Communication (COMM)
COMM 111, *PUBLIC SPEAKING, 3 Credits
Public communication as it relates to informative and persuasive discourse. The theory and practice of public speaking in informative and persuasive contexts. NO LONGER TAUGHT. REPLACED WITH COMMON COURSE NUMBER COMM 111Z.
Attributes: CSW3 – Bacc Core, Skills, Speech
Equivalent to: COMM 111H, COMM 111HZ, COMM 111Z
Available via Ecampus
COMM 111H, *PUBLIC SPEAKING, 3 Credits
Public communication as it relates to informative and persuasive discourse. The theory and practice of public speaking in informative and persuasive contexts. NO LONGER TAUGHT. REPLACED WITH COMMON COURSE NUMBER COMM 111HZ.
Attributes: CSW3 – Bacc Core, Skills, Speech; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: COMM 111, COMM 111HZ, COMM 111Z
COMM 111HZ, +*PUBLIC SPEAKING, 4 Credits
Emphasizes developing communication skills by examining and demonstrating how self-awareness, audience, content, and occasion influence the creation and delivery of speeches and presentations.
Attributes: CFCM – Core Ed - Communication, Media & Society; CSW3 – Bacc Core, Skills, Speech; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
COMM 111Z, +*PUBLIC SPEAKING, 4 Credits
Emphasizes developing communication skills by examining and demonstrating how self-awareness, audience, content, and occasion influence the creation and delivery of speeches and presentations.
Attributes: CFCM – Core Ed - Communication, Media & Society; CSW3 – Bacc Core, Skills, Speech
Equivalent to: COMM 111, COMM 111H, COMM 111HZ
Available via Ecampus
COMM 114, *ARGUMENT AND CRITICAL DISCOURSE, 3 Credits
Examination of argumentation as a part of human interaction and investigation. Emphasizes the processes by which people give reasons to gain adherence and to justify beliefs and actions. Includes readings, writing, and presentations concerned with the nature of arguments, processes of arguing, and argument criticism.
Attributes: CSW3 – Bacc Core, Skills, Speech
Equivalent to: COMM 114H
Available via Ecampus
COMM 114H, *ARGUMENT AND CRITICAL DISCOURSE, 3 Credits
Examination of argumentation as a part of human interaction and investigation. Emphasizes the processes by which people give reasons to gain adherence and to justify beliefs and actions. Includes readings, writing, and presentations concerned with the nature of arguments, processes of arguing, and argument criticism.
Attributes: CSW3 – Bacc Core, Skills, Speech; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: COMM 114
COMM 199, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
COMM 211, *COMMUNICATING ONLINE, 3 Credits
In our increasingly technological world, we use mediated communication to build relationships. Introduces students to the theoretical and practical dimensions on online communication in order to facilitate more informed analysis and performance of online communication as a means of developing both interpersonal and public relationships.
Attributes: CSW3 – Bacc Core, Skills, Speech
Available via Ecampus
COMM 218, *INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
Introduction to dyadic and relational communication. Overview of current research in such areas as verbal and nonverbal messages, self-concept and perception, culture and gender stereotypes and styles, relational development and dissolution, deception, compliance gaining and conflict management. NO LONGER TAUGHT. REPLACED WITH COMMON COURSE NUMBER COMM 218Z.
Attributes: CSW3 – Bacc Core, Skills, Speech
Equivalent to: COMM 218H, COMM 218HZ, COMM 218Z
Available via Ecampus
COMM 218H, *INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
Introduction to dyadic and relational communication. Overview of current research in such areas as verbal and nonverbal messages, self-concept and perception, culture and gender stereotypes and styles, relational development and dissolution, deception, compliance gaining and conflict management. NO LONGER TAUGHT. REPLACED WITH COMMON COURSE NUMBER COMM 218HZ.
Attributes: CSW3 – Bacc Core, Skills, Speech; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: COMM 218, COMM 218HZ, COMM 218Z
COMM 218HZ, *INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION, 4 Credits
Increases the knowledge and use of competent communication skills to better understand oneself, others, and the role of communication in interpersonal relationships.
Attributes: CSW3 – Bacc Core, Skills, Speech; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
COMM 218Z, +*INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION, 4 Credits
Increases the knowledge and use of competent communication skills to better understand oneself, others, and the role of communication in interpersonal relationships.
Attributes: CFCM – Core Ed - Communication, Media & Society; CSW3 – Bacc Core, Skills, Speech
Equivalent to: COMM 218, COMM 218H, COMM 218HZ
Available via Ecampus
COMM 299, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
COMM 312, ADVANCED PUBLIC SPEAKING, 3 Credits
Advanced theory and practice in public speaking. Simulated public speaking situations, audience analysis, and rhetorical strategies will be emphasized. Students will prepare and present a variety of public speeches.
Prerequisite: COMM 111 with D- or better or COMM 111H with D- or better or COMM 111Z with D- or better or COMM 111HZ with D- or better or COMM 114 with D- or better or COMM 114H with D- or better
COMM 314, ARGUMENTATION, 3 Credits
Concepts and processes of argumentation, systems of logic, critical analysis of contemporary efforts to influence. Examination of arguing to gain adherence and argumentation as a way of knowing. Development of cases and argument briefs for presentation.
Attributes: LACH – Liberal Arts Humanities Core
Prerequisite: COMM 114 with D- or better or COMM 114H with D- or better
COMM 316, ADVANCED PERSUASION, 3 Credits
Advanced theory and practice in persuasion, with evidence on social and behavioral science research. Examination of the cognitive and affective aspects of persuasion, focusing particularly on the audience. Consideration of persuasion in interpersonal relations, organizations, public advocacy, and public relations.
Attributes: LACH – Liberal Arts Humanities Core
Recommended: COMM 111Z
COMM 318, ADVANCED INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
Advanced theory and practice in communication in interpersonal relations.
Attributes: LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Prerequisite: COMM 218 with D- or better or COMM 218H with D- or better or COMM 218Z with D- or better or COMM 218HZ with D- or better
COMM 320, INTRODUCTION TO RHETORICAL THEORY, 3 Credits
Introduction to the basic theories of rhetoric, as well as the background of rhetoric as a discipline in speech communication.
Attributes: LACH – Liberal Arts Humanities Core
COMM 321, INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION THEORY, 3 Credits
Introduction to 20th century models, theories, and empirical research programs in communication. Survey of selected theories and social scientific methods across diverse contexts in communication.
Attributes: LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Available via Ecampus
COMM 322, SMALL-GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING, 3 Credits
Theory and practice of small-group decision making. Group processes of problem solving and decision by consensus. The history and role of group problem solving in a democratic society. Group power, leadership, and roles. Experience with problems of fact, value, and policy.
Attributes: LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Recommended: COMM 218Z
COMM 323, COMMUNITY DIALOGUE, 4 Credits
Examination of the nature and role of community dialogue in formal and informal social scenes in which participants communicate differing perspectives, values and beliefs.
COMM 324, COMMUNICATION IN ORGANIZATIONS, 3 Credits
Examination of the nature and role of communication in formal and informal organizations. Introductory survey of central issues in the study of organizations, including corporate communication, leadership, organizational effectiveness, power, organizational culture, management styles, organizational conflict, and decision making.
Attributes: LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
COMM 325, COMMUNICATING LEADERSHIP, 4 Credits
Theory and practice of communicating leadership. Communication processes of facilitating productive climates, innovative and creative leading, and goal-oriented community leading.
COMM 326, INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
Perspectives, theories, and experiences of communication in intercultural, cross-cultural, and pan-cultural relations.
Attributes: LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Available via Ecampus
COMM 328, NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
The study of human communication behavior that transcends the spoken and written word; nondiscursive symbolism. The course examines the relationship between nonverbal and verbal communication behavior and nonverbal communication skill development. Topics addressed include space, distance, the environment, touch, gesture, facial expression, and gaze as communication.
Attributes: LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
COMM 332, FAMILY COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
How various elements of communication impact familial relationships. Two main discussions: general communication patterns in the family, and various understudied types of family relationships. Provides students with insights into past familial experiences and skills for future family relationships.
Prerequisite: COMM 218 with D or better or COMM 218H with D or better or COMM 218Z with D or better or COMM 218HZ with D or better
COMM 342, INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC RELATIONS, 3 Credits
Emphasizes theory and philosophy of public relations, and applications of theory through specific tools and techniques. Analyze current events from public relations perspective. Systematically develops public relations plan through research, planning, communication, and evaluation processes. CROSSLISTED as COMM 342/NMC 342.
Prerequisite: NMC 101 with D- or better or NMC 101H with D- or better or COMM 111 with D- or better or COMM 111H with D- or better or COMM 111Z with D- or better or COMM 111HZ with D- or better
Equivalent to: NMC 342
COMM 350, DEBATE AND FORENSICS WORKSHOP, 1-3 Credits
Laboratory experience in debate, public speaking, and interpretation of literature. Preparation for intercollegiate debate and forensics participation.
This course is repeatable for 15 credits.
COMM 368, PROPAGANDA AND SOCIAL CONTROL, 3 Credits
Case studies, examples, and analyses of direct and indirect influences upon thought, belief, and action involving mass media of communication, including film, theatre, radio, television, posters, and art objects. Historical approach using film, tape, and recordings for student analysis and discussion.
Attributes: LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Available via Ecampus
COMM 372, VISUAL RHETORIC, 3 Credits
The course will survey the major theories of semiotics. Using semiotics as a foundation, students will explore the nature of the rhetoric of the visual image.
Attributes: LACH – Liberal Arts Humanities Core
COMM 380, IMAGE AND MYTH IN FILM, 3 Credits
Film as a medium for creating, reflecting, and defining values, roles, styles, conflicts, problems, strategies, expectations, and institutions in American life. Various methods of analysis and evaluation are applied to film as an agent and artifact. Film images of the frontier, war, women, men, justice, America, progress, and beauty are explored.
Attributes: LACH – Liberal Arts Humanities Core
COMM 385, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE IN CYBERSPACE, 3 Credits
Covers history and culture of the Internet, as well as social, political, and economic issues of computer-mediated communication.
Attributes: LACH – Liberal Arts Humanities Core
Available via Ecampus
COMM 388, SOCIAL MEDIA AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, 3 Credits
Examines how individuals build and maintain close relationships through new media and social networks. Currently, scholars are seeing a shift in how individuals self-report building close relationships, as people use elements of new media more and more frequently. Designed to look into the similarities and differences of these relationships as compared to face-to-face relationships. CROSSLISTED as COMM 388/NMC 388.
Equivalent to: NMC 388
Available via Ecampus
COMM 399, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
COMM 401, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
COMM 402, INDEPENDENT STUDY, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
COMM 403, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
COMM 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
COMM 406, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
COMM 407, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
COMM 408, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
COMM 410, COMMUNICATION INTERNSHIP, 1-16 Credits
An assignment in a private or public business or agency. The student observes or works in one or more departments of the enterprise, perhaps in one area of interest or specialization (e.g., public relations, training, personnel, research and planning). Work is supervised by the agency staff, supervising school faculty members(s) provide academic evaluation.
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
Recommended: Minimum of 21 credits
COMM 412, TOPICS IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
Contemporary issues in speech communication: appraisal and discussion of current theories, trends, research methods, problems, or applications.
This course is repeatable for 9 credits.
Recommended: 9 credits of speech communication.
COMM 414, COMMUNICATION RESEARCH METHODS, 3 Credits
Communication research and its relationship to theory. Quantitative and qualitative methods of investigation in speech communication. Experimental and non-experimental research design; naturalistic observation; issues of reliability and validity; statistical analysis. Standards and principles of writing and reporting research.
Prerequisite: COMM 321 with D- or better
COMM 416, ETHNOGRAPHY OF COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
Study and practice of using ethnography of communication as a research method for developing theory in communication studies; topics include data collection, analysis, and writing ethnographic reports.
Attributes: LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Prerequisite: COMM 321 with D- or better
COMM 418, ^INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION THEORY AND RESEARCH, 3 Credits
Current theory, research, and practice in interpersonal communication. Issues addressed may include compliance gaining, nonverbal behavior, family communication, gender issues, impression formation, rules, and human relations.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Prerequisite: COMM 321 with D- or better
COMM 421, SCIENCE COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
Introduces students to theoretical knowledge in the field of science communication along with important concepts and applied issues concerning effective science communication. Utilizes a social scientific approach to provide students with a broad overview and foundation for understanding science communication, including the background, purpose, theory, and practice of science communication. Applies this knowledge and creates a science communication for the benefit of a real-world client.
Prerequisite: COMM 321 (may be taken concurrently) with C or better
COMM 422, ^SMALL-GROUP COMMUNICATION THEORY AND RESEARCH, 3 Credits
Current theory, research, and practice in communication and small-group communication. Issues addressed may include leadership, decision making, problem solving, training, and human relations.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Prerequisite: COMM 321 with D- or better
COMM 425, COMMUNICATION AND YOUTH OUTREACH, 4 Credits
Examines the role of communication outreach when working with youth. Study and examination of applied youth communication theory and research. Topics may include establishing communication boundaries, communicating identity, anti-smoking and anti-drug campaigns, social exclusion, effects of media, and pro-social communication. Students are required to volunteer in a youth context coordinated by the instructor.
COMM 426, INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION: THEORIES AND ISSUES, 3 Credits
Advanced study in intercultural communication theoretical developments and research directions. Topics addressed may include intercultural research methods, training, language and culture, acculturation, and intercultural effectiveness.
Attributes: LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Prerequisite: COMM 321 with D- or better and COMM 326 [D-]
Available via Ecampus
COMM 427, CULTURAL CODES IN COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
Study and examination of the contextualized use of communication within speech communities and cultures; topics include the cultural patterning of communication and cultural communication theory.
COMM 432, GENDER AND COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
Investigation of impact of sex and gender on communication in conflict, decision-making, leadership, nonverbal messages, language, and interpersonal relationships. Focus on definitions of sex and gender in regard to knowledge, social constructs, and self-development.
Prerequisite: COMM 321 with D- or better
COMM 437, HEALTH COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
This class is designed to unpack various elements of how communication impacts health, and vice versa. There are three main sections to this course: 1) discussing doctor-patient communication, 2) discussing the effects of health campaigns, and 3) discussing the link between communication and both psychological and physiological health.
Available via Ecampus
COMM 440, THEORIES OF CONFLICT AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT, 3 Credits
Conflict on a variety of levels: intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, public, and social. Conflict in a variety of contexts: relationships, family, organizations, community, and society. Constructive and destructive means of confronting and managing conflict; social and psychological aspects of conflict; conflict analysis; causes of conflict; conflict and peace, social order, and social change; case studies of conflict.
Attributes: LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Recommended: COMM 321
COMM 442, BARGAINING AND NEGOTIATION PROCESSES, 3 Credits
Theory and practice of bargaining and negotiation as means of settling disputes, with emphasis on the role of communication. Strategies and tactics of distributive and integrative bargaining orientations. Negotiation preparation and experience through case studies and simulations.
Attributes: LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Recommended: COMM 321
COMM 444, THIRD PARTIES IN DISPUTE RESOLUTION: MEDIATION AND ARBITRATION, 3 Credits
Philosophies, strategies, practices, and characteristics of mediation and arbitration processes in the settlement of conflicts and disputes. Study of the role of the third party neutral in the peace making process. Case studies and simulations in mediation and arbitration.
Attributes: LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Recommended: COMM 321
COMM 446, COMMUNICATION IN INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT AND DISPUTES, 3 Credits
Examination of the nature of international conflicts and disputes and the roles culture and communication play in resolving them constructively. Analysis of negotiation, mediation, and international law as approaches to dealing with international political, economic, cultural, and religious disputes. Scrutiny of contemporary world conflicts.
Attributes: LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Recommended: COMM 321
COMM 454, ADVANCED ARGUMENTATION, 3 Credits
Advanced study in classical and current theories of the persuasive and epistemological functions of argumentation. Examination of the dominant contemporary theorists, including Toulmin, Perelman, and Willard. Analysis of research and applied perspectives, including conversational argument, argument fields, the philosophy of argument, argument as rhetoric, and argument in contexts.
Attributes: LACH – Liberal Arts Humanities Core
Prerequisite: COMM 320 with D- or better
COMM 456, ^RHETORIC: 500 BC TO 500 AD, 3 Credits
History and philosophy of rhetorical principles.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); LACH – Liberal Arts Humanities Core
Prerequisite: COMM 320 with D- or better
COMM 458, ^RHETORIC: 500 AD TO 1900, 3 Credits
History and philosophy of rhetorical principles.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); LACH – Liberal Arts Humanities Core
Prerequisite: COMM 320 with D- or better
COMM 459, ^CONTEMPORARY THEORIES OF RHETORIC, 3 Credits
A survey of contemporary rhetorical theories from 1900 to the present.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); LACH – Liberal Arts Humanities Core
Prerequisite: COMM 320 with D- or better
COMM 462, RHETORIC OF REVOLUTIONARIES AND REACTIONARIES: 1900-PRESENT, 3 Credits
Speech criticism; great American speakers; relation of their speaking to the history of ideas; rhetoric and political, social, and religious movements.
Attributes: LACH – Liberal Arts Humanities Core
Prerequisite: COMM 320 with D- or better
COMM 464, RHETORICAL CRITICISM, 3 Credits
Explores the approaches to the criticism of rhetoric, including aesthetic, social movement, genre, feminist, and other modes of criticism.
Prerequisite: COMM 320 with D- or better
COMM 466, ETHICS OF RHETORIC, 3 Credits
Examines the ethical questions raised by the use of persuasive discourse, including the derivation of standards of ethical persuasion and approaches to ethical judgment about persuasion.
Attributes: LACH – Liberal Arts Humanities Core
Prerequisite: COMM 320 with D- or better
COMM 472, THE RHETORIC OF POPULAR CULTURE, 3 Credits
A survey of theories of popular culture from Arnold to Hall. Students will examine various artifacts of popular culture and the influences they exert.
Attributes: LACH – Liberal Arts Humanities Core
COMM 476, ISSUES IN THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH, 3 Credits
Examination of the theories of free expression and case materials related to tests of free speech in key U.S. Supreme Court cases. The course emphasizes the context of social and political movements from which the cases arise.
Attributes: LACH – Liberal Arts Humanities Core
Recommended: COMM 320
COMM 478, POLITICAL CAMPAIGN RHETORIC, 3 Credits
Theory, research and methods of political campaign rhetoric. Topics include rhetorical strategies and tactics in advertising, national conventions, broadcast debates, media coverage and public opinion polls.
Attributes: LACH – Liberal Arts Humanities Core
Recommended: COMM 320
COMM 499, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
COMM 501, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
COMM 502, INDEPENDENT STUDY, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
COMM 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
COMM 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
COMM 506, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
COMM 507, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
COMM 508, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
COMM 510, COMMUNICATION INTERNSHIP, 1-12 Credits
An assignment in a private or public business or agency. The student observes or works in one or more departments of the enterprise, perhaps in one area of interest or specialization (e.g., public relations, training, personnel, research and planning). Work is supervised by the agency staff, supervising school faculty member(s) provide academic evaluation.
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
COMM 512, TOPICS IN SPEECH COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
Contemporary issues in speech communication: appraisal and discussion of current theories, trends, research methods, problems, or applications.
This course is repeatable for 9 credits.
Recommended: 9 credits of speech communication.
COMM 514, COMMUNICATION RESEARCH METHODS, 3 Credits
Communication research and its relationship to theory. Quantitative and qualitative methods of investigation in speech communication. Experimental and non-experimental research design; naturalistic observation; issues of reliability and validity; statistical analysis. Standards and principles of writing and reporting research.
Recommended: COMM 321
COMM 515, CRITICAL METHODS IN COMMUNICATION RESEARCH, 3 Credits
Provides students with the skills necessary to critically analyze technological, discursive, and material communication phenomena. Introduces theoretical traditions, canonical texts, and critical vocabulary that are used to analyze communication from a critical humanistic perspective. Instructs students to produce their own original critical and interpretive research rooted in relevant disciplinary and interdisciplinary frameworks.
COMM 516, ETHNOGRAPHY OF COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
Study and practice of using ethnography of communication as a research method for developing theory in communication studies; topics include data collection, analysis, and writing ethnographic reports.
Recommended: COMM 321
COMM 517, RESEARCH METHODS IN COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
Introduction to the structure, process, and logic of quantitative empirical research in communication. Topics include research design, measurement, methodology, and descriptive statistics. Think of this as a skills course, where you are going to learn how to understand, critique, and design quantitative methodological approaches. Note that this course is rigorous, and will hopefully challenge you to better understand how research applies to your life outside of the classroom.
COMM 518, INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION THEORY AND RESEARCH, 3 Credits
Current theory, research, and practice in interpersonal communication. Issues addressed may include compliance gaining, nonverbal behavior, family communication, gender issues, impression formation, rules, and human relations.
Recommended: COMM 321
COMM 520, INTRODUCTION TO GRADUATE STUDY IN COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
Introductory graduate seminar in the field of communication. Emphasis on the breadth and depth of the discipline, graduate study, and research directions.
COMM 521, SCIENCE COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
Introduces students to theoretical knowledge in the field of science communication along with important concepts and applied issues concerning effective science communication. Utilizes a social scientific approach to provide students with a broad overview and foundation for understanding science communication, including the background, purpose, theory, and practice of science communication. Applies this knowledge and creates a science communication for the benefit of a real-world client.
COMM 522, SMALL-GROUP COMMUNICATION THEORY AND RESEARCH, 3 Credits
Current theory, research, and practice in communication and small-group communication. Issues addressed may include leadership, decision making, problem solving, training, and human relations.
Recommended: COMM 321
COMM 526, INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION: THEORIES AND ISSUES, 3 Credits
Advanced study in intercultural communication theoretical developments and research directions. Topics addressed may include intercultural research methods, training, language and culture, acculturation, and intercultural effectiveness.
COMM 532, GENDER AND COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
Investigation of impact of sex and gender on communication in conflict, decision-making, leadership, nonverbal messages, language, and interpersonal relationships. Focus on definitions of sex and gender in regard to knowledge, social constructs, and self-development.
Recommended: COMM 321
COMM 537, HEALTH COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
This class is designed to unpack various elements of how communication impacts health, and vice versa. There are three main sections to this course: 1) discussing doctor-patient communication, 2) discussing the effects of health campaigns, and 3) discussing the link between communication and both psychological and physiological health.
COMM 540, THEORIES OF CONFLICT AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT, 3 Credits
Conflict on a variety of levels: intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, public, and social. Conflict in a variety of contexts: relationships, family, organizations, community, and society. Constructive and destructive means of confronting and managing conflict; social and psychological aspects of conflict; conflict analysis; causes of conflict; conflict and peace, social order, and social change; case studies of conflict.
Recommended: COMM 321
COMM 542, BARGAINING AND NEGOTIATION PROCESSES, 3 Credits
Theory and practice of bargaining and negotiation as means of settling disputes, with emphasis on the role of communication. Strategies and tactics of distributive and integrative bargaining orientations. Negotiation preparation and experience through case studies and simulations.
Recommended: COMM 321
COMM 544, THIRD PARTIES IN DISPUTE RESOLUTION: MEDIATION/ARBITRATION, 3 Credits
Philosophies, strategies, practices, and characteristics of mediation and arbitration processes in the settlement of conflicts and disputes. Study of the role of the third party neutral in the peace making process. Case studies and simulations in mediation and arbitration.
Recommended: COMM 321
COMM 546, COMMUNICATION IN INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT AND DISPUTES, 3 Credits
Examination of the nature of international conflicts and disputes and the roles culture and communication play in resolving them constructively. Analysis of negotiation, mediation, and international law as approaches to dealing with international political, economic, cultural, and religious disputes. Scrutiny of contemporary world conflicts.
Recommended: COMM 321
COMM 554, ADVANCED ARGUMENTATION, 3 Credits
Advanced study in classical and current theories of the persuasive and epistemological functions of argumentation. Examination of the dominant contemporary theorists, including Toulmin, Perelman, and Willard. Analysis of research and applied perspectives, including conversational argument, argument fields, the philosophy of argument, argument as rhetoric, and argument in contexts.
Recommended: COMM 320
COMM 556, RHETORIC: 500 BC TO 500 AD, 3 Credits
History and philosophy of rhetorical principles.
Recommended: COMM 320
COMM 558, RHETORIC: 500 AD TO 1900, 3 Credits
History and philosophy of rhetorical principles.
Recommended: COMM 320
COMM 559, CONTEMPORARY THEORIES OF RHETORIC, 3 Credits
A survey of contemporary rhetorical theories from 1900 to the present.
Recommended: COMM 320
COMM 562, RHETORIC OF REVOLUTIONARIES AND REACTIONARIES: 1900-PRESENT, 3 Credits
Speech criticism; great American speakers; relation of their speaking to the history of ideas; rhetoric and political, social, and religious movements.
Recommended: COMM 320
COMM 564, RHETORICAL CRITICISM, 3 Credits
Explores the approaches to the criticism of rhetoric, including aesthetic, social movement, genre, feminist, and other modes of criticism.
Recommended: COMM 320
COMM 565, RESEARCH METHODS IN RHETORIC, 3 Credits
A graduate-level introduction to research methods in rhetorical studies. Topics include rhetorical criticism, discourse analysis, and historiography. Course goals include the ability to understand and critique common methodological approaches in rhetorical studies.
COMM 566, ETHICS OF RHETORIC, 3 Credits
Examines the ethical questions raised by the use of persuasive discourse, including the derivation of standards of ethical persuasion and approaches to ethical judgment about persuasion.
Recommended: COMM 320
COMM 572, THE RHETORIC OF POPULAR CULTURE, 3 Credits
A survey of theories of popular culture from Arnold to Hall. Students will examine various artifacts of popular culture popular culture and the influences they exert.
COMM 576, ISSUES IN THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH, 3 Credits
Examination of the theories of free expression and case materials related to tests of free speech in key U.S. Supreme Court cases. The course emphasizes the context of social and political movements from which the cases arise.
Recommended: COMM 320
COMM 578, POLITICAL CAMPAIGN RHETORIC, 3 Credits
Theory, research and methods of political campaign rhetoric. Topics include rhetorical strategies and tactics in advertising, national conventions, broadcast debates, media coverage and public opinion polls.
Recommended: COMM 320
COMM 590, GRADUATE SEMINAR IN RHETORIC, 3 Credits
Examines topics dealing with the current state of research in rhetorical studies. This includes discussing a number of approaches to the history, theory, and criticism of rhetoric, as well as to the relationship between rhetoric and related disciplines. Course goals include increased competence in understanding the current state of rhetorical theory and research in the area being explored.
This course is repeatable for 9 credits.
COMM 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-18 Credits
This course is repeatable for 18 credits.
COMM 808, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.