Course Descriptions

Courses numbered 1000-1999 are open to freshmen; 2000-2999 to sophomores; 3000-3999 to juniors; 4000-4999 to seniors. It is recommended that students elect courses in the years for which they are listed. Freshmen will be admitted to courses above the 2000 level only with the consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Juniors and seniors taking freshman courses may be expected to do additional work. Any course above 4999 is a graduate course.

NOTE:
The number in parentheses following the course title indicates the semester hours of credit assigned to the course.
An H following the course number indicates an honors level course.

COMM 1101
Principles of Speech [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course offers an introduction to speech communication emphasizing practical application of rhetorical principles. Students gain experience in preparing and presenting formal speeches and develop skills of effective listening and critical analysis. This course is a prerequisite for all communication courses unless permission is granted by the instructor.

COMM 1105
Fundamentals of Oral Communication [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
A theoretical and contextual overview of the processes of oral expression and the features of human communication. Includes the basic principles, components, and skills for the development and delivery of presentations in oral, mediated, and other communicative contexts. A version of this course may be offered for The Examined Life and Human Experience, Faith and Culture, or Global Responsibility and Global Commitment.

COMM 2201
Introduction to Communication Arts [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course provides a practical understanding of human communication in daily life, as well as a foundation for the formal study of Communication. Students examine theories representing major emphases in the field of Communication and Rhetorical Studies. Prerequisites: COMM 1105 and COMP 1010. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors (first-year students with special permission).

COMM 2202
Introduction to Media [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course is an examination and analysis of the major types of mass communication and the forces that influence them. Consideration is given to significant issues related to media ecology and the range of formal and social media. (Offered alternate years)

COMM 2205
Interpersonal & Nonverbal Communication [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course deals with the dynamics of interaction between speaker and listener. It examines aspects of individual perception, listening, and feedback as they affect interpersonal communication in personal and professional contexts. Special attention is paid to analyzing nonverbal communication. (Offered on demand)

COMM 2206
Cross-Cultural Communication [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course examines connections between language and culture and promotes attitudes and skills which foster intercultural communication. Attention is given to issues surrounding bilingualism, cross-cultural interaction, and interactional communication.

COMM 2207
Argumentation and Debate [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course focuses on the preparation and defense of logical arguments. Students develop techniques of research, argumentation, and refutation. Emphasis is on the dialogic search for knowledge. Prerequisite: COMM 1105 (Offered alternate years)

COMM 2750
Introduction to Digital Video [Studio Art Course] (3)
This course is an introduction to the movie-making process using digital tools. Students will learn the basics of digital workflow, using a dv camera, editing in Final Cut Pro, and final output to DVD. Also covered are basic principles of storytelling, location production, and integration of titles and audio. Also listed as ARTS 2750. Prerequisites: ARTS 1020, 1030, 1040, and 1050 or permission of the instructor. Course fee applicable.

COMM 2950
Life Learning Experience [Life Learning Paper] (1 - 3) (Liberal Arts)
In this course students apply the theories that support learning from personal experience. Students will draw from the works of educators such as Dewey, Piaget, Lindeman, Kolb. They will write a life-learning essay on an approved topic. (Offered in degree-completion programs)

COMM 3000
Special Topics in Communication [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course examines special topics in communication and rhetorical studies. May be repeated with different topics: e.g., Burke Seminar, Rhetoric of Literature.

COMM 3033
History of American Public Address [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
(Also listed as HIST 3033) This course provides historical analysis of rhetorical discourse from American social, religious, and political life. Influential texts (speeches, political documents, sermons, and rhetorical literature) and significant rhetors (both individuals and communities) are explored to illumine characteristics and strategies of persuasive discourse. Prerequisites: COMM 1105, COMP 1010 and 1020. (Offered on demand)

COMM 3210
Journalism [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course includes techniques of basic news writing, the study of journalists and reporters in action (interviews, profiles, on-the-beat reports, obituaries, feature stories, etc.), and experience across journalism and media platforms. Also listed as COMP 3210. Prerequisites: COMM 1105, COMP 1010, and 1020. Open to juniors and seniors, or permission of the instructor.

COMM 3300
Communication Law and Policy [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course examines the history of modern communication regulations, the role of the Federal Communications Commission, and the development and implementation of contemporary law and policy. Attention is also given to the interplay of legal, political, economic, and technological forces. Prerequisites: COMM 1105, COMP 1010 and 1020. (Offered on demand)

COMM 3301
Language, Linguistics, & Human Identity [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course focuses on the scientific study of language, principles of linguistic analysis, and the development of the English language. Emphasis is placed on the role of language in individual and social identities. Prerequisites: COMM 1105, COMP 1010 and 1020. Open to juniors and seniors, or with permission. (Offered alternate years)

COMM 3302
Principles of Persuasion and Criticism [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course provides a theoretical framework within which to explore the role, power, and responsibilities of influence and persuasion. It is designed to develop critical thinking skills needed for analyzing, generating, and responding to persuasive discourse in personal and professional life. Prerequisites: COMM 1105, COMP 1010 and 1020. Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. (Offered alternate years)

COMM 3303
Communication & Gender [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course examines the relationship between gender and communication in light of historic movements and current research. Students explore aspects of communication, gender, and culture within a variety of contexts: e.g., education, family, governance, leadership, media, personal relationships, and workplace dynamics. Prerequisites: COMM 1105, COMP 1010 and 1020. Open only to juniors and seniors. Also listed as SGEN 3303. (Offered alternate years)

COMM 3304
Foundations of Public Relations [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course is an introduction to the field of public relations, including an examination of the history of the field and its current functions in a variety of organizations and contexts, the study of relevant theories and principles of public relations, and the practice of appropriate skills and attitudes. Prerequisites: COMM 1105, COMP 1010 and 1020. Open only to juniors and seniors or by permission of the instructor. (Offered on demand)

COMM 3306
Communication and Education [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course places theoretical and practical aspects of education-related communication in a philosophical and practical context. Students are encouraged to reflect upon their own educational experiences as they consider the role of communication in teaching and learning, whatever the educational or organized context. Prerequisites: COMM 1105, COMP 1010 and 1020. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors or by permission of the instructor.

COMM 3307
The Communication Scholar: Writing & Research Methods [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course provides an overview of the theories, methodologies, and mechanisms for designing, conducting, interpreting, and evaluating communication research. The course is designed to help students be better consumers and producers of research in the discipline. Prerequisite: COMM 2201 or permission of the instructor. (Offered on demand)

COMM 3308
Linguistics for Second Language Acquisition [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course provides foundational knowledge into theories of language and cultural acquisition. This course surveys the various aspects of a scientific description of human language. The course includes an interdisciplinary exploration of the impact of linguistics in the field of education, including applied linguistics, second language acquisition, and language and culture. Prerequisites:COMM 1105, COMP 1010 and COMP 1020

COMM 3310
Oral Interpretation, Diction, & Delivery [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course focuses on the literary study, rhetorical analysis, and oral delivery of the printed word. Attention is given both to the interpretation of all types of written texts, including literature (poetry, prose, drama, etc.), and to the production and delivery of non-fiction prose. Public performance is required. Prerequisites: COMM 1105, COMP 1010 AND 1020 (or by permission of instructor). Open to all students.

COMM 3312
Communication Technologies & the Future [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course focuses on telecommunication developments in relation to personal and societal responsibilities. Students examine emerging technologies in view of such issues as censorship, information access, and right to privacy. Prerequisites: COMM 1105, COMP 1010 and 1020. (Offered on demand)

COMM 3351
Analysis and Criticism in Contemporary Culture [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course focuses on popular culture as evidenced in art, film, music, television, theater, etc. Using theories of rhetorical criticism, students examine, interpret and evaluate cultural texts and generate critical reviews. Prerequisites: COMM 1105, COMP 1010 and 1020. Open only to juniors and seniors. (Offered on demand)

COMM 3500
Internship Seminar [Course] (1) (Liberal Arts)
The Internship Seminar accompanies the 3-credit-hour Senior professional internship, providing an opportunity to examine relationships among the study of communication, the students’ areas of concentration, and professional internship experiences. Special attention is given to personal reflection and to preparation for practical pursuit of career and professional goals. (Taken the same semester as the 3-credit senior professional internship, COMM 4500)

COMM 3750
Documentary and Field Production [Studio Art Course] (3)
This course is based around digital storytelling and the documentary form. Instruction focuses on an overview of the non-fiction storytelling process including: form and style, pre-production, shooting, editing, and nonfiction structure. This course is intended to expand upon the skills and techniques explored in Introduction to Digital Video, and add more advanced production techniques to the student's skill set. Additional techniques such as green screen use and field recording of audio are introduced. Course fee applicable. Also listed as ARTS 3750. Prerequisites: ARTS/COMM 2750.

COMM 4401
Decision-Making & Ethics in Communication [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course examines principles of decision-making and the relationship between communication and decision-making. Attention is given to ethical issues which arise in the field of communication. Emphasis is placed on individual responsibility for sound judgment and effective communication. Prerequisites: COMM 1105 and 2201, COMP 1010 and 1020. Open only to juniors and seniors. (Offered alternate years)

COMM 4403
Advanced Broadcast Production [Studio Art Course] (3)
This course focuses on production techniques used in broadcast, training, and organizational context. Students gain experience in program development, scripting, and execution. Prerequisites: COMM 1105, 2201, and 2800; COMP 1010 and 1020. (Offered on demand)

COMM 4405
Organizational Communication and Leadership [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course explores the role of communication in organizational behavior and leadership in an age of globalization. Students examine organizational models and leadership styles in light of relevant communication theories, case studies, and ethical organizational practices. Prerequisites: COMM 1105 and 2201; Comp 1010 and 1020. Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors only. (Offered alternate years)

COMM 4409
Classical & Modern Rhetoric [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course examines the history of Rhetoric as well as its ongoing significance in today’s world and across all academic studies. Contemporary rhetorical theories are examined in light of foundational Greek and Roman perspectives. Rhetoric itself is investigated as an academic discipline contributing to an understanding of culture, history, ideas, politics, religion, and social engagement. Prerequisites: COMM 1105 and 2201; COMP 1010 and 1020. Open to juniors and seniors or with permission from the instructor.

COMM 4500
Internship [Practicum] (1 - 4) (Liberal Arts)
The internship provides supervised practical experience related to the student’s professional interest. It offers upper-level communication students the opportunity to observe, analyze, and contribute to an appropriate business, organization, or office setting. Internships are designed in consultation with the Director of Communication Program. Senior interns must complete a 3-credit internship and the accompanying Internship Seminar.

COMM 4900
Communication on Location [Course] (1 - 3) (Liberal Arts)
This course will offer students an opportunity to engage in various 'on location' study opportunities relevant to a particular topic in Communication. Students will be expected to participate in some traditional classroom work, but the course will include travel time (from a few days to three weeks) to destinations that relate to the topic of the course. Course topics will change. The travel component of this course will usually take place during a summer term. Students should expect to pay an additional fee to cover travel expenses.

COMM 4950
Independent Study in Communication [Course] (1 - 3) (Liberal Arts)
Independent study provides opportunity to pursue advanced or special-interest topics not covered in the curriculum. Prerequisites: 1. Junior standing. 2. A minimum of 9 semester hours in the discipline of the Independent Study. 3. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 in the discipline. 4. Proof of motivation and ability to work independently. 5. Approval of the department in which the study is to be taken. 6. Permission from the student's advisor, the course instructor, the Department Chair, the School Dean, and the Registrar.

COMM 4980
Undergraduate Research [Course] (1 - 3) (Liberal Arts)
Students have the opportunity to conduct research under the supervision of a faculty member. A written report is required. Prerequisites: 1. Junior standing 2. A minimum of 9 semester hours in the discipline of the Independent Study 3. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 in the discipline 4. Proof of motivation and ability to work independently 5. Approval of the department in which the study is to be taken 6. Permission from the student's advisor, the course instructor, the Department Chair, and the Registrar. The course may be repeated.