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• Undergraduate Fall 2023
• Communication

Undergraduate Communication

2023 Fall Term

Class Schedule

INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC SPEAKING

COMM 110

A basic course designed to help students increase their effectiveness in public speaking through classroom speeches. Emphasis is on research, preparation, organization, delivery, and visual aids, to enhance informative and persuasive speaking. The student will develop skills to communicate orally in clear, coherent language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience.

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INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATION

COMM 131

A study of mass communication with relation to current economic, political and social institutions and trends. Emphasis on print and broadcast media with consideration of advertising, public relations, government and technology. The role of media in entertainment, news, and persuasion is examined.

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PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

COMM 202

An introduction to the principles, processes and techniques of public relations as they are used in business, government and nonprofit organizations.

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PUBLIC RELATIONS TACTICS I

COMM 203

A beginning exploration of public relations communication styles as they apply to various media, including news releases, public service messages, media alerts, newsletters and brochures.

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PUBLIC RELATIONS TACTICS II

COMM 204

Instruction and practice in the theory, design, production and utilization of non-print media in the context of various public relations activities

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INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

COMM 228

Theory and exercises in interpersonal communication situations. Basic theory, self disclosure, listening, conflict, trust and other topics will be examined.

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RADIO PRACTICUM

COMM 230

A laboratory course in which the student participates in at least one area of radio broadcasting: Announcing, engineering, interviewing, or publicity. Repeatable.

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PRACTICUM IN TELEVISION PRODUCTION

COMM 231

Participation in a variety of areas of television production including camera, lighting, graphics, audio, switching, video engineering and announcing and television performance. Repeatable for a maximum of 4 units in major/degree.

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INTRODUCTION TO CINEMA

COMM 236

Focuses on understanding and appreciating film as a unique visual communication experience. Includes an introduction to the understanding of film language and different theories of film aesthetics and criticism.

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VIDEO PRODUCTION I: FUNDAMENTALS OF VIDEO

COMM 238

This introductory video production course provides students with a basic understanding of the video production process. Students work on studio and field exercises to develop their video production skills.

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AUDIO PRODUCTION I: FUNDAMENTALS OF AUDIO

COMM 239

A study of audio theory relevant to the production of programming for radio and related electronic mass media. Substantial attention devoted to the fundamental theoretical principles of digital audio systems. Practical experience in program production is also emphasized, in combination with the development of critical listening skills for audio production work.

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PUBLIC SPEAKING

COMM 240

Study of the theory and techniques of public address with required presentation of speeches.

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COMMUNICATION AND TEAM BUILDING

COMM 242

This course is designed to demonstrate the importance of team building in today's work culture. Students learn how to create, participate in and lead successful working teams. The course will teach relationship building to foster interpersonal relationships and aid in conflict resolution.

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VIDEO PRODUCTION II: MEDIA STORYTELLING

COMM 258

This course will consist of advanced video and field production labor, lectures, outside reading assignments and exams. Each student will write, produce and direct a series of theme-based production assignments over the course of the semester, and strive to improve on video production skills first introduced in Video Production I: Fundamentals of Video.

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AUDIO PRODUCTION II: ADVANCED AUDIO TECHNIQUES

COMM 259

An advanced level course that studies the utilization of audio in broadcast, recording, sound reinforcement and multi-media with an emphasis on critical listening and advanced audio production skills. Students critique and analyze existing works and produce related audio materials for various media.

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PRACTICUM IN FORENSICS

COMM 263

Participation in public address or interpretation events in intercollegiate contest situations. May be retaken.

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ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS RESEARCH LITERACY

COMM 275

Students will learn about information gathering for communication planning. They will learn to assess the quality of research reports. Students will study survey and group research methods. They will examine subscription data sources commonly used for advertising and public relations and learn about media tracking and Web page evaluation.

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SOCIAL MEDIA OPTIMIZATION & THE NEW WEB

COMM 285

'Social Media Optimization' will teach students how to engage with online communities to generate publicity and manage the images and issues of organizations. This cutting-edge, timely curriculum will require students to investigate the most compelling topics confronting organizations and individuals striving to extract value from the dynamic, participatory, ever-changing 'new web.'

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AUDIO PRACTICUM

COMM 293

Students will develop their skills in audio technology and application through practical experience working in sound reinforcement and studio recording environments.

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WEB VIDEO & THE GAME INDUSTRY - GAMEZOMBIE PRACTICUM

COMM 294

The GameZombie practicum will provide students the opportunity to produce a globally distributed game media web series, strengthen multimedia production skills, and develop expertise in cutting edge game industry topics. Students will greatly enhance their portfolios, industry connectedness, and global web presence by participating in this practicum experience.

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PUBLIC RELATIONS STRATEGIES

COMM 302

An examination, using case studies, of the theories and research which support the selection of various public relations strategies to solve problems. Issues such as responding to crisis situations, applying ethical principles to public relations problems and assessing the use of emerging technologies in public relations are also addressed.

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CRISIS COMMUNICATION

COMM 312

This course is an introduction to theory and research in crisis communication. It focuses primarily on corporate and political discourse; occasionally, public image problems in other contexts will be addressed. Students will read, speak and write about theories and cases studies of crisis communication. Students will learn sound principles of crisis communication planning and will participate in crisis communication simulations.

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NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

COMM 321

Nonverbal dimensions of interpersonal communication (physical behavior, facial expression, eye behavior, personal space, personal appearance-clothing, touch, voice and the use of objects) focusing upon their actual interaction with verbal or speech communication. Study of concepts and actual participation in nonverbal exercises/simulations.

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LISTENING BEHAVIOR

COMM 322

Study of the current theory and research concerning the process of listening in human communication as a basis for an effective understanding of listening behavior and for an increased ability to improve one's own listening skills. Also included is an overview of approaches to 1) listening in the schools and 2) training in business-industry.

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COMMUNICATION AND GENDER

COMM 326

Advanced study of interpersonal communication between and within the sexes. The focus of the course concerns examination of traditional gender ideals and analysis of communication styles that contribute to societal evolution. This course covers sex differences in communication, theories explaining sex differences in communication, research on sex stereotypes, debates about language and sexism, and implications for inter-gender relationships.

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INTRODUCTION TO CORPORATE COMMUNICATION

COMM 327

This course provides a broad overview of the theoretical and empirical literature relevant to organizational communication. The focus is on how communication operates in organizations, the effects of communication on organizational life, and how communication can be made more efficient and effective in meeting personal as well as organizational goals.

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COMMUNICATION CONFLICT RESOLUTION

COMM 328

This course provides a communications perspective of the nature and possible methods of resolution of conflict.

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AUDIO III: STUDIO PRODUCTION

COMM 339

An applied course using the knowledge and skills necessary for professional audio production with an emphasis on studio recording and aesthetics. Concepts include signal flow, processing, microphone selection and placement, mixing and mastering. Students will produce multi-track recording projects.

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PERSUASION

COMM 345

A study of the process of persuasion: Logical, ethical, and emotional appeals as well as organizational patterns and stylistic devices are addressed. Application and analysis of these techniques through term papers and speeches.

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SOUND AND IMAGE: AN EXPLORATION OF SOUND FOR/WITH VISUAL MEDIA

COMM 346

This course will explore the ways in which sound and music have been utilized in conjunction with images in diverse media including films, video games, video art, cartoons, music videos, television and live performance.

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GAME STUDIES AND DESIGN

COMM 351

This course requires students to engage in and analyze a variety of interactive media: games and other forms of play. The goal is to turn a critical consciousness towards an activity that they have engaged in since birth, and consider how play changes when it is electronically mediated. Interactive media fundamentally changes the process of communication because the audience becomes more active. Users author their own experience and this fundamentally changes the role of author/architect of the medium. This course will examine audience/player experience, game/interaction content, and the effects of playing on the players. Students will analyze play experiences and learn how to develop new games.

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INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH COMMUNICATION

COMM 363

This course provides an overview of health communication, with emphasis given to theory and research on social support messages. Factors that influence social support messages are examined in a variety of different contexts (e.g., relational, familial, support group, workplace, on-line).

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FAMILY COMMUNICATION

COMM 368

This course is designed to enhance students' understanding of communication in familial relationships. Topics such as parent-child relationships, sibling relationships, family stereotypes, aging family members, and cultural variations in family interactions will be covered.

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MEDICAL COMMUNICATION & HEALTH LITERACY

COMM 369

Will familiarize students with common medical terminology, its usage, translating scientific jargon into everyday language for multiple target populations.

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COMMUNICATING LEADERSHIP

COMM 373

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the study and practice of leadership from a communication perspective. Examination of leadership concepts and theories in organizational, group, and public contexts will illustrate the interactive process wherein leaders and followers are able to achieve collective goals. Students will analyze their personal leadership styles and develop leadership communication skills through case studies, self-assessments, projects and classroom exercises.

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APPLIED WORKPLACE COMPETENCIES

COMM 389

This advanced communication course emphasizes the demonstration and understanding of workplace competencies, such as developing successful writing and interviewing skills associated with finding employment, as well as demonstrating how to write and successfully complete professional goals. Other communication competencies linked with successful workplace practices are also covered.

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PUBLIC RELATIONS PLANNING

COMM 402

Application of public relations principles, tactics and strategies to a client's public relations problem or opportunity, through the development and use of public relations planning skills.

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COMMUNICATION AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

COMM 417

This course prepares students to better understand the traditional organizational frameworks and apply them in the nonprofit world. Specifically, the course will address communicating a strategic vision, stewardship, managing and understanding the relationships between boards and volunteers and staff, building and maintaining successful volunteer programs, event planning, fundraising and media and government relations through reading, lectures, case studies and a capstone project.

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COMMUNICATION THEORIES

COMM 422

Study of theories of communication from various disciplinary viewpoints. An investigation of approaches which attempt to explain the communication process through a "meaning-centered" focus to the communication act (originating communicator, message, channel, responding communicator). Theories are discussed in terms of their assumptions, claims, and strengths-weaknesses.

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CROSS CULTURAL COMMUNICATION

COMM 424

Study of cross cultural contacts and interactions when individuals are from different cultures. An analysis of verbal and nonverbal communication and related factors within and between various cultures, predictions of patterns and effects, and communication barriers.

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NEW COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

COMM 440

This course examines the major innovations in the telecommunication industry. Students will explore alternative regulatory contexts in which these systems can develop and address the implications of these developments in a variety of social, institutional and philosophical contexts.

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HEALTH MESSAGE ADVOCACY AND ANALYSIS

COMM 464

This course embraces a social justice perspective toward public health, and emphasizes the analytical, cross-cultural, health literacy and interpersonal skills students develop through the Corporate and Health Communication curriculum. Special attention is given to research-based tools students can use to assess and depict health-related risks in their communities.

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COMMUNICATION RESEARCH METHODS

COMM 485

An advanced-level undergraduate and graduate survey of methodologies and issues relevant to the practice of communication research.

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ELECTRONIC MEDIA CAPSTONE: SENIOR PROJECT

COMM 487

This course allows students the opportunity to complete a capstone research or production project during their senior year. Students work with one or more faculty who advise and evaluate the project. During class meetings students work on the design of their projects and present their projects and findings. Students also develop professional networking and job acquisition skills and work on resume and portfolio preparation.

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TRAVEL STUDY

COMM 491

Variable topics. Faculty-led courses abroad. Repeatable

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INTERNSHIP IN COMMUNICATION

COMM 493C

Professional experience in which the student who aspires to a career in the corporate and health industry works for an approved employer in his/her area of interest under the supervision of a professional in that field.

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INTERNSHIP IN ELECTRONIC MEDIA

COMM 493E

Professional experience in which the student who aspires to a career in the electronic media industry works for an approved employer in his/her area of interest under the supervision of a professional in that field.

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PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERNSHIP

COMM 493I

Professional experience in which the student who aspires to a career in public relations works for an approved employer in his/her area of interest under the supervision of a professional in that field.

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MAGD INTERNSHIP

COMM 493M

The MAGD internship is a hands-on multimedia work experience that counts toward the Media Arts & Game Development Degree under the supervision of a professional in that field.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY

COMM 498

Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable.