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Associate Professors: H. Bart (Chair), J. Bart, M. Nitz
Study in Communication concerns the nature of human interaction. As such, it is one of the most useful areas of study that a person might undertake. Communication is an integral component of a liberal education. Further, communication is an intrinsic feature of functional literacy in contemporary society. Oral communication competence serves the individual in interpersonal, group, organizational, public address, and mass communication settings. Further, training in communication is excellent preparation for the workplace.
The discipline of communication is eclectic, thus serving as an ideal complement to a student’s work in another
field. In addition, it has much value in its own right in preparation for:
1) advanced study in communication, business, political science, journalism, and law;
2) positions in teaching, the media, public relations, advertising, business, politics, and the social services.
The scope of Communication is broad. A brief description of, and the requirements for, each of the majors is included below.
COMMUNICATION STUDIES MAJOR: 38 credit hours
Intended to serve as a liberal arts and professional major which might be used in preparation for a professional
school, graduate school, or one of many varied careers in the social services, business, the media, politics,
advertising, and public relations.
Required Courses:38-39 credit hours
Electives: Student must complete a total of 9 credits from this section.
For students wishing to graduate with departmental honors:
COMM 398 - Honors Seminar (1 cr)
COMMUNICATION STUDIES EDUCATION MAJOR: 72 credit hours
Intended to serve as a liberal arts and professional major which might be used in preparation for graduate school
or as a career as a secondary communication teacher.
COMM 110 - Introduction to Communication (3 cr)
COMM 210 - Rhetorical Criticism (W) (3 cr)
COMM 250 - Interpersonal Communication (3 cr)
COMM 260 - Persuasion (3 cr)
COMM 270 - Advocacy and Argumentation (4 cr)
COMM 310 - Communication Theory (3 cr)
THEA 115 - Introduction to Theatre (3 cr)
THEA 230 - Oral Interpretation (3 cr)
One of the following courses:
COMM 280 - Broadcasting in America (3 cr)
COMM 350 - Organizational Communication (3 cr)
COMM 365 - Public Relations (3 cr)
One of the following courses:
COMM 360 - Persuasive Campaigns (3 cr)
COMM 380 - Mass Media Effects (3 cr)
A minimum of two credit hours from the one of the following options:
COMM 395 Internship (2-4 cr)
Teacher Certification courses (See Education) 38 cr
COMMUNICATION STUDIES MINOR: 20 credit hours
(Minor not available in Communication/Business)
COMMUNICATION STUDIES COURSES:COMM - Elective coursework (20 cr)
COMM 110 - INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION (Area 2.2) (3 credits)
This introductory course in communication employs a blending of theory and practice. The theory dimension
of the course emphasizes the role and function of human communication in the myriad settings which the
individual will encounter during their lives. This dimension explores: the nature of human communication;
the precepts which govern dyadic, small group, public address and mass communication; and the application
of communication in modern society. In addition, the practicum dimension of the course provides students
with various opportunities to enhance their speaking, listening and critical thinking competencies.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY SEMESTER
COMM 210 - RHETORICAL CRITICISM (W – Area 2.1B) (3 credits)
An introduction to the theory and practice of rhetorical criticism. The student will learn to effectively
critique both historical and contemporary public discourse. Students will be exposed to significant
discourse in such areas as women’s rights rhetoric, presidential rhetoric, civil rights rhetoric, and others.
Emphasis will be on developing the student’s ability to critically think and create coherent defenses of
his/her conclusions. This course is offered as a Gender Studies section every other year.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: COMM 110
OFFERED EVERY YEAR
COMM 250 - INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (Area 1.2) (3 credits)
An introduction to the theory and research findings involving interpersonal and nonverbal communication.
Emphasis will be on the principles for effective communication in dyadic settings. Course content will be
supplemented by a variety of exercises designed to enhance communication competence.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: COMM 110
OFFERED EVERY FALL SEMESTER
COMM 260 - PERSUASION (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to th etheory and practices of persuasion. Students will study both thte production and critical evaluation of contemporary social influence. Motivation and attitudinal theories will be examined as they relate message, source and receiver strategies. Students will learn to be effective producers and consumers of persuasive messages.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: COMM 110
OFFERED EVERY SPRING SEMESTER
COMM 270 - ADVOCACYAND ARGUMENTATION (Area 2.2) (4 credits)
The student will be introduced to the skills and techniques of argumentation and will learn to effectively
utilize the principles and techniques of advocacy and argumentation by applying them to both written and
oral discourse. The course consists of three phases: theoretical, practicum, and evaluative.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY FALL SEMESTER
COMM 280 - BROADCASTING IN AMERICA (3 credits)
This course examines the broadcast industry by focusing upon television and radio. Students will be exposed to the history of broadcasting and the impact it has had upon our culture. The course also serves as a foundation for the examination of contemporary mass communications. Students will study the contemporary business, regulatory structure, advertising, programming and production of traditional broadcasting (radio and television).
NOTES: CROSS-LISTED WITH JOUR 280
PREREQUISITE: COMM 110
OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
COMM 290 - COMMUNICATION RESEARCH (4 credits)
An introduction to the principles of communication research design and execution. This course will focus
on qualitative methods which feature participant observation and on both descriptive and experimental
quantitative methods. During this course, students will design, execute and report the results of a research
project in communication. As a part of this effort, students will receive instruction, and will utilize
computers, in the following areas: word processing, literature search, and statistical analysis.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: COMM 110
OFFERED EVERY YEAR
COMM 300 - INTERCULTURAL/INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION (3 credits)
This course will help students build knowledge of some of the theories, processes and practices of international/intercultural communication. It will examine the role of communication in the creation and negotiation of shared identities between and across cultures. The course will place particular emphasis on the role of media, public relations, and other public communication strategies
that nation-states, corporations and non-profit organizations use to create shared meaning within and between countries.
NOTES:
OFFERED OCCASIONALLY
COMM 310 - COMMUNICATION THEORY (3 credits)
This course examines the evolution of communication theories from the classical Greeks to modern times.
However, the primary emphasis of the course will be on contemporary theories and theorists. This course
seeks to promote both an understanding of, and a critical perspective concerning, communication theories.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: ANY 200-LEVEL COMM COURSE
OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
COMM 335 - ELECTIONS, PUBLIC OPINION AND THE MEDIA (3 credits)
A study of American elections and of how the American electorate votes and why they vote and the way they do. Included are examinations of attitude formation, attitude change, and the impact of public opinion on publivc policy. The course also analyzes the media's influence on the politcal opinions of the United States citizens and lawmakers, the media's ability to determine which political issues get placed on the public agenda, and the degree to which these issues are presented in an unbiased and objective manner. In addition, each presidential election since 1952 will be covered in detail.
NOTES: CROSS-LISTED WITH GOVT 335
OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
COMM 350 - ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (3 credits)
A study of the structure and function of communication in organizations. The focus of the course will
involve the concepts and principles needed for effective management of organizational communication
processes. Attention will be paid to the way organizations behave and communicate, the problems that individuals encounter in organizations, effective management of organizational communication processes,
and the special role of communication as the central, binding force which allows for organized behavior.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: COMM 110
OFFERED EVERY YEAR
COMM 360 - PERSUASIVE CAMPAIGNS (3 credits)
A study of the application of the theory and techniques of coactive persuasion in sustained settings
(campaigns). This course will examine the theory and techniques used in planning, implementing, and
evaluating product/service (advertising), political, and social action campaigns. In addition, under the close
supervision of the instructor, students will participate in the design and execution of a research project
which examines a legitimate question of interest and importance to practitioners and analysts of
contemporary campaigns.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: COMM 260
OFFERED EVERY YEAR
COMM 365 - PUBLIC RELATIONS (3 credits)
The principles and practice of public relations. Lectures, reading, and discussion will introduce students to
the theories, techniques, and application of public relations. In addition, case studies and group and
individual projects will be used to refine and apply course concepts.
NOTES: CROSS-LISTED WITH JOUR 365
OFFERED EVERY FALL SEMESTER
COMM 380 - MASS MEDIA EFFECTS (3 credits)
An examination of the actual and potential effects of mass media communication. Initially the course will
focus on the theories which have been, and are, used to evaluate the impact of the mass media. Then the
course will examine specific mass media effects, including: television and cognitive development, the impact
of the mass media emphasis on violence and sex, the media and role stereotyping, agenda setting, the impact
of the media on politics, the U.S. media and the world, and the potential of the mass media to educate for
positive social change. Mass media effects receiving emphasis will vary from semester to semester
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
COMM 395, 495 - INTERNSHIP (2-4 credits)
COMM 398 - COMMUNICATION HONORS SEMINAR (2-4 credits)
Communication Studies majors may independently develop and complete a research project under teh supervision of a Communication Studies Faculty member.
NOTE: PREREQUISITE: CUM GPA OF 3.0 OR HIGHER; COMM GPA OF 3.3 OR HIGHER; SENIOR STANDING; CONSENT OF THE SUPERVISING FACULTY MEMBER AND THE DEPARTMENT CHAIR
COMM 197, 297, 397 - TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION (2-4 credits)
The Department of Communication will occasionally offer special seminars on timely subjects of interest
to departmental majors.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: COMMUNICATION STUDIES, COMMUNICATION/BUSINESS OR
COMMUNICATION STUDIES EDUCATION MAJORS ONLY
OFFERED SOME SEMESTERS
COMM 199, 299, 399 - INDEPENDENT STUDY (2-4 credits)
Individual work under the direction of departmental faculty. This option is designed for Communication
majors who seek an opportunity for in-depth study beyond the scope and/or depth of departmental course
offerings. This option is considered additive to-not substitutive of-required departmental course offerings.
NOTE: PREREQUISITE: CONSENT OF THE INSTRUCTOR AND THE DEPARTMENT CHAIR