More Areas of Study

Communication

Communication Course Offerings

COMM–110 Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3 credits)
Preparation, organization, and presentation of several forms of public speaking. Examination of the basic models and components of public communication. Attention given to research and analytical skills. Examination of the basic models and components of public address discussed from the rhetorical origins of the discipline to current practices.
COMM–130 Introduction to Communication (3 credits)
Introduction to the fundamental questions, methods, and theories that define the communication discipline and professions in advertising, journalism, public relations, multimedia production, and organizational communication.
COMM–211 Creative Thinking (3 credits)
Introduction to techniques for producing ideas and improving creative thinking skills in order to generate ideas for advertising and mass communication applications as well as other fields. Prerequisite: Communication 130 or permission of instructor.
COMM–221 Media Writing (3 credits)
Develop basic writing and research skills necessary for creating persuasive tools in print, broadcast, and online media. Special focus on developing a competency in the mechanics of concise clear writing through appropriate use of Associated Press style. Prerequisite: Communication 130 or permission of instructor.
COMM–231 Basic Reporting (3 credits)
Basic news gathering, writing, reporting, and editing skills relevant to journalism and mass communication. Examines the news selection process and focuses on the principles of news writing and reporting, construction of the news story to include lead writing, Associated Press style, and ethical and legal issues. Emphasis on interviewing and research skills. Prerequisite: Communication 130 or permission of instructor.
COMM–251 Basic Web Production (3 credits)
Introduces basic concepts of Web site development. Utilizes HTML and appropriate text and graphics software applications to build Web sites. Includes overview of basic design, writing, and information architecture principles that apply to Web site development. Prerequisite: Communication 130 or permission of instructor. Same as Information Technology 251.
COMM–312 Advertising Copy and Layout (3 credits)
Advanced techniques in message creation, emphasis on advertising campaign development and presentation. Covers product and audience research, creative strategy statements, idea generation techniques, computer assisted layouts, preparation of a professional portfolio, and job hunting strategies. Prerequisite: Communication 211.
COMM–313 Ad Agency Creative Philosophies (3 credits)
Examines prevailing creative philosophies of advertising agencies. Emphasis on how philosophy dictates copywriters adapt their talents to be a productive successful members of agency teams. Prerequisites: Communication 211, 312.
COMM–322 Strategic Public Relations (3 credits)
Includes the historical evolution of public relations with in-depth instruction on the concepts of public opinion, audience analysis, and persuasion. Professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities of public relations examined. Emphasis on use of communication strategies to achieve organizational goals and objectives. Covers applications of public relations in a global environment. Prerequisite: Communication 221.
COMM–332 Advanced Reporting (3 credits)
In-depth instruction and critiques of student's journalistic work done with different reporting methodologies including interviewing, official records, direct and participant observation, and survey research. Emphasis on how to cover speeches and meetings and report on local government. Prerequisite: Communication 231.
COMM–333 News Copyediting (3 credits)
Overview of the skills and uses of editing. Emphasizes the practice of copyediting and headline-writing skills for print and online publications. Skills developed include tightening writing, sharpening leads, headline writing, cutline writing, and basics of layout. Prerequisite: Communication 231.
COMM–340 Audio Production (3 credits)
Introduction to principles and processes of audio production. Includes examination of general sound theory as well as audio technology including digital editing software. Emphasizes development of writing and storytelling techniques and their application to practical experiences in audio production. Prerequisite: Communication 130 or permission of instructor.
COMM–341 Video Production (3 credits)
Introduction to principles and processes of video production. Includes preproduction (organizing, scriptwriting, management, budgeting), production (directing, visual and sound recording, lighting, design, field work), and postproduction (visual and sound editing, marketing, exhibition). Conducted professionally, using techniques and practices applied in the film, video, and television industries. Prerequisite: Communication 130 or permission of instructor.
COMM–352 Advanced Web and Multimedia Production (3 credits)
Advanced techniques in Web site development, including concept of dynamic HTML. Includes the integration of video and audio as well as working with the Flash application for integrating interactive multimedia elements. Prerequisite: Communication 251.
COMM–380 Intercultural Communication (3 credits)
Examines the communication process of individuals from different cultures or subcultures. Explores possible sources of misunderstandings in intercultural communication (e.g., time/space factors, linguistic and nonverbal factors, ethnocentric communication, communication problems of persons engaged in personal or professional intercultural contacts).
COMM–381 Relationship Management (3 credits)
Critical examination of research and theories dealing with selected variables in one-to-one relationships. Explores development, maintenance, and deterioration stages of professional and personal relationships.
COMM–382 Team Building and Group Communication (3 credits)
Theoretical foundations and practical skills for examining and applying communication principles in groups. Surveys concepts such as cohesiveness, leadership, groupthink, deviance, networks, choice shift, and brainstorming as they relate to communication. Prerequisite: Communication 130.
COMM–383 Conflict Management (3 credits)
Examination of the factors that lead to conflicts, and theory and practice in using communication strategies to resolve conflict. Prerequisite: Communication 130.
COMM–388 Organizational Communication Models (3 credits)
Application of the tools of communication in an organization. Topics include information flow, motivation and influence, power, leadership transactions, networks, channels, teamwork, and territoriality.
COMM–390 Practicum (1-3 credits)
Supervised practical experience in student media or other university information outlets. May be repeated for up to three hours credit. No more than six hours total credit given for Communication 390 and 395 combined.
COMM–395 Internship (1-3 credits)
Supervised practical experience in an off-campus mass communicationrelated organization. Application required. May be repeated for up to three hours credit. Prerequisites: one course from Communication 211, 221, 231, 251, 341; GPA of 2.50 or better; 36 hours of completed academic credit.
COMM–483 Media Theory and Research (3 credits)
Introduction to theory and research in the field of mass media. Examines the role of mass media in modern society and the influence of media institutions and messages on individuals, communities, and society. Includes an overview of basic research methods associated with media research. Students integrate theoretical knowledge into media research areas relevant to communication professionals today. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.
COMM–485 Media Law and Ethics (3 credits)
Examines the rights, responsibilities, and constraints on public communication in the United States. Emphasis on the effects and interaction of differing ethical constructs and First Amendment theories and sources of constraints on the mass media. Covers regulatory policies affecting advertising, public relations, journalism, and present and future electronic mass mediums. Also examines legal areas of libel, privacy, obscenity, access to and ownership of information, and media outlets. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.
COMM–487 Integrated Communication Campaigns (3 credits)
Senior seminar in communication. Students learn to identify organizational issues, conduct situation analyses, and evaluate communication programs. Examination of the interrelationships between media and international societies and cultures, utilizing diverse perspectives from science, business, art, and humanities. Develop and execute a detailed integrated communication campaign for real-world clients. Prerequisite: Senior standing.
COMM–490 Special Topics in Communication (3 credits)
Varied topics of periodic interest not covered in regular course offerings. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Senior standing and permission of instructor.
COMM–499 Independent Study in Communication (1-3 credits)
Completion of individual course of study under faculty supervision. Topic and credit hours must be approved in advance in accordance with University policy. May be repeated twice for up to six hours credit.