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Advising & Registration

Spring Courses

 

COM 114 Fundamentals of Speech Communication Cr. 3.
A study of communication theories as applied to speech; practical communicative experiences ranging from interpersonal communication and small-group process through problem identification and solution in discussion to informative and persuasive speaking in standard speaker-audience situations.
COM 212 Approaches to the Study of Interpersonal Communication Cr. 3.
A study of basic characteristics of human communication and the theoretical and practical implications of these characteristics for various forms of oral communication.
COM 250 Mass Communication and Society Cr. 3.
A survey of print, broadcast, and film media in their relationship and influence on society. Study topics include mass communication theories, documentaries, commercialism, news media, media effects, and control, feedback, educational broadcasting, and audience analysis.
COM 251 Introduction to the Electronic Mass Media Cr. 3.
A study of the ways in which ideas are expressed through techniques unique to the language of radio, television, and film. The course focuses on the scenes, camera and lens movement, tempo, editing concepts, montage, sound, perspective, fades, segues, and other special effects prerequisite to effective communication through electronic media.
COM 253 Introduction to Public Relations Cr. 3.
An analysis of public relations theory and practice from their origins to the present. From a communication perspective, the course examines public relations environments, audiences, and message strategies.

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COM 300 Introduction to Communication Research Methods Cr. 3.
P: 114. Introduction to the development and application of historical, critical, and empirical research methods pertinent to communication problems. Fundamental concepts of problem identification, sampling, surveys, historical sources, critical models, reliability, and validity of both measurement and research design in communication research.
COM 303 Intercultural Communication Cr. 3.
P: 114. An exploration of the impact of culture on perception and communication, the obstacles affecting intercultural communication, the impact of ethnocentrism and the challenges facing cultures with broad cultural and subcultural diversities. Open to majors and nonmajors.
COM 310 Family Communication Cr. 3.
P: 114. Application of theories of interpersonal communication to family life. Emphasis on feedback, empathy, and trust as contributing factors to effective communication with families. A case study approach is used.
COM 318 Principles of Persuasion Cr. 3.
P: 114 or consent of instructor. Persuasion and its effects, ranging from individual influences to societal impacts. Various perspectives and models of persuasion are examined, including classical and modern approaches. Both theoretical and pragmatic considerations are introduced.
COM 320 Small Group Communication Cr. 3.
P: 114. A study of group thinking and problem-solving methods; participation in and evaluation of committee and informal discussion groups. Focus on the roles, networks, and messages employed by small group communicators.
COM 323 Business and Professional Speaking Cr. 3.
P: 114. The study of oral communication problems and responsibilities in the businessorganizational environment. Participation in problem-solving from investigation and informative speaking to advocacy and parliamentary debate. This course is not available for credit toward any communication major or minor.
COM 324 Introduction to Organizational Communication Cr. 3.
P: 114. An introduction to fundamental concepts and basic research related to communication behavior in organizational settings. Units cover message processing, leadership communication, communication networks, communication training, and communication audits.
COM 325 Interviewing: Principles and Practice Cr. 3.
P: 114. Theory and practice of methods in selected interview settings: informal, employment, and persuasive. Emphasis on communication between two persons, questioning techniques, and the logical and psychological bases of interpersonal persuasion.
COM 330 Theories of Mass Communication Cr. 3.
An examination of mass communication theories and theorists. Readings and discussion of McLuhan, Lippman, LaFleur, Lazarsfeld, Schramm, Stephenson, and other significant contributors.
COM 332 Television Studio Production Class 1, Lab. 4, Cr. 3.
P: 251. Basic principles of producing, writing, and directing for television. Treats program types and television criticism, and explores creative treatment of visual, artistic, and nonverbal elements of communication in television.
COM 334 Journalism for the Electronic Mass Media Class 2, Lab. 2, Cr. 3.
P: 251, 332, and consent of instructor. The development and practice of electronic journalism, with projects relating to straight news, feature reports, commentary, editorial, interview, and documentary.
COM 337 Video Production/Editing Class 1, Lab. 4, Cr. 3.
P: 251, 332. Provides experience in writing program proposals and scripts, taping with small-format television equipment, and audio and video editing for various program formats. Special attention to editing, theory and technique, aesthetic considerations, and institutional and community cable outlets.
COM 338 Documentary and Experimental Film and Video Cr. 3.
P: 251. An examination of experimental and actuality (“documentary”) film and video, with emphasis on structural and technical innovation, production considerations, and historical development, as well as interrelationships between these two basic genres.
COM 352 Mass Communication Law Cr. 3.
Study of Anglo-American traditions and trends, as well as current American conditions of the laws of libel, privacy, fair comment and criticism, privilege, property rights, and copyright as such factors affect the print journalist and the broadcaster. Emphasis is on existing state and federal regulations and precedents. Credit is not given for both COM 352 and JOUR J300.

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COM 410 Gender Roles and Communication Cr. 3.
P: 114. This course is designed to investigate the relationship between gender roles and communication; i.e., how gender roles are socially constructed, maintained, and enacted. The course also explores gender differences, similarities, and gender issues in personal and organizational contexts.
COM 431 Practicum in Radio Cr. 2.
P: 114, 250 or 330, 251, 331, and permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit. Assigned television production for the advanced student only; usually, but not necessarily, involving assigned work at a professional radio media installation.
COM 432 Practicum in Television Cr. 2.
P: 114, 250 or 330, 251, 332, and permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit. Assigned television production for the advanced student only; usually, but not necessarily, involving assigned work at a professional television media installation.
COM 436 Script Writing Cr. 3.
P: 251. Study of forms and materials suitable for the electronic mass media; practice in selection, adaptation, and organization of program materials.
COM 490 Internship in Communication Cr. 1–6.
P: 114, first course in area, and consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit. Experiential, supervised training in public relations, journalism, telecommunication, oral interpretation, speech education, organizational communication, or public communication. Usually taken in junior or senior year.

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COM 518 Theories of Persuasion Cr. 3.
P: 318 or consent of instructor. Review of contemporary theories, including analysis of concepts, models, and pertinent research across the broad spectrum of persuasive communication.
COM 520 Small Group Communication Cr. 3.
P: 320 or consent of instructor. Survey and critical evaluation of theoretical and empirical literature dealing with human communication within small group settings.
COM 557 Legal Dimensions of Communication Cr. 3.
P: 352. Analysis of contemporary issues in communication law. Research into selected problems concerning the law and its impact on faceto- face and mass communication.
COM 559 Current Trends in Mass Communication Research Cr. 3.
P: 330 or consent of instructor. An examination of current research as it contributes to understanding the process and effects of mass communication. Topics covered include gatekeepers and information control, audience selection processes and uses of the media, media content and social learning, the effects of adult programming on children, and the effects of the media on the governmental process.

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