Communication Studies Course Descriptions

COMM 204 Composition Theory and Practice (3)
An introduction to contemporary theory combined with the practice of writing, including uses of Microsoft Word for graphic design, collaborative writing and editing, and formatting. (Fall and Spring)

COMM 205 - 206 Practicum (1-6)
Credit for working on campus publications and broadcast media. Specific terms contracted between instructor and student. (Fall and Spring)

COMM 210 Media and Society (3)
A foundational survey in the analysis of the major media of human communication, both print and broadcast. Some emphasis on history, law and ethics.  (Fall and Spring)

COMM 220 Broadcast Journalism (3)
Study and practice of writing for broadcast news. Also a study of the history of broadcast journalism from pre-Murrow to CNN and the makeup of the broadcast newsroom. (Fall)

COMM 225 Intercultural Communication (3)
An introduction to critical and qualitative inquiry into intercultural communication processes in both interpersonal and broader social contexts. Some emphasis on identity, interethnic/intergroup communication, and developing communication competency. (Spring, odd years)

COMM 230 Public Speaking (3)
A course in the practical aspects of effective public speaking, with special attention to methods of delivery and the incorporation of responsible knowledge in speeches of information, conviction, and persuasion. (Fall and Spring)

COMM 303 Argument (3)
An introduction to the method and theory of constructing oral and written persuasive arguments and refutations on a variety of topics. Students learn how to analyze, construct and support arguments written to well-defined audiences. Counts for the legal studies minor. (Spring)

COMM 305 Descriptive and Narrative Writing (3)
A course in developing a personal writing style. For the final project students write a short story. A valuable complement to COMM 380 Creative Writing. (Spring, even years)

COMM 306 Technical Writing (3)
Instruction in the theory and practice of organizing and communicating technical information in written form. Typically includes assignments in process description, proposals, specifications, executive summaries, and progress and feasibility reports. (Spring, odd years)

COMM 307 Public Relations (3)
Study of theory and practice of the mutual understanding between an institution and its public through effective communication. Emphasis on research, planning, communication, and evaluation of public relation efforts. (Spring)

COMM 308 Personal Writing (3)
A course in writing the informal essay. Students also read essays by modern British and American writers. (Fall, odd years)

COMM 315 News Reporting (3)
Practice in news gathering, interviewing and journalistic writing. Includes copyediting, some feature writing, exercises and research. (Spring)

COMM 317 Rhetorical Criticism (3)
A course in the analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of written, spoken, and visual discourses designed to influence belief, produce social change, or craft cultural identities. Emphasis on the preparation and presentation of written analyses using a variety of critical approaches. (Fall, odd years)

COMM 318 Nonverbal Communication (3)
Study of nonlinguistic and paralinguistic forms of communication in interpersonal, mediated, organizational, and group contexts. Focus on improving personal competence in kinesics, proxemics, vocalics, and other nonverbal techniques. (Fall, even years)

COMM 319 Global Journalism (3)
An examination of major issues in global communication through the analysis of international news and information flow, social and economic impacts of communication technologies, disparities in media development, and the interconnectedness of communication and public policy. (Spring)

COMM 321 Political Communication (3)
An exploration of the main theories governing the development and presentation of political messages for public consumption. Students will participate in critical analyses of a variety of political messages, ranging from campaign artifacts to presidential rhetoric. (Fall, even years)

COMM 322 Copyediting (3)
Intensive instruction in copyediting and proofreading with a focus on skill development. Special emphasis on the assessment and preparation of manuscripts. (Fall)

COMM 324 Persuasion in Comtemporary Life (3)
A survey of humanistic and social scientific theories of modern and contemporary persuasion. Emphasis on helping students to become responsible and critical creators and consumers of public discourse. (Spring, even years)

COMM 325 Art of Persuasion (3)
An examination of major theorists and practitioners of rhetoric from the Greek, Roman, and Christian eras. Some attention may be paid to rhetorical practices in the medieval, Renaissance, and modern eras. Students will complete a variety of projects that require them to apply historical theories of rhetoric to modern discourse. Prerequisite or concurrent: COMM 204 and COMM 230. (Spring)

COMM 326 Sports Journalism (3)
An overview of sports journalism, enhancing students’ writing, reporting, interviewing and editing skills. Students will learn about the history of sports to better understand the evolution of sports journalism. (Spring, even years)

COMM 327 Crisis Communication (3)
An introduction to crisis management principles, strategies, and communication methods. Students learn to predict and manage real-world controversies and to develop crisis management plans. (Spring, odd years)

COMM 328 Gender and Communication (3)
An examination of the ways in which gender identity impacts the communication process. Special focus on developing a critical understanding of issues of power, conflict, and the role of culture in interpersonal and group interactions as well as in mediated contexts. (Spring, odd years)

COMM 329 Spiritual Writing (3)
A course in writing for the spirit. Students will be exposed to a variety of texts and guided in the use of journey metaphors to explore writing as a vehicle for devotion or meditation. (Spring, even years)

COMM 330 Public Relations Campaigns (3)
An examination of public relations theory and practice with particular attention to actual cases studies drawn from real-world contexts. Students will explore a variety of real public relations problems as well as plan responses to hypothetical situations. No previous training or experience in public relations is required. (Fall)

COMM 335 Communication Law and Ethics (3)
Study and research in current communication law, especially First Amendment issues, defamation, privacy, copyright, obscenity, and broadcasting. Current ethical issues are explored through case studies. (Spring, odd years)

COMM 372 Special Topics in Communication Studies (3)
A supplement to regular offerings that permits the pursuit of topics of special interest suggested by faculty members or students. (As needed)

COMM 374 Creative Nonfiction (3)
Practice reading and writing creative nonfiction (also called literary journalism), combining factual or informational content of journalism with creative techniques like humor, imagery, metaphor, dialogue, description, and stylistic experimentation. (Fall, even years)

COMM 380 Creative Writing (3)
Study and practice of creative writing techniques. Students are expected to produce a short story and some poetry. (Same as ENGL 385.) (Fall)

COMM 398 Independent Study (1-3)
A student and faculty mentor work on a special project, typically writing for publication. Permission of the supervising instructor, the department chair and the dean of the college is required.

COMM 480 Internship (1-6)
On- and off-campus opportunities to gain practical experience in the field of communication studies. Open to juniors and seniors.

COMM 498 Senior Seminar (3)
Capstone course in communication studies that focuses on future professional work and development. Students are required to complete a comprehensive portfolio of their best work for public exhibition. Prerequisite: Senior status. (Fall)

Approved Communication Studies Elective Courses

BUSCM 304 Business Communications: Written and Oral (3)
Forms and techniques most often encountered in business communications: business letters, letters of application, résumés, memoranda, reports and oral briefings. (Same as BUS 304.) (Fall)

BUSCM 306 Advertising and Promotion (3)
A study of advertising as a management tool to further organizational objectives including the social, economic and managerial aspects of advertising; the impact of advertising practices on the consumer; and the full promotional mix of public relations and sales promotion. Prerequisite: BUS 313. (Same as BUS 306).

FACM 309 Graphic Design (3)
Expands and elaborates on material covered in Two-Dimensional Design (FAAR 108). A study of layout principles, mechanicals, type specifications and design aesthetics with the clear communication of information as a guiding principle. (Same as FAAR 309.) (Fall)

FACM 310 Graphic Design II (3) An expanded use of image-based software as a problem-solving tool for communication design.  Emphasis is on developing and integrating visual skills to communicate with meaning and purpose. This course covers the design, layout and proper production of graphic communications. PrerequisiteL FAAR 309 or permission of instructor. (Same as FAAR 310).

BUSCM 313 Principles of Marketing (3) 
An examination of the problems faced by the marketing manager when required to execute decisions concerning markets, products, prices, channels, promotion and basic marketing strategy. Findings from the behavioral sciences will be applied to practical marketing problems. Prerequisite: ECON 102. (Same as BUS 313.) (Fall and Spring)

BUSCM 350 Marketing Research (3)
A study of research methods, procedures and techniques, and their effective use by marketing managers in decision making. Attention afforded to the gathering, analysis and flow of marketing information and the use of qualitative and quantitative tools. Prerequisite: BUS 313. (Same as BUS 350.) (Spring)