Communication Studies Course Descriptions
Course codes: A = every semester, B = at least once per year, C = at least once every two years, F = fall, M = summer, O = occasionally, S = spring, W = winter, * = LAS
COM 100: Human Communication
(A) An introduction to basic communication concepts,
principles and practices; consideration of theories and models,
language, perception, audiences, messages, technologies, mass
media, persuasion and intercultural communication with
practical application in various contexts. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 110: Introduction to New Media
(B) Introduction to the rapidly changing scope of new media and an
examination of the technical and commercial implications of this
epic change in our everyday lives. Exploration of new media from
sociological, economic and historical perspectives. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 129, 229, 329, 429, 529: Special Topics in Communication Studies
Selected topics. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes.
Prerequisites: Designated by department as appropriate for
content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
COM 200: Communication History
(A) Survey of the mass media from an historical perspective, with
an emphasis on the social, political and economic environments
in which those media developed. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 201: Writing for Radio and Television
(O) Theories, message-design principles of electronic media
writing; preparation of commercials, public service announcements,
news stories, features, public relations copy. Prerequisite: CPN 101
or 103. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 202: News Writing and Reporting
(O) Basic course covering techniques for print and broadcast
news writing. Focus on basic writing skills, news values and
principles, basic research and reporting, basic editing skills and
news analysis. Prerequisite: CPN 101 or 103. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 203: Introduction to Media Writing
(A) Introduction to theories, techniques, and formats used in writing
for communication contexts. Basic skills exercises in writing news (for
print and broadcast) features, entertainment, public relations, media
and research. Prerequisites: CPN 101 or 103. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 210: Fundamentals of Public Speaking
(A) Oral communication: selection, organization, presentation of ideas.
Study of principles, application through oral practice. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 211: Introduction to Language Study
(B) Concepts, scope, methodology of science of language.
Principles of descriptive and historical linguistics. Geographical,
historical, social dialects of English. Prerequisite: CPN 101 or
103. Also listed as ENG 201 and ANT 251. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 212: General Semantics
(C) Problems in use of words in communication and interpreting
meaning. Analysis of semantic breakdowns which lead to misunderstanding
and conflict. Prerequisites: COM 100. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 230: Statistical Methods
(A) Basic concepts of probability, descriptive and inferential statistics
including central tendency, variability, correlation, regression,
parametric tests. Mathematics majors may take course only as a free
elective. Also listed as MAT/PSY 201, ECO 221. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 240: Parliamentary Procedure
(O) Theory, practice of handling all categories of motions in
conducting meetings. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 241: Argumentation and Debate
(O) Techniques of evidence and reasoning; application through
use in various forms of debate. Not open to students having
credit for PHI 110. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 242: Audio Production
(C) Fundamentals in studio operations and procedures;
development, production of radio commercials, public service
announcements, drama, interviews, news reporting and
actualities. One lecture, one three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites:
COM 100, consent of department. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 243: Studio Television Production
(B) Basic techniques in studio operations and procedures; development,
production of television programs. One lecture, one threehour
laboratory. Prerequisite: Consent of department. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 251: Introduction to Digital 3-D Modeling and Animation
(C) Theories and principles of 3-D computer modeling. Students
apply concepts of computer geometry through modeling,
animation, lighting, texture mapping and rendering of objects.
Two lectures, one three-hour lab. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 300: Interpersonal Communication
(A) Application of communication principles and concepts to
two-person and small group situations; discussion of processes in
relational development and disintegration; skills for improving
interpersonal relationships, self-awareness, assertiveness, listening, and
value clarification are included. Prerequisite: COM 100. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 301: Mass Media and Society
(A) Mass communication in United States; organization, role,
content, effects; emphasis on radio, television. Prerequisite:
COM 100. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 302: Intercultural Communication
(B) Analysis of relationship between culture and communication
and its relative influence on perception, information processing
and behavior. Emphasis is on systems of signification and their
relative social issues, and considerations for practical applications
in international business, politics, negotiations, missionary work,
small group activities and planned social change. Prerequisite:
COM 100. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 303: International Communication
(B) Designed to provide an analysis and understanding of
communication and related issues in today’s complex world both
within and across national and cultural boundaries. Prerequisite:
COM 100. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 304: Communication Research
(A) Introduction to behavioral science research methods in
communication study. Topics include problem formulation;
measurement; hypothesis testing; design; sampling; questionnaire
construction and interviewing; data collection, analysis and
presentation. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 310: Feature and Opinion Writing
(B) Traditional, nontraditional features, feature interviews,
background features, editorials, columns, reviews. Prerequisite:
CPN 101 or 103. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 311: Interviewing Principles and Practices
(O) Analysis of principles, techniques of interviewing in various contexts
including selection, appraisal and persuasive interviews. Emphasis is on
communication between two people. Includes assessment of interviewing
preparation, questioning techniques, post interview evaluation, and
bases of interpersonal communication of special significance within this
context. Prerequisite: COM 100. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 312: Radio and Television Performance
(C) A practical introduction to the various modes of media
performance. Students work on voice, articulation and style
through an array of exercises. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 320: Organizational Communication
(B) Study and application of fundamental concepts and principles of
communication in formal organizations. Provides opportunities for
developing essential skills in methods for understanding and analyzing
communication problems in organizations and devising appropriate
corrective actions. Emphasis is on making communication more
efficient and effective for organization growth and development.
Prerequisite: COM 100. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 322: Intermediate Writing for Radio and Television
(A) An intermediate-level course designed to build on the
content of COM 203 and offer students extended experience in
preparing longer format scripts for radio and television as well as
in-depth research reports for documentaries and advertising
campaigns. Students will gain practical knowledge of script
preparation and useful information about the business of writing
for the media. Prerequisite: COM 201 or 203. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 323: Intermediate News Writing and Reporting
(A) Intermediate level course reinforcing techniques utilized in
print news reporting. Focus on polishing writing skills, and
honing application of news values and principles, research and
reporting, editing skills, and news analysis. Prerequisite: COM
202 or 203. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 324: Communication Campaigns
(C) Theory and practice of communication campaigns in areas
such as public relations, advertising and politics. Prerequisite:
COM 100. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 330: Semiotics and Structuralism in Communication
(C) Application of linguistic concepts and principles to analysis
of meanings and messages which underlie various systems of
signs and symbols. Consideration of communicative nature of
those systems and type of relationships which they define.
Prerequisite: COM 100. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 331: Issues in News
(C) Critical view of television news and procedures. Systems and
policies at network and local station level. Prerequisite: COM 100.
(3 cr. hr.) *
COM 332: Readings in Journalism
(C) Students will critically read contemporary journalism to
examine professional methodologies and cultural contexts that help
to shape such texts. Prerequisite: CPN 101 or 103. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 333: Critical and Cultural Analysis in Communication Studies
(C) Examine critical positions that have emerged in recent years
to redefine communication studies. Emphasizes rigorous
thinking in challenging cultural and critical assumptions in the
field. Prerequisites: CPN 101 or 103 and COM 301. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 335: Issues in Digital Culture
(C) Ongoing developments of digital culture and its effects on
society. Critical and cultural theories applied to a wide variety of
practical, societal, legal, and ethical issues. Emphasis on critical
thinking, research, writing, and computer skills. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 338: Media and Politics
(O) Focus on political interactions of electronic and print media
with political system in America and elsewhere. How medium
affects the message, via sender and receiver. Also listed as POL 338.
(3 cr. hr.) *
COM 339: Political Communication
(O) Use of communication theory and research to investigate the
role of interpersonal and mass communication in the political
process. Prerequisites: COM 100, POL 100. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 340: Small Group Communication
(C) Study and application of communication theory, concepts,
and principles in small group contexts including committees,
classroom, families, formal organizations and public forums.
Analysis of messages, communication barriers and breakdowns,
interpersonal communication processes and influences, communication
networks and group development, composition,
standards and goals. Emphasis is on making communication
more efficient and effective in small group activities. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 341: Nonverbal Communication
(O) Analysis of theories and empirical research on nonverbal
communication with implications for application. Topics
include paralinguistics, proxemics, kinesics, chronemics, and
semantics and their use in various interpersonal and intercultural
contexts. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 342: Field Television Production
(B) Advanced techniques in television production emphasizing
field operations, directing, writing, and producing news and
public affairs programs. One lecture, one three-hour laboratory.
(3 cr. hr.) *
COM 343: Broadcast Journalism
(C) Theories, principles of television journalism; practical
experience in writing, producing news programs for television.
Two lectures, one three-hour studio. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 344: Photojournalism
(C) Techniques of journalistic photography; camera work,
composition, lighting, use of photographic materials. Critical
examination of work of contemporary photographers; production
and critique of student work. Two lectures, two-hour studio.
Prerequisite: Consent of department. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 345: News Editing and Design
(C) Basic skills in professional news package preparation
combining expertise in writing and editing with an understanding
of computer-assisted graphic design. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 346: Advanced News Reporting
(C) Techniques, principles of news reporting with emphasis on
varieties of news reporting, writing, editing. Covers investigative,
background, interpretive news writing for various print media.
Some coverage of broadcast writing principles. Prerequisite:
COM 202. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 349: Multimedia Production
(C) Use of multimedia production computer technology to
converge multiple modes of mediated communication to teach,
persuade, distribute, entertain, research, archive, or otherwise
store information. Interactive software is used to guide the access
and articulation of sounds, images, motions, and text used to
communicate to the user. Effective preparation and practical
exercises in the production of multimedia projects, making use of
a wide variety of mediated communication modes, purposes, and
authoring systems. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 350: New Communication Media
(C) Survey of emerging electronic communication media such as
satellites, wireless communication, cable television and presentation
programs, and their applications in business, education, and
research. A review and analysis of historical development, and
effects on professions, society, other cultures, and traditional
communication media such as television, radio, newspaper and
magazines. Study of new communication principles and practices.
Prerequisites: CPN 101 or 103. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 353: Video Postproduction
(C) Techniques in audio-video postproduction emphasizing
content acquisition, image and character generation, color
connection, compositing and editing. Two lectures, one three-hour
lab. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 360: Sports Broadcasting
(O) Introduction to the history, techniques, and practice of
sports broadcasting. Program analysis and field exercises in both
radio and television coverage. Prerequisite: COM 100. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 390: Participation in Student Newspaper
(A) Participation in management board of student weekly
newspaper, The Dragon Chronicle. Elective credit only. S, U
grading only. (1 cr. hr.)
COM 391: Participation in Yearbook
(A) Participation in yearly production of the student yearbook,
Didascaleion. Open only to editor(s) and section editors. For
elective credit only. S, U grading only. (1 cr. hr.)
COM 392: Participation in Literary Magazine
(A) Participation in production of Transition, the student literary
magazine. Open only to editor(s). For elective credit only. S, U
grading only. (1 cr. hr.)
COM 393: Participation in Television
(A) Participation in the College television station, CSTV. For
elective credit only. S, U grading. (1 cr. hr.)
COM 394: Participation in Radio
(A) Participation in the College radio station, WSUC-FM. For
elective credit only. S, U grading only. (1 cr. hr.)
COM 395: Participation in Debate
(A) Participation in intercollegiate debate. For elective credit
only. S, U grading only. (2 cr. hr.)
COM 396: Participation in Individual Forensic Events
(A) Participation in intercollegiate oratory, extemporaneous
events, after-dinner speaking, other events. For elective credit
only. S, U grading only. (1 cr. hr.)
COM 398: Independent Study in Communication
(O) Faculty-supervised individual study of a specific topic in any
communication area. Designed for students wishing to acquire
specific knowledge and/or technical skills not offered in other
courses in communication studies. May be taken more than once
for a maximum of six hours. S, U grading available. Prerequisites:
COM 100, junior standing, consent of department. (1-6 cr. hr.)
COM 399: Internship in Communication Studies
(A) Supervised on-the-job training experiences combined with
appropriate readings, writing, and seminar sessions. A portfolio
in the area of major concentration is expected. Prerequisites:
COM 100, junior standing, consent of department. S, U
grading. (1-3 cr. hr.)
COM 400: Communication Law and Ethics
(A) Case approach to libel, privacy, news gathering, freedom of
information and other legal topics; treatment of ethical concerns
for current media. Prerequisite: COM 301. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 410: Communication in Social Change
(C) Application of communication principles and analysis of
research traditions underlying diffusion of ideas, information, and
parameters in acceptance of innovations and change. Emphasis is
on strategies for introduction of change through the use of
communication in rural, urban, and formal organizational settings.
(3 cr. hr.) *
COM 412: Computer-Assisted Reporting
(C) Application of specialized journalism skills in professional
preparation of news and feature stories utilizing electronic
sources. Prerequisite: COM 202 or 203. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 420: Broadcast Programming and Management
(C) Survey of organizational structure of broadcasting stations,
including responsibilities of various departments. Analysis of
management decision-making process with emphasis on program
policies, sales, personnel administration, government regulations.
Prerequisite: COM 100. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 421: Mass Media Advertising
(B) Survey of advertising in broadcasting and print media
with attention to history and government regulations.
Analysis of advertising theories, issues, problems, effects.
Prerequisite: COM 301. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 422: Public Relations
(B) Survey of principles and practices of public relations with an
emphasis on applied research and practical application. Analysis
of theories, issues, problems, and effects. Prerequisite: COM 100.
(3 cr. hr.) *
COM 430: Media Criticism
(C) Critical examination of a variety of media forms. Application of
current theories and deep analysis of issues, problems and effects.
Prerequisites: CPN 101 or 103 and COM 301. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 431: Communication and Prejudice
(B) Examination of roles played by intrapersonal, interpersonal,
group, organizational, political, and mass or mediated
communication in relation to prejudice. Analysis of theories,
issues, problems, and practices. Prerequisite: COM 100. Also
listed as AAS 431. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 432: African Americans in Television and Film
(C) Historical and critical examination of the evolution of
African American images in screen and TV from the early 1900s
to the present. Prerequisite: CPN 101 or 103. Also listed as AAS
432 and CIN 432. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 433: Literary Journalism
(C) Students study the richness of narrative journalistic accounts
that speak compellingly to the human condition and its society.
Students explore linguistic and social strategies literary journalists
employ for interpreting our social world. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 434: Gender Communication
(C) Explores the effects of gender and culture on communication.
Students examine the characteristics, dynamics, patterns and
presumptions that combine to create what is known as “gender
speak.” Prerequisite: COM 100. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 436: Films of Spike Lee
(B) Analysis and critique of films of Spike Lee emphasizing
directing style, structure, and production design on selected
films. A thematic analysis of major works and an examination of
critical reaction from feminists, black nationalists, film critics
and theoreticians. Prerequisite: CPN 101 or 103. Also listed as
AAS 436. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 441: Persuasion
(O) Theory, application of changing attitudes, opinions, beliefs in all
forms of oral communication. Prerequisite: COM 100. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 442: Rhetorical Criticism
(O) Principles, practice in writing reviews of books, plays, concerts,
films, art exhibition. Prerequisite: CPN 101 or 103. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 443: Rhetorical Theory
(O) Principles of speech: Historical overview, with emphasis on
such rhetoricians as Aristotle, Cicero, Quintilian, Campbell,
Whately. Prerequisite: CPN 101 or 103. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 444: Advanced Interpersonal Communication
(O) Readings and experiences in selected areas of interpersonal
relations; emphasis on practical application of theory. Prerequisite:
COM 300. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 450: Health Communication
(O) Study and application of communication principles and
strategies in formal health delivery systems; analysis of information
and messages between health professionals, patient and family.
Emphasis is on efficient and effective communication in health
delivery. Prerequisite: COM 100. (3 cr. hr.) *
COM 451: Environmental Communication
(O) Study and application of communication concepts and
principles to awareness and management of the environment. A
survey and analysis of the nature and sources of environmental issues
and related educational programs. Topics include risk, cost-benefit
analysis, experts-lay conflict, and global concerns. Emphasis is on
how communication media and pressure groups set the agenda for
environmental issues, influence public perception, and government
policy. Prerequisites: COM 100 and EST 100. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 452: Risk Communication
(O) Study and application of communication concepts and
principles in risk perception and management. A survey and
analysis of the nature and sources of risk hazards to personal health
and safety, and to the environment. Topics in risk, cost-benefit
analysis, expert-lay conflict, and risk consequences. Emphasis is on
risk perception, language, and management. Prerequisite: COM
100. (3 cr. hr.)
COM 498: Senior Seminar
(O) Variable topic seminar dealing with current issues in
communication studies. Course may be repeated as topic
changes. Prerequisites: Junior standing, consent of department.
(3 cr. hr.)
COM 499: Senior Thesis
(O) Research for the advanced student on a research question of
interest. A senior thesis paper is expected. Prerequisite: Consent
of department. (3-6 cr. hr.) *
COM 590: Advanced Independent Study in Communication Studies
(O) Faculty-supervised individual study of a specific topic in any
communication studies area. May be taken more than once for a
maximum of six hours. (1-6 cr. hr.)
