The following are course descriptions for all undergraduate courses at the School of Communication.
1001. Introduction to Communication (3) (F,S) (FC:SO) Formerly COMM 2001; EMST 1010 Theory and processes affecting human communication, including interpersonal, small group, and organizational communication as well as theory processes, and history of mass media communication.
1002. Media Writing (3) (WI) (F,S,SS) Formerly COMM 2002 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: ENGL 1100. Writing techniques for print, electronic mass media, public relations, and advertising.
2030. Communication Research (3) (F,S) Formerly COMM 3030; EMST 2030 2 classroom and 1 lab hours per week. May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Research methods used to measure content, process, and effects of communication on attitudes, knowledge, and behavior. Research design, data analysis, evaluation, and results presented in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
2103. Multimedia Messages for Communication Professionals (3) Formerly COMM 2003 2 lecture and 1 lab hours per week. May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Multimedia techniques in professional communication settings. Incorporation of text, sound, and video messages through computer technology. Emphasis on integrated message production used by communication professionals in journalism and public relations.
2104. Public Relations and Corporate Writing (3) (WI) May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 1002. Writing used by print, broadcast, online media. Indepth practice writing and editing corporate documents to include memos, reports, brochures, newsletter articles, backgrounders, news releases, and media kits.
2210. Writing for the Electronic Mass Media (3) (WI) (F,S,SS) Formerly EMST 2110 P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Key components of written electronic mass media. Variety of written assignments and development of comprehensive final project.
2215. Audio Production (3) (F,S,SS) Formerly EMST 2210 P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 2210. Fundamental principles and techniques of writing copy for electronic news, advertising, and promotional mass media.
2220. Video Production (3) (F,S,SS) Formerly EMST 3310 Lecture and lab. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 2210. Basic video production techniques and equipment.
2230. Announcing (3) (F,S,SS) Formerly EMST 2610 P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Development of applied speaking skills necessary for professional announcing employment.
2250. Classic Documentaries, 1900-2000 (3) May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Content, style, structure, production, purpose, and sociological impact of twentieth century long-format visual documentary in film and video from historical, theoretical, and artistic perspectives.
2320. Basic Reporting (3) (WI) (F,S) Formerly COMM 2200; EMST 2510 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Journalistic news style. Gathering, writing, and editing of news stories for print and electronic media. Emphasis on broadcast and print styles and ethical considerations.
2400. Oral Communication (3) May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Improvement of articulation and pronunciation through drills and the delivery of simple speeches. Special attention paid to development of standard American speech patterns.
2410. Public Speaking (3) (F,S,SS) (FC:FA) Formerly SPCH 2510 Emphasis on organizing and delivering speeches for all occasions, including informative, persuasive, and ceremonial.
2420. Business and Professional Communication (3) (F,S,SS) (FC:FA) Formerly SPCH 2520 Emphasis on developing excellent communication skills in everyday speaking, interviews, group presentations, and public speaking. Student organizes and delivers informative, persuasive, and group presentations.
3020. Producing Electronic Mass Media Messages (3) (F,S,SS) Formerly EMST 2020 P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor.. Major descriptive elements that characterize significant electronic mass media messages. Newspapers, radio, recorded music, film, television, and Internet.
3061, 3062, 3063, 3064. Special Topics (1,2,3,4) Formerly EMST 3901, 3902, 3903, 3904 Maximum of 6 s.h. of special topics in COMM may count toward COMM major. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Selected topics in electronic media studies.
3070. Multimedia Production Laboratory (3) Formerly COMM 3271 1 lecture and 6 lab hours per week. May not count toward general education social sciences requirement. P: COMM 2103; consent of instructor. Independent practical work in multimedia production with faculty supervision.
3110. Persuasion Theories (3) (S) Formerly COMM 3010 May not count toward general education social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Persuasion as communication process. Differing aspects of source, channel(s), and receiver(s). Emphasis on contributions from behavioral theorists.
3120. Public Relations Theory (3) (F,S) Formerly COMM 3440 May not count toward general education social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Survey of theoretical, social, behavioral, and communicative aspects of public relations from which practice is built.
3142. Small Group Communication (3) Formerly COMM 3570 May not count toward general education social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Communication variables which influence quality of group communication. Group processes used for information exchange, problem solving, and decision making.
3151. Family Communication (3) May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences credit. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Family members co-construct meanings about their world in unique communication environment of the family. In this setting, interpersonal and mass mediated communication converge about topics that impact the daily life of family members.
3152. Interpersonal Communication Theory (3) (F) (GE:SO) Formerly COMM 3050 P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Theories and concepts which explain communication in ongoing interpersonal relationships. Focus on relationship development and maintenance.
3160. Organizational Communication Theory (3) Formerly COMM 3360 May not count toward general education social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Meanings and functions of communication in organizational settings. Communication in role relationships, internal and external information system flows, and role of communication in organizational culture development and maintenance.
3172. Media Effects (3) (F,S) (GE:SO) Formerly COMM 3615 P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Effects of mass media on individuals, societies, and cultures.
3180. Intercultural Communication (3) Formerly COMM 3080 May not count toward general education social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Communication theory and practice in multicultural contexts. Impact of cultural differences on interpersonal, organizational, and international communication.
3212. Non-News Media Features (3) Formerly EMST 3010 P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 2320. Basic approaches and techniques used to design and write documentaries, investigative reports, and other media features.
3215. Advanced Audio Production (3) (F,S) Formerly EMST 3210 P: COMM 2215. Advanced recording, production, and editing techniques for radio and recording studio applications.
3220. Video Field Production (3) (F,S,SS) Formerly EMST 2310 P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 2220. Basic video field production techniques and actual practical work in planning, shooting, and editing simple video.
3235. Advanced Writing for Television Formats (3) May not count toward general education social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 2210, 2320, 3020. Staple formats of TV writing: TV movie, one-hour drama, thirty-minute situation comedy, documentary /biography, interview/talk show, and reality show. Examines each format's content, style, structure, and organization from historical models. Final project is to write a 30-minute sitcom.
3250. Video Post Production Techniques (3) May not count toward general education social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 3220. Advanced post production non-linear editing techniques for analog and digital video, including A/B roll editing, digital video effects, and electronic graphics.
3275. Advanced Video Production (3) (F,S,SS) Formerly EMST 3320 P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 3212 or 3235; 3250. Advanced elements of video production.
3280. Video Magazine Practicum (3) Formerly COMM 3270 1 lecture and 6 lab hours (to be arranged) per week. May not count toward general education social sciences requirement. P: COMM 2103; consent of instructor. Lab for students working on university's video yearbook, the Treasure Chest, or other team-oriented video production projects used in public relations and journalism.
3291, 3292, 3293. Production Practicum (1,2,3) (F,S,SS) Formerly EMST 3591, 3592, 3593 Minimum of 6 hours of practical work per week for each hour of credit. Maximum of 3 s.h. may count toward COMM major. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Faculty guidance in some area of communication.
3310. Copy Editing and Design (3) (F,S,SS) Formerly COMM 3200 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 2320. Basic course in editing and layout of a variety of publications.
3311. Business and Economic Reporting (3) Formerly COMM 3211 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 3320; ECON 2113. Communication students write about business and economic events.
3320. Advanced Reporting (3) (WI) (F,S) Formerly COMM 3210; EMST 3510 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 2320. Principles and techniques of in-depth newsgathering. Topics include research of individuals, business and government, computer-assisted reporting, open meetings/records laws, and media research ethics.
3321. Investigative Reporting (3) (WI) Formerly COMM 3221 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 3320. Advanced news gathering techniques for journalists. Online database searching and off-campus trips that encourage in-depth reporting.
3322. Computer Assisted Reporting(3) (WI) (F,S) May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences credit. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 2320. Principles and techniques of precision journalism. Topics inlucde use of data analysis tools (e.g.: Excell, Access, SPSS, Arc View), FOI/Open Records laws, practical data analysis, and statistical methods for journalism research.
3325. Reporting for Visual Media (3) Formerly COMM 3225 2 lecture and 1 lab hours per week. May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 2320. News gathering and reporting techniques for presentation through visual media. Examination and critical analysis of investigative reports, special events coverage, and documentary.
3330. Feature Writing (3) Formerly COMM 3230 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 3320. Study and practice in feature writing for newspapers, magazines, and special publications.
3340. Desktop Publishing (3) May not count toward general education foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 2320; ENGL 1200. Desktop publishing techniques for print media, public relations, and advertising.
3362. Visual Editing (3) Formerly COMM 3260 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 2320; consent of instructor. Use of informational graphics in newspaper and public relations design and layout.
3380. Computer Mediated Communication (3) May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Explores liner and interactive CMC forms as they relate to human behavior and motivation. Involves communication issues related to identity construction, competency/proficiency, rules and conversions for specific mediated forms, online communities, relational development, ethics and deception, freedom of speech and influences on culture and access.
3390. International News Communication (3) (S) (GE:SO) Formerly COMM 3290 P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Study of world news communication systems International news flow, news gathering agencies, foreign correspondents, theories, debates, and role of communication in global coexistence at socioeconomic and political levels.
3400. Argumentation (3) May not count toward general education social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; ENGL 1200. Argumentation as a method of critical inquiry and public advocacy. Analysis of controversies and presentation of oral arguments.
3410. Advanced Public Speaking (3) May not count toward general education social sciences or fine arts requirements. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 2410 or 2420. Enhances skills learned in COMM 2410 or 2420 and cements skills necessary for excellent business presentations, sales presentations, presentations to a board of directors, and after dinner presentations. Student refines ability to plan, develop, and deliver professional presentations.
3500. Web Design for Communication Professionals (3) May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Essential design and building techniques to create web pages for the World Wide Web.
3520. Sports Media Survey (3) May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Basic survey of the historical development of sports communication and reporting including influence of mass media on development of sports reporting. Covers basic principles of writing for sports community using AP Sports Writing Guide.
3660. History of the Moving Image (3) May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Examines development of media that utilize moving visual image. Covers history of cinema from 1890s to present and history of television from early 20th century to present.
4032. Mass Media Law (3) (F,S) Formerly COMM 4610; EMST 4810 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; 18 s.h. COMM. Provides working knowledge of legal system as it relates to communication professionals. Emphasis on libel, privacy, copyright, First Amendment, and federal regulation of telecommunication industry.
4040. Media, Culture, and Society (3) (F,S) Formerly COMM 4600; EMST 3530 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; 15 hours COMM courses or consent of instructor. Critical perspectives on interaction among the media, culture, and society.
4042. First Amendment Law (3) May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; 18 s.h. COMM. Examines historical and contemporary controversies arising under the first amendment to constitution.
4045. Media Literacy for Communication Professionals(3) (F,S) May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences credit. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Media literacy concepts and practices related to producing, understanding, and using messages distributed by mass media.
4050. Media Management (3) (S) Formerly EMST 4510 P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Operation and management of broadcast stations and cable operations.
4060. Special Problems in Communication (3) (F,S,SS) May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Special projects, research, and independent reading for students capable of individual work under guidance of faculty adviser. Designed to fit special needs and interests of students.
4062. Media Sales and Promotion (3) (F) Formerly EMST 4520 P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Role of sales and promotion in public and commercial broadcasting, cable, and related settings. Emphasis on sales, promotion, and fund raising.
4075. Media Criticism (3) (WI) Formerly COMM 4655; EMST 4530 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Interpretive analysis of communication principles and techniques in mediated texts, such as television programs, documentaries, or print advertisements.
4080. Senior Seminar (3) (F,S,SS) May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; completion of 24 s.h. in COMM before registering for course. Advanced study in communication. Emphasis on contemporary issues.
4081, 4082, 4083. Directed Independent Study (1,2,3) (F,S,SS) Formerly EMST 4981, 4982, 4983 Intermediate or advanced student. May be repeated for maximum of 6 s.h. credit. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Topic not otherwise offered in curriculum or beyond or in greater depth than is possible within context of regular course.
4091, 4092. InternshipSeminar (3,3) (F,S,SS) Formerly EMST 4991, 4992 1 lecture and 10 lab hours per week. 140 hours of observation and practical experience. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; 18 s.h. COMM. Placement in professional setting appropriate to student's area of concentration.
4130. Conflict and Communication (3) Formerly COMM 4030 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 3142 or 3152 or 3160. Role of communication in productive settlement of interpersonal and organizational disputes. Examines effective communication strategies for dispute resolution, mediation, negotiation, and bargaining.
4135. Gender and Communication (3) (F) Formerly COMM 4035 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. P for WOST major or minor: COMM 1001, 1002; or WOST 2000 or 2400. Role of communication in construction of gender and role of gender in social organization. Use of language and communication systems.
4170. Directed Readings in Communication (3) (F,S,SS) Formerly COMM 4070 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Individually directed study.
4180. Public Relations Strategies (3) (WI) (F,S) Formerly COMM 4440 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 3120. Problem-solving strategies and principles of message design for developing public relations campaigns.
4185. International Public Relations (3) (F) Formerly COMM 4445 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 3120. Public relations as practiced outside US. Examination of reasons for international growth of public relations and exploration of opportunities for US involvement.
4190. International Communication and the Foreign Media (3) Formerly COMM 4690 May not count toward general education foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 3390. Critical survey and analysis of international communication. Emphasis on problem-solving approaches to various trends in global flow of news and information.
4196. Senior Honors Seminar (3) Formerly COMM 4700 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: Senior standing; 3.5 cumulative and major GPA; COMM 1001, 1002. Tutorially directed readings in selected area and research proposal writing.
4199. Senior Honors Thesis (3) Formerly COMM 4705 May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: Minimum grade of B in COMM 4196. Tutorially directed. Implementation of research proposal generated in COMM 4700. Oral exam covers reading assignments and completed thesis.
4210. Video Direction (3) (F,S) Formerly EMST 4410 P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 3275. Analysis and practice of dramatic video direction.
4220. Video Performance (3) (F,S,SS) Formerly EMST 4420 P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; COMM 2230. Practical experience in techniques involved in on-camera video presentations.
4240. International Electronic Mass Media Systems (3) Formerly EMST 4540 P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Interaction of global electronic media systems with American electronic mass media.
4250. Programming for the Electronic Media (3) Formerly EMST 4550 P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor. Evaluating, selecting, and scheduling programs and formats of radio and television stations, cable systems, networks, and some new technologies.
4400. Rhetorical Theory and Criticism (3) May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; ENGL 1200. Significant developments in rhetorical theory. Special attention to speech principles and critical analysis of contemporary public address.
4905. Media Ethics (3) (WI) May not count toward foundations curriculum social sciences requirement. P: COMM major or minor or consent of instructor; 18 s.h. COMM. Principles of moral reasoning as applied to ethical dilemmas arising in media professions.
M.A. Courses
6000. Communication Theory (3) P: Admission to MA in communication or consent of graduate program coordinator. Examination and analysis of principal communication theories, including interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, small group communication and media.
6030. Research Methods (3) P: Admission to MA in communication or consent of graduate program coordinator. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies used in the field of communication.
6031. Communication Pedagogy (3) P: Admission to MA in communication or consent of graduate program coordinator. Designed for communication educators with a focus on communication research, theory, and application.
6110. Media Effects (3) P: Admission to MA in communication or consent of graduate program coordinator. Survey of psychological and sociological effects that media has on attitudes, knowledge, values and behaviors.
6120. Interpersonal Communication (3) P: Admission to MA in communication or consent of graduate program coordinator. Impact of research and theory on academic and pragmatic issues in communication and relationships.
6124. Organizational Communication (3) P: Admission to MA in communication or consent of graduate program coordinator. History of organizational communication with emphasis on current research and practice.
6131. Social Influence (3) P: Admission to MA in communication or consent of graduate program coordinator. Examination and application of social influence communication theories, practices, effects and ethics.
6140. Special Topics in Communication (3) P: Admission to MA in communication or consent of graduate program coordinator. Examination of new or advanced topics in communication.
6210. Media and Health Communication (3) P: Admission to MA in communication or consent of graduate program coordinator. Theory and research of issues involving media and health.
6220. Interpersonal Health Communication (3) P: Admission to MA in communication or consent of graduate program coordinator. Theories and practices in various health care contexts, with emphasis on relationships among patients and health care providers.
6221. Intercultural Communication in Health Contexts (3) P: Admission to MA in communication or consent of graduate program coordinator. Intercultural communication theory and research as they apply to health contexts.
6224. Communication and Health Organizations (3) P: Admission to MA in communication or consent of graduate program coordinator. Analysis and practice of communication in health care settings.
6230. Introduction to Health Communication. (3) P: Admission to MA in communication or consent of graduate program coordinator. Introduction to the area of health communication covering interpersonal, organizational and media issues.
7000. Thesis (3) P: Admission to MA in communication or consent of graduate program coordinator. May be repeated. May count a maximum of 6 s.h. toward the degree.
7001. Thesis: Summer Research (1) P: Admission to MA in communication or consent of graduate program coordinator. May be repeated. No credit may count toward degree. Students conducting thesis research may only register for this course during the summer.
