Communication (COMST.BS)

An introduction to the conventions of film and television writing formats. The course covers the fundamentals of screen storytelling, acquaints students with the nuances of particular formats, and explores excellence in each through analysis of texts and practical application.

Prerequisites

ENGL 110

This course covers multiple aspects of contemporary film analysis and criticism. Current and historic films are examined from technical, artistic and moral/ethical perspectives. Students will receive a thorough introduction to tools and methods required for in-depth critique and appreciation of film.

Prerequisites

DIGM-200, OR COMM-200, OR CINE-200, CINE-201, CINE-202

An introduction to the conventions of film and television writing formats. The course covers the fundamentals of screen storytelling, acquaints students with the nuances of particular formats, and explores excellence in each through analysis of texts and practical application.

Prerequisites

ENGL 110. 

This course introduces the discipline and multiple fields of communication by surveying the origin, history, and development of the field as well as the basic dimensions, concepts, and theories of human communicative interaction and behavior in both mediated and non-mediated contexts.

A course for beginners in the basic principles of speech directed toward the establishment of habits of good speech.

Prerequisites

None

An introduction to the theory and practice of interpersonal communication. Students will examine verbal and nonverbal elements affecting communication between individuals in family, peer, group, and work contexts. Emphasis is placed on building skills needed to improve the quality of relationships through experiential learning.

Prerequisites

COMM 200

This course introduces students to research methodologies used in the field of communication. Theoretical approaches to research and its value provide a basis for studying research design, specific qualitative and quantitative methods, the collection of data, and standards in statistical and rhetorical analysis of data. Attention is given to how research functions in the academic world as well as in communication-related professions such as journalism, public relations, advertising, and digital media.

Prerequisites

COMM 200 or DIGM 200

A course providing a theoretical integration of the Christian faith with the field of Communication. Reviews fundamental themes connecting faith with communication practice for Christians from the time of the early church to the present, with special emphasis on practical responses to cultural and historical shifts in worldviews.

Prerequisites

THEO 231, Senior status or consent of instructor

This course introduces students to major issues and perspectives in rhetorical criticism, including foundational concepts from the history of rhetorical theory, elements of rhetorical studies, and methods of rhetorical analysis.  By surveying traditional and contemporary approaches to rhetorical criticism, readings will encourage students to engage in the process of thinking about symbol use, reflect upon the power of language and human symbolic activity, and systematically explore how these processes work and why they affect us.  Rhetorical approaches examine how to use language and symbols more effectively, how to communicate in more self-reflective ways, and how to evaluate messages that better accomplish strategic goals.

Prerequisites

COMM-300 or permission of instructor

Designed to mentor the communication major or minor in the application of the techniques and procedures of research in communication.  For upper-division majors and minors only.

Prerequisites

COMM 300 or COMM 301

This course looks at the principles of argumentation and debate, analysis and discussion of current public questions, briefing, inductive and deductive reasoning, strategy and refutation, and debates.

Prerequisites

COMM 200 or permission of instructor

An introduction to the theory and practice of communication in organizations. Examines organizational behavior from the standpoint of historical and contemporary theories along with examples and case studies. Emphasis is placed on the role of communication in the development and maintenance of organizational structures.

Prerequisites

COMM 200 or consent of instructor

A study of the relationship between communication and culture with emphasis on factors affecting the processes and quality of interpersonal communication between those of differing cultures and subcultures.

Prerequisites

None

An examination of effective leadership and the central role of communication in leadership processes.  The course examines both traditional and contemporary notions of leadership and its practice in interpersonal, team, public, and virtual contexts.

Prerequisites

COMM-200

This course covers the basic principles and techniques of sport communication for collegiate and professional sports.  Students will also examine the interrelationship between sport and media in today's society. Students will consider the functions and ethical responsibilities of media and sports communication personnel as well as the societal effects and impact of sports media.

Prerequisites

COMM 200 or DIGM 200 or consent of instructor.

Explores the theoretical and practical aspects of human communication and mass communication within culture. Both critical and institutional approaches will be studied. Specific areas will include the critical functions of language, relationship between interpersonal communication and the media, media values, and mediated reality within societies in both developed and underdeveloped countries.

Prerequisites

COMM 200 or DIGM 200

This course examines later middle 20th century film (1960-1979) production in Hollywood and the United States. The course will study films that are significant in the progression of the industry through the Cold War, the counterculture movement, and the introduction of blockbusters. The course will focus on the significant films and filmmakers that influenced the further development of the film industry through a tumultuous time in American history and culture.

Prerequisites

ENGL 110

A course designed to engage students in the social media world both practically and theoretically. Students will use key social media innovations and explore the implications of social media upon interpersonal interaction, business, marketing, politics, religion and human cognition.

Prerequisites

DIGM 200 or COMM-200 or ARTS 200

An introduction to the form, style and content of numerous categories of media writing. The course includes practical application of writing strategies and subjects for public relations, advertising, magazines, newspapers, television, radio and others.

Prerequisites

COMM 200, ENGL 110

This course introduces techniques of journalism by developing the students' news gathering and writing abilities under deadline pressures. Emphasis is placed on news and feature writing for print, electronic and online news media.

Prerequisites

COMM 200 OR DIGM 200

Introduces student journalists to the craft of creative non-fiction storytelling through narrative and other feature story types.  Students will cultivate their voices as writers while developing their reporting, researching, and interviewing skills as journalists.   Computer-assisted instruction.

Prerequisites

COMM-200 or DIGM-200

This course provides instruction and practice in written commercial and public service copy for television and radio. Basic advertising principles are applied to broadcast situations.

Prerequisites

ENGL 110

This course provides instruction and practice in the specialized field of writing and producing for broadcast journalism. Course content includes mechanics of news gathering, interviewing, writing and reporting.  Discussion topics include news values, ethical considerations and development of individual stories.

Prerequisites

ENGL 110

This course introduces students to the writing skills, knowledge and perspectives required to craft strategic messages capable of achieving specific PR objectives with key audiences.  Students will develop and edit written messages for a variety of distribution channels, taking into account factors such as timing, organizational control and audience characteristics. Particular attention will be placed on the development of news releases (using Associated Press style), fact sheets, feature stories, and electronic media posts using an integrated communication approach.

Prerequisites

PUBR 284 and ENGL 110 OR permission of instructor

This course focuses on developing future managers and professionals in the art of effective communication, both oral and written.  Emphasis is placed on research methods and reporting writing.

Prerequisites

ENGL-110

This course surveys the history and theories of journalism and introduces students to contemporary journalistic practices. Students will learn about the function and operation of print, electronic and online news media.

Prerequisites

COMM 200 or DIGM 200

An introduction to public relations for profit and nonprofit organizations. Topics include the history, principles, theories, practices, planning and research of the public relations field. This is the foundational course for all subsequent study in public relations.

Prerequisites

COMM 200

This course looks at advertising and focuses on the communication aspects of advertising. Topics include types and functions of advertising and the fundamentals of broadcast and print advertising.

Prerequisites

COMM 200