Course Descriptions

All courses typically meet at the North Campus in the evenings.

COMM 501 Quantitative Research Methods (3)
Quantitative methods employed in communication research, including experiments and surveys. Students will design quantitative research projects, learn to analyze data, and write research reports.

COMM 502 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
Qualitative methods employed in communication research, including ethnography, textual analysis, and interviewing methods. Students will design qualitative research projects, learn to analyze data, and write research reports.

COMM 507 Issues in Communication Management (3)
A course on the issues and practices affecting the management of complex organizations, with an emphasis on conflict communication and negotiation.

COMM 510 Communication Theory (3)
This course focuses on three epistemological approaches to the study of communication--empirical, interpretive, and critical. The student will learn to consider each of these approaches, and in particular, what constitutes ways of knowing from each of the three perspectives, leading to an advanced understanding of the main theories of human and mediated communication.

COMM 521 Seminar in Small Group Communication (3)
A seminar course on a problem, issue, or context studied by group communication scholars from a social-scientific perspective (e.g., task-oriented group decision development, decision-making agenda). Topics vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite: COMM 510 or consent of instructor.

COMM 522 International and Intercultural Communication (3)
A review of intercultural, cross-cultural, and international communication theories and issues. Implications for culturally diverse organizations.

COMM 524 Speechwriting in Public Communication (3)
Case-driven study of major types of contemporary speeches and the speechwriting process in public communication, with an emphasis on the preparation of speech manuscripts and training in manuscript speech delivery and presentational technologies.

COMM 525 Executive Communication (3)
A study of the communication competencies required for successful organizational leadership, including individual and group presentations, meeting management, and utilization of communication technologies.

COMM 535 Public Relations Campaigns (3)
The course has a primary emphasis on group work on behalf of an outside client based on current theories of organizational communication. 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 to the client.

COMM 561 Identity and Impression Management (3)
This course surveys theories and research regarding how individuals, groups, and organizations attempt to manage the ways they are perceived by others through the strategic manipulation of communication practices and cues.

COMM 580 Seminar in Organizational Communication (3)
This course offers graduate students advanced understanding of theory and research in special topic areas. The focus is on topics most applicable to the areas of organizational communication and public relations. Prerequisite: COMM 510 or consent of instructor.

COMM 584 Contemporary Problems in Communication Ethics (3)
This course applies classical and contemporary philosophical and social scientific theories to ethical issues associated with interpersonal, group, organizational, and other communication contexts.

COMM 681 Classical Rhetorical Theory (3)
A critical survey of Greco-Roman rhetorical thought, from the pre-Socratic Sophists to St. Augustine, including the influence of classical theories on the Medieval and Renaissance periods in Europe. Readings drawn from primary sources as well as contemporary commentary on classical theories. Prerequisite: COMM 510 or consent of instructor.

COMM 682 Modern and Contemporary Rhetorical Theory (3)
The study of Western rhetorical theory from the seventeenth century to the present. This course will survey the insights of rhetorical theory with respect to messages delivered in interpersonal, group, organizational, and public communication contexts. Prerequisite: COMM 510 or consent of instructor.

COMM 698 Tutorial (3)
Individual study of a given topic following a syllabus of readings, papers, and other requirements prescribed by a faculty member.

COMM 699 Independent Study (1-3)
Individual study of an agreed-upon topic under the direction of a faculty member, following a course of reading and other requirements proposed by the student and established by negotiation with the graduate faculty member.

COMM 701-702 Master’s Thesis (6)
Six credit hours for completion of a formal master’s thesis under faculty direction. A successful oral defense of the thesis is required.

COMM 795 Internship (3)
A supervised field experience in which the student observes and participates in work related to the communication degree, such as public relations or teaching. The internship requires 120 or more hours of work and completion of a formal report. Permission of the program director is required. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.