Communication (COMM)

COMM 170 ORAL INTERPRETATION - 3 hrs (alt. yrs.)
Study in the theory and technique of the oral presentation of literature, including interpretation of text. Students will analyze and present selections from the three literary genres (prose, poetry and drama).

COMM 180 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION - 5 hrs
An introductory course which focuses on communication in informal and formal face-to-face settings (e.g., conversation, counseling, interviewing). Topics include self-concept and self-disclosure, perception of others, verbal and nonverbal messages, communication in relationships, and strategies for conflict resolution.

COMM 200 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN COMMUNICATION - 5 hrs
An introduction to the theory-building process and important theories and perspectives of human communication. Prereq: COMM 100 or 280, sophomore standing.

COMM 215 PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS - 5 hrs
An introduction to the field of public relations, including the nature and responsibilities of public relations, and an overview of the public relations process in organizations and society. Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors only.

COMM 220 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION - 5 hrs
With the goal of understanding the perspectives of other cultures and resolving possible conflicts, students will examine the role of perception, language, belief systems, social structures and culture practices in cross-cultural interactions. Applications will be made to specific cultures. The approach in this course goes beyond talk about forming better multicultural communities to the development of action-oriented communication strategies that positively effect community.

COMM 250 PRINCIPLES OF INTERVIEWING - 5 hrs
Study and practice of the interview process, discovery and understanding of principles for more effective interviewing and guided practice in application of such principles. Experiences in interview preparation, process and evaluation are combined with observation, analysis and critiques of self and others. Prereq: COMM 100 or 180 or 280 or 285.

COMM 280 BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL SPEECH - 5 hrs
An introduction to oral communication skills with applications to careers in business and professional organizations. Specific skills developed would include: interviewing (both employment and other forms), group discussion and problem-solving methods, listening and presentational speech (with special focus on technical and sales presentations). Content will include: general communication and organizational theory; principles of perception; language and nonverbal communication; and principles/techniques of information transmission and persuasion. Not open to students who have credit for COMM 100.

COMM 285 COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR ORGANIZATIONS - 5 hrs
A skills development course and general introduction to the organizational communication field of study. Organizational system levels including interpersonal, group and organizational are examined from a human communication perspective. Developing competency in communication practices and techniques at each level is the main emphasis of this course. Prereq: COMM 100 and COMM 180. Not open to students who have credit for COMM 280.

COMM 305 INTERPRETING COMMUNICATION RESEARCH - 5 hrs
Introduction to strategies for discovering and interpreting communication research, including experimental, field study, case study, ethnographic and critical methods. Prereq: COMM 200, junior standing.

COMM 310 PUBLIC RELATIONS TECHNIQUES - 5 hrs
An application of basic public relations techniques, tools and theories. Emphasis on planning, executing and evaluating public relations messages. Prereq: COMM 215 and JOUR 260, or permission of the instructor.

COMM 320 FAMILY COMMUNICATION - 5 hrs
Communication perspectives that recognize the diversity of family experience are emphasized. Relational meanings and roles, defining intimacy, power and conflict, adaptability to crisis and change will be some of the topics considered in the investigation of family interaction processes. Practical, theoretical and research-oriented applications will provide healthy approaches and a baseline for ongoing study of family communication. Prereq: COMM 180 or permission of instructor.

COMM 330 ADVANCED PUBLIC SPEAKING - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
An advanced course in public speaking skills, with emphasis on content, organization, delivery and style. Includes extensive practice in a variety of speech settings and purposes. Prereq: COMM 100 or permission of the instructor.

COMM 335 PERSUASION - 5 hrs
A study of rhetorical and psychological theories of persuasion, with special attention to motivation and audience factors. Includes application to the development, presentation, analysis and testing of written and oral persuasive messages and persuasive campaigns. Prereq: Junior standing and COMM 200. COMM 305 is recommended.

COMM 360 ARGUMENTATION AND ADVOCACY - 5 hrs
Study and practice of theories of argument, including the nature of argument, logical proof, organization of argument, standards for evidence and refutation tactics. Application includes formal classroom debates on contemporary issues.

COMM 361 SEMINAR: THE EMERGING LEADER - 5 hrs
Assesses personality types and thinking styles. Traces influences on one�s leadership style and emphasizes the leader�s responsibility to share values. Covers models demonstrating leadership problems and covers effective leadership actions and behavior. Guest presentations. Prereq: 1) application and 2) 45 credit hours and 3 years of full-time work experience with some supervisory experience or permission.

COMM 362 SEMINAR: LEADERSHIP CONCEPTS - 5 hrs
Leadership topics covered would include: traits, historical and emerging perspectives, power and influence, culture and metaphor, innovation and creativity, conflict resolution, and decision making. Prereq: COMM 361 or 380.

COMM 363 SEMINAR: PRACTICING LEADERSHIP - 3 hrs
Involves presentations by noted corporate, human services and government leaders. Takes a case study approach involving how practicing leaders operate in their organizations. Applies existing theory covered in the first two courses and attempts to generate new theory. Prereq: COMM 362 or permission of the instructor.

COMM 364 LEADERSHIP PROJECT - 2 hrs
Students are required to apply models, concepts, skills and systems discussed in COMM 363 in combination with their other course work and experience in proposing a method for improving an aspect or a unit of an organization or a solution to a �leadership challenge� in an organization. Prereq: COMM 361 or 380, COMM 362 and COMM 363 or permission of the instructor.

COMM 370 COMMUNICATION PRACTICUM - 1 hr
Experience gained by guided intern work in College departments, such as Communication, College Relations, Student Personnel, Admission and Campus Programming. Instructor�s permission needed for off-campus experience. Repeatable to a maximum of five credits.

COMM 380 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION - 5 hrs
The study of communication patterns and practices which impact organizational life. A case study approach allows students to analyze and critique organizational conditions from various communication perspectives and consider strategies for improvement. Prereq: COMM 200; and 100, 280 or 285. BADM 300 is recommended.

COMM 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY - 1-5 hrs
Individual research projects for qualified students. Prereq: permission of the instructor.

COMM 400 PUBLIC RELATIONS CASE STUDIES - 5 hrs
A study of case problems in public relations, with special emphasis on designing and implementing public relations campaigns. The course will study past problems and strategies and also provide the student with the opportunity to analyze and critique effective/ineffective public relations programs. Prereq: COMM 215 and JOUR 260.

COMM 415 PUBLIC RELATIONS RESEARCH, PLANNING & STRATEGIES - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
The study of public relations research, plan and proposal development, and strategy implementation. Students will become involved in actual research, goal setting and specific strategy development in identifying and planning to meet the public relations needs of an organization. Prereq: COMM 215 and COMM 310.

COMM 480 CONSULTING IN ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
A course which serves the function of synthesizing the students� knowledge of organizational communication. Opportunities for putting theory into practice are provided through organizational assessments in real world settings. Emphasis is put on the practical application of diagnosis, analysis, recommendations and intervention strategies most closely related to the structure and function of organizational communication. Prereq: COMM 380 and COMM 305.

COMM 490 INTERNSHIP - 1-15 hrs
Internships are available in a variety of organizations and activities related to the major. Information about available internships and requirements may be obtained from the department office of any faculty member. Prereq: Permission of a faculty advisor in the department.

COMM 498 SENIOR PORTFOLIO - 2 hrs
This course requires Speech Communication, Public Relations, Broadcasting, Organizational Communication and Journalism majors to create, edit and select a sampling of their best work over a four-year period for compilation into a portfolio which will be presented by the student to the faculty in a public venue. Students select at least five samples of work derived from specific courses and interests within their majors, and work which is created in fields other than their majors. The portfolios should showcase both knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired by the students in their education and personal/professional growth. Students must include a narrative with the completed portfolio which demonstrates their own insights into the submitted work and their evaluation of themselves as thinkers, writers and communication professionals. Prereq: COMM 305 and senior standing.

COMM 499 COMMUNICATION AND SOCIETY - 3 hrs
A seminar course focusing on the interaction between communication and human societies. Topics for the seminar are selected by students enrolled in the course. Prereq: COMM 305 and senior standing.

MCOM 110 RADIO/AUDIO PRODUCTION - 5 hrs
Study and practice in operation of radio station equipment: production of broadcast materials using voice, music and sound effects. Includes a discussion of principles of editing, directing and production criticism. Prepares students for on-air assignments with WOBN. Suggested co-requisite: MCOM 140.

MCOM 120 FUNDAMENTALS OF TELEVISION/VIDEO PRODUCTION - 5 hrs
Introductory course in television and video production theory and techniques. Emphasis on the study of the elements and processes involved in various applications of broadcast and non-broadcast video production. Performance in roles of the television production team. Prepares students for positions with WOCC.

MCOM 130 RADIO/TELEVISION PERFORMANCE - 5 hrs
Study and practice in audio and video performance. Special attention given to news, commercials, and interviewing. Includes work in voice, nonverbal communication, scripting, hand signals and interpretation of copy. MCOM 110 or 120 recommended.

MCOM 261 COPYWRITING FOR ELECTRONIC MEDIA - 5 hrs
Students will learn concepts, theories and practices associated with various types of short-form writing for audio and video. Emphasis is placed on commercial and promotional copy, public service announcements, fostering client relationships and market considerations. Prereq: MCOM 110 or 120

MCOM 265 MEDIA AND SOCIETY - 5 hrs
An examination of the structures, functions, and performance of media institutions. Analysis of contemporary media practices and effects with particular consideration of First Amendment freedoms and communication theory and research. Prereq: COMM 200.

MCOM 320 ADVANCED VIDEO PRODUCTION - 5 hrs
Advanced study of theory and practice in video production. Emphases include: aesthetics, single-camera production theory and techniques, non linear editing, post-production, and troubleshooting. Prereq: MCOM 120.

MCOM 360 BROADCAST NEWS - 5 hrs
The study of news gathering, writing and reporting for broadcast production. News programming and news room practices are examined. Students will gain practical experience with WOBN and WOCC News. Prereq: JOUR 160, MCOM 110 and MCOM 120; or permission of instructor. Not open to students who have received credit for MCOM 340.

MCOM 365 MEDIA CRITICISM AND AUDIENCE ANALYSIS - 5 hrs
Examination of programming and content development principles and strategies for broadcast and new media, with emphasis on audience appeals, program structures, ratings and other forces influencing media decision-making. Prereq: MCOM 110 and 140; or MCOM 120 and 141.

MCOM 390 INDEPENDENT STUDY - 1-5 hrs
Individual research projects for qualified students. Prereq: Permission of the instructor.

MCOM 410 MEDIA ETHICS AND REGULATION - 5 hrs
A seminar course which explores issues in media ethics, regulation and law, including the scope of the 1st Amendment; conflicts between free-press and free-trial, obscenity, copyright, etc.; the nature of the regulatory process and social effects of the media. Prereq: (a) COMM 200 and JOUR 260; or (b) COMM 200, MCOM 110 and MCOM 120; or permission of instructor.

MCOM 450 CASE STUDIES IN MEDIA - 5 hrs
An analytical examination of contemporary issues and problems confronting media managers. An emphasis on case studies illustrating the interrelationships in a media operation, and the forces influencing decision-making. Prereq: (a) COMM 200, MCOM 110, a 300-level MCOM practicum and MCOM 120; or (b) COMM 200, JOUR 260 and a 300-level JOUR practicum.

MCOM 490 INTERNSHIP - 1-15 hrs
Internships are available in a variety of organizations and activities related to the major. Information about available internships and requirements may be obtained from the department office of any faculty member. Prereq: Permission of a faculty advisor in the department.