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Communication Course Descriptions

COMM 101 Fundamentals of Speech (2, F&S)
Studies in the basic concepts of effective communication. Emphases on oral presentation skills, organization of information, use of evidence, and audience analysis. Deliver demonstrative, informational, and persuasive speeches. Liberal Arts Foundation - Communication.

COMM 205 Introduction to Communication Theory (3, S)
This course provides a foundation for subsequent communication courses by introducing the major theories that help to explain human communication behavior. The course encourages students to see theorizing as both a formal, systematic approach to learning and as an informal activity in which we all engage. Through practical application, the course emphasizes the understanding, evaluation, and use of communication theories in daily life.

COMM 210 Public Speaking (3, F&S)
The preparation and delivery of various kinds of public speeches such as the informative speech, the special event speech, the demonstration speech, the ceremonial address, the problem solving presentation and the argumentative speech. Emphases on content, structure, and delivery. Liberal Arts Foundation - Communication.

COMM 214 Introduction to Mass Media (3, F)
Overview of the mass communication process and its application to mass media. Considers history, technological development, social implications, business functions, and legal aspects of mass media.

COMM 216 Organizational Communication (3, F&S)
Development of communication skills applicable within organizations: understanding communication channels, interviewing strategies, task-oriented groups, business and sales presentations, conducting effective meetings, conflict management. Liberal Arts Foundation - Communication.

COMM 217 Debate (3, S)
A performance course in competitive debating. Emphasis on evidence and reasoning, affirmative and negative case construction, refutation and rebuttal, cross-examination and extemporaneous delivery. Lincoln-Douglas formats. Recommended for communication, religion, sociology, political and business administrative majors.

COMM 219 Oral Interpretation (3, F)
Workshop in oral interpretation of literature. Emphasis on the selection and analysis of a literary work in preparation for presentation. Development of vocal skills for reading texts in a variety of literary genres.

COMM 225 Intercultural Communication (3, F)

Explores theory and practice of communicating interculturally. Recommended for those with an interest in international vocations, or working with ethnic or cultural groups within the United States.

COMM 244 Readers Theater (3, S)
An introduction to the dramatic format called Readers Theater. Emphasis on the analysis of literature and its adaptation into a form that can be presented by a group of readers. Literature formats include prose, poetry, scripture, and children’s lit. Development of performance skills.

COMM 245 Theatre Arts (3, S)
Beginning acting, basic mime, introduction to stage techniques. Opportunity for practical experience in class production. Brief survey of Western theatre.

COMM 246 Theatre Workshop (1 or 2, F&S)
Practical work on major productions. Credit given according to degree of responsibility and amount of time spent on specific tasks. For advanced students. Instructor’s permission required. Note: repeatable up to eight hours.

COMM 251 Television Programming and Production I (3, OD)
A workshop designed to develop an understanding of basic television production and the programming of entertainment, news, and advertising.

COMM 252 Radio Programming and Performance (3, OD)
Principles and practice of programming and performance within various formats. Considers social and business/ratings implications of programming. Requires weekly on-air shift on college radio station.

COMM 312 Advertising Principles (3, S)
Overview of the advertising field and how it functions in society. Studies research, strategies, methods, creativity, and media planning. Typically includes case study.

COMM 313 Public Relations Principles (3, F)
Brief overview of the public relations field and how it functions in society. Considers public relations to be a communication management function. Proceeds to study research, strategies, methods, and relationships with various publics.

COMM 314 Copywriting (3, F)
Principles of copywriting including various strategies used for creating commercial copy. Includes writing radio and television commercials and public service announcements, newspaper and magazine headlines and body copy, institutional advertisements, press releases, direct mail, and others. Typically includes a service learning component - writing copy for area organizations and businesses.

COMM 315 Interpersonal Communication (3, F)
Principles, application of interpersonal skills in the context of friendships and families. Includes personal and relational awareness, person perception, verbal and nonverbal communication, relational development, and gender communication.

COMM 316 Rhetorical Strategy (3, F)
The preparation and delivery of various kinds of problem-solving presentations including problem analysis, policy justification, policy rejection, and hostile audience. Emphasis on content, structure, and delivery.
Prerequisite: COMM 210 plus junior or senior status.

COMM 320 Special Topics in Communication (2 or 3, F&S)
Opportunity for study of issues and problems not covered elsewhere in the curriculum.

COMM 330 Conflict Management (3, S)
An introduction to conflict management that balances coverage of major theories with practice in communication skills and conflict intervention techniques (e.g., assertiveness training, mediation, negotiation). Focus on experiential learning, with heavy emphasis on written analysis that includes analytical journaling and analysis of scientific journal articles.

COMM 350 Broadcast Journalism (3, OD)
Advanced course in radio and television journalism: writing, announcing, production techniques in intensive workshop experience. Students are strongly encouraged to take COMM 251 prior to this course.

COMM 351 Television Programming and Production II (3, OD)
See course description above for COMM 251. Instructor’s permission required.

COMM 353 Communication Internship (1-3, F, S, Summer)
Experience in an applied communication field. Program tailored to individual student’s needs and
interests.

COMM 417 Seminar in Public Communication (3, S)
Analysis of specific public communication situations, such as social reform movements, political discourse, campaign rhetoric, war rhetoric, the documentary, and the role of media in shaping discourse in contemporary society. Prerequisite: COMM 205.

COMM 291, -2, 391, -2, 491, -2 Independent Study (1, 2, or 3, F&S)

COMM 496 Honors in Communication (3, S)