Undergraduate Courses
COMM 1310 Fundamentals of Human Communication (3-0)
A first course in Communication Studies. Study aims at understanding fundamentals of oral communication, and how they are integrated into interpersonal, small group, and presentational speaking contexts.
COMM 1340 Voice and Diction. (3-2)
The human voice and the sounds of speech. The student's own voice and pronunciation will be the primary concern, using practice sessions to develop more acceptable patterns of voice and sounds.
COMM 2111 Speech and Drama Activities.(1)
A course designed to provide credit for participation in speech communication and theatre arts activities. May be repeated a total for four credit in speech communication and four credits in theatre arts.
COMM 2315 An Introduction to Interpersonal Communication. (3-0)
An introduction to material exploring face-to-face communication and relational development. Emphasis on conceptual foundations, personal growth and skill enhancement.
COMM 2326 Interpretative Reading. (3-0)
A study of the techniques of the oral interpretation of literature with an emphasis on performance.
COMM 2330 Small Group Communication (3-0)
A study of communication in the small group, including analysis of the influence of group structure, teambuilding, norms, roles, leadership and climate on group process. Special emphasis on problem- solving discussion. Prerequisite: COMM 1310.
COMM 2338 Public Speaking. (3-0)
This course helps the student to develop personal speaking skills and introduces principles of contemporary types of speeches. Prerequisite: COMM 1310.
COMM 3301 Communication Research Methods & Theory. (3-0)
An analysis of communication as a behavioral science with emphasis on quantitative research. Focuses on the student as a consumer of communication research. Explores the interdisciplinary nature of human communication as well as the resulting theory and principles. Prerequisite: 6 hours COMM.
COMM 3302 Rhetorical Criticism. (3-0)
Exploration of public, persuasive messages through application of the process of critical analysis. Focuses on developing the student's analytical, research, and writing skills and prepares the student to understand the influence of rhetorical discourse in political and social contexts. Prerequisite: 6 hours COMM. (WI)
COMM 3318 Studies in Human Communication. (3-0)
This series of courses presents a variety of topics associated with communication theory and provides an application of communication principles in contemporary contexts.
COMM 3318J Communication in Health Organizations
COMM 3318K Diversity and Communication
COMM 3318L Relational Communication
COMM 3318M Intercultural Communication in the Americas
COMM 3319 Introduction to Organizational Communication. (3-0)
Examines contemporary research about the influence of communication on the organization. Prepares the student to understand and manage communication processes in organizations. Prerequisite: 6 hours COMM. (WI)
COMM 3325 Communication and Conflict Management. (3-0)
Demonstrates the ways basic communication skills can be used to manage conflict. The class also provides an analytic framework for diagnosing conflict, negotiation, and mediation. Prerequisite: COMM 2315 or 2330. (WI)
COMM 3326 Family Communication. (3-0)
A study of the theory and research exploring the family process and communication in a variety of family types. The class also utilizes a wide variety of activities and exercises to analyze and improve one's own communication skills within the family. Prerequisite: COMM 2315. (WI)
COMM 3328 Communication and Gender. (3-0)
Investigates the interactive nature of communication and gender, the creation of gender identities, and the role of gender and communication in a variety of settings. See Anthropology 3350. Prerequisite: COMM 2315. (WI)
COMM 3329 Intercultural Communication. (3-0)
Presents theory and application of communication skills for a culturally diverse world. Develops verbal and nonverbal abilities in social and professional intercultural contexts. Prerequisite: COMM 1310
COMM 3330 Nonverbal Communication. (3-0)
Introduces the conceptual foundations of nonverbal communication. Theoretical perspectives, research methods and applications of nonverbal communication are also explored in a variety of contexts. Prerequisite: COMM 2315 or 2330. (WI)
COMM 3345 Argumentation and Debate. (3-0)
A study of basic principles of argumentation emphasizing analysis, evidence, reasoning, and refutation and their applications in formal and informal debate contexts. Students will do laboratory work with the University forensic squad. Prerequisite: COMM 1310.
COMM 3358 Professional Communication (3-0)
Application of self-presentation and interaction concepts and skills to the transition from undergraduate studies to professional life, including job selection, resume preparation and presentation, interviewing, and interaction management in business and professional settings. Prerequisite: COMM 2315, 2330, or 2338.
COMM 4111 Practicum in Communication Studies. (0-1)
On-the-job experience working with faculty to assist with the department missions of teaching, research, or service. Students may work in the department communication lab, assist faculty in the classroom, serve as faculty research assistant or other academic support tasks. May be repeated one time for additional credit. Prerequisite: Senior class standing and permission of department chair.
COMM 4307 Media Criticism. (3- 0)
Explores the influence of media messages based upon communication and rhetorical theories in shaping perceptions and values. Focus is upon the rhetorical analysis of how the visual media of film and television communication social, political, and personal attitudes and behaviors. Prerequisite: COMM 1310.
COMM 4310 Methods of Teaching Communication Studies. (3- 0)
A study of methods of teaching communication studies principles and skills for secondary school teachers. Prerequisite: Admission to teacher certification program or permission of department chair.
COMM 4315 Directed Research in Communication Studies. (3-0)
Individual or group research projects at the advanced level that are not offered in the present curriculum. Permission and project approval must be obtained from the departmental chair prior to registration. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
COMM 4317 Studies in Public Communication. (3-0)
This series of courses explores a variety of communication messages and contexts by applying critical methods and theories.
COMM 4320 Directed Speech and Theatre Activities. (3-0).
Designed to assist individuals to manage and implement programs in speech communication and theatre arts. The course includes practical experience in directing debate, plays, and individual events. Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Certification Program or instructor permission.
COMM 4321 American Speeches. (3-0)
Analysis and evaluation of major American speeches and their influence on the history and culture of the United States from 1630 to the present. Prerequisite: COMM 1310. (WI)
COMM 4322 Rhetoric of Protest Movements. (3-0)
Description and title change. Description: Explores the persuasive strategies used by protest and political movements to promote social and political change. Focuses upon the application of critical perspectives in understanding the stages, leadership styles, and rhetorical appeals characteristics of movements in American society. Prerequisite: COMM 1310.(WI)
COMM 4324 Organizational Rhetoric (3-0)
Guided by principles of rhetoric, students will investigate a variety of functions for internal and external audiences. Functions will include building identity; managing issues, impressions, and crises; and influencing organizational culture. Students will use this knowledge to create and analyze organizational messages. Prerequisite: COMM 2338.
COMM 4325 Communication and Technology (3-0)
A course designed to focus on research and theories about the relationships between technology and communication behavior. topics includes how various forms of telephony, computer use, computer mediated communication, and broadcast media affect interpersonal, organizational, political, and intercultural communication. Prerequisite: COMM 2315, 2330, or 2338.
COMM 4326 Health Communication (3-0)
This course in intended to provide students with the practical knowledge and skills to help design, implement, and evaluate health communication campaigns and interventions. Prerequisite: COMM 2315, 2330, or 2338.
COMM 4329 Communication Training and Human Resource Development (3-0)
This course presents the principles and skills of developing and presenting communication training programs. An emphasis is placed upon applications of communication skill development, communication theory, and instructional communication research in organizational contexts. Prerequisites: COMM 2315, 2330, and 2338.
COMM 4331 Persuasion. (3-0)
An investigation of rhetorical and behavioral theories of persuasion, the devising of persuasive campaigns, as well as the consumption and generation of persuasive messages in a variety of communication settings. Applicable for careers in business, law, and human relations. Prerequisite: 6 hours COMM or permission of instructor.
COMM 4338 Advanced Public Speaking. (3-0)
In-depth critical analysis of speech construction and the development of presentation skills. Prerequisite: COMM 2338.
COMM 4345 Political Communication (3-0).
A study of historical and contemporary political campaigns in the United States analyzing management strategies, promotional techniques, and rhetorical messages. Prerequisite: COMM 1310. (WI)
COMM 4347 Leadership and Communication. (3-0)
An advanced course in communication designed to examine in detail the phenomenon of leadership in groups and organizations. Various theories and approaches to leadership will be surveyed with an emphasis on applying leadership principles. Prerequisites: COMM 2330 and COMM 3319
COMM 4390 Communication Internship. (0-6)
Actual on-the-job experience in a communication-related role in an off-campus organization; requires approximately 100 clock hours on the job in addition to written reports. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair.
A first course in Communication Studies. Study aims at understanding fundamentals of oral communication, and how they are integrated into interpersonal, small group, and presentational speaking contexts.
COMM 1340 Voice and Diction. (3-2)
The human voice and the sounds of speech. The student's own voice and pronunciation will be the primary concern, using practice sessions to develop more acceptable patterns of voice and sounds.
COMM 2111 Speech and Drama Activities.(1)
A course designed to provide credit for participation in speech communication and theatre arts activities. May be repeated a total for four credit in speech communication and four credits in theatre arts.
COMM 2315 An Introduction to Interpersonal Communication. (3-0)
An introduction to material exploring face-to-face communication and relational development. Emphasis on conceptual foundations, personal growth and skill enhancement.
COMM 2326 Interpretative Reading. (3-0)
A study of the techniques of the oral interpretation of literature with an emphasis on performance.
COMM 2330 Small Group Communication (3-0)
A study of communication in the small group, including analysis of the influence of group structure, teambuilding, norms, roles, leadership and climate on group process. Special emphasis on problem- solving discussion. Prerequisite: COMM 1310.
COMM 2338 Public Speaking. (3-0)
This course helps the student to develop personal speaking skills and introduces principles of contemporary types of speeches. Prerequisite: COMM 1310.
COMM 3301 Communication Research Methods & Theory. (3-0)
An analysis of communication as a behavioral science with emphasis on quantitative research. Focuses on the student as a consumer of communication research. Explores the interdisciplinary nature of human communication as well as the resulting theory and principles. Prerequisite: 6 hours COMM.
COMM 3302 Rhetorical Criticism. (3-0)
Exploration of public, persuasive messages through application of the process of critical analysis. Focuses on developing the student's analytical, research, and writing skills and prepares the student to understand the influence of rhetorical discourse in political and social contexts. Prerequisite: 6 hours COMM. (WI)
COMM 3318 Studies in Human Communication. (3-0)
This series of courses presents a variety of topics associated with communication theory and provides an application of communication principles in contemporary contexts.
COMM 3318J Communication in Health Organizations
COMM 3318K Diversity and Communication
COMM 3318L Relational Communication
COMM 3318M Intercultural Communication in the Americas
COMM 3319 Introduction to Organizational Communication. (3-0)
Examines contemporary research about the influence of communication on the organization. Prepares the student to understand and manage communication processes in organizations. Prerequisite: 6 hours COMM. (WI)
COMM 3325 Communication and Conflict Management. (3-0)
Demonstrates the ways basic communication skills can be used to manage conflict. The class also provides an analytic framework for diagnosing conflict, negotiation, and mediation. Prerequisite: COMM 2315 or 2330. (WI)
COMM 3326 Family Communication. (3-0)
A study of the theory and research exploring the family process and communication in a variety of family types. The class also utilizes a wide variety of activities and exercises to analyze and improve one's own communication skills within the family. Prerequisite: COMM 2315. (WI)
COMM 3328 Communication and Gender. (3-0)
Investigates the interactive nature of communication and gender, the creation of gender identities, and the role of gender and communication in a variety of settings. See Anthropology 3350. Prerequisite: COMM 2315. (WI)
COMM 3329 Intercultural Communication. (3-0)
Presents theory and application of communication skills for a culturally diverse world. Develops verbal and nonverbal abilities in social and professional intercultural contexts. Prerequisite: COMM 1310
COMM 3330 Nonverbal Communication. (3-0)
Introduces the conceptual foundations of nonverbal communication. Theoretical perspectives, research methods and applications of nonverbal communication are also explored in a variety of contexts. Prerequisite: COMM 2315 or 2330. (WI)
COMM 3345 Argumentation and Debate. (3-0)
A study of basic principles of argumentation emphasizing analysis, evidence, reasoning, and refutation and their applications in formal and informal debate contexts. Students will do laboratory work with the University forensic squad. Prerequisite: COMM 1310.
COMM 3358 Professional Communication (3-0)
Application of self-presentation and interaction concepts and skills to the transition from undergraduate studies to professional life, including job selection, resume preparation and presentation, interviewing, and interaction management in business and professional settings. Prerequisite: COMM 2315, 2330, or 2338.
COMM 4111 Practicum in Communication Studies. (0-1)
On-the-job experience working with faculty to assist with the department missions of teaching, research, or service. Students may work in the department communication lab, assist faculty in the classroom, serve as faculty research assistant or other academic support tasks. May be repeated one time for additional credit. Prerequisite: Senior class standing and permission of department chair.
COMM 4307 Media Criticism. (3- 0)
Explores the influence of media messages based upon communication and rhetorical theories in shaping perceptions and values. Focus is upon the rhetorical analysis of how the visual media of film and television communication social, political, and personal attitudes and behaviors. Prerequisite: COMM 1310.
COMM 4310 Methods of Teaching Communication Studies. (3- 0)
A study of methods of teaching communication studies principles and skills for secondary school teachers. Prerequisite: Admission to teacher certification program or permission of department chair.
COMM 4315 Directed Research in Communication Studies. (3-0)
Individual or group research projects at the advanced level that are not offered in the present curriculum. Permission and project approval must be obtained from the departmental chair prior to registration. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
COMM 4317 Studies in Public Communication. (3-0)
This series of courses explores a variety of communication messages and contexts by applying critical methods and theories.
COMM 4320 Directed Speech and Theatre Activities. (3-0).
Designed to assist individuals to manage and implement programs in speech communication and theatre arts. The course includes practical experience in directing debate, plays, and individual events. Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Certification Program or instructor permission.
COMM 4321 American Speeches. (3-0)
Analysis and evaluation of major American speeches and their influence on the history and culture of the United States from 1630 to the present. Prerequisite: COMM 1310. (WI)
COMM 4322 Rhetoric of Protest Movements. (3-0)
Description and title change. Description: Explores the persuasive strategies used by protest and political movements to promote social and political change. Focuses upon the application of critical perspectives in understanding the stages, leadership styles, and rhetorical appeals characteristics of movements in American society. Prerequisite: COMM 1310.(WI)
COMM 4324 Organizational Rhetoric (3-0)
Guided by principles of rhetoric, students will investigate a variety of functions for internal and external audiences. Functions will include building identity; managing issues, impressions, and crises; and influencing organizational culture. Students will use this knowledge to create and analyze organizational messages. Prerequisite: COMM 2338.
COMM 4325 Communication and Technology (3-0)
A course designed to focus on research and theories about the relationships between technology and communication behavior. topics includes how various forms of telephony, computer use, computer mediated communication, and broadcast media affect interpersonal, organizational, political, and intercultural communication. Prerequisite: COMM 2315, 2330, or 2338.
COMM 4326 Health Communication (3-0)
This course in intended to provide students with the practical knowledge and skills to help design, implement, and evaluate health communication campaigns and interventions. Prerequisite: COMM 2315, 2330, or 2338.
COMM 4329 Communication Training and Human Resource Development (3-0)
This course presents the principles and skills of developing and presenting communication training programs. An emphasis is placed upon applications of communication skill development, communication theory, and instructional communication research in organizational contexts. Prerequisites: COMM 2315, 2330, and 2338.
COMM 4331 Persuasion. (3-0)
An investigation of rhetorical and behavioral theories of persuasion, the devising of persuasive campaigns, as well as the consumption and generation of persuasive messages in a variety of communication settings. Applicable for careers in business, law, and human relations. Prerequisite: 6 hours COMM or permission of instructor.
COMM 4338 Advanced Public Speaking. (3-0)
In-depth critical analysis of speech construction and the development of presentation skills. Prerequisite: COMM 2338.
COMM 4345 Political Communication (3-0).
A study of historical and contemporary political campaigns in the United States analyzing management strategies, promotional techniques, and rhetorical messages. Prerequisite: COMM 1310. (WI)
COMM 4347 Leadership and Communication. (3-0)
An advanced course in communication designed to examine in detail the phenomenon of leadership in groups and organizations. Various theories and approaches to leadership will be surveyed with an emphasis on applying leadership principles. Prerequisites: COMM 2330 and COMM 3319
COMM 4390 Communication Internship. (0-6)
Actual on-the-job experience in a communication-related role in an off-campus organization; requires approximately 100 clock hours on the job in addition to written reports. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair.