Communication

COMM 100 FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING - 5 hrs
Study and practice of the process of oral communication, its nature, background and performance. Realistic practice-speaking situations deal with subject matter of concern in our modern world.

COMM 120 SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION - 5 hrs
The nature of the small group, problem-solving process. The student is given opportunities to practice participating in and leading discussion activities chosen from real-life situations.

COMM 140/141 COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES SEMINAR
Individual and group instruction and participation in supervised creative activities. May be repeated for credit.

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 190 MENTORING: THEORY AND PRACTICE - 2 hrs
This course focuses on the principles, practices, and applications of mentoring as a primary human activity which incorporates a variety of leadership theories aimed at transforming the person who is being mentored and the person who is doing the mentoring. Students enrolled in the courses will mentor younger students�typically elementary, middle school, or high school students�through an established college or community program. The course takes students through an incremental process that moves them from practicing simple mentoring techniques to developing and promoting mentoring initiatives. The mentoring course requires the students to be enrolled for two quarters of a single academic year. In addition to meeting with the professor weekly throughout both quarters, students are required to mentor students in one of the College�s weekly community service programs for three hours per week during 8 weeks of each of the 10-week quarters. Also, during the second quarter the class meets, students will train other college and high students to mentor. Prereq: Permission of the instructor

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, JOUR 175, 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 350 RHETORICAL THEORY AND CRITICISM - 5 hrs
This course is designed to orient students to the nature and function of rhetorical criticism, to acquaint the student with those elements in the rhetorical situation that warrant serious attention, and to teach the student a useful strategy with which to practice criticism. Prereq: COMM 200 or permission of instructor.

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 THE EMERGING LEADER - 5 hrs
Assessment of personality type and styles of interaction and problem solving; Creation of a "personal vision statement"; Clarification of personal values and how differing value structures among people impact relationships; Understanding conflict styles and learning how to collaborate; Examination of effective leadership principles, actions, and behaviors; Development of your individual capacity to lead; Development of communication skills that express leadership; Making and keeping promises with integrity.

COMM 362 LEADERSHIP CONCEPTS - 5 hrs
Our �concept� of organization shapes how we communicate, how we lead, manage, and participate. Our concept of �leadership� determines how we see ourselves inside the organization. In this course, you will distinguish and examine your preconceived notions about yourself, others, and the world so that you may expand your opportunity for new action. Focus is on creating vision, aligning people and action, and producing breakthrough results. Prerequisite: COMM 361 OR 380.

COMM 363 PRACTICING LEADERSHIP - 3 hrs
Each participant will choose an area he or she wishes to impact in the workplace or in the community at large, then design a �breakthrough project� that will be the context for being a leader in that community. The project is the practice field for applying the distinctions and practices of leadership: Creating a vision, aligning people with that vision, creating a team, communicating, networking, and causing results with others. Prerequisites: COMM 361 and 362 or permission of instructor.

COMM 364 LEADERSHIP PROJECT - 2 hrs
Using the model of Appreciative Inquiry, each participant chooses a particular audience (or set of audiences) and conducts a series of interviews that clarify values, create participation, engagement, and excitement for the future, and create new possibilities for action. This course is usually taken in conjunction with COMM 363 and focuses on the Leadership Breakthrough Project chosen for that course. Prereq: COMM 361 and COMM 362 or permission of instructor.

COMM 365 TOPICS IN LEADERSHIP - 5 hrs
The purpose of this course is to take the concepts and principles learned in the previous leadership courses and apply them beyond our individual worlds. This will be accomplished through a discussion of various topics that look at 1) the leader, 2) the followers, 3) the situations in which leadership occurs, and most importantly 4) the multifaceted interactions among these components. We will do this together through the use of case studies, scientific studies of leadership, and experiential exercised. Prereq: COMM 361, 362, 363, 364.

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 385 GROUPS IN ORGANIZATION - 5 hrs
This course investigates the use of groups and teams in the organizational context. We will examine theory on group formation, socialization, effectiveness, and leadership, as well as other topics. Students will learn the appropriate and effective use of groups in the workplace, common obstacles to group effectiveness, and the impact of technology on current and evolving forms of groups. In a final project, students will be asked to apply these constructs to the analysis of an existing group. Prereq: Junior or Senior standing or permission of the instructor

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
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 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION CASE STUDIES - 5 hrs (alt. yrs.)
The study of assessment practices, theory application and strategy development from an organizational communication perspective. Case study writing will be used to identify communication functions and structures in organizations. Practical application of diagnosis, analysis, recommendations and intervention strategies, relevant to various organizational contexts, will be emphasized. 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 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 140/141 MASS COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES SEMINAR
Individual and group instruction and participation in supervised creative activities. May be repeated for credit, total credit for activities seminar and Advanced Practicum in Media not to exceed six hours.

MCOM 240/241 BROADCAST MANAGEMENT PRACTICUM
Practical experience in media management by serving as administrators for the campus radio and TV stations in areas of programming music, news, sports, public service, engineering and public relations. May be repeated for credit, total credit for activities seminar and Advanced Practicum in Media not to exceed six hours. Prereq: Permission of the department.

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 270 RACE, GENDER, CLASS AND MEDIA - 5 hrs
This course examines the historical and contemporary constructions of gender and race in media as well as issues related to the reception of such constructions. Students will analyze media representations of race and gender and audiences defined in some way by race and gender. Students will also consider industry issues inherent in representation and reception as well as questions of individual media effects. Prereq: Sophomore standing

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 341-349 ADVANCED PRACTICUM IN MEDIA
Individualized projects, selected in consultation with a faculty member, that provide students with focused, advanced study and practice in one aspect of media. The practicum is designed to build upon the students� experiences gained in media activities and introductory courses. Prereq: Permission of instructor and either (a) MCOM 110 and 140; or (b) MCOM 120 and 141. Each course may be taken only once for credit.

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.