debate events. Includes development of coaching methods and philosophies,
coaching ethics, forensic judging, and forensic program administration.
Prerequisite: COMM 220, 375.
Open only to language arts education majors or by permission of the
instructor.
479 Practical Experience. (1-6)
Non-paid, supervised work and learning experience related to careers in
communication with business firms and not-for-profit agencies. Job
description may include, but is not limited to, research, training,
organizing, program or event development and management, sales,
promotions, human resources, and marketing.
Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.
A total of 6 hours of credit may be earned.
Open only to communication studies majors and minors.
496 Directed Study in
Communication Studies.
(1-3)
Students with areas in the Department of Communication Studies pursue a specific subject
in-depth in consultation with a member of the faculty.
Prerequisite: permission of the department chairperson.
A total of 3 hours of credit may be earned.
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