Communication    111

3 (crs.)

Introduction to Public Speaking

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

Communication    112

3 (crs.)

Honors: Introduction to Public Speaking

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 COMM 111, with expectations of higher performance levels. Prerequisites: Enrolled in good standing with The Honors College, prior or concurrent enrollment in HNRS 175Q.

Communication    213

3 (crs.)

Interpersonal Communication: Ethnic Studies (ES)(XC)

Examination of the components of interpersonal speech communication. Lectures, discussion, 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. Intercultural Communication focused.

Communication    213Q1

3 (crs.)

Interpersonal Communication: Ethnic Studies (ES)(XC)

Examination of the components of interpersonal speech communication. Lectures, discussion, 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. Intercultural Communication focused.

Communication    214

3 (crs.)

Interpersonal Speech Communication (XC)

Examines how communication works in personal relationships (e.g., friends, romantic relationships, family). Emphasizes mastery and application of basic concepts through extensive discussion of interpersonal goals, needs, and wants in personal affairs to facilitate the development of knowledge, insights, and communicative skills in dyadic, face-to-face interaction.

Communication    218

3 (crs.)

Popular Culture and Communication (XC)

This course uses rhetorical theories and self-reflective strategies to examine Popular Culture as an academic discipline. Students will engage with, analyze, interpret and ultimately argue about the significance of texts that are largely seen as forms of entertainment. The course the persuasion and influence in forms of advertising, print media, film, television, celebrity, music, social media, and video games.

Communication    219

3 (crs.)

Intro to Rhetoric and Public Advocacy (XC)

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 individuals and to society as a whole.

Communication    219Q1

3 (crs.)

Intro to Rhetoric and Public Advocacy (XC)

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 individuals and to society as a whole.

Communication    228

3 (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 ever-changing 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    254Q1

3 (crs.)

Environmental Communication (XC)

This course focuses on the role that human communication plays in influencing the ways we engage the concept of sustainability and perceive the environment. It also explores how we construct environmental issues and decide what actions to take with regards to those issues.

Communication    280

3 (crs.)

Introduction to Organizational Communication (XC)

This course presents both historical and current perspectives on the origins and usefulness of organizational communication theory; it provides the knowledge for understanding and improving communication skills in a variety of organizational settings. Topics may include: decision making, organizational change, technology, globalization, emotion, assimilation, and other issues central to organizational communication.

Communication    280Q1

3 (crs.)

Introduction to Organizational Communication (XC)

This course presents both historical and current perspectives on the origins and usefulness of organizational communication theory; it provides the knowledge for understanding and improving communication skills in a variety of organizational settings. Topics may include: decision making, organizational change, technology, globalization, emotion, assimilation, and other issues central to organizational communication.

Communication    301

3 (crs.)

Small Group Communication

Communication processes are foundational for groups and shape how we make decisions, generate ideas, share knowledge and create relationships. This course will introduce students to theory and research on small group communication.

Communication    302

3 (crs.)

Theories of Human Communication

Through this course, students will encounter, deconstruct, and discuss a variety of theories of human communication. The theories addressed in this course are associated with the content areas of interpersonal, organizational, rhetorical, intercultural, gender, and mass mediated communication. This course is designed to address theories that students are likely to encounter in the Communication Studies Major, promoting application of material across courses. Students will identify different assumptions that guide the creation of communication theories, learn about how these assumptions shape the construction of a theory, gain insight into how applying theoretical knowledge can help one become a better communicator, and learn to critique existing theories of human communication. Prerequisite: Two of the following: COMM 213Q1 or 214; COMM 219Q1 or 219; COMM 280Q1 or 280; or instructor consent.

Communication    304

3 (crs.)

Business and Professional Speaking

This course will prepare you for many of the communication challenges you will face in business and professional settings. You will get experience in workplace presentations typical to careers in the field of communication. Prerequisite: COMM 111 or 112 or instructor consent.

Communication    310

3 (crs.)

Oral Interpretation

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

Communication    312

3 (crs.)

Effective Listening

Analysis of the act of listening: process, types, barriers too, and the improvement of listening skills. Frequent skill-building exercises and the testing of listening for comprehension and retention. Prerequisite or Co-requisite: COMM 104 or instructor consent.

Communication    316

3 (crs.)

Gender, Discourse and Power

Explores gender issues 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. Cross-listed: COMM 316/WG STDS 316. Prerequisite or Corequisite for Communication Major/Minor: COMM 219Q1 or 219 or instructor consent. Prerequisite for Women’s & Gender Studies Major/Minor: WG STDS 201 or instructor consent.

Communication    318

3 (crs.)

Intercultural Communication (ES)

This course examines cultural influences on human interaction in a variety of contexts. Theoretical and practical aspects of intercultural communication are explored. Prerequisite: COMM 213Q1 or 214 or instructor consent.

Communication    319

3 (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. Prerequisites: One of the following: COMM 213Q1 or 214; COMM 219Q1 or 219; COMM 280Q1 or 280; or instructor consent.

Communication    325

3 (crs.)

Nonverbal Communication

This course explores the categories, functions, and social outcomes of the use of nonverbal cues in a variety of communications contexts. Students will investigate both practical and theoretical aspects of nonverbal communication. Prerequisites: COMM 213Q1 or 214 or instructor consent.

Communication    326

3 (crs.)

Communication and Conflict

An exploration of research and practice regarding human conflict as an ongoing component in interpersonal and community relationships. Communication theories and concepts related to interpersonal conflicts, formal mediation, and social justice advocacy are examined and practiced. Prerequisite: COMM 213Q1 or 214 or instructor consent.

Communication    335

3 (crs.)

Blackness in American Visual Culture

This course will explore how American visual culture expressed multiple ideas about blackness for more than 400 years. This course will focus on how stereotypes and popular forms of visual culture have constructed black racial identity through popular prints, political cartoons, satire, photographs, paintings, illustrated books, and periodicals, along with the emergence of television, film and social media. It will also expose students to the realities of new Black identity through the emergence of Black cultural expression and Black artistic liberty through various forms of visual art and digital media. Cross-listed: AF AM ST 335/COMM 335.

Communication    336

3 (crs.)

Interpersonal Communication and Technology

This course explores the intersection between interpersonal and computer-mediated communication theories. The central focus of the course is to examine ways in which new technologies change, enhance, and inhibit interpersonal communication. Students will critique, compare, and create communication theory. Special topics include phubbing, presence, cognitive attention, immediacy, and media multiplexity. Prerequisite: COMM 213Q1 or 214 or instructor consent.

Communication    337

3 (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 or Co-requisite: COMM 219Q1 or 219 or instructor consent.

Communication    338

3 (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 or Co-requisite: COMM 219Q1 or 219 or instructor consent.

Communication    368

3 (crs.)

Research Methods 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: Two of the following: COMM 213Q1 or 214; COMM 219Q1 or 219; COMM 280Q1 or 280; or instructor consent.

Communication    375

3 (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: COMM 111 or 112 and COMM 219Q1 or 219 or instructor consent.

Communication    380

3 (crs.)

Communication in the Digital Workplace

Technology permeates every aspect of the modern workplace, and effective communication is the linchpin of success. This course is designed to equip students with the essential skills to thrive in a dynamic and interconnected digital workplace. Topics covered include technology in organizational settings, shifting communication dynamics, work-life boundaries, organizational social support, relationship-building, and virtual team development in the digital workplace. Through interactive assignments and discussions, students will apply theoretical knowledge and research to practical scenarios, honing their ability to communicate seamlessly across digital platforms. Prerequisites: COMM 111 or 112 or instructor consent.

Communication    382

3 (crs.)

Applied Managerial Communication Studies

Organizations need managers that understand how communication shapes the work environment and who are able to apply that understanding to effectively direct and coordinate work processes, build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and foster cultural values and practices that enhance the experiences and decisions of their members. This course is structured around a series of core communication issues and challenges that managers encounter in performing their organizational roles and responsibilities. Adult students enrolled in this class will learn managerial communication concepts, theories, and issues in order to critically assess their own organizational experience with (or as) managers and to develop strategies that address real-world challenges managers face.

Communication    386

3 (crs.)

Ethnography of Communication

In this course, students will read, discuss, and critique ethnographic accounts that theorize various communicative phenomena. Students will also put into practice techniques for generating and analyzing data. Cross-listed: ANTHRO 386/COMM 386. Prerequisite: Anthropology majors: ANTHRO 204 or instructor consent. Communication majors: COMM 213Q1 or 214 and COMM 368, or instructor consent.

Communication    388

3 (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 COMM 388 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. Prerequisite or Co-requisite: COMM 219Q1 or 219 or instructor consent.

Communication    390

1 – 3 (crs.)

Professional Internship in Communication Studies

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. Prerequisites: 9 COMM credits, cumulative 2.5 GPA, and Junior or Senior standing; or instructor consent.

Communication    403

3 (crs.)

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: COMM 219Q1 or 219; Prerequisite or Co-requisite COMM 368; or instructor consent.

Communication    405

3 (crs.)

Special Topics: Study Abroad

Special Topics designed solely for study abroad.

Communication    413

3 (crs.)

Communication and 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. Prerequisite: COMM 280Q1 or 280, or MHR 351, or SOC JUST 101, or instructor consent.

Communication    414

3 (crs.)

Training and Development in Organizations

In this course, you will learn the processes by which effective organizational trainings are planned, developed, presented, and assessed. The course uses a consultancy model where class members complete an action learning project with a local organization partner. Working in a project management structure, the team will create a complete training package to address a significant communication-oriented learning gap in our client’s organization. Key content areas include adult learning principles, conducting needs assessments, building training objectives and content, developing training materials and resources, and training assessment tools. In addition to the portfolio pieces from the training package the team creates, you will gain extensive experience working in teams and managing professional collaborations. Prerequisite: COMM 280Q1 or 280 and Prerequisite or Co-requisite COMM 368; or MHR 351; or instructor consent.

Communication    415

3 (crs.)

Risk and Crisis Communication

In this course, we will study organizational communication using a rhetorical approach. We will investigate the communication processes through which formal organizations influence popular attitudes and individual identities. We will also examine theories of risk and crisis communication. Students will learn to critique examples of organizational rhetoric and develop communication strategies to address risk and crises in organizations. Prerequisites: COMM 219Q1 or 219, or COMM 280Q1 or 280; Prerequisite or Co-requisite: COMM 368 or instructor consent.

Communication    416

3 (crs.)

Managerial Communication

This course explores how the process and function of management is accomplished through communication within and across organizational contexts. Class members will gain an in-depth understanding of the complexity involved in shaping culture, building relationships, and cultivating performance through one’s management role. You will also gain practical experience analyzing and implementing strategies, including process mapping, to address a variety of challenges encountered by those in management. Prerequisite: COMM 280Q1 or 280, or MHR 351, or instructor consent.

Communication    418

3 (crs.)

Applied Projects and Teamwork

Leaders from a wide range of industries and much educational research advocate for students gaining experience applying their KSAs through collaborations with organizations beyond campus. In this course, class members work in teams to complete an action learning project. They partner with a local organization to address a complex, urgent, ‘real-world’ challenge through the students’ concurrent learning and application of course content. Course content focuses on 1) effective project design and management and 2) the core functions, processes, and conditions influencing team performance and member satisfaction. Prerequisite: COMM 280Q1 or 280 and Prerequisite or Co-requisite COMM 368; or MHR 351; or instructor consent.

Communication    422

3 (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. Prerequisite or Co-requisite: COMM 219Q1 or 219 or instructor consent.

Communication    427

3 (crs.)

Rhetorical Criticism

Ancient and contemporary approaches to rhetorical criticism with emphasis on the description, analysis and evaluation of public messages. Cross-listed: COMM 427/SOC JUST 427 Prerequisites: Communication students: COMM 219Q1 or 219; Prerequisite or Co-requisite COMM 368. Social Justice students: SOC JUST 101; or instructor consent.

Communication    428

3 (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?  Prerequisite or Co-requisite: COMM 219Q1 or 219 or instructor consent.

Communication    436

1 – 3 (crs.)

Seminar in Speech Communication

Special studies in speech communication theory and public address. The topic to be determined by the instructor. Prerequisite: One of the following: COMM 213Q1, 214, 219Q1, 219, 280Q1, 280, or 254Q1; or instructor consent.

Communication    446

1 – 3 (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, COMM 446 is designed to provide structured research (scholarly or creative) well beyond that required in established courses. Prerequisite: Instructor consent.

Communication    448

3 (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: COMM 213 or 214; and Prerequisite or Co-requisite COMM 368; or instructor consent.

Communication    450

3 (crs.)

Early Women’s Rights Rhetoric

This course introduces students to primary rhetorical texts of the U.S. women’s rights movement, from the 1830’s to 1920. Emphasis on the analysis of the arguments, appeals, and ideas of the movement. Cross-listed: COMM 450/SOC JUST 450/WG STDS 450. Prerequisite for Communication majors/minors: COMM 219Q1 or 219; and Prerequisite or Co-requisite: COMM 368; or instructor consent. Prerequisite for non-majors and minors: SOC JUST 101 or WG STDS 201; or instructor consent.

Communication    451

3 (crs.)

Feminist Rhetorics and Social Change

This course explores feminist activism in a variety of forms and contexts. Integrated throughout the course is an analysis of iconic images, speeches, marches, protests, and digital activism. Cross-listed: COMM 451/SOC JUST 451/WG STDS 451. Prerequisite for Communication majors/minors: COMM 219Q1 or 219; and Prerequisite or Co-requisite: COMM 368; or instructor consent. Prerequisite for non-majors and minors: SOC JUST 101 or WG STDS 201; or instructor consent.

Communication    455

3 (crs.)

Environmental Rhetoric

This course is an exploration into the ways we define the environment and how language use influences our interactions with the environment. Cross-listed: COMM 455/ENV STDS 455. Prerequisite: COMM 219Q1 or 219 or 254Q1; or ENV STDS 102 or 261 or 282; or EGRT 113; or instructor consent.

Communication    474

3 – 6 (crs.)

Honors Thesis

The Honors Thesis is one of two options offered to Honors students to meet the senior capstone requirement of The Honors College. Students who choose the thesis engage in research as an independent study over two semesters (fall/spring or spring/fall) with the support of a faculty advisor. They decide on a topic in their major or minor, address recent scholarship, develop a prospectus, and produce substantial work (e.g., a written thesis, scientific experiment or research project, or creative arts exhibit or production). At the end of the term in which the capstone is completed, students give presentations at the Honors Thesis Symposia. Credits are applied to the respective program. Prerequisites: In good standing with The Honors College, prior enrollment in HNRS 175Q and HNRS 275Q, and senior status.

Communication    476

3 (crs.)

Special Topics in Rhetoric and Public Advocacy

A course in rhetoric and public advocacy not normally covered in the curriculum. The course may be repeated for up to nine credits with different content. Sometimes specific sections are cross-listed with other programs. Prerequisites: COMM 219Q1 or 219; Prerequisite or Co-requisite COMM 368; or instructor consent.

Communication    477

3 (crs.)

Special Topics in Organizational Communication

A course in Organizational Communication not normally covered in the curriculum. Sometimes specific sections are cross-listed with other programs. Prerequisites: COMM 280Q1 or 280; Prerequisite or Co-requisite: COMM 368 or instructor consent.

Communication    478

3 (crs.)

Special topics in Interpersonal Communication

A course in interpersonal communications not normally covered in the curriculum.  Prerequisites: COMM 213Q1 or 214; Prerequisite or Co-requisite: COMM 368; or instructor consent.

Communication    498

3 (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. Prerequisite: Senior standing and COMM 213Q1 or 214 and COMM 219Q1 or 219, and COMM 280Q1 or 280, and COMM 302 and COMM 368; Prerequisites or Co-requisites: COMM 375; or instructor consent.