| Department of Communication |
Communication Course Descriptions |
104 Public Speaking (3)
The fundamentals of oral communication as they pertain to public speaking. An introduction to the techniques and skills involved in preparing and delivering various types of speeches. Attention is given to voice, diction, and platform presence.
105 Forensic Lab (1-4)
Preparation for participation in intercollegiate forensics and competitive speech activities including debate, prepared and limited time speaking events and oral interpretation events. Participation on and travel with the college forensic team are required. This course does not count toward the major or minor requirements.
210 Introduction to Communication Studies (3)
The principles, contexts, and development of human communication as a symbolic process. Topics include: models of communication; cultural forms of expression; orality and literacy; signs, symbols, and speech codes; nonverbal and animal communication; the international and computer-information economy; interpersonal and gender styles of communication.
211 Oral Interpretation (3)
A study of the form and content of poetry, prose and dramatic literature as they affect the performance of the oral interpreter.
213 Debate (3)
Develops skills in critical reasoning and argument. Discussion of case construction, rules of evidence, refutation, and debate strategies. Practice in value and policy debating.
Prerequisite: COMM 104 or permission of the instructor.
214 Mass Media (3)
The social, economic, and political roles of newspapers, magazines, radio, and television, with emphasis on their development, function, ethics, and legal restraints. An introductory course for those considering journalism as a career and those interested as critical readers.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 and 102.
220 Interpersonal Communication (3)
An introduction to the basic concepts and theories relevant to understanding the role of communication in the development and maintenance of relationships. Course topics include information processing, perception, verbal and nonverbal communication, listening skills, self concept, male/female communication, family communication, conflict management and interpersonal persuasion.
221 Intercultural Communication (3)
This course is designed to provide a survey and introduction to intercultural communication theory and practice, and to develop students' understanding of the influences upon communication between/among people of different cultural backgrounds both in domestic and international settings across a variety of contexts.
222 Small Group Communication (3)
An introduction to the major theories, issues, and concepts related to the study of small group interaction. Course topics include the process of group development, roles and rules in group communication, decision-making, leadership and conflict management. Case studies, activities, and exercises are incorporated to emphasize both theory and practice.
225 Introduction to Organizational Communication (3)
Effective Fall 2002, this course has been renumbered COMM 326
An introduction to the basic concepts and theories relevant to communication in an organizational context. Course topics include organizational theories, socialization of employees, the role of the individual in the organization, communication and leadership, group and individual decision making processes, and conflict.
230 Writing for the Mass Media (3)
Study of and practice in the fundamentals of news, feature, and editorial writing. Interviewing techniques and various methods of organizing and gathering the news are emphasized, along with the successful completion of writing assignments.
231 Journalism Practicum (1)
This practicum provides the communication student with practical experience working on the college's weekly newspaper, the George Street Observer. One-hour credit may be earned in reporting, editing, advertising design and sales, graphic design and photojournalism. The course may be taken more than once, but no more than three credits may be earned. Note: This course does not count toward completing major or minor requirements in communication.
235 Public Relations Practices (3)
This course serves as both an introduction to the field of public relations, as the first of a three-course PR sequence (COMM 335 and 435). Major emphasis is placed on writing skill, as well as an understanding of theoretical, historical, legal and ethical issues. Assignments will address the building of relationships with both mass media and within the corporate/organizational realm. Students also are provided opportunities to present oral and written synopses of case studies and related issues.
240 Introduction to Broadcast News (3)
This course explores unique aspects of broadcast news writing styles, newsworthiness of issues, and news gathering. Students cover stories and write for both radio and television broadcasts. Legal and ethical considerations and issues pertaining to broadcast news are emphasized through the course.
Prerequisite: COMM 230 or permission of the instructor.
285 Basic Photojournalism (3)
Basic principles and practices of black-and-white photography, developing, and printing are studied under a variety of circumstances, emphasizing creative visual communication techniques for newspapers and magazines.
Prerequisites: COMM 214 and permission of the instructor. Students must furnish their own 35 mm cameras, film, and paper.
295 Special Topics in Communication (3, 3)
Special topics in written communication, oral communication, communication theory, and media studies. (Students may receive no more than six hours of credit for two courses.)
301 Communication Research Methods (3)
Qualitative and quantitative methods employed in communication research, including experiments, surveys, textual analysis, and ethnography.
Prerequisites: COMM 210 and either junior or senior status; or permission of instructor.
304 Training and Development (3)
This course is designed to introduce principles and concepts useful in the design and delivery of training programs. It is oriented both for students interested in a training career, as well as students simply interested in the field. T&D takes a comprehensive view of training by integrating theory and methodology, so the student finishes with both a conceptual framework as well as practical applications.
Prerequisites: COMM 104, 210; COMM 326 or 225 is highly recommended.
320 Advanced Interpersonal Communication (3)
This course considers advanced concepts and theories relevant to understanding the role of communication in the development and maintenance of relationships. Complex theories of interpersonal communication are explored in depth and applied to the construction of voluntary, long-term relationships.
Prerequisites: COMM 210, 220.
322 Feature Writing
The study of generating, developing, and organizing ideas for newspaper and magazine articles. Students will adapt their writing to many audiences and will write various types of feature articles, stressing organization, coherence, structure, and mechanics.
Prerequisite: COMM 230.
324 Speechwriting (3)
This course offers a comprehensive look at speechwriting by exploring written and videotaped speeches, then applying what we've learned to our own speeches. We will examine and utilize rhetorical theories that are foundations for speechwriting. The course is designed so that students will write speeches for themselves, each other, and outside individuals and organization. Hence, the course is writing intensive and not performance based.
Prerequisite: COMM 104; (COMM 382 is highly recommended)
326 Organizational Communication (3)
This course explores the concepts and theories relevant to communication in an organizational context. Course topics include organizational theories, socialization of employees, the role of the individual in the organization, communication and leadership, group and individual decision making processes, and conflict.
Prerequisite: COMM 210 is highly recommended.
327 Sportswriting (3)
Students apply skills in interviewing, research, and direct observation to write news stories, features, and opinion pieces about sports at the professional, college, high school, and weekend-athlete levels. Students learn to write about sports in the broad context of business, political, and social issues.
Prerequisites: COMM 230; junior or senior standing; or permission of instructor.
329 Opinion Writing (3)
A course in editorial and opinion writing for the mass media. Students will analyze and discuss current events as a basis for critical thinking and for their writing. In addition, students will evaluate editorials and columns in leading newspapers and magazines and will study and practice the techniques involved in writing art, drama, music, and book reviews.
Prerequisite: COMM 230.
330 Advanced Oral Interpretation: Group Performance (3)
A theory-based performance of literature course that focuses on both text and script group performances. The literature in performance includes edited texts and compiled scripts that may include poetry, drama, and literature. The performance requires group analysis, rehearsal, and dramatic oral presentation.
Prerequisite: COMM 211 or permission of instructor.
331 Advanced Public Speaking (3)
An examination of formal communication in a variety of public contexts. Course topics include the responsibilities of the speaker in a variety of situations focusing on critical listening and theories of motivation and persuasion. Assignments will include both oral presentations and written analyses.
Prerequisite: COMM 104 or permission of instructor.
332 Business Communication (3)
An intensive course in communication theory (oral and written) and the application of theory to oral presentations and to writing letters, memoranda, and reports.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 and 102.
333 Advanced Argumentation and Debate (3)
An examination of the processes by which people give reasons to justify their acts, beliefs, attitudes, and values, and to influence the thoughts and actions of others. Course topics include theories of argument construction, types of argumentation practices, and the ways argument theory is practiced in public and scholastic debate formats.
Prerequisite: COMM 213 or permission of instructor.
335 Public Relations Writing (3)
This course builds on concepts learned in COMM 235 or MKTG 331, with a primary emphasis on managing relationships through the implementation of targeted writing skills. Traditional facets such as news releases, pitch letters and brochures will be emphasized along with research proposals, speechwriting, and corporate documents. Persuasion and presentation skills will be stressed in addition to writing competence. Layout and design skills will also be broached contextually.
Prerequisite: COMM 235 or MKTG 331.
340 Television News Reporting (3)
This course emphasizes television news gathering and the elements of planning, videotaping, interviewing, writing, producing, and editing news stories. Course work includes writing assignments, making news judgment and editorial decisions, and on-camera reporting and anchoring. Legal and ethical concerns are emphasized throughout the course.
Prerequisite: COMM 240 or permission of the instructor.
365 American Public Address (3)
The study of American public address from the Depression to the present. Influential social and political leaders and their speeches will be studied for the purpose of understanding the techniques they used in preparing and presenting speeches; specific attention will be paid to the use of language, arguments, support materials, and the effectiveness of the speech.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of the instructor.
370 Gender and Communication (3)
This course explores the multiple relationships between gender and communication, specifically focusing on gender-based influences in communication between men and women, and how communication works to create gender roles and identity. The course integrates theory and practice to heighten our sensitivity to gender differences and similarities in the communication process.
375 Editing (3)
Principles, concepts, and practice of news and magazine editing, including copy reading, headline writing, makeup and design of pages, picture-editing techniques, and effective use of graphics and typology.
Prerequisite: COMM 230 or permission of instructor.
376 Public Affairs Reporting(3)
An intensive advanced-level writing course for print and broadcast media. Emphasis is on information gathering, evaluation, and processing and on writing complex and analytical stories.
Prerequisite: COMM 230.
380 Studies in Communication (3, 3)
Special studies in oral communication, written communication or print, communication theory, and broadcast journalism. (Students may receive no more than six hours for two courses.)
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.
382 Theories of Rhetoric (3)
A survey of classical and contemporary rhetorical theory, focused on how various thinkers have analyzed the issues of form/content, audience, knowledge, cultural context, and strategies of discourse. Study of the differences between oral, written, and mediated communication, and the rhetorical aspects of effective expression and critical thinking. Readings range from Plato and Aristotle to Burke, Weaver, and Perelman.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.
383 Media Criticism (3)
A critical examination of a variety of forms of media from a rhetorical perspective to identify and understand cultural assumptions made by the media. Course topics include methods of criticism, types of media persuasion, effects of media on the consumers of this discourse, and critical evaluation of media messages.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.
384 Ethics in Communication (3)
An examination of issues of communication freedoms and the ethical responsibilities addressed by them. Course topics include defamation, invasion of privacy, stirring to prejudice and hatred, symbolic battery, intimidation and coercion, and an examination of different philosophical bases of ethical practices in communication.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.
385 Advanced Photojournalism (3)
Principles and practices of advanced photojournalism for newspapers and magazines. Emphasis is on creative vision and using advanced camera and darkroom techniques. Visually oriented ideas are developed into photo essays and features.
Prerequisite: COMM 285 or permission of the instructor.
386 Media Law (3)
The study federal and state regulations of both print and broadcast media to understand how legal mandates and constraints have defined the roles of the media in society. Course topics include historical and contemporary analysis of libel, privacy, free press and fair trial, access to government information, regulation of advertising, and regulation of broadcasting.
Prerequisite: COMM 214.
387 Rhetoric of Social Movements (3)
This course explores the rhetorical strategies that initiate and sustain social movements. This course offers an analysis of the scope and constraints on public expression that aim to motivate social change and offers a review of critical perspectives on symbolic campaigns, argumentative styles, and persuasive functions typical of social movements.
399 Tutorial (3, repeatable up to 12)
Individual instruction given by a tutor in a regularly scheduled meeting (usually once a week).
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, plus permission of the tutor and department chair.
405 Independent Study in Communication (1-3)
Research in a specified communication area in consultation with a department member who will guide the work and determine the hours of credit. Open to juniors and seniors with permission of the instructor and the department chair. (Students may receive no more than six hours of credit for this course.)
407 Seminar in Communication Management (3)
A seminar course on the problems, issues, and practices affecting the business and management of mass media, including labor and personnel, advertising, circulation, news/editorial, ratings and shares, ethics, and issues management. Lectures by visiting media professionals.
435 Public Relations Campaigns (3)
The course builds on concepts learned in COMM 235 and 335, with a primary emphasis on group work on behalf of an outside client. Students will engage in significant research elements such as focus group and surveys, as well as budgets and timetables. Students formally present comprehensive findings and proposals (a portfolio/plan book) to the client.
Prerequisites: COMM 235, 335.
482 Rhetoric and Identity (3)
This course explores the rhetorical construction of identity by examining various forums of expression: speeches, diaries, letters, websites, etc. Students will study how various groups utilize these forums to construct, maintain, and alter identity.
Prerequisite: COMM 210; COMM 382 is highly recommended.
495 Field Internship (1-3)
This course provides the student with practical experience working with communication-related organizations (mass media, business, museums, chambers of commerce, government, and service-related organizations). Course may be taken more than once, but no more than three credits may be earned.
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing and 2.5 GPA in communication major or minor.
499 Bachelor's Essay (6)
A year-long research and writing project done during the senior year under the close supervision of a tutor from the department. A proposal must be submitted in writing and approved by the departmental honors committee prior to registration for the course. Students will confer regularly with their tutor both on the progress of their research (in the first term) and on the drafts of their paper (in the second term). The finished aper will normally be 50 or more pages and will reflect detailed research in the field.
Prerequisites: Senior standing, 3.25 GPA in the communication major, and approval by the departmental honors committee.
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