Course Listings

Military Communication and Writing

COMM 200 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) A study of business communication management in a military context. The objective is to develop appropriate and effective communication products for military audiences and within military environments through the application of accepted business communication practices. Topics include communication theories; research methods; organization of information; formats; writing and editing strategies; and techniques for guiding subordinate communication, conducting interviews, and managing meetings. Assignments may include making speech presentations; instructing a class; conducting interviews; managing meetings; and writing and editing reports, letters, emails, proposals, and personnel evaluations.

Media and Society

COMM 202 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in communications but is not a writing course.) Prerequisite: WRTG 112. An overview of the complex components and relationships involved in today's media. The goal is to understand the technical, political, economic, cultural, and organizational influences on mediated messages. Topics include visual rhetoric, legal and ethical issues, social media, the transactional model, advertising, security, and privacy concerns.

Understanding Visual Communication

COMM 207 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A study of the creation and interpretation of visual language. The aim is to understand how images are used to effectively communicate ideas in a variety of channels, including news, advertising, and public relations. Topics include aesthetics, principles of composition, color systems, content awareness, and historical and cultural perspectives. Emphasis is on critical thinking and analysis of images from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

Communication Theory

COMM 300 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in communications but is not a writing course.) Prerequisite: WRTG 112. An introduction to communication theory. The objective is to apply communication theory and evaluate communication situations. The basic theories of human communication, mass communication, and new media and technology are explored. Focus is on the relationships among communication theory, research, and practice. Topics include intra- and interpersonal communication, public communication, mass media, and contemporary issues associated with mediated communication.

Mass Communication and Media Studies

COMM 302 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in communications but is not a writing course.) Prerequisite: WRTG 112, WRTG 101, or WRTG 101S. A survey of mass communication designed to enhance media literacy. The goal is to interpret, evaluate, and produce media messages. Topics include media industries and the impact of the media, as well as regulation, policy, and ethical issues. Emphasis is on critical thinking and analysis of vital aspects of pervasive elements of popular culture, such as news, advertising, children's entertainment, and a free press. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 302 or COMM 379A.

Writing for Managers

COMM 390 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Prerequisite: WRTG 112, WRTG 101, or WRTG 101S. A practicum in the kinds of communication skills that managers need for the workplace. The goal is to develop persuasive managerial communication for organizational decision-making and action. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 390, HUMN 390, WRTG 390, or WRTG 490.

Mass Media Law

COMM 400 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (No previous study of law required. Fulfills the general education requirement in communications but is not a writing course.) Prerequisite: WRTG 112. An examination of important legal issues that affect mass media and communications professionals. The objective is to analyze mass media law, its evolution, and its relationship with society, culture, and politics. Topics include copyright, intellectual property, fair use, defamation, privacy, freedom of information, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press, as well as issues raised by the growth of the internet. Discussion also covers ethics in mass media, digital technologies, and the creation of media content. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 400 or JOUR 400.

Special Topics in Communication

COMM 459 | 1 - 3 Credits

Course Desc: An exploration of special topics in communication. The objective is to attain specialized knowledge and skills in a particular area of communication, journalism, speech, or professional writing. Focus is on demonstrating new knowledge through an extended applied project. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits when topics differ.

Research Methods in Communication Studies

COMM 480 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisites: COMM 300 and COMM 302. A review of qualitative and quantitative research methods in communication studies. The objective is to define and explain research methods, concepts, and tools; apply research design, data collection, analysis, and reporting skills; and critically evaluate research in terms of rigor, relevance, and explanatory value. Practice is provided in finding, consuming, and analyzing research studies. Discussion covers the steps of the research process: articulating a question, developing a methodology, conducting a study, and reporting on findings.

Communications Studies Capstone

COMM 495 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisites: COMM 300, COMM 302, and at least 9 additional credits of upper-level COMM, SPCH, and/or JOUR courses. A project-based capstone study of communication. The aim is to reflect on the knowledge and skills gained through previous coursework and experiences in the discipline.

Independent Study in COMM

COMM 498 | 1 - 3 Credits

Course Desc: