Academic Catalog

COMMUNICATION STUDIES (COMM)

COMM 105  INTRODUCTION TO MASS MEDIA  
3 Credit Hours  
Critical examination of mass media with special emphasis on ways in which social, economic and psychological factors influence the structure, functions and effects of the media. (3 lecture)
COMM 107  HUMAN COMM & RATIONAL DECISION  
3 Credit Hours  
Argumentation, small group, persuasion and systems theories application to the process and outcome of rational decision making in communication. Some emphasis on critical-rational response to manipulative communication. (3 lecture)
COMM 111  ~FUND OF PUBLIC SPEAKING  
3 Credit Hours  
Principles of public communication; public speaking. (3 lecture)
COMM 112  SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION  
3 Credit Hours  
Course focuses on the theories, concepts and skills necessary to function effectively in a variety of group settings. Topics include group norms, rules, roles, conflict management, leadership, problem solving, decision-making and team building. (3 lecture)
COMM 202  INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION  
3 Credit Hours  
One-to-one communication; strengths and weaknesses of one's own communication skills; approaches to conflict; listening; verbal and nonverbal interactions. (3 lecture)
COMM 210  AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE 1  
3 Credit Hours  
An introduction to American Sign Language. Recognize and produce approximately 700 signs, understand basic structure of ASL, communicate expressively and receptively in one to one conversations. (3 lecture)
COMM 212  AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE 2  
3 Credit Hours  
Improve skills needed to communicate in sign language. Includes increasing sign language vocabulary, practicing finger spelling and communicating with signs. (3 lecture)
Prerequisite(s): COMM 210 or SPCH 210  
COMM 281  CONTEST SPEAK: PREPARED EVENTS  
1 Credit Hour  
Concentrates on events that are prepared in advance including informative, persuasive and communication analysis speeches; parliamentary and Lincoln-Douglas policy debate. Students are expected to participate in intercollegiate forensic competitions. (1 lecture)
COMM 282  CONTEST SPEAK: ORIGINAL EVENTS  
1 Credit Hour  
Concentrates on events that are original but which are not completely prepared and memorized in advance; extemporaneous and impromptu speaking. (1 lecture)
COMM 283  CONTEST SPEAK: INTERPRETATION  
1 Credit Hour  
Concentrates on the interpretation of prose, poetry and drama in the contest setting. Emphasis upon finding literature, analyzing and interpretating it. (1 lecture)
COMM 287  READERS THEATRE  
1-3 Credit Hours  
The study and practice of the art including script analysis, interpretation, proper use of the expressive voice, staging approaches including both the ensemble and solo performance. Students will participate in a Reader's Theatre Program. (1-3 lecture)
COMM 293  COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE  
1-8 Credit Hours  
(1-8 lecture)
COMM 295  SEMINAR IN COMMUNICATION  
1 Credit Hour  
(1 lecture)
COMM 297  SPECIAL TOPICS  
1-6 Credit Hours  
(1-6 lecture)
COMM 299  INDEPENDENT STUDY  
1-6 Credit Hours  
(1-6 lecture)
COMM 303  BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL COMM  
3 Credit Hours  
This course is an application of the principles of communication. Simulated projects and oral presentations will be used to refine communication skills necessary for entry-level positions within business and other professional settings. (3 lecture)
Prerequisite(s): COMM 111 or SPCH 111  
COMM 304  HUMAN COMM/RATIONAL DECISIONS  
3 Credit Hours  
Argumentation, small group, persuasion, and systems theories application to the process and outcome of rational decision making in communication. (3 lecture)
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 and (COMM 111 or SPCH 111)  
COMM 306  HUMAN COMM IN ORG & INSTITU  
3 Credit Hours  
Communication processes and problems in business and non- business organizations and institutions with attention to practical application. (3 lecture)
COMM 308  NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION  
3 Credit Hours  
A study of nonverbal behavior as it occurs in interpersonal relations. (3 lecture)
COMM 309  HEALTH COMMUNICATION  
3 Credit Hours  
Course provides an introduction to communication within the healthcare context using an interpersonal and organizational approach. It will examine how individuals construct, exchange and evaluate health care messages. (3 lecture)
COMM 310  ARGUMENTATION & DEBATE  
3 Credit Hours  
This course provides an overview of the principles of argumentation, logic & reasoning, evidence, forms of debate, and decision making. Application of the principles will take the form of in-class debates. (3 lecture)
Pre/Corequisite(s): SPCH 111 or COMM 111  
COMM 316  INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION  
3 Credit Hours  
A comprehensive overview of communication in various cultures. (3 lecture)
COMM 393  COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE  
1-12 Credit Hours  
COMM 397  SPECIAL TOPICS  
1-6 Credit Hours  
(1-6 lecture)
COMM 404  PERSUASION THEORY & RESEARCH  
3 Credit Hours  
Theory and research in persuasion, emphasizing a critical understanding and a working knowledge of select principles of speech communication upon changing attitudes, beliefs, values and behavior. (3 lecture)
Prerequisite(s): SPCH 111 or COMM 111 and (ENGL 101 or ENGL 111) and (ENGL 102 or ENGL 112)  
COMM 460  CAPSTONE COMMUNICATION STUDIES  
1 Credit Hour  
This course provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate comprehensive learning and application in communication studies. The course will also focus on final preparation for work and/or graduate school. (1 lecture)