2008 - 2009 Catalog

The Department of Communication helps students develop their verbal, nonverbal, and visual communication knowledge and skills through the exploration of human communication, journalism, and media arts.

To suit a variety of goals, the Communication Department also offers optional minors in these three areas, as well as in film studies, media studies, and video production.

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, public radio facilities, community access television, 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.

Degrees

BA or BS in Communication with options in Human Communication, Journalism, and Media Arts

Minors

Film Studies, Human Communication, Journalism, Media Studies, and Video Production

Certificate

Management of Human Resources

Requirements for the Major

1. Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements as stated beginning on page 19.
   
2. Choose one of three options: human communication, journalism, or media arts.
   
3. Complete a minimum of 60 credits of approved courses, including the premajor courses; 28 of these credits must be upper division, not including COMM/JRN 377 activity credits, which may be applied to the 60-credit total.
   
4. At least 20 credits must be completed in the SOU Communication Department.
   
5. 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.
   
6. Complete a capstone experience (COMM 410 or JRN 410) during the senior year.
   
7. Each journalism student must complete 3 internship credits (JRN 409). The credits may be in the student’s declared option or related areas, as approved by the internship coordinator. Those in human communication are encouraged to complete activity and practicum credits.
   

Writing Component

Students demonstrate writing proficiency by completing USEM 101, 102, 103 or equivalent and COMM 300, as well as by taking any of the upper division communication courses with a writing component. Students in the Human Communication option are required to complete a COMM 460 topics course to further demonstrate their writing competency.

Capstone

The required capstone experience is designed to synthesize four years of learning in one project. The course experience or project is completed in the senior year and supervised or taught by a faculty member. The student must have 1 to 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 or JRN 410.

Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program

Communication majors may participate in the Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree Program.

Options

Human Communication

(60 credits)

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
Interviewing and Listening (COMM 330)	4
Discourse Analysis of Social Problems (COMM 332)	4
Family Communication (COMM 340)	4
Argumentation, Debate, and Critical Thinking (COMM 343)	4
Activities (COMM 377) and/or Practicum/Internship (COMM 409)	1–12

Complete 12 or more credits from the following courses:

Relational Communication Processes (COMM 407)	4
Evaluation of Public Communication (COMM 412)	4
Gender and Human Communication (COMM 425)	4
International Communication (COMM 441)	4
Mediation and Conflict Management (COMM 448)	4
Conflict Resolution (COMM 455)	4
Topics in Communication (COMM 460)	4–12
Women Transforming Language (COMM 460A)	4
Communication and Third-World Developement (COMM 460B)	4
Culture, Identity, and Communication (COMM 460C)	4
Gender, Race, and Media (COMM 470)	4
Organizational Communication (COMM 475)	4

Journalism

(60 credits)
Students earning the bachelor of arts or 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
Digital Media Foundations I (DMF 201) and Digital Media Foundations Lab (DMF 201L)	2,2
Journalistic Writing (JRN 251)	4
Newswriting (JRN 261)	4
Research Strategies (COMM 300)	4
Copyediting (JRN 341)	4
Reporting (JRN 361)	4
Activities: Siskiyou (JRN 377)	4
Feature Writing (JRN 381)	4
Journalism Internship (JRN 409)	3
Capstone (JRN 410)	3
History of Mass Media (COMM 471)	4
Mass Media Law (COMM 481)	4
Mass Media Ethics (COMM 491)	4

Complete at least 2 credits from the following courses:

Photojournalism (JRN 321)	4
Picture Editing, Layout, and Design (JRN 322)	4
Principles of Public Relations (PR 331)	4
Broadcast Journalism: Newswriting (JRN 362)	4
Opinion Writing (JRN 371)	4
Broadcast Journalism: Field Reporting (JRN 372)	4
Activities: Siskiyou (JRN 377)	1–4
Broadcast Journalism: TV Studio News Presentation (JRN 382)	4
Mass Communication Theory (COMM 370)	4
International Communication (COMM 441)	4
Topics in Communication (COMM 460)	4–8
Literary Journalism Workshop (JRN 461)	4
Gender, Race, and Media (COMM 470)	4

Photojournalism

Complete the following courses:

Communication Across Cultures (COMM 200)	4
Media Across Cultures (COMM 201)	4
Digital Media Foundations I (DMF 201) and Digital Media Foundations Lab (DMF 201L)	2,2
Introduction to Visual Journalism (JRN 241)	4
Journalistic Writing (JRN 251)	4
Newswriting (JRN 261)	4
Research Strategies (COMM 300)	4
Photojournalism (JRN 321)	4
Picture Editing, Layout, and Design (JRN 322)	4
Advanced Photojournalistic Techniques (JRN 323)	4
Activities: Siskiyou (JRN 377)	1
Journalism Internship (JRN 409)	3
Capstone (JRN 410)	3
History of Mass Media (COMM 471)	4
Mass Media Ethics (COMM 491)	4

Complete at least 4 credits from the following courses:

Copyediting (JRN 341)	4
Journalism Activities (JRN 377)	1–6
Mass Communication Theory (COMM 370)	4
International Communication (COMM 441)	4
Topics in Communication (COMM 460)	4
Gender, Race, and Media (COMM 470)	4
Mass Media Law (COMM 481)	4
Color Photography (ART 342)	4
Design for Multimedia (AM 334)	4
Video Production Aesthetics (VP 115)	4
Introduction to Field Production (VP 215)	4
Cultural Anthropology: Perspectives on Humanity (ANTH 213)	4
Art, Culture, and Technological Change (ARTH 330)	4
Journalism Internship (JRN 409)	1–3

Media Arts

(60 credits)
Students earning the bachelor of arts or science degree in communication/media arts may choose from film studies or video production emphases.

Film Studies

Complete the following courses:

Communication Across Cultures (COMM 200)	4
Media Across Cultures (COMM 201)	4
Research Strategies (COMM 300)	4
Video Production Aesthetics (VP 115)	4
Introduction to Field Production (VP 215)	4
Masterpieces of Film (FLM 295)	4
Film Genres (FLM 296)	4
Major Film Directors (FLM 297)	4
Contemporary Production Theory (VP 363)	4
Capstone: Projects for RVTV/SOU (COMM/VP 410)	1–4
Topics in Communication (COMM 460) or History of Mass Media (COMM 471)	4

Complete at least 16 credits from the following courses:

Politics and Film (PS 260)	4
Digital Video (AM 335)	4
Human Behavior and Film (PSY 313)	4
Script Writing (VP 312)	4
Advanced Field Production (VP 315)	4
Special Studies (VP 399)	4
Topics in Hispanic Film (SPAN 320/FLM 320)	4
Topics in French Film (FR 350/FLM 350)	3–4
Mass Communication Theory (COMM 370)	4
Shakespeare on Film (FLM 237)	4
Seminar: Topics in Film (FLM 407)	4
Anthropological Film (ANTH 455)	4
Topics in Film (ENG 495)	4

Video Production

Complete the following courses:

Communication Across Cultures (COMM 200)	4
Media Across Cultures (COMM 201)	4
Research Strategies (COMM 300)	4
Video Production Aesthetics (VP 115)	4
Studio Techniques for Video Production (VP 172)	4
Introduction to Field Production (VP 215)	4
Masterpieces of Film (FLM 295)	4
Film Genres (FLM 296)	4
Major Directors (FLM 297)	4
Advanced Field Production (VP 315)	4
Contemporary Production Theory (VP 363)	4
Advanced Activities for Video Production (VP 372)	4
Topics in Communication (COMM 460) or History of Mass Media (COMM 471)	4
Projects for RVTV/SOU (VP 410)	1–4

Complete at least 7 credits from the following courses:

Digital Media Foundations (DMF 201)	4
Introduction to Multimedia (AM 233)	4
Digital Video (AM 335)	4
Web Authoring (AM 337)	4
Shakespeare on Film (FLM 237)	4
Politics and Film (PS 260)	4
Human Behavior and Film (PSY 313)	4
Introduction to Visual Journalism (JRN 241)	4
Broadcast Journalism: Field Reporting (JRN 372)	4
Script Writing (VP 312)	4
Advanced Activities for Video Production (VP 372)	1–8
Applied Editing Techniques for Field and Studio Production (VP 375)	4
Special Studies (VP 399)	4
Practicum (VP 409)	4–12
Small Group Communication (COMM 225)	4
Mass Communication Theory (COMM 370)	4
International Communication (COMM 441)	4
Gender, Race, and Media (COMM 470)	4
Mass Media Law (COMM 481)	4
Mass Media Ethics (COMM 491)	4
Projects for RVTV/SOU (VP 410)	1–4

Minors

Students 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.

Film Studies

The film studies minor is an interdisciplinary minor with an emphasis on theory, criticism, history, and analysis of film, rather than on the how-to component of film production. The minor spans various disciplines, including sociology and anthropology, art history, communication, English and writing, foreign languages and literatures, political science, and psychology. Students are required to earn at least 28 credits in the following manner:
Required Courses (8 credits)
Choose two of the following three courses:

Masterpieces of Film (FLM 295)	4
Film Genres (FLM 296)	4
Major Film Directors (FLM 297)	4

Note: Students may use the third course as an elective to fulfill the additional 16 required credits.

Electives (20 credits)

Anthropological Film (ANTH 455)	4
Race, Gender, and Ethnicity in Art (ARTH 450/550)	4
Media Across Cultures (COMM 201)	4
Contemporary Production Theory (VP 363)	4
Topics in World Literature: Contemporary Chinese Fiction and Film; Contemporary West African Literature and Film (ENG 455)	4
Topics in Film (ENG 495)	4
Shakespeare on Film (FLM 237)	4
Seminar: Topics in Film (FLM 407)	4
Topics in Hispanic Film (FLM 320)	4
Topics in French Film (FR 350/FLM 350)	3–4
Politics and Film (PS 260)	3
Human Behavior and Film (PSY 313)	2–4
Global Culture and the Media (SOC 333)	4
Special Studies: Introduction to Spanish Film (SPAN 199/399)	4
Selected Genre or Period Studies: Hispanic Film as Literature (SPAN 421)	1–6
Special Studies (VP 399)	4

Note: Other film courses may be offered that qualify as film studies minor electives with advisor consent.

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
Research Strategies (COMM 300)	4

Complete 16 credits from the following:
Electives

Communication Theory (COMM 301)	4
Advanced Public Speaking (COMM 310)	4
Nonverbal Communication (COMM 324)	4
Interviewing and Listening (COMM 330)	4
Discourse Analysis of Social Problems (COMM 332)	4
Persuasion (COMM 342)	4
Argumentation, Debate, and Critical Thinking (COMM 343)	4
Relational Communication Processes (COMM 407)	4
Mediation and Conflict Management (COMM 448)	4
Evaluation of Public Communication (COMM 412)	4
Gender and Human Communication (COMM 425)	4
International Communication (COMM 441)	4
Negotiation and Conflict (COMM 455)	4
Topics in Communication (COMM 460)	4–8
Gender, Race, and Media (COMM 470)	4
Organizational Communication (COMM 475)	4
Women Transforming Language (COMM 460A)	4
Communication and Third-World Development (COMM 460B)	4
Culture, Identity, and Communication (COMM 460C)	4

Journalism

Required Courses (20 credits)

Communication Across Cultures (COMM 200)	4
Media Across Cultures (COMM 201)	4
Journalistic Writing (JRN 251)	4
Newswriting (JRN 261)	4
Mass Media Ethics (COMM 491)	4

Choose 8 credits from the following:
Electives

Introduction to Visual Journalism (JRN 241)	4
Photojournalism (JRN 321)	4
Copyediting (JRN 341)	4
Reporting (JRN 361)	4
Opinion Writing (JRN 371)	4
Feature Writing (JRN 381)	4
Journalism Internship (JRN 409)	3
Literary Journalism Workshop (JRN 461)	4
Mass Media Law (COMM 481)	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 Communication (COMM 441)	4
Gender, Race, and Media (COMM 470)	4
History of Mass Media (COMM 471)	4
Mass Media Ethics (COMM 491), Mass Media Law (COMM 481), or Topics in Communication (COMM 460)	4

Video Production

The video production minor is useful to students in a variety of fields, including art, business, applied multimedia, film studies, theatre, communication, social sciences, English and writing, and foreign language and literatures. The emphasis is on aesthetics, remote video and studio production and activities, digital editing, and design. While students may choose the video production track, they are required to take courses in other areas.
The minor is divided into four specific areas: applied multimedia, video production, art, and computer science. Students must work closely with their departmental advisor and the video production coordinator to ensure that all requirements are met.
Required Courses (28 credits, 12 of which must be upper division)

Video Production Aesthetics (VP 115)	4
Studio Techniques for Video Production (VP 172)	4
Introduction to Field Production (VP 215)	4
At least 2 credits of Advanced Activities for Video Production (VP 372)	4

(4 credits)
Select one of the following required courses:

Script Writing (VP 312)	4
Advanced Field Production (VP 315)	4
Applied Editing Techniques for Field and Studio Production (VP 375)	4

Electives
Select two additional courses from the following:
(8 credits)

Introduction to Multimedia (AM 233)	4
Digital Video (AM 335)	4
Web Authoring (AM 337)	4
Script Writing (VP 312)	4
Advanced Field Production (VP 315)	4–12
Advanced Activities for Video Production (VP 372)	2–8
Applied Editing Techniques for Field and Studio Production (VP 375)	4
Special Studies (VP 399)	4
Practicum (VP 409)	TBA
Projects for RVTV/SOU (VP 410)	4–12

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.

Academic Credit Policies

Activities, Practica, and Internships

The Department of Communication has adopted the following policies regarding academic credit for human communication activities, internships, and practica. Students should also view additional policies in the information packet available from the human communication practicum administrator. No more than 12 credits of COMM 377, 409, and 410 may be applied to the human communication major. Credits accrued in COMM 377, 409, and 410 beyond the first 12 will apply toward the 180 credits required for graduation, but not toward the major. No more than 20 credits of COMM 199, 277, 377, 401, 405, 408, 409, and 410 may be applied to the 60-credit minimum for the human communication major. The remaining 40 credits must be earned through completion of formal classroom courses.

Activity Courses

Activity 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 or JRN 377. COMM 377 is recommended, but not required, for human communication majors. Students may:

1. register for no more than 4 credits of COMM 377 per term but repeat it in subsequent terms for credit;
   
2. apply no more than 6 credits of COMM 377 to the human communication major; and
   
3. register for no more than a total of 12 credits of COMM 377.
   

COMM 377 credits count toward the 60 communication credits required of human communication majors, but not toward the 28 upper division communication credits required for the major. Activity courses may not be taken for a letter grade without instructor consent.

Practica and Internships

Practicum 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 or JRN 409/509. Students may:

1. register for no more than 4 credits of COMM 409 per term, but repeat it in subsequent terms for credit;
   
2. apply no more than 6 credits of COMM 409 to the human communication major; and
   
3. register for no more than a total of 15 credits of COMM 409.
   

COMM 409 credits count toward the 60 communication credits required of human communication majors and also toward the 28 upper division credits required for the major. Practicum courses may not be taken for letter grade without prior instructor approval.

Graduate Study

Graduate students may choose communication as the secondary emphasis in the school area degree (see Graduate Programs). 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.

Communication Courses

See Course Prerequisites Policy

Lower 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

Credits 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 University Studies (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 shapes communication practices. Approved for University Studies (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.

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 and academic writing. Prerequisite course for all communication majors taking 400-level courses. Prerequisites: COMM 200, 201 and either USEM 101, 102, or 103.

COMM 301 Communication Theory

4 credits

Examines a broad range of communication theories within the dyadic, group, organizational, public, intercultural, and mass communication contexts. Prerequisites: COMM 200 and 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 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 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 or above.

COMM 332 Discourse Analysis of Social Problems

4 credits

Examines the construction of social problems (such as homelessness and hunger) by media; policymakers; and stakeholders, including community-based groups, social movements, and nongovernmental and civic organizations. Explores how voices and perspectives are framed and disseminated in the public realm and how power works through language, texts, and social action. Includes a community-based learning component involving community service, applied projects, and reflective, action-based learning. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above.

COMM 340 Family Communication

4 credits

Introduces communication phenomena in the setting of the family. Focuses on understanding how we develop, maintain, enhance, or disturb family relationships through a variety of communicative processes, with an emphasis on systems, dialectical, and narrative theories. Analyzes the form and function of family stories from a constructionist perspective (including what gets told, by whom, how, and when) and examines the meanings these stories hold for family members. Prerequisite: COMM 125.

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. Approved for University Studies (Integration). Prerequisite: COMM 210.

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 377 Activities

1 to 4 credits a term (maximum 12 credits)

Supervised on-campus communication activity approved by the Communication Department chair or designee. Includes the application of principles and theories of communication in educational, professional, and community settings. See Academic Credit Policies for credit information.

COMM 399 Special Studies

Credits to be arranged

COMM 401/501 Research*

Credits to be arranged

*COMM 501, 505, and 507 are limited to 12 credits singly or in combination.

COMM 403/503 Thesis

Credits to be arranged

COMM 405/505 Reading and Conference*

Credits to be arranged

*COMM 501, 505, and 507 are limited to 12 credits singly or in combination.

COMM 407/507 Seminar*

Credits to be arranged

*COMM 501, 505, and 507 are limited to 12 credits singly or in combination.

COMM 408/508 Workshop

Credits to be arranged

COMM 409/509 Practicum/Internship

Credits to be arranged (maximum 15 credits)

Supervised off-campus internship approved by the Communication Department chair or designee. Includes the application of principles and theories of communication in educational, professional, and community settings. See Academic Credit Policies for credit information. Prerequisite: COMM 300.

COMM 410 Capstone

1 to 2 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. Prerequisites: COMM 300 and instructor consent.

COMM 411 Intensive Experiential Learning

12 credits

Students explore career interests by working full time for one term under academic supervision in a career-oriented environment. Cooperative education integrates academic study and cooperative work. Prerequisite: COMM 409.

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, BA 324, or PSY 229.

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 contexts. Prerequisites: COMM 125 and 300; or PSY 229; or BA 324.

COMM 441/541 International Communication

4 credits

Covers historical and contemporary perspectives regarding global communication, including media systems, technologies, coverage, representations, flow of information, advertising, public relations, and development communication. Approved for University Studies (Integration). Prerequisite: COMM 300.

COMM 448/548 Mediation and Conflict Management

4 credits

Introduces students to the fundamental concepts and theories of dispute resolution and assists them in developing the basic skills and knowledge for productively managing their own and intervening in others’ disputes. Class time consists primarily of practice and roleplay, as well as lecture, lecture-discussion, and coaching by professional mediators. Certificate of completion provided with successful completion of the course. Cross-listed in other departments. Additional fees/tuition may apply.

COMM 455/555 Conflict Resolution

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. Prerequisites: COMM 125 and 300; or PSY 229; or BA 324.

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: COMM 300. 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.

Communication, Culture, and Technology. Examines how technology affects communication, with an emphasis on the Internet and other forms of computer-mediated communication.

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. Prerequisite: COMM 342.

Freedom of Speech. Explores the history and development of freedom of speech and expression in the United States, concentrating on significant Supreme Court decisions and contemporary conflicts.

Gender, Politics, and Media. Explores the intersections between gender, politics, and media in American society. Emphasizes media performance and the relationship between gender, politics, and those who work in the media. Analyzes ways in which the media covers "gender politics" and its implications. Addresses political phenomena such as "the gender gap," "the year of the woman," and "the year of the angry, white male." Prerequisites: COMM 200, 201, 300.

Political Communication. Analyzes political communication practiced by candidates, public officials, and lobbyists, with an emphasis on campaigns, legislative and administrative communication, and lobbying. Prerequisite: COMM 342.

Texts of Truth. Explores rhetorical approaches to the interpretation of the major sacred texts of monotheistic religions and United States civil religion. Uncovers assumptions about the texts, as well as readers’ and authors’ underlying interpretations. Encourages rhetorical criticisms of sacred texts.

COMM 460A Women Transforming Language

4 credits

Explores how diverse groups of feminists have transformed the history of Western rhetorical theory. Requires research on one significant feminist to advance the ongoing academic conversation about women’s additions to and revisions of rhetoric. Approved for University Studies (Integration).

COMM 460B Communication and Third-World Development

4 credits

Explores the strategic application of communication technologies and practices to effect social and economic change in third-world nations and regions. Includes historical, theoretical, and practical exploration of the field of development communication; critical responses to dominant paradigms of development; and emergent or alternative approaches to development and communication that seek empowerment, participation, social justice, and cultural autonomy in marginalized or impoverished communities throughout the world. Approved for University Studies (Integration).

COMM 460C Culture, Identity, and Communication

4 credits

Addresses issues surrounding construction and communication of cultural identities within and across cultural communities from critical, social, and historical perspectives. Examines the multiplicity, dynamics, and negotiation of culture and cultural identities in national and global contexts. Approved for University Studies (Integration).

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 the self and others, including the role of the media in shaping reality. Also explores the portrayal of power in media images. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: COMM 201 and 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). Prerequisites: COMM 125 or 225 and COMM 300; or PSY 229; or BA 324.

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. Prerequisites: COMM 201 and 300; or PSY 229; or BA 324.

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. Prerequisites: COMM 201 and 300; or PSY 229; or BA 324.

Digital Media Foundations Courses

See Course Prerequisites Policy

Lower Division Courses

DMF 201 Digital Media Foundations I

2 credits

Provides an introduction to the fundamentals of visual narrative, design, and critical thinking about the creation of visuals in a digital age. DMF 201 serves as a prerequisite or recommended course for several upper division classes in art, applied multimedia, computer science, photojournalism, and video production. Corequisite: DMF 201L.

DMF 201L Digital Media Foundations I Lab

2 credits

Students complete a series of projects combining contemporary techniques in digital photography, graphic design, and illustration. Corequisite: DMF 201.

Film Courses

See Course Prerequisites Policy

Lower Division Courses

FLM 237 Shakespeare on Film

4 credits

Analyzes film and television productions and adaptations of Shakespeare plays from the silent era to the present, with attention to both their interpretations of Shakespeare’s text and their cinematic art (e.g., directorial technique, camerawork, lighting, costume, location). Includes films by such directors as Olivier, Welles, Kurosawa, Zeffirelli, Branagh, and Luhrmann. (Cross-listed with SHS 237.)

FLM 295 Masterpieces of Film

4 credits

Examines representative great films whose techniques have shaped the form as we know it today. Typically covers American and European silent films, as well as those from the 1930s and 1940s.

FLM 296 Film Genres

4 credits

Explores popular film genres such as the Western, the musical, the thriller, science fiction, the detective story, the epic, and the comedy of silent films. Emphasizes cultural and artistic value, the characteristics of each form, and variations within forms.

FLM 297 Major Film Directors

4 credits

Analyzes works by selected international film directors who have made significant contributions to cinematic art, including Fellini, Hitchcock, Eisenstein, Kurosawa, Bergman, Welles, Altman, and Buñuel.

Upper Division Courses

FLM 320 Topics in Hispanic Film

4 credits

Examines selected topics in Hispanic cinema, focusing on insights into cultures, history, and film production and practices in Hispanic countries, with additional emphases on film theory, form in film, and the major Hispanic film industries (Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and Cuba). Courses may focus on masterpieces of film, great directors, women in cinema, cultural identity, post-structuralism, or post-colonialism. Repeat credit is allowed for different topics.

FLM 350 Topics in French Film

3 to 4 credits

Examines selected topics in French cinema, focusing on insights into French culture as seen through film. Recent topics include Masterpieces of French Film, Film and Cultural Identity, and French Film and Society. May be repeated for credit when topic changes. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis). Prerequisites: Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements.

FLM 399 Special Studies

Credits to be arranged

FLM 407/507 Seminar: Topics in Film

1 to 2 credits

Journalism Courses

See Course Prerequisites Policy

Lower Division Courses

JRN 251 Journalistic Writing

4 credits

Emphasizes newspaper style and structures, including the inverted pyramid, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and principles of clear, concise writing.

JRN 261 Newswriting

4 credits

Introduces interviewing, making news judgments, news-gathering, and alternative structures of stories. Focuses on spot news, speeches, obituaries, and press releases. Prerequisite: JRN 251.

Upper Division Courses

JRN 321 Photojournalism

4 credits

Covers the study, mastery, and application of skills required for newspaper and magazine photojournalism, including photo content, photo essay, editor-photographer relationships, ethics of photojournalism, and printing techniques. Includes production of computer images. Prerequisite: Demonstrated photography and darkroom skills. Prerequisites: JRN 251, ART 240, 250.

JRN 322 Picture Editing, Layout, and Design

4 credits

Emphasizes the selection, placement, and positioning of photographic images in print and on screen. Introduces students to the process of evaluating, cropping, toning, and selecting images for publication and portfolio presentation. Places importance on caption writing, layout, typography, and design as they relate to image creation and editing. Prerequisites: DMF 201; JRN 251, 261, and 321.

JRN 323 Advanced Photojournalistic Techniques

4 credits

Provides advanced skills in lighting, portfolio development, ethics, law, and visual storytelling techniques. Emphasizes researching and creating picture stories, documentary work, and long-form visual storytelling. Prerequisites: DMF 201; JRN 251, 261, 321, and 322.

JRN 341 Copyediting

4 credits

Provides instruction and practice in editing newspaper copy, writing headlines, and caption writing in journalism. Prerequisite: JRN 261.

JRN 361 Reporting

4 credits

Focuses on reporting governmental affairs, specialized reporting, and investigative reporting. Analyzes budgets and information-gathering techniques. Prerequisite: JRN 261.

JRN 362 Broadcast Journalism: Newswriting

4 credits

Introduces newswriting for broadcast and broadcast news production. Examines the ethical standards, missions, and practices of broadcast news organizations. Prerequisites: JRN 251, 261, and 361.

JRN 371 Opinion Writing

4 credits

Examines the theory and practice of writing editorials, commentaries, and reviews, including gathering information and establishing structure. Prerequisite: JRN 261.

JRN 372 Broadcast Journalism: Field Reporting

4 credits

Provides a conceptual foundation and a working knowledge of how to prepare ethically balanced, professional quality news reports for broadcast. Prerequisite: JRN 362.

JRN 377 Activities

1 to 2 credits

Supervised activity in various forms of journalism/photojournalism. Includes the application of principles and theories of communication in educational, professional, and community settings. Students may choose to write for the Siskiyou, the main campus newspaper. No more than 6 credits may be applied toward the major. May not be taken for a letter grade without instructor consent.

JRN 381 Feature Writing

4 credits

Students examine marketing manuscripts and write feature stories for newspapers and magazines. Prerequisite: JRN 261.

JRN 382 Broadcast Journalism: TV Studio News Presentation

4 credits

Emphasizes advanced news-gathering, studio production, and on-air performance techniques for television news and public affairs programming. Students gather news and produce studio broadcasts, as well as practice techniques for field reporting, TV newscast production, TV newswriting, on-camera and voiceover presentation, field and studio interviews, live remotes, commentary, and critical reviews. Prerequisite: JRN 362 and 372.

JRN 399 Special Studies

Credits to be arranged

JRN 409/509 Journalism Internship

1 to 6 credits

Supervised learning experience with a professional media outlet, advertising, governmental, or nonprofit organization. Designed to introduce students to a professional learning environment while applying classroom knowledge to a professional setting. Provides a natural transition from academic to workplace environments. Prerequisite: Instructor consent.

JRN 410A Journalism: Individual Capstone

1 to 4 credits

Gives senior students an opportunity to put their journalism training into practice by producing a body of work that proves competency and knowledge in their specific field of study (photojournalism or news-editorial). Prerequisites: Senior standing and instructor consent.

JRN 410B Journalism: Team Capstone Project

1 to 4 credits

Allows students to examine a community issue in-depth and create a series of stories, photos, and graphics to both educate the community and demonstrate each student’s journalistic skills. Prerequisites: Senior standing and instructor consent.

JRN 461 Literary Journalism Workshop

4 credits

Reviews the historical development of the content and style of nonfiction journalistic writing. Develops literary journalistic, storytelling style using multiple writing exercises. Prerequisites: JRN 251, 261, and 361.

Video Production Courses

See Course Prerequisites Policy

Lower Division Courses

VP 115 Video Production Aesthetics

4 credits

Provides an introduction to the fundamental perceptions, practices, and language of video production. Required of all students who lack a working knowledge of video production before they can enroll in other departmental video production courses.

VP 172 Studio Techniques for Video Production

4 credits

Provides an introduction to basic equipment and operating techniques of studio production. Explores camera operation, the language of video production, and other necessary equipment and techniques.

VP 215 Introduction to Field Production

4 credits

Provides an introduction to the necessary production processes, equipment, and equipment applications for video field production.

Upper Division Courses

VP 312 Scriptwriting

4 credits

Introduces and applies the unique techniques and practices of scriptwriting for film and video production. Prerequisites: VP 115, 172, or 215.

VP 315 Advanced Field Production

4 credits

Involves supervised application of field production techniques to assigned projects, which must result in a professional product (ready to be edited) for distribution. Prerequisites: VP 115 and 215.

VP 363 Contemporary Production Theory

4 credits

Study and application of contemporary theory and criticism as it relates to film and video. Topics include formalism, expressionism, realism, and postmodernism.

VP 372 Advanced Activities for Video Production

4 credits

Offers supervised video experience using University television production facilities providing programming for RVTV. Students are expected to work in RVTV studios. Prerequisite: VP 172.

VP 375 Applied Editing Techniques for Field and Studio Production

4 credits

Prerequisites: VP 115, 172, and 215.

VP 409 Practicum

Credits to be arranged

Students work in professional settings, on or off campus, gaining pertinent production and industry experience.

VP 410 Projects for RVTV/SOU

Credits to be arranged

Involves professional application of acquired skills to course projects for RVTV or other campus organizations. Producer certification required.