Communication

An introduction to all communication majors, regardless of their specific program or concentration. Offers an introduction to the department, including its professors, concentrations, clubs, internship opportunities, academic expectations, and various career opportunities.

COMM 102 — Performance Studies. 3 hours.

The student will learn theories and skills for the oral performance of various types of literary texts, including dramatic literature, prose, and poetry. Also explores the development of programs on a theme.

COMM 105 — Fundamentals of Communication. 3 hours.

This course, through the methods of public speaking, interpersonal communication, and small group communication, will enable the general education student to perform orally in various kinds of situations. Primary focus will be given to oral presentation skills, while integrating both theory and practice in interpersonal and small group communication skills. The course will also emphasize the importance of critical listening, audience adaptation, and responsible research.

COMM 110 — Introduction to Acting. 3 hours.

Study of the process of analyzing and creating roles for performance. Students will develop technical performance skills through scene work. Theories of acting will be analyzed and applied. Offered in alternate years.

COMM 120 — Introduction to Theatre. 3 hours.

The study of the theatre as an art form. This course will integrate various approaches to the study and appreciation of the theatre, including its performance and historical and literary aspects. Major project includes production work on the current school play.

COMM 141— Introduction to Journalism. 3 hours.

An introduction to the journalistic writing style. Emphasis is on learning what news is, how to gather news, and how to write news stories. Students are encouraged to publish in the student newspaper.

COMM 171 — Fundamentals of Radio/Beginning Announcing. 3 hours.

Emphasizes the communication and performance skills that are essential for successful announcing. Topics include: interpreting copy, voice and diction, broadcast interviewing, and sports and music announcing. Students are given practical experience with broadcast studio equipment necessary for announcing. COMM 277 must be taken concurrently with this course.

COMM 175 — Nonlinear Editing. 3 hours.

An introduction to digital editing with a nonlinear editing system. While the post-production phase of editing will be emphasized, students will also be introduced to cameras (production), and storyboarding (pre-production). Students will also learn professional audio recording software in the campus audio recording lab.

COMM 198, 398 — Dramatic Practicum. 1-3 hours.

Credit will be granted to persons who make major contributions to a theatrical production on campus. Participation may include acting, assistant directing, lighting, set design/construction, etc. Up to four credit hours may be earned in this manner. Determination of credit and major contribution is to be judged by the faculty member directing the production. Each practicum hour will require approximately four working hours per week.

COMM 203 — Interpersonal Communication. 3 hours.

Life as all about healthy relationships. This course offers theoretical and practical understanding toward the development of healthy relationships--personal as well as professional. It begins with understanding the self, and then examines ways in which we interact with others. Specifically, some topics include: perception, perspective-taking, effective listening, conflict management, appropriate use of emotions, healthy relational development, and effective language use.

COMM 210 — Print Journalism Practicum. 1 hour.

The emphasis is on the development of skills in news writing, editing, and layout and design for the student newspaper (print and online version). Practicum may be repeated up to six credit hours, but only two hours are required. Each practicum hour will require approximately four working hours per week. The student’s training will be under the direct supervision of the journalism instructor and the executive/section editors of the publications. Prerequisite: COMM 141.

COMM 221 — Mass Media and Society. 3 hours.

History and current issues in mass communication; examines basic technology, social and regulatory control, economics, audience uses and gratification, and media effects on individuals and society. Prerequisite: COMM 105.

COMM 235 — Teambuilding and Leadership. 3 hours.

As people we are born into groups (families) and from that point onward find ourselves in a variety of groups and teams for the rest of our lives. Interaction within groups is qualitatively different from one-on-one communication. This course examines theories of group dynamics and leadership. It also utilizes experiential learning methods as students are placed in groups and, throughout the semester, are given various group tasks in which they apply (and reflect upon) the theoretical concepts. Special attention is given to the development of ethical leadership skills.

COMM 240 — Scriptwriting for Multimedia. 3 hours.

This class introduces the industry standard multimedia script writing formats. Each student will not only study script formats, but will also be required to write original scripts in these areas. Script formats emphasized include the single column (audio) script, the double column (TV) script, and the master scene (film) script.

COMM 243 — Beat Journalism. 3 hours.

An introduction to the beat system in journalism--police, the courts, business, education, etc. Students will learn how to run a beat (on campus and in the community) while honing their reporting and writing skills. Students are encouraged to publish in the local and student media. Prerequisite: COMM 141.

COMM 260 — Film Studies. 3 hours.

Study of major works of film, focusing upon fundamental philosophies informing criticism as well as the practical application of critical methods. Attention is given to developing tools of critical analysis of film, including aesthetics of cinematography, screenwriting, acting, film production, and directing. Prerequisite: COMM 175, COMM 200, or permission of instructor.

COMM 273 — Beginning Audio Production. 3 hours.

Basic concepts of multi-track audio production including commercial production, promotional, Public Service Announcement, and interview editing. Use of beds, sound effects, creation of sound effects and voice editing. COMM 277 must be taken concurrently with this course. Prerequisite: COMM 171.

COMM 277 — Broadcast Practicum. 1 hour.

Practical experience in the campus radio station by serving in a wide variety of areas from station management to staff announcer. Practicum may be repeated up to six credit hours. Each practicum hour will require approximately four working hours per week. Corequisite: COMM 171, 273, 374 or 375.

COMM 290 — Basic Video Production. 4 hours.

The focus of this course is on the three main phases of production; pre-production, production, and post-production. Students will study and practice the fundamentals of quality camera work, audio techniques, general lighting, and editing. Special emphasis is placed on shooting and editing digital video projects as a member of a student production team. Upon completion, students will possess a working video vocabulary and be prepared for more advanced courses. Prerequisite: COMM 175.

COMM 300 — Service Learning. 1 hour.

Each major within the department will utilize the student’s particular communication skills in the context of service to the off-campus community. Typical service learning experiences may include helping a nonprofit organization with a special project (i.e., video, brochures, fundraising, dramatic presentations, etc.). A minimum of 30 clock-hours must be spent on the particular project. Each service learning project must be approved and supervised by the student’s adviser.

COMM 305 — Professional Communication. 3 hours.

This course is designed to give the student frequent and intense experience in public speaking and debate. This course emphasizes the importance of clarity and understanding of informative messages and power of persuasive messages. Attention is given to the process of analyzing an issue, structuring arguments, using evidence, and handling refutation and rebuttal in oral communication. Prerequisite: COMM 105.

COMM 320 — Directing. 3 hours.

An examination of the directorial process from script analysis to actual theatrical production. This course examines such topics as dramaturgy, blocking, stage movement, casting, rehearsal, production, and communication with designers. Students will provide direction for scene work in class and work on a scene or one-act play for the Department of Communication’s annual “Night of Performance.” Prerequisites: COMM 120. Offered in alternate years.

COMM 325 — Event Planning. 3 hours.

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the event industry, including all aspects of planning and executing events, meetings, and conferences, and to acquaint students with the skills and tools necessary for industry success. Students will gain understanding of the meeting/event planning industry and its required competencies through classroom study as well as practical application, guest lectures, and field trips. Topics covered will include: the history of the industry, the building blocks for event management, research, sales and marketing, risk management, creative elements, food and beverage, entertainment, technical production, and logistical considerations.

COMM 331 — Public Relations Writing. 3 hours.

This course prepares students to communicate with the various publics organizations serve through appropriate channels such as mass media. Emphasis falls on effective writing through relevant formats including media advisories, press releases and news stories for internal media. This course also addresses ethical issues related to public relations.

COMM 335 — Advanced Reporting/Writing. 3 hours.

Students learn and implement advanced reporting/writing techniques to develop deeper, richer, longer stories on more complex issues than routine news (depth reporting). Investigative and enterprise journalism are introduced. Prerequisite: COMM 243.

COMM 340 — Multimedia Storytelling. 3 hours.

This course focuses on the online news platform. Students learn how to adapt print journalism stories for search engine optimization and how to create multimedia stories, i.e., using text, photos, video and audio. Students are encouraged to publish their work on a personal blog or professional online medium, including the campus newspaper. Prerequisites: COMM 335 and ART 461.

COMM 342 — Persuasion and Media Influence. 3 hours.

A study of principles and techniques of attitude and behavior change at group and societal levels. Special attention will be given to the use and misuse of propaganda. Term project will include the production of an actual persuasive campaign based on principles developed earlier in the term. Prerequisite: COMM 105.

COMM 344 — Journalism Layout and Design. 3 hours.

The focus of this course is the process of newspaper layout and design, which aims to present news as an attractive package. Magazine layout is introduced. Emphasis falls on creating a thorough understanding of the role of layout and design in the production process of a newspaper product as well as the relevant technical skills. Corequisite: COMM 435; prerequisites: COMM 335 and ART 200.

COMM 347 — Organizational Communication. 3 hours.

The purpose of this course is to examine and develop some proficiency in the skills that are necessary to effectively communicate within organizations as well as between organizations and their constituencies. Of particular interest are topics such as conflict resolution, developing trust, clear presentation of organizational image, and decision-making in organizations. Offered in alternate years.

COMM 349 — Intercultural Communication. 3 hours.

Similarities and differences of communication patterns across cultures are the foci of this course. Of particular concern will be communication rituals, nonverbal signals, and communication patterns of cultural groups.

COMM 364 — Dramatic Literature/History. 3 hours.

Survey course examining representative plays from each period of theatre history. Special attention is paid to the cultural and historical factors influencing the development and decline of each period. Prerequisite: LIT 205.

COMM 372 — Remote TV Productions and Editing. 3 hours.

During the semester, students are treated as members of a professional video production company with emphasis on creating projects for their resume reel. Projects may include shooting videos for local community companies, sporting event shoots, shooting live music events, commercial projects, and other professional oriented projects as assigned by the professor. Prerequisite: COMM 290 and COMM 175.

COMM 374 — News and Interviewing for Audio Media. 3 hours.

Organization and operation of a radio news department; gathering, writing and recording news for audio broadcast, internet and podcast. Instruction and practice in announcing news, news services, handling of wire copy, use of actualities and telling stories with audio only. Conducting and editing of news, and long-form interviews. COMM 277 must be taken concurrently with this course. Prerequisite: COMM 273. Offered alternate years.

COMM 375 — Radio Programming/Advanced Announcing. 3 hours.

Lecture based class discussing and developing advanced skills and techniques related to the programming of radio. Historical perspective of programming will be given, discussion of actual techniques used by programmers using music, promotions, imaging, jingles and personalities. Critiquing air talent, music scheduling, audio production, copy writing, advanced imaging, and staff management is a sampling of projects. COMM 277 must be taken concurrently with this course. Prerequisite COMM 171. Offered alternate years.

COMM 380 — Documentary Production. 3 hours.

Designed to have students produce, direct, write, and edit a documentary project. The class will emphasize the three stages of production: pre-production, production, and post-production, specific to the documentary process. While the focus will be on producing their own documentary project, students will participate in studying classic and current documentaries along with researching documentary history and documentary directors. Pre-requisites: COMM 175 and COMM 290.

COMM 391 — Communication Ethics. 3 hours.

This course is designed to help students understand the theoretical and philosophical framework of decision-making in communication. A variety of ethical systems (Christian, utilitarian, Aristotelian, etc.) are used to assist the student, and a case study approach is followed to examine the role of ethics in human communication, and in other communication disciplines, including public relations, journalism, advertising/marketing and broadcasting. Prerequisite: COMM 105.

COMM 399 — Special Topics in Communication. 3 hours.

Each “Special Topics” course will explore in-depth one particular topic within one of the major areas of study: Radio, Journalism, Theatre, Corporate Communication, Television and Video Production, and Film Studies. “Special Topics” courses will rotate among these six areas of study.

COMM 410 — Media Management. 3 hours.

Survey of management issues most commonly encountered in broadcast media management. Projects cover management issues exclusive to media and day-to-day management, including sales management, financial statements, and planning of needed advertising for radio stations. Also discussed are regulatory issues and laws; FCC regulations; rule-making procedures that govern the broadcast industry; and how policies evolve from changes in society, politics, technology, and the marketplace. Explores media research methods, including market research by station managers; research methods of Arbitron, Nielsen and other media research organizations. Prerequisites: COMM 171 and 3 hours of COMM 277. Offered alternate years.

COMM 425 — Television News. 3 hours.

An in-depth study of television news. From reporting a breaking story to scripting and composing the shot, students will learn key elements of the TV news business. Reporting, producing and reporting will be the key factors, along with the daily newsroom routine. Students will shoot, write, and edit reports for a university television or online news magazine. Prerequisite: COMM 175.

COMM 435 — Print and Online Editing. 3 hours.

General copy editing and language skills in print and online journalism will be honed based on Associated Press style. Attention is given to headline writing and ethical and legal concerns. Students are required to work as story coaches with students in the Introduction to Journalism course. Corequisite: COMM 344; prerequisite: COMM 335.

COMM 446 — Magazine and Feature Article Writing. 3 hours.

A study of various magazine formats and nonfiction article types will precede intensive feature writing assignments. Attention will also be paid to freelance writing and students will be encouraged to submit articles to various markets. Prerequisite: COMM 335.

COMM 450 — Senior Seminar. 2 hours.

Designed to integrate previous studies in speech communication, this course stresses refinement of students’ analytical abilities and public-speaking skills by providing opportunities for individual projects. Other considerations include preparation for graduate school and career options. Prerequisite: COMM 105.

COMM 457 — Communication Theory. 3 hours.

The purpose of this course will be to provide an in-depth look at some of the dominant theories being used in the study of human communication today. Some of the topics to be covered will be symbolic interactionism, rhetorical sensitivity, coordinated management of meaning, systems theory, and information processing. Prerequisites: A total of at least 15 hours in the major, or approval of the instructor. Offered in alternate years.

COMM 460 — Philosophy of Human Communication. 3 hours.

Reading and detailed study of the theories of principal rhetoricians from ancient to modern times. Attention will be given to research techniques in rhetoric; students will conduct a major research project. Prerequisites: A total of at least 15 hours completed in the major, or approval of instructor. Offered in alternate years.

COMM 466 — Communication Internship. 1-6 hours.

The student will intern under the supervision of a professional in an off-campus organization. The internship must be served in an area appropriate to the student’s course of study. The practicum should not be taken until after the junior year or until most required courses in the major have been completed. A minimum of 40 clock hours per credit hour must be spent on site. The student is expected to be an active participant in securing the practicum experience. Students must be registered during the term of the internship.