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 1137. Introduction to Mass Communication (3-0-3). General orientation to the field of mass communication, including a survey of journalism, broadcasting, the Internet, public relations, advertising, photography, film and recording mediums. This course will briefly review the history and basic operation of each major mass medium and introduce critical evaluation of media performance.

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. Foundations of Human Communication (3-0-3) Prerequisite: Communication 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) 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 or Corequisite: 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 and COMM 2105 or COMM 2136. 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) Prerequisite: Junior Standing. 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) Prerequisite: Junior Standing. 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 3140. Communication and Aging (3-0-3) Prerequisite: COMM 2106 and Junior Standing. This course considers the study of the processes of communication and aging and their interrelationship. By examining communication research and literature relating to aging and intergenerational and multigenerational communication, students have an opportunity to gain an understanding of the effects of aging upon communication and the effects of communication upon aging.

COMM 3141 Public Relations 1 (3-0-3) Prerequisite: 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 3148. Building Community Through Communication (3-0-3) Prerequisite: COMM 2106. This class explores the markings and dynamics of a rhetorical theory addressing the centrality of communication in creating and sustaining community. Students will study theory as both a subject and process of thought as they inquire into the concept of community as a discursive realm that mediates our public and private relationships. During the course, they will identify and participate in projects, such as study circles, to become a more active voice in our community. The course will emphasize concrete ways communication maintains community as we strive to build a theory conducive to application in the real-world interactions of human beings in a physical, living environment.

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: Communication major with senior standing. The student will prepare a portfolio representing his/her work from at least eight 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 2105 or COMM 2136. This course examines how communication networks function. Social, civic, organizational, and mediated networks, including the internet, will be considered.

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. Organizational 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) Prerequisite: Junior standing. A study of the development of speech and theories of communication.

COMM 4157. Qualitative Communication Research (3-0-3) Prerequisite: Junior standing. 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) Prerequisite: Junior Standing. 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.