Minor in Communication Studies Course Descriptions
COM 105 - Public Speaking
3 Credits
A study of the principles and processes of oral communication with emphasis on speech
design and delivery. Vocal and linguistic skills will be practiced. Critical thought
will be developed through analysis of current and historical speeches.
COM 132 - Interpersonal Communication
3 Credits
Focus on communication theories as applied to interpersonal relationships. Topics
such as perception, diversity, nonverbal communication, language, and self-disclosure
are examined using readings, in-class exercises, and analysis of actual situations.
This course fulfills the diversity, global, and multicultural requirement.
COM 205 - The Spoken Word
3 Credits
An oral skill-building course with a focus on the structural and mechanical aspects
of articulation and voice production. The goals will be clarity of diction, fluency,
and flexibility of oral expression. Practice materials will be drawn from radio broadcasting,
plays, and famous speeches. Appropriate for those whose career aspirations will put
them in the public eye - in broadcasting, in corporate communications, in the courtroom,
or on the stage.
COM 240 - The Rhetoric of Hip-Hop
3 Credits
Hip-hop music will be studied and analyzed as a musical genre and cultural force.
This will be done using principles of rhetoric as foundation for interpretation and
analysis. As such the student will learn about hip-hop as a rhetorical act and learn
about rhetoric using hip-hop as cultural illustration. This course will not fulfill
the Arts and Ideas requirement within the core.
COM/LNG 242 - Cross-Cultural Communication
3 Credits
An exploration of the ways in which cultural factors, including rituals, attitudes,
values, beliefs, behavior, and cultural assumptions, affect communication. Topics
will include models of cultural effect, relationship of dominant and non-dominant
cultures, religious traditions, para-language, non-verbal communication, chronemics
and proxemics.
Especially appropriate for majors in the areas of business, communication, criminal
justice, sociology, social work, and education. This course fulfills the diversity,
global, and multicultural requirement.
COM 245 - Group Communication
3 Credits
Focus on communication theories as applied to small group settings. Topics involving
group dynamics, influence, group think, and leadership are examined using readings,
in-class exercises, and analysis of actual situations.
COM 250 - The Communicated Self
3 Credits
Study of processes through which the individual can develop and implement rhetorical
vision as an aspect of life planning. Such processes will include emphasis on creation,
adoption and maintenance of rhetorical vision as a means of realizing self-potential.
COM 252 - Rhetorical Visions
3 Credits
Study of rhetorical visions as manifested in the communicative practices of, and variables
related to, various types of groups, individuals and phenomena that have expressed
rhetorical visions or can be interpreted via fantasy theme.
COM 255 - Advocacy & Argument
3 Credits
The organization of reasoning and proof into instrumental communications designed
to move audiences. Topics include the importance of the audience, the structure of
propositions, formal and informal fallacies, Aristotelian rhetoric, the Toulmin model,
and standards of evidence.
Prerequisite: COM 105.
COM 260 - Mass Media
3 Credits
A consideration of the cultural, psychological, social, ethical, legal and aesthetic
aspects of television, radio, film, print journalism, new communication technologies
and other mass media channels in contemporary society. A study of the processes and
effects of mass communication systems with student involvement in media appreciation.
COM 303 - Organizational Communication
3 Credits
Communication theory in organizational contexts is studied with emphasis on classical
structural theory, transitional theories, and contemporary theories. Organizational
communication perspectives on topics such as organizational climate, information flow,
decision making, and power are stressed.
Prerequisite: COM 105.
COM 348 - Rhetorical Communication Theory
3 Credits
The rhetoric of Western thought will be examined in three stages: classical rhetorical
theory, British rhetorical theory, and contemporary rhetorical theory. This analysis
will focus on the communication process in terms of its philosophical bases, its major
variables, and its forms and effects.
Prerequisite: COM 105. Not open to students with credit for COM 348C.
COM 479 - CORE: Communication Seminar
3 Credits
An exploration of current topics in communication studies in the context of enduring
issues related to human nature, common good, justice, and truth finding. An integrating
experience for communication studies majors including the development of a major research
or creative project in an area of individual interest.
Prerequisites: Senior standing and completion of at least two courses in communication
studies. Completion of Junior Core Seminar.
COM 1/2/3/485 - Special Topics
1-3 Credits
A study of topics in communication of special interest to a specific group of students.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
COM 2/3/486 - Independent Study
1-3 Credits
Intensive individual work in an area of communication studies.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; 3.0 GPA in all coursework, must have completed at
least two courses in communication studies, consent of instructor, academic advisor
and division chairperson.
COM 497 - Internship
1-3 Credits
Supervised internship of 40 clock hours for each semester credit in a setting meeting
the needs and interests of the student. Four credits maximum.
Prerequisites: Junior standing, 3.0 GPA in all coursework, must have completed at
least two courses in communication studies, consent of instructor, academic advisor,
and division chairperson; successful completion of application requirements for internship.
PRS 201 - Contemporary Issues in Reputation Management: Public Relations Principles
3 Credits
A theoretical approach to the principles of the field of public relations in corporate,
non-profit, and agency applications. The role of public relations in the overall organizational
communication structure.
PRS 205 - News Writing
3 Credits
Theory and practice of news gathering, writing, and editing with emphasis on the print
and electronic media. Projects include straight news reporting as well as feature
stories. Topics include determining news value, research, interviewing skills, writing
for the ear as well as for the eye, and media critique.