Catalogue of Classes in Communication

*Please note: In order to enroll in upper level classes (3000 or 4000 level), you must complete the Gateway. The Gateway is a combined GPA of 2.5 or higher in COM 1129 and COM 1135.

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. Insludes student speaking assignments.

Prerequisite: All developmental studies courses if required.
Methods and practice in effective oral communication with an emphasis on speech preparation and presentation.

COM 3310. Concepts in New Media.

Prerequisisite: 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 preparematerial 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 evoling 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 in 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 1135.
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 3333. Visual Communication in Mass Media.

Prerequisite: COM 2230.

Analysis and evaluation of mass-mediated visual content and processes by which such visual content is presented and utilized. Analysis will be situated in a variety of contexts, including economic, educational, entertainment, and political. relevant ethical considerations within each will be explored.

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 3344. Organizational Training and Development.

Prerequisite: COM 2205 or permission of instructor.
Methods and practice in communication training and development for organizations including pre-assessment, writing objectives, training techniques, post-training evaluation, feedback, implementation. Emphasis is on communication processes and outcomes for the trainer and trainee plus communication skill development within training modules.

COM 3345. Discussion Methods.

Prerequisite: COM 2205 or permission of instructor.
A study of input, process and output variables in small group discussion. Emphasis on participation, observation and evaluation of various discussion methods.

COM 3355. Public Relations Cases.

Prerequisite: COM 1135 and COM 3335.
Examines basic roles and functions of messaging strategy in promoting organizational goals. A case study approach will emphasis theory and methods for effective communication with diverse organizational publics, including the mass media, employees, consumers, financial stakeholders and special interest groups.

COM 3366. Nonnverbal 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 3376. Interpersonal Communication.

Prerequisite: ENGL 1102.
Theory and application of communication concepts involving interpersonal relationships and contexts.

COM 3398. Internship in Communication.

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 fully 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 4400. Directed Study.

Prerequisite: 60 credit hours.
Specific topics of an advanced nature not in the regular course offerings .

COM 4405. Organizational Publications.

Prerequisite: ENGL 1135.
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.
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.
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 Strategy.

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.
A comprehensice 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 4435. Communication Research Methods.

Prerequisite: COM 2205 or COM 2230.
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 4440. Leadership Communication.

Prerequisite: COM 2205 oand COM 4435 or permission of the instructor.
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 4455. Organizational Communication Assessments (optional capstone course for the Org. Comm. concentration).

Prerequisite: COM 2205 and COM 4435.
The study and application of the organizational communication assessment process used by consultants, trainers and managers. Students will conduct a communication audit for a local organization and develop a written analysis of the organization's internal communication patterns.

COM 4459. Conflict Management in Organizations.

Prerequisite: ENGL 1102.
A model of effective conflict management in organizations via appropriate communicative strategies introduces this course. 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 4460. Crisis Communication.

Prerequisite: COM 3375 COM 4435 or permission of the instructor
This course 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 3335 and COM 3375 or permission.
The study and application of the campaign planning process from inception to evaluation. The class functions as am agency, and student groups develop a strategic communication campaign plan for a campus or community organization.

COM 4470. Media Law.

Prerequisite: COM 2205 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 4475. Decision Making and Problem Solving.

Prerequisite: COM 2205 or permission.
Professionals make decisons alone, in groups, on behalf of diverse organizations and within multicultural settings. Procedural perspective rather thatndecisional outcome is the theoretical focus of the course. THe communicational structure of decision making and problem solving is examined.

COM 4480. Seminar in Communication Theory.

Prerequisite: COM 4435 and 60 credit hours.
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. Students are expected to select theories upon which they will base their senior thesis.

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 or permission.
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.

For other Communication classes, please see the Electives list.