Communication 104

Introduction to Communication

This course offers students an orientation to “Communication Studies” including exploration of the three communication focus areas, advising, preview of requirements for the major and minor, student organizations, internships, study abroad opportunities, and a variety of resources and services available to students to support their success in the major and/or minor.

Communication 111    3 units (crs.)

Introduction to Public Speaking (GE)

Introduction to theory and practice of communicating in public speaking settings.

Communication 112    3 units (crs.)

Honors: Introduction to Public Speaking (GE)
Individual Speech Communication skills through the study of theory and experience in a variety of speeches. Open primarily to university honor scholars. If space permits, students who demonstrate above average oral communication ability and/or potential via a written test and oral performance will be allowed to enroll. Assignments in the course will be more challenging than those in Communication 111, with expectations of higher performance levels. Not open to students who have taken Communication 111. Prerequisites: Enrolled in good standing with the UW Oshkosh Honors program with prior or concurrent enrollment in INTRDSCP 175. Students cannot earn credit in both an honors course and a non-honors course of the same title.

This section is being updated. Please refer to Undergraduate Bulletin in link above.

Communication 214    3 units (crs.)

Interpersonal Speech Communication
Examination of the components of interpersonal speech communication. Lectures, discussions, observations, and controlled experiences will enable the student to learn and apply relevant concepts and variables of human interaction in dyadic, face-to-face communication situations.

Communication 215    3 units (crs.)

Small Group Communication
Theory, practice, and instructional methods of face-to-face communication in small groups; emphasizing field, role, conflict resolution, and problem-solving through group communication. Prerequisite: Communication 111 or consent of instructor.

Communication 219   3 units (crs.)

Introduction to Rhetoric and Public Advocacy

Explores the nature, function, and consequences of rhetoric. The course includes an introduction to rhetorical theorists and practitioners, a sampling of the major subject areas in the field of rhetoric, and the critical concepts included in these areas. Course assignments are designed to help students think critically about the study of rhetoric and what it offers to us as inviduals and to society as a whole.

Communication 220    3 units (crs.)

Interviewing
Examination of factors that influence successful attainment of interview objectives, which maximize information quality, and which enhance participant satisfaction. Theory and strategies appropriate to information-gathering, information-giving, personnel selection, performance appraisal, discipline, complaint and persuasive interviews will be discussed. Students will analyze professional interviews, participate in class exercises and role-playing to develop their interviewing skills. Prerequisite: Communication 104 or consent of instructor.

Communication 228   3 units (crs.)

Communication and Technology: Theory and Practice

This course explores the basic nature of communication and examines ways in which communication skills may be utilized in an everchanging digital era. Students will learn to recognize the effects of channel selection on communication and how these channels, or mediums, can enhance or inhibit communication depending upon the way they are used. Students will use this knowledge to identify and apply best practices for successful computer-mediated-communication (CMC) in relational and professional contexts.

Communication 236    3 units (crs.)

Introduction to Communication Theory
A critical examination of various theories of Communication and their philosophical, theoretical, and methodological similarities and differences. Includes examination of theory components and theory building and evaluation. Prerequisite: Communication 104 or consent of instructor.

Communication 265    3 units (crs.)

Oral Interpretation
A study of the principles and vocal techniques of oral interpretation, and their application to the various forms of literature. Prerequisite: Communication 104 or consent of instructor.

Communication 267    3 units (crs.)

Effective Listening
Analysis of the act of listening: process, types, barriers to, and the improvement of listening skills. Frequent skill building exercises and the testing of listening for comprehension and retention. Prerequisite: Communication 104 or consent of instructor.

Communication 268    3 units (crs.)

Gender, Communication and Relationships (SS)
Focuses on the relationship between gender and communication within the context of interpersonal relationships. Topics covered include hetero/homoaffective relationships, friendships, and professional relationships. Cross-listed: Communication 268/Women’s Studies 268. Students may receive credit for only one of the two cross-listed courses. Prerequisite: Communication students are recommended to have taken Communication 104 or consent of instructor.

Communication 275    3 units (crs.)

Argumentation and Debate
The fundamentals of argumentation: forms of reasoning, sources of evidence, testing of evidence, brief making, general theory, and case work. Opportunity for analysis of and debate on current problems. Prerequisite: Communication 111 or consent of instructor. Speech Education majors/minors and those wanting to travel with the debate team should not enroll in Communication 275. This course does not meet the Speech Education major/minor requirements.

Communication 277    3 units (crs.)

Intercollegiate Academic Debate
The fundamentals of argumentation: forms of reasoning, sources of evidence, testing of evidence, brief making, general theory, and case work. Opportunity for analysis of and debate on current problems. Prerequisite: Communication 111 and students enrolled in Communication 277 are required to co-enroll in Communication 411.

Communication 280    3 units (crs.)

Introduction to Organizational Communication
The course deals with the basic content of organizational communication: theory of communication, small groups, interpersonal communication, conflict, and other communication variables. Attempts to draw the link between the theoretical perspective and the pragmatic application of the topic.

This section is being updated. Please refer to Undergraduate Bulletin in link above.

Communication 302  3 units (crs.)

Communication and the Human Condition

This course explores the role of communication in the development, maintenance, and negotiation of self-identities within the social structures they inhabit. Prerequisites: Communication 104, and one of the following: Communication 213 or 214, 219 or 280.

Communication 303    3 units (crs.)

Advanced Public Speaking
In this course, students will further develop their character and competency through self-reflection, audience analysis, oral rehearsal, and listening to constructive feedback to progress in their journeys toward becoming remarkable people who lead and influence with their public spoken words.  Students engage in community-based learning in this course, speaking to an actual audience on an issue for which they have passion and expertise. Prerequisite: Communication 111 or 112; or consent of instructor

Communication 304    3 units (crs.)

Business and Professional Speaking
An examination of the unique communication problems and practices in business and industry. Through investigation, case study and practical exercises students should understand and be able to participate effectively in a variety of communication experiences faced by managers in business and the professions. Prerequisite: Communication 111 or 112; or consent of instructor.

Communication 314    3 units (crs.)

Inside-Out Prison Exchange

Focuses on how language shapes our understanding of issues and topics related to incarceration. This course brings together equal numbers of UWO students and incarcerated students at a local correctional institution. Ten joint class sessions are held at the correctional institution. The other three class sessions are held on campus for UWO students and at the correctional facility for incarcerated students.  Prerequisites: By Instructor Consent Only. To be considered for a seat in this course, students must complete an interview with the instructor.

Communication 316    3 units (crs.)

Gender and Discourse (HU)
Explores gender through the framework of public discourse and power dynamics. This course analyzes the public vocabularies through which we understand contemporary issues, examines the interests served by such discourses, and invites discussion on alternative language choices. Students can earn credit for only one of the cross-listed courses: Communication 316 or Women’s Studies 316. Prerequisite for Communication Studies Majors/Minors: Communication 104; Prerequisites or Corequisite for Communication Studies Majors/Minors: Communication 219; or consent of instructor. Prerequiste for Women’s Studies Major/Minors: Women’s Studies 201; or consent of instructor.

Communication 318    3 units (crs.)

Intercultural Communication (ES)
In this narrative-based course, students will identify characteristics of their own cultural identity, exploring connections to global citizenry; become increasingly self-reflective regarding their enculturation; apply theoretical constructs that allow for intercultural communication to become transformative; and listen well to personal narratives of those whose cultures differ from their own. As they engage in constructive, ethical, dialogue they will explore the concept of intentionality in communication as it relates to identity, prejudice, discrimination, racism, ethnocentrism, hatred, and stereotyping. Prerequisite: Communication 104; Prerequisite or Corequisite: Communication 213 or 214; or consent of instructor.

Communication 319    3 units (crs.)

Persuasion
Study of both classical and contemporary persuasion theories and practices. Assignments involve practical application of the theoretical foundation by analyzing different persuasive messages found in the media and public speeches. Prerequisite: Communication 104 and one of the following: Communication 213 or 214, 219, or 280.

Communication 325    3 units (crs.)

Nonverbal Communication
An examination of nonverbal communication, the process of one person stimulating meaning in the mind of another person (or persons) by means of nonverbal codes. Both the functions and specific categories of nonverbal behavior will be examined along with their communicative impact in a variety of situations. Theoretical and practical aspects of nonverbal communication are also explored. Prerequisite: Communication 104 and 213 or 214; Prerequisitie or Corequisite: Communication 368; or consent of instructor.

Communication 326    3 units (crs.)

Communication and Conflict
An exploration of research and practice regarding human conflict as an ongoing component of interpersonal relationships and community. Communication theories and concepts related to interpersonal conflicts, formal mediation and social justice advocacy are examined and practiced.. Prerequisite: Communication 104; Prerequisite or Corequisite: Communication 213 or 214; or consent of instructor.

Communication 337    3 units (crs.)

Foundations in Communication Studies

A theoretical and practical course. The course theory centers on the Five Canons of ancient rhetoric: invention, arrangement, style, delivery, and memory (with emphasis on the first three). Using ancient rhetorical theory as a foundation, students will compose and deliver manuscript speeches. The goal is to become a speaker who is not only eloquent, but also wise.  Prerequisite: Communication 104; Prerequisite or Corequisite: Communication 219; or consent of instructor.

Communication 338    3 units (crs.)

Freedom of Speech in the United States
In the United States, freedom of speech is restricted in a variety of ways. Historically and today, government places legal restrictions on communicators, the content of communication, and the medium of communication. When such restrictions have been challenged in the courts, judges have generally been guided by a very narrow model of communication. This course examines the legal history and contemporary status of the First Amendment from a modern Communication theory perspective. Prerequisite: Communication 104; Prerequisite or Corequisite: Communication 219; or consent of instructor.

Communication 368    3 units (crs.)

Systematic Inquiry in Communication Studies
This course introduces students to communication research methodologies. Students critically analyze research data and propose communication research projects. The class combines theoretical understanding and practical research application including both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Emphasis will be placed on exploring the assumptions of each method and understanding when each is appropriate. Prerequisites: Communication 104 and two of the following: Communication 213 or 214, 219, or 280; for Organizational Communication Minors: Communication 104 and 280.

Communication 375  3 units (crs.)

Argumentation Analysis

The fundamentals of argumentation: argument theory, forms of reasoning, warrants, sources of evidence, testing evidence, and case construction. Opportunity for debate and analysis on current programs. Prerequisites: Communication 104, 111 or 112, and 219; or consent of instructor.

Communication 386  3 units (crs.)

Ethnography of Communication

This course emphasizes the dual functionality of the ethnography of communication, approaching EOC as both a theory for explaining human communication and a method for generating and collecting situated cultural discourses. Students will read, discuss, and critique ethnographic accounts that theorize the uses and meanings of various communicative phenomena (terms for address, leave-taking practices, and “ways of speaking”). Students will also put into practice techniques for apprehending and analyzing communication phenomena (participant observation, interviewing, and collection of public documents). Students may earn credit for only one of the cross-listed courses, Communication 386 or Anthropology 386. Prerequisites: Communication 104 and Communication 213 or 214 or corequisite: Communication 368 or Anthropology 204.

 

Communication 388 3 units (crs.)

Rhetoric in Action

One definition of rhetoric calls it “the planned use of symbols to achieve goals.” (Campbell, Huxman, Burkholder, 2015, p. 1). In this course students learn methods of critiquing the discourse of contemporary rhetors actively involved in symbolic exchange. Such rhetors can be found in political campaigns, newspaper editorial pages, social media, and many other areas. By becoming more critical consumers of opinionated “rhetoric in action,” we can and should develop our own ability to use symbols effectively and ethically. Prerequisites: Communication 104 and Communication 219; or consent of instructor.

This section is being updated. Please refer to Undergraduate Bulletin in link above.

Communication 400

Professional Internship in Communication
Supervised professional field experience at a business, non-profit, service, or government organization in which the intern applies Communication Studies academic work to a practical situation.

Communication 403

Visual Communication                                                                                                                                         This course examines the role of visual communication in contemporary society. Students will be asked to think critically about how visuals and practices of looking in a variety of media constitute and persuade us as spectators, consumers, and citizens. Over the course of the semester, we will read numerous critical analyses of visual rhetoric, as well as perform such analyses on a variety of visual artifacts. Prerequisites: Communication 104 and 219; Prerequisite or corequisite: Communication 368; or consent of instructor.

 

Communication 411    2 units (crs.)

Forensic Participation
Participation in university-sponsored intercollegiate off-campus debate and forensics. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Communication 413    3 units (crs.)

Communication in Nonprofit Organizations
This course is designed to provide you with an overview of issues and topics in nonprofit organizational communication.  Topics include internal communication issues such as socialization, stress and burnout, and volunteer and board management as well as external communication issues including public relations, fundraising, and advocacy.  Prerequisites: Communication 104 and 280; Prerequisite or Corequisite: Communication 280 and 368; or consent of instructor.

Communication 414   3 units (crs.)

Training and Development 
This course explores the training process and role of employee development in organizations by focusing on adult learning, needs assessment, training process components, training competencies, and learning assessment.  Working with an organizational partner, the class will develop, deliver, and evaluate a training package focused on a communication-oriented challenge.  Prerequisites: Communication 104 and 280; Prerequisite and Corequisite: Communication 368; or consent of instructor.

Communication 415   3 units (crs.)

Organizational Rhetoric
In this course, we will study organizational communication using a rhetorical approach.  We will begin with an investigation of the communication processes through which formal organizations influence popular attitudes and individual identities.  We will also study how people in particular organization use language to “do” things.  Students will learn to critique examples of organizational rhetoric and develop communication materials to address challenges and crises in organizational communication.  Prerequisites: Communication 104 and 280; Prerequisite or Corequisite: 368;  or consent of instructor.

Communication 416    3 units (crs.)

Managerial Communication

This course explores fundamental aspects of managerial communication by focusing on how to ensure the effectiveness of management messages and interactions in a variety of organizational contexts and in terms of typical challenges managers face. Prerequisites: Communication 104 and 280; Prerequisite or Corequisite: 368;  or consent of instructor.

Communication 418    3 units (crs.)

Applied Project in Organizational Communication

Leaders from a wide range of industries and a great deal of educational research advocate for the importance of moving student learning into the ‘real’ world.  This course employs an action learning strategy to pursue this lofty goal. Action learning projects engage students in partnerships with clients to address real-world challenges through students’ concurrent learning and application of course content. In this class, you will work in groups within a project management structure to carry out an applied project focused on a complex, urgent challenge in a local organization. While working toward the project goal, you will reflect on your group’s experiences related to the core functions, processes, and conditions influencing the effectiveness of your group’s performance & project progress. Prerequisites: Communication 104 and Communication 280; and prerequisite or corequisite Communication 368; or consent of instructor.

Communication 422    3 units (crs.)

History of American Public Address
An analysis of influential speeches delivered between 1640 and modern times. Emphasis is placed on discovering the relationship between the speeches and the historical/rhetorical situations in which they were delivered. At the end of the term, students compose and deliver their own State of the American Union’ speech.  Prerequisites: Communication 104 and 219; Prerequisite or Corequisite: 368;  or consent of instructor.

 

Communication 427     3 units (crs.)

Rhetorical Criticism
Ancient and contemporary approaches to rhetorical criticism with emphasis on the description, analysis and evaluation of public messages. Prerequisites: Communication 104 and 219; Prerequisite or Corequisite: 368;  or consent of instructor.

Communication 428    3 units (crs.)

The Rhetoric of Rock Music
The course examines the history and rhetorical features of rock music. Rhetoric is concerned with how communicators adapt messages to audiences in a cultural context. When dealing with rock music, who is/are the communicator(s)? What is/are the audience(s)? Is the music a product of a cultural context or does it create that context? Prerequisites: Communication 104 and 219; Prerequisite or Corequisite: 368;  or consent of instructor.

Communication 436    1-3 units (crs.)

Seminar in Speech Communication
Special studies in speech communication theory and public address. The topic to be determined by the instructor. Prerequisite: Communication 118 and 236 or consent of instructor. (1+3)

Communication 439    1 unit (cr.)

Speech Communication Senior Seminar
This course is designed as the “Capstone Experience” to the Speech Communication program. Senior-level Speech Communication students will engage in both retrospective and prospective activities as their culminating holistic assessment opportunity. Prerequisite: Senior standing; Communication  104, 213 or 214, 219, and 280; a minimum of 9 additional credits in Communication Studies; or consent of instructor. Pass/Fail Course.

Communication 441    3 units (crs.)

Teaching of Speech Communication in Secondary Schools
The goals, materials, and methods of teaching speech communication to high school students. Prerequisites: Communication 213 or 214, and 215 or 280; or consent of instructor.

Communication 442    3 units (crs.)

Advanced Communication Theory
This course examines communication as a vital constitutive force in the social construction of reality. The central focus is upon ways in which reality and the human condition are socially constructed through various interpretive, communication processes, with particular attention to assumptions about the role of communication in interpersonal relations and social change. Prerequisite: Communication 104 and one of the following: 213 or 214,219, or 280; Prerequisite or Corequisite 368; or consent of instructor.

Communication 443   3 units (crs.)

Organizational Communication

The course deals with the basic content of organizational communication: theory of communication, small groups, interpersonal communication, conflict and other communication variables. Attempts to draw the link between the theoretical perspective and the pragmatic application of the topic. Prerequisite: Communication 118 and 236 or consent of instructor.

Communication 444    3 units (crs.)

Direction of High School Speech Activities
The study of debate, forensics as co-curricular activities with emphasis on directing various programs on the high school level. Prerequisite: Communication 111 or consent of instructor.

Communication 445    3 units (crs.)

African American Civil Rights Rhetoric

This course explores African American civil rights activism through the frameworks of rhetoric and gender. Topics include both the challenges faced by civil rights activists and their contributions to the movement.  Integrated throughout the course is an analysis of persuasive documents and events, including speeches, photographs, marches, and slogans. Prerequisites: Communication 214 and 219 or corequisite: Communication 268 or WG STDS 201 or SJ 101 or AF 100 or consent of instructor.

Communication 446    1-3 units (crs.)

Independent Study
See Independent Study under Course and Academic Advisement Policies information for general course description, general prerequisites, and proper contract form requirements. As outlined in this section, Communication 446 is designed to provide structured research (scholarly or creative) “well beyond that required in established courses.” It may not be used as a substitute for an existing course, not may it be used by a company or organization seeking free labor or free access to Dept. equipment and facilities. Prerequisite: Communication 111 or consent of instructor.

Communication 448    3 units (crs.)

Family Communication

Family communication studies the important role interpersonal communication plays in relationships and interactions with family members. The course focuses on family roles, rules, stories, metaphors, traditions, power, and conflict from a communication perspective. It also critically examines the narrative scripts that occur between siblings, parents, grandparents while identifying strategies for more effective communication between family members. Prerequisites: Communication 104 and Communication 213 or 214; and pre or corequisite: Communication 368; or consent of instructor.

Communication 450    3 units (crs.)

Rhetoric of the US Women’s Movement 1848-1920 (SS)
This course introduces students to primary rhetorical texts of the women’s rights movement, spanning from 1848 to 1920. Emphasis on the analysis of the arguments, appeals, and ideas of the movement. Students can earn credit for only one of the cross-listed courses: Communication 450 or Women’s Studies 450.  Prerequisite for Communication Majors/Minors: Communication 104 and 219; Prerequisite or Corequisite for communication Majors/Minors: Communication 368; or consent of instructor. Prerequisite for Women’s Studies Majors/Minors: Women’s Studies 201 or consent of instructor.

Communication 451    3 units (crs.)

Feminist Rhetorics and Social Change (SS)
This course introduces students to primary rhetorical texts of the U.S.  women’s rights movement  from 1920 to present. Emphasis on the analysis of the arguments, appeals, and ideas of the movement. Students can earn credit for only one of the cross-listed courses: Communication 451 or Women’s Studies 451.  Prerequisite for Communication Majors/Minors: Communication 104 and 219; Prerequisite or Corequisite for communication Majors/Minors: Communication 368; or consent of instructor. Prerequisite for Women’s Studies Majors/Minors: Women’s Studies 201 or consent of instructor.

Communication 455    3 units (crs.)

Environmental Communication
This course is an exploration into the ways we define the environment and how language use influences our interactions with the environment. Cross-listed with Communication 455/Environmental Studies 455. Students may receive credit for only one of the two cross-listed courses. Prerequisite: Communication 104 and 219; Prerequisite or Corequisite: Communication 368; or consent of instructor.

Communication 498  3 units (crs.)

Capstone in Communication Studies

This course provides the opportunity for integration and synthesis of previous coursework in the major as well as preparation for students’ next steps in their education or careers. Students will be expected to analyze and synthesize past learning and relate it to issues and problems in their chosen area of communication study. Prerequisites: Senior standing and Communication 213 or 214, 219, 280 and 368; Prerequisite or Corequisite: 302 and 375; or consent of instructor.

This section is being updated. Please refer to Undergraduate Bulletin in link above.

COMM 537

Foundations of Rhetoric for Educators
This course has two major purposes. First, the teachers enrolled in the course will learn the theory of the artistic proofs and complete practical exercises designed to help them make the proofs a core part of their teaching persona. Second, the teachers enrolled in the course will each develop original activities that they can use in their CAPP public speaking course to help high school students learn how to incorporate ethos, pathos, and logos into their own presentations.

COMM 576 Special Topics in Interpersonal Communication

Course Topic: Interpersonal Communication – Theories & Practices                                              This course explores research and theories in the field of interpersonal communication. Communication processes are examined in a variety of contexts and relationships including friendships, romantic, family, and professional relationships. Special consideration is given to classroom applications of interpersonal theory. Course objectives emphasize mastery and application of basic interpersonal concepts (e.g. nonverbal immediacy, facework strategies, politeness approaches, uncertainty management, and deception detection).