Undergraduate Communication
Undergraduate Communication
2025 Fall Term
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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.
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.
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.
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.
SOCIAL AND DIGITAL MEDIA PR TACTICS
COMM 204
This course explores how organizations use their Web presences, social media and other digital communication tools to engage with their primary publics. The course prepares students to develop and manage their organizations' Web presence and social media platforms. Students practice creating websites and digital media kits for their clients and organizing Web content.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
COMM 228
Theory and exercises in interpersonal communication situations. Basic theory, self disclosure, listening, conflict, trust and other topics will be examined.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SPEAKING FOR SUCCESS
COMM 240
Study of the theory and techniques of public address with required presentation of speeches.
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.
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.
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.
PRACTICUM IN FORENSICS
COMM 263
Participation in public address or interpretation events in intercollegiate contest situations. May be retaken.
AD & PR RESEARCH LITERACY
COMM 275
Students learn about gathering information for communication planning. The course introduces students to some of the important research tools used by advertising and public relations professionals. They learn to assess the quality of research reports. Students study survey and group research methods. The course discusses market research and media tracking as well.
EVENT PLANNING FOR COMMUNICATION PROFESSIONALS
COMM 276
Special events are essential tactics used by communication professionals to reach key target audiences and engage them with the organization. The Event Planning for Communication Professionals course teaches students how to design and administer special events for communication. Students will learn to plan and implement events. They will learn to develop strategies and budgets and manage event activities.
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.'
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.
WEB VIDEO PRACTICUM
COMM 294
The web video practicum will provide students the opportunity to produce a website and related digital media for subject matter within gaming culture. Students strengthen multimedia production skills, develop expertise in cutting edge game industry topics, and will enhance their portfolios, industry connectedness, and global web presence by participating in this practicum experience.
PR CASE STUDIES & APPLIED THEORY
COMM 302
The course analyzes several examples of public relations campaigns, exploring the thinking and strategies that guided the campaigns' creators. The course provides students with insights into the public relations profession and reveals what it takes to be successful in the profession. Students learn about several important communication theories and apply those theories to analyze and understand the campaign examples. The course discusses ethical public relations practice on the part of professionals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
COMMUNICATION CONFLICT RESOLUTION
COMM 328
This course provides a communications perspective of the nature and possible methods of resolution of conflict.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
COMMUNICATION TRAINING
COMM 427
This is an advanced level course that focuses on identifying, evaluating, and enhancing the communicative competencies behind the functioning of contemporary organizations.
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.
APPLIED COMMUNICATION IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS
COMM 463
This advanced level course integrates health communication theory and practices, analyzing the application of communication theory in a variety of health and wellness contexts, such as smoking cessation, HIV/AIDS prevention and cancer detection. Students will demonstrate understanding of applied principles by critiquing and developing health campaign messages during the semester.
COMMUNICATION RESEARCH METHODS
COMM 485
An advanced-level undergraduate and graduate survey of methodologies and issues relevant to the practice of communication research.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.