Department of Communication

1109	3345	4400	4429	4470
3310	3366	4405	4430	4475
3315	3385	4420	4444	4490
3325	3396	4424	4459
3333	3398	4425	4465

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 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 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 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 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 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 3385. Organizational Presentations.

Prerequisite: ENGL 1102.
An advanced course in professional communication focusing upon the structure and methodology of formal presentations for business, political., educational, and/or ceremonial events and environments. Covers such areas as event and listener analysis; motivational considerations; message purpose, structure, and development; use of audiovisual/computerized support technologies; individual v. team presentation factors; results/effectiveness assessment. Includes in-class individual and team presentation activities.

COM 3396. Cooperative Study in Communication. 1-9 credit hours.

Prerequisite: Approval of director of cooperative education/internships (Career Services).
A supervised work experience for a minimum of two semesters at a site in business, industry, or government. For sophomore, junior, or senior level students who wish to obtain successive on-the-job experience in conjunction with their academic training. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credit hours.

COM 3398. Internship in Communication. 1-9 credit hours.

Prerequisite: Approval of departmental internship advisor and junior standing (60 credit hours) and 2.5 GPA.
A supervised, credit-earning work experience of approximately one semester with a previously approved business firm, private agency, or government agency. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credit hours.

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 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 of instructor.
Methods and practice in the research and writing of 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.

Prerequisites: 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.

Prerequisites: COM 2230 or permission of 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 Strategy.

Prerequisite: COM 2235.
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 4444. Film and Video Structure and Process.

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 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 4465. Public Relations Campaigns.

Prerequisites: COM 3335 and COM 3375 or permission of instructor.
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.

COM 4470. Media Law.

Prerequisite: COM 2230 and POLw 1102.
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 of instructor.
Professionals make decision alone, in groups, on behalf of diverse organizations and within multicultural settings. Procedural perspective rather than decisional outcome is the theoretical focus of the course. The communicational structure of decision making and problem solving is examined.

COM 4490. Special Topics in Communication.

Prerequisite: 45 credit hours.
Selected special topics of interest to faculty and students.

For other Communication courses, please see the
Core Classes list.