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WebTycho School of Undergraduate Studies
Course Descriptions — Communication Studies (COMM)
COMM 300 Communication Theory (3)
(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications, but is not a writing course.) Prerequisite: WRTG 101/101X or ENGL 101/101X. An introduction to the study of communication theory. The basic theories of human communication, mass communication, and new media and technology are explored. Focus is on the relationships among communication theory, research, and practice. General themes include intra- and interpersonal communication, public communication, mass media, and contemporary issues associated with mediated communication.
COMM 319A Designing and Delivering Effective Presentations (1)
A simulation of a presentation project from conception, through creation and selection of visual aids, to delivery and evaluation. Focus is on conducting an audience analysis, developing a presentation plan, building a presentation using traditional or multimedia resources, delivering the presentation, and evaluating the results.
COMM 379A Critical Perspectives in Mass Communications (3)
(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications, but is not a writing course.) Prerequisite: WRTG 101/101X or ENGL 101/101X. An in-depth examination of mass communications theory. Topics include media uses, interaction and impact, and ethical issues surrounding the development and dissemination of mass media. The roles, behavior, messages, and control of mass media producers are examined. Emphasis is on critical thinking and analysis of vital aspects of pervasive elements of popular culture, such as news, advertising, children’s entertainment, and a free press.
COMM 380 Language in Social Contexts (3)
(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications, but is not a writing course.) Prerequisite: WRTG 101/101X or ENGL 101/101X. An examination of the linguistic components of languages, with special emphasis on the English language, its origins, continued development, and use in speaking and writing. Categories of speech and methods of written communication are examined from the perspective of regional and social variation. Discussion covers cultural, gender, and racial variations as well as underlying perspectives and assumptions.
COMM 400 Communication and the Law (3)
(No previous study of law required. Fulfills the general education requirement in communications, but is not a writing course.) Prerequisite: JOUR 201 or a 300-level COMM course. An examination of the important legal issues that affect professional communicators. Topics include copyright, intellectual property, fair use, privacy, freedom of information, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press, as well as issues raised by the growth of the Internet, the use of digital technologies, and the creation of media content. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 400 or JOUR 400.
COMM 486A Internship in Communication Studies Through Co-op (3)
Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 246). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in communication studies. At least 12 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a minimum of 180 hours during the Co-op session; four new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to communication studies and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).
COMM 486B Internship in Communication Studies Through Co-op (6)
Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 246). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in communication studies. At least 20 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a total of 300 hours during the Co-op session; five to eight new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to communication studies and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).
COMM 493 Strategies for Visual Communications (3)
(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications, but is not a writing course. While using desktop publishing programs is necessary to the course, instruction on the software is not provided.) Prerequisite: WRTG 101/ 101X or ENGL 101/101X. Recommended: A course in desktop publishing. An introduction to graphic design theory that explores the integration of text and graphics in formal and practical design. Topics include organizing information, developing strategic design solutions to enhance communication and applying critical and creative processes to produce and evaluate design.
COMM 495 Seminar in Workplace Communication (3)
(Intended as a final, capstone course to be taken in a student’s last 15 credits. Primarily for students planning careers as communication professionals, but useful for managers and other professionals. Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Prerequisites: COMM 300 and either WRTG 393, WRTG 394, COMM 393 or COMM 394. Recommended: JOUR 201. A study of workplace communication that integrates knowledge gained through previous coursework and experience and builds on that conceptual foundation through integrative analysis, practical application, and critical thinking. Emerging issues in public relations are considered. Emphasis is on enhancing advanced-level writing skills and developing flexibility in changing writing tone from piece to piece. Topics include how to produce various communications (such as press releases, feature stories, fact sheets, and executive speeches) and the elements of document design.