COMM - Communication

COMM 1110. Communication (3-0-3) An introduction to the basic principles of public speaking. Students will deliver a variety of speeches using library research services. Computer laboratory assignments require students to conduct online research, generate word processing documentation and graphic support for their presentations. Satisfies the core curriculum requirement in area B.

COMM 2105. Interpersonal Communication (3-0-3) A study of the fundamental concepts of person-to-person communication including opportunities to practice skills such as supportive behaviors, active listening, and assertiveness.

COMM 2106. Introduction to Human Communication (3-0-3) Prerequisite: Communications major. An introduction to the study of human communication. Emphasis is placed on the development of communication study, historical models, concepts and principles. The communication process is applied to a variety of communication contexts, ethics, career options, professional organizations and resources for continuing the study of human communication.

COMM 2136. Group Communication (3-0-3) Prerequisite: COMM 1105. Study of the theories of group dynamics, with experiential training in methods and procedures of group problem solving.

COMM 3116. Business and Professional Speaking (3-0-3) Prerequisite: Junior standing. Theoretical and applied study of communication appropriate to business and with superiors, coworkers, and others; basic principles of interviewing and performance appraisal; principle influences in group dynamics with an organization and development of informative and persuasive skills for public presentation in business and professional settings.

COMM 3117. American Communication (3-0-3) Prerequisite: COMM 2105. A study of inter-ethnic communication among residents of the United States.

COMM 3125. Mass Communication (3-0-3) A survey of the history, current theories, practices and technologies of mass communication.

COMM 3135. Persuasion (3-0-3) Prerequisite: COMM 1110.An introductory study of selected theories of persuasion. Students will examine, analyze, and apply persuasive techniques used in today's culture.

COMM 3137. Couples Communication (3-0-3) Prerequisite: Junior standing. Dynamics of couples communication are explored, including phases of relationships, tasks and skills involved in relationship building and ways to sustain healthy, long-term relationships.

COMM 3138. Contemporary Issues in Personal Relationships (3-0-3) Survey of current trends in communication research regarding personal relationships. Topic areas will include health, sexuality, aging, economic influences, technology, religion & spirituality, and culture and ethnicity in terms of their impact on communication in personal relationships.

COMM 3139. Interpersonal Conflict Resolution (3-0-3) Introduces positive conflict management processes coupled with communication skills and principled negotiation. Discussion of readings, special assignments, basic theoretical foundations of interpersonal conflict, and the practical application of such theories in everyday interaction.

COMM 3141 Public Relations 1 (3-0-3) Prequisite: Junior Standing. The theory, function and practice of effective explanation and presentation of the nature and activities of the organization, both in terms of its daily operation and in view of its overall objectives.

COMM 3145. Family Communication (3-0-3) Prerequisite: Junior standing. Analysis of the communication processes within the family as well as the extent to which they affect and are affected by larger social systems.

COMM 3146. Political Communication (3-0-3) Introduction to theory and practices of political communication, including the conduct of campaigns and providing public services. In addition, the student will participate in a political or voter registration campaign, or work in an elected official's office.

COMM 3147. Intercultural Communication (3-0-3) Prerequisite: COMM 2105. A study of communication barriers between persons from different cultures, and a review of methods used in resolving these communication problems.

COMM 3242. Public Relations 2 (2-2-3) Prerequisite: COMM 3141. Practical application of effective public relations techniques based on a comprehensive P.R. campaign. May include, but is not limited to, letters to the editor, personality profile, news releases, broadcast version and speech writing.

COMM 4000. Communication Exit Assessment (0-0-0) Prerequisite: Senior standing. The student will prepare a portfolio representing his/her work from at least ten communication or related courses. The portfolio may contain audio and visual materials as well as text. After the portfolio is satisfactorily organized, the student will have an interview with a faculty panel. Satisfactory completion of this course is required for graduation. (S/U grading.)

COMM 4105 Networked Communication (3-0-3) Prerequisite: COMM 1110 and COMM 2106. A macro rhetoric course that examines human communication processes in an increasingly connected world. This course traces the growth of human communication connectivity historically (from the earliest networks--rivers--to the present computer-network connectedness), contextually (from intrapersonal through interpersonal relationships and society building), and developmentally (from thought processes to mass messages). It places human communication in the process of globalization, examining the rhetorical dynamics of national boundaries, cultural dependency, ethical, and humanistic issues relative to emerging mass media.

COMM 4106. Applied Internet Research (3-0-3) This course covers traditional research design and its unique application in a networked environment, using the Internet and e-mail technologies. Students examine both current Internet and e-mail technologies. Students examine both current Internet structure and future projections, learn to apply research methodologies within these contexts.

COMM 4107. Communication, Gender, and Sexuality (3-0-3) Prerequisites: COMM 1110, COMM 2105, and Junior Standing. Examines multiple relationships between communication, gender, and sexuality. Emphasizes how communication creates gender and power roles and how communicative patterns create, sustain, reflect, and alter social conceptions of gender and sexuality.

COMM 4139. Dispute Resolution (3-0-3) Prerequisite or Co-requisite: Undergraduates-COMM 3139; Graduates-Admission to the MPA program and permission of graduate advisor and instructor. This is a macro conflict resolution course, which uses interpersonal conflict resolution skills within organizational contexts. Students will examine the phenomenology of the conflict spectrum from war to peace, understanding the appropriate means of conflict resolution (negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation), and be able to develop appropriate dispute resolution strategy and tactics.

COMM 4145. Workplace Communication (3-0-3) Prerequisite: Junior Standing. Emphasizes communication concepts and principles as they pertain to the workplace. Topics include corporate culture interview and selection, performance feedback, team building, conflict management and diversity management.

COMM 4146. Communication Training and Development (3-0-3) Prerequisite: Junior Standing. Assessment of needs, program design and delivery and evaluation of communication training will be covered.

COMM 4155. Communication Research (3-0-3) Prerequisite: Junior standing. A study and application of research methods used in speech communication.

COMM 4156. Communication Theories (3-0-3) A study of the development of speech and theories of communication.

COMM 4157. Qualitative Communication Research (3-0-3) Prerequisites: COMM 4155 and COMM 4156. Qualitative Research Methods in the study of human communication covers conceptual issues of qualitative inquiry, research design, gathering, analyzing and interpreting qualitative data, writing up qualitative research and combining qualitarie and qualitative research.

COMM 4555. Selected Topics in Communication (1-9 hours) The purpose of this course is to address communication issues not addressed elsewhere in the curriculum.

COMM 4698. Internship (1-3 hours) Prerequisite: Senior standing. Application of communication skills in the work place. (S/U grading.)

COMM 4899. Independent Study (1-3 hours) Prerequisite: Senior standing. Work in special projects designed to meet specific needs of individual students.