Department of Mass Communication
COMM 1103 - Voice And Diction
This course is a practical approach to improving the voice specifically for public speaking. Students will study, practice, and demonstrate proper breathing techniques, pleasant vocal quality, varied volumn, crisp articulation, correct pronunciation, and vivid expressiveness. Credit may not be earned in both THRT 1523 and COMM 1103. Enrollment open to Mass Communication majors only.
COMM 1113 - Fundamentals Of Speech
This course introduces elements of speech and principles of effective speaking in public. Emphasis is placed on performance and skills in preparing and presenting a public speech.
COMM 2000 - Topics In Oral Communication
Credit will vary from 1 to 4 hours. Subject matter will vary within the department's field of study.
COMM 2013 - Introduction To Human Communications
To examine the communication process in its many forms, elements, functions, and effects with particular emphasis on the student as a consumer of communication. Special attention focused on major channels of cultural and subcultural communication.
COMM 2023 - Communication For Teachers
The course is a study of communication within the classroom. Emphasis is directed toward preparing the future teacher to communicate effectively in the multicultural classroom. The information processing and dispensing skills of the teacher are developed by focusing on the verbal and nonverbal components of communication. This course is required for Teacher Education programs. Prerequisite(s): ENG 1113 and 1213. Enrollment open to teacher education majors only.
COMM 2043 - Listening
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the elements and principles of effective listening and the practice needed to become better listeners.
COMM 2153 - Introduction To Organizational Communication
This course introduces students to organizational communication research and theory with particular emphasis on communication processes within and among organizational environments. Focusing on analyses of the structure and function of communication in complex organizations, the course requires students to display both theoretical and practical knowledge of the variety of processes and methods organizations use to sustain themselves and to communicate with their internal and external publics. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing or above.
COMM 2323 - Introduction To Public Discourse
This course is an introduction to major issues in public discourse focused on public address and public culture: history, concepts, theories, and methods of criticism. Prerequisite(s): ENG 1113 or 1143 or 1153 or 1173; and COMM 1113 or 2023. Sophomore standing or above.
COMM 2623 - Communication Theory
This course is an introduction to the field of communication including the studies of models and theories with attention given to major concepts that have formed historical and current communication theories.
COMM 3000 - Workshop In Oral Communication
Credit will vary from 1 to 6 hours. Subject matter will vary within the department's field of study. Normally involves lecture, films, guest speaker, etc. A grade of "P" or "F" is given. No more than 6 hours of workshop may be counted toward a bachelor's degree.
COMM 3053 - Principles Of Persuasion
This course provides a survey of major theories of persuasion that explain how to change another person's attitudes and behavior as well as evaluate the persuasive appeals of other advocates. The application of persuasion will be studied in a variety of contexts: organizational, legal, political, sales, and relational communication. Prerequisite(s): ENG 1113 and 1213. Junior standing or above.
COMM 3073 - Relational Communication
This course examines communication behaviors in interpersonal relationships, including relationship development, maintenance, and dissolution. Emphasis is on application of theory and improvement of communication skills. Prerequisite(s): COMM 2013 and 2623 with junior or senior standing.
COMM 3083 - Intercultural Communication
This course identifies and delineates the communication skills needed for effective interaction in a global society, examines the relationship between communication and culture and studies the general concepts of intercultural communication. Prerequisite(s): COMM 1113 or COMM 2023.
COMM 3093 - Presentation Techniques
Presentation Techniques is designed to help students become confident and effective presenters in a variety of situations. This course focuses on writing, speaking, and delivery skills. Critical thinking and analytical skills are used to organize presentations, solve problems, and build arguments. Prerequisite(s): COMM 1113 and 2153. Junior or senior standing.
COMM 3113 - Nonverbal Communication
The study of nonverbal communication develops an awareness of how nonverbal cues are used in communication in sending and receiving messages and in enacting culture. The course provides an in-depth study of physical appearance, gesture and movement, facial expressions, eye contact, tough, use of time, and the voice to communicate nonverbally in a variety of interpersonal relationships across personal, professional, public, and cultural contexts. Prerequisite(s): COMM 1113 or 2023. Junior or senior standing.
COMM 3153 - Communication Research
This course introduces students to both quantitative and qualitative methods commonly used in communication research. Students will gain competence in research methods and participate in an academic research project from its inception to reporting the results. Prerequisite(s): COMM 2623. Junior or senior standing.
COMM 3173 - Women's Rhetoric
This course is designed to cause an awareness and understanding of women's rhetoric. The objective of the course is to explore the ways in which women have made their voices heard throughout history. Prerequisite(s): ENG 1113 and 1213. Junior or senior status.
COMM 3193 - Political Communication
This course is a study of American speakers since 1950 and includes analysis of the rhetoric of contemporary movements and political campaigns. Prerequisite(s): ENG 1113 and 1213. Junior standing or above.
COMM 3343 - Small Group Communication
This course is a study of interaction within teams and small groups. It is designed to develop critical thinking skills, examine ethical challenges, improve research abilities, provide practice in effective decision making, and explore effective leadership styles in personal, professional, public, and cultural settings. Prerequisite(s): COMM 1113 or 2023. Junior or senior standing.
COMM 3383 - Argumentation
The argumentation course is designed to improve critical thinking and argumentation skills. The student will develop the ability to apply those skills in a variety of communication situations (business, legal, personal). Appropriate strategies will be provided that allow the student to become an effective "user" and "consumer" of argumentation. Prerequisite(s): ENG 1113, 1213, (COMM 1113 or 2023). Junior or senior standing.
COMM 3413 - Conflict And Communication
This course focuses on the nature and function of healthy and unhealthy communication conflict as applied to intrapersonal and interpersonal situations, families, organizations, cultures, and nations. Content incorporates theories of conflict and the application of effective conflict management. Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior standing.
COMM 3423 - Communication And Gender
This course is designed to investigate gender and communication issues in interpersonal, intercultural, and professional contexts. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above. Prerequisite(s): ENG 1113, 1213, (COMM 3153 or ENG 2213) and junior or senior standing.
COMM 3513 - Leadership Communication
This course will examine relationships between effective communication and quality leadership in multiple contexts. Credit may not be earned for both COMM 3513 and LEAD 3513. Prerequisite(s): LEAD 2213 and junior or senior standing.
COMM 3990 - Advanced Topics
Credit will vary from 1 to 4 hours. Subject matter will vary within the department's field of study.
COMM 4013 - Workshop Organization & Leadership
This course examines workshops and multi-meeting settings from a communication perspective. Students study guidelines, design and develop curriculum, and facilitate workshops. The course also implements leadership training recommended for managers, consultants, instructors, and public relations practitioners. Prerequisite(s): (COMM 1113 or 2023), COMM 2153, 3093 and senior standing.
COMM 4113 - Organizational Communication
Organization Communication explores social interaction within organizational contexts. This course introduces students to theories and concepts that explain the complex communication processes operating in and among organizations. Students will apply theoretical concepts to their own communicative experiences in organizations. Prerequisite(s): COMM 2153. Junior or senior standing.
COMM 4223 - Family Communication
This course examines communication phenomena in the setting of the family. The focus is upon how, through communication, people develop, maintain, enhance, or disturb family relationships. Prerequisite(s): COMM 2013, 2623 and 3073 with senior standing.
COMM 4323 - Corporate Promotion
Students examine how corporations communicate with various constituencies. Corporate promotion concerns addressed from a communication perspective include: coporate networking; web design and site development; branding; marketing; consumer relationship management; crisis communication; and corporate culture, image, and identity. Prerequisite(s): COMM 2153. Junior or senior standing.
COMM 4423 - Interviewing Practices
This course focuses on the role of communication in various interviewing processes. Course content provides participants with the information and skills necessary to effectively participate in and evaluate interviewing interactions. Interviewing Practices offers an expansive exposure to a wide range of interviews (persuasive, performance, recruiting, employment, survey, probing, counseling, and health care). Judicious integration of relevant communication theory comprises the underpinning for the applied aspects of interviewing—both for the interviewer and the interviewee. Prerequisite(s): COMM 3153. Enrollment open to Mass Communication majors only, junior or senior standing.
COMM 4453 - Communication And Language
This course offers a systematic evaluation and scientific appraisal of the ways in which humans interact through language and other symbols. It attempts to describe and evaluate the relationships existing among thought, language, and behavior. Prerequisite(s): COMM 3153 and senior standing.
COMM 4533 - Health Communication
Health Communication is a predominant specialty in the field of communication and this course is designed to provide a study of social interaction in health care contexts. Issue foci include provider-client communication, health promotion and planning, provider-provider communication and education, and communication issues in relation to intercultural health, alternative medicine, and health ethics. Prerequisite(s): COMM 3153. Junior or senior standing.
COMM 4900 - Practicum In Communication
Credit will vary from 1 to 4 hours. Subject matter will vary within the department's field of study.
COMM 4910 - Seminar In Communication
Credit will vary from 1 to 4 hours. Directed intensive study on selected problems or special topics.
COMM 4930 - Individual Study
Credit will vary from 1 to 4 hours. Subject matter will vary within the department's field of study.
COMM 4940 - Field Study In Communication
Credit will vary from 1 to 6 hours. Subject matter will vary within the department's field of study.
COMM 4950 - Internship
Credit will vary from 1 to 8 hours.
COMM 4960 - Institute In Communication
Credit will vary from 1 to 8 hours. Subject matter will vary within the department's field of study.
COMM 4980 - Workshop In Communication
Credit will vary from 1 to 4 hours. Subject matter will vary within the department's field of study. Normally involves lecture, films, guest speaker, etc. A grade of "P" or "F" is given. No more than 6 hours of workshop may be counted toward a bachelor's degree.
COMM 5000 - Workshop In Communication
Credit will vary from 1 to 4 hours. Subject matter will vary within the department's field of study. Normally involves lecture, films, guest speaker, etc. A grade of "P" or "F" is given. No more than 2 hours of workshop may be counted on a master's degree.
COMM 5900 - Practicum In Communication
Credit will vary from 1 to 4 hours. Subject matter will vary within the department's field of study.
COMM 5910 - Seminar / Special Topics
Credit will vary from 1 to 4 hours. Directed intensive study on selected problems or special topics. rerequisite(s): An undergraduate minor in the subject matter area and permission of graduate advisor.
COMM 5930 - Individual Study
Credit will vary from 1 to 4 hours. Directed intensive study on definite problems or special subjects, based on approved outlines or plans; conferences, oral and written reports. Prerequisite(s): An undergraduate major in the subject matter area to be studied and permission of graduate advisor.
COMM 5950 - Internship In Communication
Credit will vary from 1 to 8 hours. Subject matter will vary within the department's field of study. Supervised practical experience gained in a professional field by an advanced or graduate student.
COMM 5960 - Institute In Communication
Credit will vary from 1 to 8 hours. Subject matter will vary within the department's field of study.
COMM 5970 - Study Tour
Credit will vary. Subject matter will vary within the department's field of study.
COMM 5990 - Thesis
Credit will vary from 1 to 6 hours. Subject matter will vary within the department's field of study.