Degrees Requirements for Major Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program Options Minors Certificate in Management of Human Resources (CMHR) Academic Credit Policies Graduate Study Communication Courses |
CommunicationBritt 212
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Susan Walsh, Chair The Department of Communication helps students develop their verbal and nonverbal communication knowledge and skills through the exploration of human communication, media studies, and journalism. To suit a variety of goals, the Communication Department also offers optional minors in its three areas, as well as in public relations. The faculty bring a broad range of academic and professional training and accomplishments to the classroom, and the department’s student-centered program emphasizes skill-building, critical thinking, research, and writing. Students may earn credit for on-campus practical experience with such organizations as the University’s student newspaper, student-run radio station, community access television, public radio facilities, and public relations operations. Communication majors intern throughout and beyond the immediate region at newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, social service organizations, government agencies, advertising and public relations firms, and other businesses and organizations. Back to top of page.DegreesBA or BS in Communication with options in Human Communication, Media Studies, and Journalism
MinorsHuman Communication, Media Studies, Journalism, and Public Relations
CertificateHuman Resource Management Back to top of page.Requirements for Major- Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on page 15.
- Choose one of three options: human communication, media studies, or journalism.
- Complete a minimum of 60 credits of approved courses, including the premajor courses; 28 of these credits must be upper division, not including Comm 377 activity credits, which may be applied to the 60-credit total.
- At least 20 credits must be completed in the SOU Communication Department.
- To graduate, each communication major must have a minimum 2.75 GPA for all coursework in the department. All courses must be taken for a letter grade unless instructor permission is obtained.
- Complete a capstone experience (Comm 410) during the senior year.
- Each journalism student must complete 3 practicum credits. The credits may be in the student’s declared option or related areas, as approved by the faculty advisor. Those in human communication and media studies are encouraged to complete activity and practicum credits.
- The human communication option requires that at least 40 of the 60 total communication credits applicable toward the major be in formal courses (i.e., courses other than Comm 199, 377, 401, 403, 405, 408, 409, and 410).
Writing ComponentStudents demonstrate writing proficiency by completing Core 101, 102, 103 or equivalent and Comm 300, and by taking any of the upper division communication courses with a writing component. Students in the human communication and media studies options are required to complete a Comm 460 topics course to further demonstrate their writing competency. CapstoneThe required capstone experience is designed to synthesize four years of learning in one project. The course experience or project, completed in the senior year and supervised or taught by a faculty member, culminates in an oral presentation. The student must have 1–4 capstone credits and earn a passing grade to meet major and SOU graduation requirements. Although students may have completed a previous internship or practicum in a similar situation, the capstone experience is expected to be of greater depth, scope, and quality. While students may choose to complete their capstone experience in a public or private agency, they may also write a research paper to meet the capstone requirement. In any case, the project must be an example of the student’s best work. Capstone experience credits may be earned under Comm 410. Back to top of page.Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree ProgramCommunication majors may participate in the Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program. For information on this program, see page 160. Back to top of page.OptionsHuman Communication
(60 credits)
Major Requirments
Complete the following courses:
| Communication Across Cultures (Comm 200) | 4 | | Media Across Cultures (Comm 201) | 4 | | Interpersonal Communication (Comm 125) | 4 | | Public Speaking (Comm 210) | 4 | | Small Group Communication (Comm 225) | 4 | | Research Strategies (Comm 300) | 4 | | Persuasion (Comm 342) | 4 | | Capstone (Comm 410) | 1–4 | | Topics in Communication (Comm 460) | 4 |
Complete 12 or more credits from the following courses:
| Communication Theory (Comm 301) | 4 | | Advanced Public Speaking (Comm 310) | 4 | | Nonverbal Communication (Comm 324) | 4 | | Advanced Interpersonal Communication (Comm 325) | 4 | | Oral Interpretation and Manuscript Speaking (Comm 329) | 4 | | Interviewing and Listening (Comm 330) | 4 | | Intercultural Communication (Comm 335) | 4 | | Argumentation, Debate, and Critical Thinking (Comm 343) | 4 | | Activities (Comm 377) | 1–6 |
Complete 12 or more credits from the following courses:
| Evaluation of Public Communication (Comm 412) | 4 | | Gender and Human Communication (Comm 425) | 4 | | Negotiation and Conflict (Comm 455) | 4 | | Topics in Communication (Comm 460) | 4–8 | | Gender, Race, and Media (Comm 470) | 4 | | Freedom of Speech (Comm 472) | 4 | | Organizational Communication (Comm 475) | 4 |
Media Studies
(60 credits)
Major Requirments
Complete the following courses:
| Communication Across Cultures (Comm 200) | 4 | | Media Across Cultures (Comm 201) | 4 | | Research Strategies (Comm 300) | 4 | | Mass Communication Theory (Comm 370) | 4 | | Capstone (Comm 410) | 1–4 | | Topics in Communication (Comm 460) | 4 | | History of Mass Media (Comm 471) | 4 | | Mass Media Ethics (Comm 491) | 4 |
Complete at least 16 credits from the following courses:
| Intercultural Communication (Comm 335) | 4 | | Persuasion (Comm 342) | 4 | | International Mass Media (Comm 441) | 4 | | Gender, Race, and Media (Comm 470) | 4 | | Freedom of Speech (Comm 472) | 4 | | Mass Media Law (Comm 481) | 4 |
Complete at least 15 credits from the following courses:
| Principles of Public Relations (Comm 331) | 4 | | Basic Production Theory (Comm 340) | 4 | | Activities (Comm 377) | 1–6 | | Practicum (Comm 409) | 1–6 | | Topics in Communication (Comm 460) | 4 | | Masterpieces of Film (Flm 295) | 4 | | Film Genres (Flm 296) | 4 | | Major Film Directors (Flm 297) | 4 | | Promotion Policy (BA 332) | 4 | | Sociology of Popular Culture (Soc 333) | 4 | | The Politics of Mass Media (PS 371) | 4 | | Public Opinion (PS 411) | 3 | | Topics in Law (First Amendment or Free Speech) (PS 449) | 3 | | Topics in Film (Eng 495) | 4 |
Journalism
(60 credits)
Students who want to earn the bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree in communication: journalism may choose from news-editorial or photojournalism emphases.
News-Editorial
Complete the following courses:
| Communication Across Cultures (Comm 200) | 4 | | Media Across Cultures (Comm 201) | 4 | | Journalistic Writing (Comm 251) | 4 | | Newswriting (Comm 261) | 4 | | Research Strategies (Comm 300) | 4 | | Copyediting and Design (Comm 341) | 4 | | Reporting (Comm 361) | 4 | | Feature Writing (Comm 381) | 4 | | Journalism Practicum (Comm 409) | 3 | | Journalism Capstone (Comm 410) | 3 | | History of Mass Media (471) | 4 | | Mass Media Law (Comm 481) | 4 | | Mass Media Ethics (Comm 491) | 4 |
Complete at least 10 credits from the following courses:
| Photojournalism (Comm 321) | 4 | | Interviewing and Listening (Comm 330) | 4 | | Principles of Public Relations (Comm 331) | 4 | | Intercultural Communication (Comm 335) | 4 | | Broadcast Journalism: Newswriting (Comm 362) | 4 | | Mass Communication Theory (Comm 370) | 4 | | Opinion Writing (Comm 371) | 4 | | Broadcast Journalism: Field Production (Comm 372) | 4 | | Activities (Comm 377) | 1–6 | | Journalism Practicum (Comm 409) | 1–4 | | International Mass Media (Comm 441) | 4 | | Topics in Communication (Comm 460) | 4–8 | | Literary Journalism Workshop (Comm 461) | 4 | | Gender, Race, and Media (Comm 470) | 4 | | Freedom of Speech (Comm 472) | 4 | | Photography I (Art 240) | 4 |
Photojournalism
Complete the following courses:
| Communication Across Cultures (Comm 200) | 4 | | Media Across Cultures (Comm 201) | 4 | | Photography I (Art 240) | 4 | | Journalistic Writing (Comm 251) | 4 | | Newswriting (Comm 261) | 4 | | Research Strategies (Comm 300) | 4 | | Photojournalism (Comm 321) | 4 | | Journalism Practicum (Comm 409) | 3 | | Journalism Capstone (Comm 410) | 3 | | Mass Media Ethics (Comm 491) | 4 | | Digital Studio (Art 250) | 4 | | Photography II (Art 340) | 4 | | Digital Print Studio (Art 350) | 4 | | History of Mass Media (Comm 471) or History of American Photography (ArtH 452) | 4 | | Introduction to Multimedia (AM 233) | 4 |
Complete at least 6 credits from the following courses:
| Copyediting and Design (Comm 341) | 4 | | Journalism Activities (Comm 377) | 1–6 | | Mass Media Law (Comm 481) | 4 | | Photo Printmaking (Art 311) | 4 | | Photography III (Art 341) | 4 | | Color Photography (Art 342) | 4 | | Photo Mixed Media (Art 343) | 4 | | Journalism Practicum (Comm 409) | 1–3 | | Photography Seminar (Art 441) | 4 | | Special Projects in Photography (Art 443) | 4 | | Art, Culture, and Technological Change (ArtH 330) | 4 |
Back to top of page.MinorsStudents must achieve a 2.75 GPA in 28 credits of communication coursework listed below to earn a minor in communication. All courses must be taken for a letter grade unless instructor permission is obtained.
Human Communication
Required Courses (28 credits)
Complete the following courses:
| Communication Across Cultures (Comm 200) | 4 | | Media Across Cultures (Comm 201) | 4 |
Complete 4 credits from the following:
| Interpersonal Communication (Comm 125) | 4 | | Public Speaking (Comm 210) | 4 | | Small Group Communication (Comm 225) | 4 | | Advanced Public Speaking (Comm 310) | 4 |
Complete 16 credits from the following:
Electives
| Research Strategies (Comm 300) | 4 | | Communication Theory (Comm 301) | 4 | | Nonverbal Communication (Comm 324) | 4 | | Advanced Interpersonal Communication (Comm 325) | 4 | | Oral Interpretation and Manuscript Speaking (Comm 329) | 4 | | Interviewing and Listening (Comm 330) | 4 | | Intercultural Communication (Comm 335) | 4 | | Persuasion (Comm 342) | 4 | | Argumentation, Debate, and Critical Thinking (Comm 343) | 4 | | Gender and Human Communication (Comm 425) | 4 | | Negotiation and Conflict (Comm 455) | 4 | | Topics in Communication (Comm 460) | 4 | | Gender, Race, and Media (Comm 470) | 4 | | Freedom of Speech (Comm 472) | 4 | | Organizational Communication (Comm 475) | 4 |
Media Studies
Required Courses (28 credits)
| Communication Across Cultures (Comm 200) | 4 | | Media Across Cultures (Comm 201) | 4 | | Mass Communication Theory (Comm 370) | 4 | | International Mass Media (Comm 441) | 4 | | History of Mass Media (Comm 471) | 4 | | Mass Media Ethics (Comm 491) | 4 | | Gender, Race, and Media (Comm 470) or Mass Media Law (Comm 481) | 4 |
Journalism
Required Courses (20 credits)
| Communication Across Cultures (Comm 200) | 4 | | Media Across Cultures (Comm 201) | 4 | | Journalistic Writing (Comm 251) | 4 | | Newswriting (Comm 261) | 4 | | Mass Media Ethics (Comm 491) | 4 |
Choose 8 credits from the following:
Electives
| Photography I (Art 240) | 4 | | Photojournalism (Comm 321) | 4 | | Copyediting and Design (Comm 341) | 4 | | Reporting (Comm 361) | 4 | | Opinion Writing (Comm 371) | 4 | | Feature Writing (Comm 381) | 4 | | Practicum (Comm 409) | 3 | | Literary Journalism Workshop (Comm 461) | 4 | | Mass Media Law (Comm 481) | 4 |
Public Relations
Required Courses (28 credits)
| Communication Across Cultures (Comm 200) | 4 | | Media Across Cultures (Comm 201) | 4 | | Principles of Public Relations (Comm 331) | 4 | | Persuasion (Comm 342) | 4 | | Public Relations Writing (Comm 391) | 4 | | Public Relations Problems (Comm 431) | 4 | | Mass Media Ethics (Comm 491) | 4 |
Back to top of page.Certificate in Management of Human Resources (CMHR)The Certificate in Management of Human Resources (CMHR) is offered jointly by the School of Business, the Psychology Department, and the Communication Department. The program is open to current upper division undergraduate, graduate, and postbaccalaureate and professional development students. To receive this certificate, students must meet the 36-credit course requirements listed in the Certificates section of this catalog on page 158. Back to top of page.Academic Credit PoliciesActivities, Practica, and InternshipsThe Communication Department has adopted the following policies regarding academic credit for activities, internships, and practica. The total number of activity courses, internships, and practica credits applied to the major may not exceed 12. Additional credits may count toward graduation as electives, but not toward the major. The remaining credits must be earned through completion of regular classroom courses not listed below. Activity CoursesActivity courses involve an on-campus communication activity approved by the Communication Department chair. Such activities include, but are not limited to, working for the University’s student newspaper or radio station; aiding a departmental faculty member as a teaching or research assistant; judging high school or SOU forensics tournaments; working on departmental and University publications; helping with Relationships Week; and serving as a member of the SOU Orientation Team. Activity credits may be earned under Comm 377. All of these courses may be repeated for credit. Journalism majors are required to complete a minimum of 6 activity, project, or practicum credits. Activity credits are recommended, but not required, of human communication majors. No more than 6 activity credits may be applied to the major. Activity courses may not be taken for a letter grade without prior instructor approval. Practica and InternshipsPracticum credits are earned for off-campus communication internships. Students may earn practicum credits by working at radio and television stations, newspapers, or advertising and public relations agencies; volunteering at a variety of social service agencies (e.g., HelpLine, the Rape Crisis Center, and Dunn House); or working with youth organizations, health care facilities, charitable organizations, political campaigns, governmental offices, magazines, chambers of commerce, or arts organizations. Practicum credits may be earned under Comm 409/509. Letter grades will not be awarded for practicum credits without prior instructor approval. Back to top of page.Graduate StudyGraduate students may choose communication as the secondary emphasis in the school area degree (see Graduate Programs on page 173). This requires students to have previously finished three of the following courses: Comm 125, 210, 225, or 342. Graduate work must include Communication Theory (Comm 560) and two additional graduate courses in communication. Exceptions may be made on rare occasions with the approval of the student’s advisor. Back to top of page.Communication CoursesSee Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses| Comm 125 Interpersonal Communication | | 4 credits | | Focuses on message exchange in dyadic interaction. Emphasizes development of various communication skills in interpersonal contexts. |
| Comm 199 Special Studies | | Credit to be arranged |
| Comm 200 Communication Across Cultures | | 4 credits | | Provides an introduction to cultural and intercultural communication. Students are exposed to a variety of ways in which cultures and communication intersect through readings, lectures, and guest speakers from the multicultural community. | | Approved for general education (Explorations) |
| Comm 201 Media Across Cultures | | 4 credits | | Offers a critical evaluation of how the media influence individual and societal perceptions, values, and behavior. Examines a variety of media systems and practices across cultures that contribute to individual and collective meaning; analyzes how that process in turn shapes communication practices. | | Approved for general education (Explorations) |
| Comm 210 Public Speaking | | 4 credits | | Emphasizes the development of public speaking abilities and critical awareness of the processes, content, and forms of oral communication. Open to freshmen and sophomores who do not have previous speech experience. |
| Comm 225 Small Group Communication | | 4 credits | | Examines the communication variables within the small, task-oriented group. Emphasizes the decision-making process. |
| Comm 251 Journalistic Writing | | 4 credits | | Emphasizes newspaper style and structures: the inverted pyramid; grammar; punctuation; spelling; and principles of clear, concise writing. |
| Comm 261 Newswriting | | 4 credits | | Introduces students to interviewing, making news judgments, news gathering, and alternative structures of stories. Focuses on spot news, speeches, obituaries, and press releases. | | Prerequisite: Comm 251 |
Upper Division Courses| Comm 300 Research Strategies | | 4 credits | | Examines key concepts and methods for gathering and evaluating information. Students gain an understanding of the research processes within the field of communication, from formulating a research question and organizing a search strategy to hands-on research. Prerequisite course for all 400-level courses. | | Prerequisite: Core 101, 102, 103 | | Prerequisite: Comm 200, 201 |
| Comm 301 Communication Theory | | 4 credits | | Examines a broad range of communication theories within the dyadic, group, organizational, public, intercultural, and mass communication contexts. | | Prerequisite: Comm 200, 201 |
| Comm 310 Advanced Public Speaking | | 4 credits | | Public speaking course for students who have taken an introductory course and college juniors and seniors with experience in public speaking who have not taken Comm 210. Emphasizes content strategies, alternate organizational patterns, speaking styles, and use of language. |
| Comm 321 Photojournalism | | 4 credits | | Covers the study, mastery, and application of skills required for newspaper and magazine photojournalism: photo content, photo essay, editor-photographer relationships, ethics of photojournalism, and printing techniques. Includes production of computer images. | | Prerequisite: Art 240 | | Prerequisite: Art 250 or demonstrated photography and darkroom skills | | Prerequisite: Comm 251 |
| Comm 324 Nonverbal Communication | | 4 credits | | Examines the nonlinguistic aspects of human communication. Students review empirical literature and participate in exercises to promote awareness of and skill development in nonverbal communication. | | Prerequisite: Comm 125 |
| Comm 325 Advanced Interpersonal Communication | | 4 credits | | Focuses on how communication affects interpersonal relationships during relationship development, maintenance, and decay. | | Prerequisite: Comm 125 |
| Comm 329 Oral Interpretation and Manuscript Speaking | | 4 credits | | Explores the theory and practice of oral presentation of literature. Emphasizes the development of verbal skills to present one’s interpretation of various prose and poetry selections. Culminates in the preparation and presentation of a manuscript speech. | | Prerequisite: Comm 210 |
| Comm 330 Interviewing and Listening | | 4 credits | | Examines and develops interviewee and interviewer skills in job selection interviews, as well as social scientific interviewing techniques. | | Prerequisite: Junior standing |
| Comm 331 Principles of Public Relations | | 4 credits | | Examines the history, basic concepts, and tools of public relations. Covers image-making, media relations, crisis management, strategic planning, and case studies. | | Prerequisite: Comm 201 |
| Comm 335 Intercultural Communication | | 4 credits | | Critically examines issues of communication and culture from a variety of theoretical and research perspectives. Covers such issues as cultural identities, whiteness, privileges, representation, diaspora, intercultural relations, and multiculturalism. | | Prerequisite: Comm 200 |
| Comm 340 Basic Production Theory | | 4 credits | | Involves study and application of the primary aesthetic movements that have impacted film production practices. |
| Comm 341 Copyediting and Design | | 4 credits | | Provides instruction and practice in editing newspaper copy, writing headlines, and applying design techniques, including use of photos, color, graphic elements, and typography. Offers desktop computer and paste-up experience. | | Prerequisite: Comm 261 |
| Comm 342 Persuasion | | 4 credits | | Study and practice of persuasive communication. Examines social and psychological foundations, ethical issues, and contemporary theory and practice. | | Prerequisite: Comm 210 |
| Comm 343 Argumentation, Debate, and Critical Thinking | | 4 credits | | Explores critical thinking through creating, defending, and critiquing propositions of value and policy. Teaches argumentative strategies for political and competitive debate. | | Prerequisite: Comm 210 |
| Comm 361 Reporting | | 4 credits | | Focuses on reporting governmental affairs, specialized reporting, and investigative reporting. Analyzes budgets and information-gathering techniques. | | Prerequisite: Comm 261 |
| Comm 362 Broadcast Journalism: Newswriting | | 4 credits | | Introduces newswriting for broadcast and broadcast news production. Examines the ethical standards, mission, and practices of broadcast news organizations. | | Prerequisite: Comm 251 | | Prerequisite: Comm 261 | | Prerequisite: Comm 361 |
| Comm 363 Contemporary Production Theory | | 4 credits | | Applies contemporary theory and criticism in film and video. | | Prerequisite: Comm 340 |
| Comm 370 Mass Communication Theory | | 4 credits | | Introduces and analyzes various social scientific and critical theoretical models of mass communication. Emphasizes the relationship of these theories to mass media in today’s society. | | Prerequisite: Comm 201 |
| Comm 371 Opinion Writing | | 4 credits | | Examines the theory and practice of writing editorials, commentaries, and reviews, including gathering information and establishing structure. | | Prerequisite: Comm 261 |
| Comm 372 Broadcast Journalism: Field Reporting | | 4 credits | | Provides a solid conceptual foundation and a working knowledge of how to prepare ethically balanced, professional quality news reports for broadcast. | | Prerequisite: Comm 362 |
| Comm 377 Activities | | 1 to 4 credits a term (maximum 12 credits) | | Supervised activity in various forms of communication. Includes the application of principles and theories of communication in educational, professional, and community settings. No more than 6 credits may be applied toward the major. May not be taken for a letter grade without instructor consent. |
| Comm 381 Feature Writing | | 4 credits | | Students examine marketing manuscripts and write feature stories for newspapers and magazines. | | Prerequisite: Comm 261 |
| Comm 391 Public Relations Writing | | 4 credits | | Offers training and practice in writing and editing copy for public relations formats, including news releases, advertising, brochures, newsletters, and speeches. Covers writing for various media (e.g., print and broadcast). Students gain practice using audiovisual techniques. | | Prerequisite: Comm 331 |
| Comm 399 Special Studies | | Credit to be arranged |
| Comm 401/501 Research | | Credit to be arranged |
| Comm 403/503 Thesis | | Credit to be arranged |
| Comm 405/505 Reading and Conference | | Credit to be arranged |
| Comm 407/507 Seminar | | Credit to be arranged |
| Comm 408/508 Workshop | | Credit to be arranged |
| Comm 409/509 Practicum | | Credit to be arranged (maximum 15 credits) | | No more than 6 credits may be applied toward the major. Students must attend an organizational meeting at the beginning of each quarter. May not be taken for a letter grade without instructor consent. | | Prerequisite: Instructor consent |
| Comm 410 Capstone | | 1†4 credits a term (maximum 12 credits) | | Course project, research paper, teaching assistantship, internship, or practicum supervised by a faculty member. Project synthesizes four years of learning and includes a written and oral presentation. | | Prerequisite: Senior standing | | Prerequisite: Instructor consent |
| Comm 412/512 Evaluation of Public Communication | | 4 credits | | Surveys and applies the major classical and twentieth century approaches to analysis and criticism of public communication. Emphasizes understanding and applying various models of analysis. | | Prerequisite: Comm 300 | | Prerequisite: Comm 342 or 343 |
| Comm 425/525 Gender and Human Communication | | 4 credits | | Examines the function of communication in the social construction of gender. Exposes students to historical and contemporary prescriptions relating to women’s and men’s verbal and nonverbal behaviors within a variety of settings and contexts. | | Prerequisite: Comm 125 | | Prerequisite: Comm 300 |
| Comm 431/531 Public Relations Problems | | 4 credits | | Studies the development of effective short- and long-term relationships between organizations and their various publics. Includes practice in all phases of a public relations campaign, from research through implementation and follow-up. | | Prerequisite: Comm 300 | | Prerequisite: Comm 391 |
| Comm 441/541 International Mass Media | | 4 credits | | Covers the historical background and current status of mass communication media throughout the world. Examines conflicting theories and methods of governmental control of media. | | Prerequisite: Comm 300 | | Prerequisite: Comm 361 |
| Comm 451/551 Advising School Publications | | 2 credits | | Five-week course examining the teacher’s role in advising secondary school newspapers and yearbooks. | | Prerequisite: Comm 300 | | Prerequisite: Comm 361 |
| Comm 455/555 Negotiation and Conflict | | 4 credits | | Explores negotiation and conflict across a variety of contexts (e.g., interpersonal, organizational, international). Students develop skills for productively managing their own conflicts and negotiation contexts. | | Prerequisite: Comm 125 | | Prerequisite: Comm 300 |
| Comm 460/560 Topics in Communication | | 4 credits | | Examines selected topics in communication based on interest and need. Repeat credit is allowed for different topics. Prerequisites are determined by topic. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following: | Civil Rights Movement and the Media. A detailed examination of the role of the media as it relates to the civil rights movement. Proposes that the media were more pawns than major players in the chess match that was the civil rights movement. Prerequisite: Comm 300. | Communication and Technology. Examines how technology affects communication, with an emphasis on the Internet and other forms of computer-mediated communication. Prerequisite: Comm 300. | Communication in Friendship. Examines the role of communication in the formation and maintenance of friendship among various age groups. Also studies the lack of communication skills associated with loneliness. Prerequisite: Comm 300. | Contemporary Theories of Persuasion. Reviews the major theories of persuasive communication, including the works of Kenneth Burke, I.A. Richards, Richard Weaver, Stephen Toulmin, Chaim Perelman, Milton Rokeach, Ernesto Grassi, Jurgen Habermas, and Michel Foucault. Prerequisites: Comm 300 and 342. | Culture, Identity, and Communication. Addresses issues surrounding construction and communication of cultural identities within and across cultural communities from critical, social, and historical perspectives. Students examine the multiplicity, dynamics, and negotiation of culture and cultural identities in national and global contexts. Prerequisites: Comm 300 and 335. | Current Research in Communication. Analyzes qualitative and quantitative approaches to research in human communication. Examines the nature of theory and theory development, including theory types, components, functions, and evaluation criteria. Prerequisite: Comm 300. | Family Communication. Offers a theoretical approach to family communication with an emphasis on systems, dialectical, and narrative theories. Students examine their own family stories. Prerequisite: Comm 300. | Journalism and the Movies. Explores the dynamic relationship among the journalism establishment, Hollywood, and the public. Examines how films focusing on journalism provide insights into how journalism works and moviemakers believe the practices of journalism shape society. Prerequisite: Comm 300. | Political Communication. Analyzes political communication practiced by candidates, public officials, and lobbyists, with an emphasis on campaigns, legislative and administrative communication, and lobbying. Prerequisites: Comm 300 and 342. | Presidential Communication. Analyzes presidential communication, with emphasis on mandated speeches (e.g., inaugurals and state-of-the-union addresses); foreign policy and war speeches; informal communication (e.g., cabinet and staff meetings and news conferences); and policy addresses to the nation. Evaluates the concept of a rhetorical presidency. Prerequisite: Comm 300. |
| Comm 461 Literary Journalism Workshop | | 4 credits | | Reviews the historical development of the content and style of nonfiction journalistic writing. Trains students to develop their own literary journalistic, storytelling style using multiple writing exercises. | | Prerequisite: Comm 251 | | Prerequisite: Comm 261 | | Prerequisite: Comm 361 |
| Comm 470/570 Gender, Race, and Media | | 4 credits | | Considers how the media contribute to the social construction of masculinity, femininity, and race. Examines the potential effects of mainstream media messages on self and the other, including the role of the media in shaping reality. Also explores the portrayal of power in media images. | | Prerequisite: Comm 125 | | Prerequisite: Comm 201 | | Prerequisite: Comm 300 |
| Comm 471/571 History of Mass Media | | 4 credits | | Reviews the major events, trends, concepts, and persons involved in the growth and development of mass media in the United States. | | Prerequisite: Comm 201 | | Prerequisite: Comm 300 |
| Comm 472/572 Freedom of Speech | | 4 credits | | Explores the history and development of freedom of speech and expression in America, concentrating on significant United States Supreme Court decisions and contemporary conflicts. | | Prerequisite: Comm 201 | | Prerequisite: Comm 300 |
| Comm 475/575 Organizational Communication | | 4 credits | | Studies the formal and informal channels of the message movement (up, down, and lateral) in modern profit and nonprofit organizations. Examines the role of communication in different theoretical approaches (e.g., classical, cultural, systems, and human resources) and organizational processes (e.g., assimilation, leadership, and decision making). | | Prerequisite: Comm 125 or 225 | | Prerequisite: Comm 300 or professional experience |
| Comm 481/581 Mass Media Law | | 4 credits | | Studies the constitutional freedoms and statutory limitations affecting mass media in the U.S. Topics include freedom of the press, the right of privacy, libel, media and the courts, copyright, broadcast and cable regulation, obscenity, access to information, advertising regulation, and freedom of the scholastic press. | | Prerequisite: Comm 201 | | Prerequisite: Comm 300 |
| Comm 491/591 Mass Media Ethics | | 4 credits | | Explores ethical theories and analyzes major ethical questions facing mass media, such as invasion of privacy, campaign coverage, compassion versus need-to-know, revealing information sources, conflict of interest, advertising content, and coverage of crime and violence. | | Prerequisite: Comm 201 | | Prerequisite: Comm 300 |
| Comm 501 Research1 | | Credit to be arranged |
| Comm 503 Thesis | | Credit to be arranged |
| Comm 505 Reading and Conference1 | | Credit to be arranged |
| Comm 507 Seminar | | Credit to be arranged |
--- Footnotes ---| 1 | Comm 501, 505, and 507 are limited to 12 credits singly or in combination. |
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