Listing of Communication Courses 2008-2009 Catalog

COM 1109. Human Communication
Prerequisite: ENGL 0099, READ 0099, if required
An introduction to the fundamental components of the human communication process, emphasizing selected concepts, methods, and practice in dyadic, small group, and presentational settings. Covers such areas as information gathering, message design, audience considerations, verbal/nonverbal approaches, discussion/delivery strategies, critical analysis, and related media technology support resources. Includes student speaking assignments.

COM 2033. Visual Communication
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101 and ENGL 1102
COM 2033 is an introduction to visual communication using perceptual, physiological, psychological, cultural, and semiotic concepts. The course focuses on visual awareness and processing as key elements in effective communication.

COM 2129. Public Speaking
Prerequisite: All developmental studies courses if required
COM 2129 covers methods and practice in effective oral communication with an emphasis on speech preparation and presentation.

COM 2135. Writing for Public Communication
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101 and 1102
COM 2135 covers application and practice of writing form and style particular to communication industry careers, such as journalism, public relations and human resource areas. Includes weekly writing assignments.

COM 2205. Introduction to Communication in Organizations
Prerequisite: COM 2129 and COM 2135
An introduction to methods and applications of basic theories, interactive structures, and directions within various organizational environments.

COM 2230. Introduction to Mass Communication
Prerequisite: COM 2129 and COM 2135
COM 2230 is a survey of the various genres of mass media such as books, magazines, newspapers, radio, television, film, Internet and others. Examines the development, roles, functions, problems and criticisms of specific media from a global context.

COM 3310. Concepts in New Media
Prerequisite: COM 2230 or permission of instructor
An analysis of the content, process and distribution of new media, including Web-based, network-based and CD-ROM based products. Students will examine, evaluate and prepare material for informational, educational, and/or entertainment new media as well as explore the process of computer-assisted communication.

COM 3315. Interviewing
Prerequisite: ENGL 1102
Methods and practice in situational interviewing, including selection, sales, journalistic and media interviews. Examines roles and functions of both interviewee and interviewer.

COM 3324. Contemporary Issues in Mass Media
Prerequisite: COM 2230
Exploration and analysis of evolving and emerging issues in mass media, including economic, regulatory and technological developments and trends.

COM 3325. Intercultural Communication
Prerequisite: ENGL 1102
A study of cultural and communication variables that impact the interaction process between peoples. Intercultural communication is examined during the time communication participants share ideas, information, persuasion and emotions.

COM 3330. News Reporting and Writing
Prerequisite: COM 2205 or COM 2230
COM 3330 is an introduction to the ways and means of developing, gathering, writing and editing factual and editorial copy. Examines news personnel functions, reporting and interviewing techniques, ethical and legal considerations, along with news-writing practice surrounding the above.

COM 3335. Public Relations Principles
Prerequisite: COM 2205 or COM 2230 or permission of instructor
An introduction to the history, role, and functions of public relations, including public relations theory, ethics, and industry and career issues.

COM 3340. Digital Media Production
Prerequisite: COM 2230 or COM 2205 and IS 2101
COM 3340 focuses on the application and impact of digital media technology and how it has changed the production experience in a journalistic context. The course addresses the principles of shooting, sound characteristics, ergonomics, and basic techniques for field recording (time-code, miking, shot composition, and mixing). Audio and video formats are examined in the context of non-linear post-production.

COM 3345. Group Communication
Prerequisite: COM 2205 and 60+ credit hours or permission of instructor
COM 3345 is a study of input, process and output variables in small group discussion. The emphasis is on participation, observation and evaluation of various discussion methods.

COM 3355. Public Relations Cases
Prerequisite: COM 3335
COM 3355 examines basic roles and functions of messaging strategy in promoting organizational goals. A case study approach will emphasize theory and methods for effective communication with diverse organizational publics, including the mass media, employees, consumers, financial stakeholders and special interest groups.

COM 3360. Photojournalism
Prerequisite: COM 3330
COM 3360 introduces the fundamentals of how still photography is used to document our world in a public sphere. The course covers the skills, theory, aesthetics, and ethics of newspaper, magazine, and online photojournalism. Visual story telling from a single picture to a multi-image photo essay are explored. A digital portfolio is to be produced and presented at the end of the term. Personal digital camera required.

COM 3366. Nonverbal Communication
Prerequisite: ENGL 1102
A comprehensive review of communication without the use of words. Examines the research on body movement, territory, and environmental design, touch, eye behavior, vocal attractiveness, time use, deception, and body alterations such as attire.

COM 3375. Public Relations Writing
Prerequisite: COM 3335
COM 3375 offers practice in writing public relations applications, including news releases, public service announcements, and newsletter articles. Students will create a portfolio of writing samples.

COM 3376. Interpersonal Communication.
Prerequisite: ENGL 1102
Theory and application of communication concepts involving interpersonal relationships and contexts.

COM 3398. Internship in Communication (1-9 credit hours)
Prerequisite: Approval of department internship coordinator and eligibility based on the following criteria: junior standing (60+ credit hours) at least a 2.5 GPA, and at least one semester of communication coursework successfully completed and Kennesaw State University.
A supervised, credit-earning work experience of approximately one semester with a previously approved business firm, private agency, or government agency. Up to nine communication internship hours may be earned for credit. To help students build their resume, a maximum of six credit hours may be earned at one internship site per semester. If a student chooses a second internship, he or she must take an internship at another organization.

COM 3435. Communication Research Methods
Prerequisite: COM 2205 or COM 2230
Com 3435 is an introduction to (a) the nature of academic inquiry in communication, (b) the basic structure and methodology of professional and academic research, and (c) the resources available for access to published research.

COM 3459. Communication and Conflict
Prerequisite: COM 1109 and 60+ credit hours
COM 3459 introduces a model of effective conflict management in organizations via appropriate communicative strategies. The model proposes that our perspective of dealing with conflict determines our approach to conflict situations. This course will provide students with practical knowledge for understanding the benefits of conflict, recognizing its evolution, and applying various strategies for dealing with different people in a variety of contexts.

COM 4100. Directed Applied Research (1-3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: COM 3435 and consent of the instructor and chair
COM 4100 offers students an opportunity to investigate communication-oriented concepts and issues by assisting in faculty-led research or scholarship. Course content and instructional methodologies are identified by the faculty’s needs and expectations. The amount of work expected per student is based on the number of assigned credit hours.

COM 4344. Organizational Training and Development
Prerequisite: COM 2205 and 60+ hours; or permission of instructor
COM 4344 covers methods and practice in communication training and development for organizations including pre-assessment, writing objectives, training techniques, post-training evaluation, feedback, implementation. The emphasis is on communication processes and outcomes for the trainer and trainee plus communication skill development within training modules.

COM 4400. Directed Study (1-3 credit hours)
Prerequisite: 60+ credit hours
Specific topics of an advanced nature not in the regular course offerings.

COM 4405. Organizational Publications
Prerequisite: COM 2135
Explores the nature and role of organizational publications; the analysis of their form and function; writing and editing news and feature material for such publications; and the selection and coordination of graphic support and production of resources.

COM 4420. Advanced Media Writing
Prerequisite: COM 3330 or permission of instructor
Methods and practice in the research and writing feature length stories, including coverage of topics such as lead types, story development and researching, news features, human interest features, seasonal stories, personal profiles, enterprise stories, brights, sidebars and others.

COM 4424. Uses and Effects of Mass Media
Prerequisite: COM 2230 and COM 3324
Examines research findings and commentary about mass media impact and use in the United States. An exploration of what mass media "do" to users and what users "do" with the mass media, and why these effects and uses are thought to occur. Useful for students interested in graduate work in mass media, professional media careers, media literacy, or more conscientious use of mass media and awareness of possible effects on themselves or others.

COM 4425. Gender, Race, and Media
Prerequisite: COM 2230 or permission of the instructor
An examination of mass media portrayals of gender and race, from years past to present. Students will analyze media artifacts, identify recurring themes, and explore research about the societal effects of stereotypical media portrayals.

COM 4429. Persuasion Methods and Strategies
Prerequisite: ENGL 1102
A study of the theories, methods, applications and implications of persuasion from the days of Aristotle to today's political and commercial arenas. Explores the practice of changing attitudes and opinions via non-coercive means.

COM 4430. Media Management
Prerequisite: COM 2230 or permission of instructor
A comprehensive examination and analysis of the structure, personnel, planning, operations, economics, and editorial broadcast, production, advertising, and public relations companies as well as new media.

COM 4440. Leadership Communication
Prerequisite: COM 2205 and COM 3435, or permission of instructor for non-majors
Leadership Communication distinguishes leadership as an influential message-centered process. Based on this perspective, the course examines the variables of message exchange (communicator role, message content and meaning, media, context, and culture) as they impact organizational goal achievement. Eight major communication approaches are used to explain leadership. Special attention is given to understanding communication theory and extending social science research.

COM 4444. Film Video and Structure
Prerequisite: 60+ credit hours
An examination of the television and motion picture industries, covering such factors as development, pre-production, the production process, post-production and distribution. Emphasis will be placed on the managerial aspects of the process and will include the institutional/instructional video market.

COM 4445. Advanced Digital Audio Production
Prerequisite: COM 3340 and COM 3330
Advanced Digital Audio Production focuses on producing, writing, and story telling for audio in a journalistic context. The course is designed to teach students how to write scripts and produce radio promotions, commercials and news stories. The course surveys trends in the radio industry including traditional broadcast, digital, and satellite radio as well as podcasting and audio streaming of content.

COM 4450. Advanced Digital Video Production
Prerequisite: COM 3340 and COM 3330
COM 4450 is designed to teach students electronic field production, including single and multiple camera operations; advanced field camera operations; tape-to-tape editing; editing techniques; single/multiple camera continuity, and scripting in a journalistic context. The students must have a fundamental understanding of production operations before enrollment.

COM 4455. Organizational Communication Audits
Prerequisite: COM 2205, COM 3435, and 90+ credit hours
COM 4455 is the study and application of the organizational communication assessment process used by consultants, trainers and managers. In this capstone course, students will conduct a communication audit for a local company and develop a written analysis of the organization's internal communication patterns. Capstone course—to be taken last in concentration.

COM 4460. Crisis Communication
Prerequisite: COM 3375 and COM 3435 or permission of the instructor
COM 4460 provides students insights regarding key concepts, theoretical perspectives, essential skills and abilities, and critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary for effective crisis management within organizations. Topics will include issues management, risk management, relationship management, crisis planning and preparation, case studies, and developing crisis management plans.

COM 4465. Public Relations Campaigns
Prerequisite: COM 3435 and 90+ credit hours
COM 4465 is the study and application of the campaign planning process from inception to evaluation. The class functions as an agency, and student groups develop a strategic communication campaign plan for a campus or community organization. Capstone course—to be taken last in concentration.

COM 4470. Media Law
Prerequisite: COM 2230 and POLS 1101
An in-depth examination of the existing legal structure within which the media operates, and the antecedent statutory and case law through which this structure has evolved. Also addresses ethical concepts and considerations surrounding the media.

COM 4480. Communication Theory
Prerequisite: COM 3435 and 60+ credit hours
COM 4480 is an in-depth and diversified examination of various theories analyzing and describing the human communication process from different perspectives, including interpersonal, organizational, and mass communication.

COM 4485. Media Studies Capstone
Prerequisite: COM 3435 and Com 4480
COM 4485 is a seminar format of extensive readings and class discussions about mass media in order to examine theoretical and methodological concerns and their implications for our understanding of media in society. The course culminates in a research paper that integrates, critiques, extends and applies knowledge gained from the readings and the student’s prior media studies course work. Students present the results of their research and contribute to substantive discussions of the presentations by all other students in the course.

COM 4488. Multi-Media Visions of Community
Prerequisite: COM 3435 and one of the following: COM 4420, COM 4445, COM 3360, or COM 4450
COM 4488 is informed by social networking and civic, citizen and community journalism applications and theories, student driven teams produce multi-media journalistic reflections of community life and institutions. The students, ideally working with diverse sets of community members, choose the best methods, tools and platforms for telling their stories—and justify their choices. This course is the capstone showcase of what students have learned in the Journalism and Citizen Media concentration.

COM 4490. Special Topics in Communication
Prerequisite: 45+ credit hours
Selected special topics of interest to faculty and students.

COM 4495. Public Relations Study Tour
Prerequisite: 60+ credit hours and COM 3335; if COM 3335 has not been completed, permission of the instructor is necessary
This course offers students the opportunity to learn about integrated communications by visiting some of the nation's most well known public relations agencies. Students will gain first-hand exposure to the wide range of services provided by the nation's top communication professionals. Students will meet for an intensive one-week preparation class to better understand the structure and function of public relations. Then the class will visit the agencies for a hands-on look at the communication process. Students may incur additional travel expenses that will include the instructor's travel expenses.

COM 4499. Senior Thesis
Prerequisite: COM 3435, COM 4480, and 90+ credit hours
The senior thesis is designed to allow students to apply course work to professional issues. The course culminates in the student's preparation and presentation of an undergraduate thesis or creative project.