Communication Course Descriptions
COMM 1003: Introduction to Communication
This course is an introduction to the discipline of communication studies and explores the various theoretical perspectives on communication processes. The purpose of this course is to demonstrate how communication theory can be applied to everyday communication situations to solve problems in their public, professional, and private lives.
COMM 1111: Individual Events Practicum
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Preparation and performance of a variety of public speaking events.
COMM 1121: Individual Events Practicum
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Preparation and performance of a variety of public speaking events.
COMM 2003: Public Speaking
Prerequisite: ENGL 1013 or equivalent.
Fundamentals of composition, delivery, and logical reasoning. Effective utilization of basic visual aids will be included.
COMM 2013: Voice and Diction
A course for majors and non-majors. A study of the effective use of the voice, including optimum breathing methods, proper vocal technique, improvement of articulation, use of the dialects, and familiarity with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
COMM 2023: Communication Research and Writing
This course teaches majors the fundamentals of conducting scholarly research, accepted citation standards, and effective writing techniques for the communication discipline. Course includes a survey of the sub-areas of the discipline and lecture, discussion, research, presentations, and writing scholarly papers.
COMM 2111, 2121: Debate Practicum
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Case research and participation in public debate.
COMM 2173: Business and Professional Speaking
An introduction to a variety of communication skills to help achieve effectiveness on the job including skill sets such as verbal and listening skills, oral presentation techniques, small group problem solving/leadership, interviewing, and organizational communication.
COMM 3003: Interpersonal Communication
This course teaches students the fundamental practice of effective dyadic communication in social, familial, and work environments. Specifically, the course focuses on topics such as self-concept, perception, listening, conversations, language, nonverbal communication, emotions, and conflict management in relationship.
COMM 3013: Intercultural Communication
An examination of communication variables in different cultures and how to better understand and more effectively communicate across diverse cultures.
COMM 3023: Introduction to Linguistics
Cross-listed: ENGL 3023, FR 3023, GER 3023, SPAN 3023.
Offered: Fall.
Prerequisite: ENGL 1023 or equivalent.
A study of basic concepts of language, comparative characteristics of different languages, and the principles of linguistic investigation.
COMM 3033: Interviewing Principles and Practices
Prerequisite: COMM 2003 or consent of instructor.
A course for both majors and non-majors that uses interviewing theory as a framework for developing skills in preparing for and practicing various types of interviews.
COMM 3053: Health Communication
This course provides an overview of current communication research and practice in various medical and care contexts including patient/provider interactions, provider/provider communication, patient/family interactions, communication and social support related to chronic and terminal illness, promotion and marketing of health information through health campaigns, communication within health care organizations, consumer advocacy, and the politics of healthcare.
COMM 3063: Oral Interpretation
Theory and practice of intelligent and effective oral reading of prose and poetry.
COMM 3073: Group Communication
Examines theory and procedures used when communicating in groups and teams. Areas of inquiry include principles of group formation and development, working in teams, leadership, conflict management, and discussion methods involving decision-making and policy implementation.
COMM 3111, 3121: Debate Practicum
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Case preparation, brief writing, and participation in public debate.
COMM 3123: Argumentation
Prerequisite: COMM 1003, COMM 2003 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Designed to develop research, critical thinking, and persuasive speaking ability. Includes lecture, discussion, research, study of debates, classroom debates, and presentations.
COMM 3163: Writing for Performance
Students will learn to communicate orally through the medium of aesthetic texts such as monologues and plays. This course teaches skills necessary to all forms of dramatic writing, with emphasis on plot structure, character development, and dialogue.
COMM 3223: Nonverbal Communication
This course provides an examination of the various methods in which nonverbal communication is utilized in the communication process. Included in the examination will be historical contexts, as well as the effects of physical appearance, touch, proxemics, eye contact, kinesics, and voice.
COMM 4003: Human Communication Theory
Prerequisite: COMM 1003, 2003, and 2023, or consent of instructor.
This capstone theory class integrates learning about speech communication in various contexts. It is an in-depth study of contemporary and traditional perspectives of human communication, and synthesizes major concepts in human communication theory development.
COMM 4053: Speech Communication Seminar
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
A course for both majors and non-majors who want to investigate the relationship between human communication and contemporary social, political, and economic issues.
COMM 4063: Organizational Communication
Theories of organizational communication are examined in terms of their practical application to various organizational contexts, including social, political, profit, and nonprofit organizations. Includes lecture, discussion, research, and group projects.
COMM 4111, 4121: Individual Events Practicum
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Preparation and performance of a variety of interpretive events.
COMM 4123: Rhetorical Criticism
This course will provide the principles of rhetorical theories as they have developed throughout history, and apply them to the critical analysis of various communication events.
COMM 4153: Persuasive Theory and Audience Analysis
Survey of classical and social science theories of persuasion. Particular emphasis is given to analysis of persuasive strategies, preparation of persuasive appeals, ethics of persuasion, and audience analysis. A consideration of social movements and persuasive campaigns is also included.
COMM 4173: Internship in Speech Communication
Prerequisites: Fifteen semester hours of Communications and COMM 4063, which can be taken concurrently; university grade point average of at least 2.50.
A course that focuses on career goals of students through classroom discussions and places students in communication positions within public and private organizations.
COMM 4223: Communication and Gender
This class asks students to think critically about and beyond the categories of "women" and "men." Students will actively contribute to discussions as we explore the intersection of gender with culture in such contexts as the workplace, sports, the media, families, and friendships.
COMM 4701: Special Methods in Speech
Prerequisite: Admission to student teaching phase of the teacher education program.
Co-requisite: SEED 4909.
Intensive on campus exploration of the principles of curriculum construction, teaching methods, use of community resources, and evaluation as related to teaching speech.
COMM 4951: Undergraduate Research in Communications
Offered: On demand.
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.
COMM 4952, 4953, 4954: Undergraduate Research in Communications
Offered: On demand.
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.
COMM 4991, 4992, 4993, 4994: Special Problems in Communications
A course for majors only. Students are accepted by invitation of the instructor.