Course Descriptions
COMM101Introduction to Mass Communication
4 credits A preliminary study of communication theory with particular emphasis on mediated communication, including Internet, television, radio, film and print.
COMM103Beginning Public Speaking
3 credits The study of the theory and practice of various forms of oral communication, including informative speaking oral interpretation, small-group communication and persuasion.
COMM107TV/ Film Screenwriting
3 credits The analysis and writing of screenplays for television and film.
COMM109Radio Production Activities
2 credits Credit may be received for significant participation in any phase of radio production with KCLU, the NPR affiliated station located on campus.
COMM133Working on The Echo
2 credits Practical working experience on the University's student newspaper includes reporting, editing, photography, desktop publishing and business management. May be taken four times each for credit. All majors welcome.
COMM161Beginning Sign Language
3 credits An introduction to the study of American sign language.
COMM200Survey of Broadcasting and New Media
4 credits A survey of the broadcasting, cable and other broadband media including the Internet; an introduction to the socio-cultural, legal/regulatory, economic, competitive and technological environment, with emphasis on programming, advertising, audience research and other management issues in the context of digitalization of media.
COMM207TV Production I
3 credits A study of the elements of television production including the operation of the camera, studio control, lights, graphics, special effects and studio organization and operations.
COMM208Film Production
3 credits Exploring the cinematic medium in production. The student is expected to complete a super-8mm film. Laboratory and fees required.
COMM231Writing for the Mass Media
4 credits Instruction and practice in reporting varied news stories for print and electronic media; a writing-intensive introduction to reporting; techniques of interviewing news sources; story structure, consistent editing style and conciseness and clarity with speed; and writing with accuracy and fairness.
COMM233Argumentation
4 credits A study of the principles of argumentative communication focusing on the law, including analysis of issues, evidence and reasoning. Students have several opportunities for practical application of theoretical principles and observation of the judicial process.
COMM301Persuasive Communication Campaigns
4 credits A study of the principles of persuasive communication including an analysis of factors influencing persuasion in platform address, advertising argumentation, interpersonal and mediated communication including historical developments in theories applicable to the field and techniques adapted to the Internet. Students learn techniques of planning, implementation and evaluation of commercial, political and social/public service campaigns.
COMM302Gender, Technology ad Communication
4 credits A study of the themes, issues and problems associated with the interaction between technology, culture and the individual. This course emphasizes theories of self-presentation in cyberspace, feminist responses to the new electronic media and ethical and moral issues surrounding the use of new technology.
COMM306Business and Professional Communication
4 credits A study of the principles involved in communicating in a professional environment. Includes techniques of interviewing, small-group communication, role playing and exercises designed to improve communication skills. Students have several opportunities for practical application of oral communication principles in simulated settings.
COMM307Screenwriting
3 credits An introductory course on the craft of writing for feature film. Emphasis is on narrative storytelling for the screen, understanding film grammar and the tools of the screenwriter - from basic three act structure to characterization. In a workshop approach, students will develop their own story premise, treatment, outline and the first draft of their first act screenplay. Orientation is on the commercial film markets as we will be screening many classic and contemporary films as well as reading several screenplays for analysis.
COMM308Politics in Cinema
4 credits Explores the political nature of cinema and the ways in which political culture, issues and themes are expressed in and through cinema. Particular emphasis is placed on American political culture and practices.
COMM309Radio Production Activities
2 credits Credit may be received for significant participation in any phase of radio production with KCLU, the NPR affiliated station located on campus.
COMM315Small Group Communication
4 credits A study of the types of group discussion with opportunity for student participation. Special emphasis is placed on an examination of group interaction as it relates to discussion.
COMM333Working on The Echo
2 credits Practical working experience on the University's student newspaper includes reporting, editing, photography, desktop publishing and business management. May be taken four times each for credit. All majors welcome.
COMM335Interpersonal Communication
4 credits A study of of dyadic communication focusing on real-life contexts. Emphasis on learning about self, romantic/friendship relationships, family, conflict and gender/ethnic dynamics.
COMM342Public Relations
4 credits The development of public relations theories and practice. Includes principles and methods for audience, media and message analysis; writing for business, industry and nonprofit organizations; and creating and assessing effective forms of public relations and communications.
COMM344Copywriting/Storyboarding in Broadcast Advertising
4 credits Designed as a “hands-on” communication and business course, this course provides an overview of broadcast media and develops skills in basic advertising/public relations campaign production techniques including scripting, copywriting and storyboarding.
COMM346Copyediting, Layout and Design
4 credits The first half of the course emphasizes not only fundamental rules of grammar, punctuation and spelling but also use of AP style and macrolevel editing issues of clarity, concision, thoroughness and fairness. The second half emphasizes computer-assisted layout and design.
COMM348Research and Publishing on the Wold Wide Web
4 credits Hands-on introduction to designing, creating and uploading Web sites and to finding and evaluating resources and information on the Web. Skills taught include Web site creation in raw HTML, use of tables and frames, inclusion of image and sound and inclusion of pre-existing Javascripts. No programming experience required, basic familiarity with computers desirable.
COMM361Intermediate Sign Language
3 credits Continuing studies in American sign language.
COMM375Principles of Marketing
4 credits The study of marketing methods and practices. Topics include policies and problems related to consumers, pricing, advertising, management information systems and distribution and management of the marketing function.
COMM401Communication Theories (Capstone)
4 credits An advanced study of communication theories based on professional literature. Theories are drawn from a variety of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, linguistics and anthropology, which allow the student to study communication phenomena from a variety of competing and complementary perspectives. Students also study the scientific method and the relationship between theory and research. Course assignments include completion of a major research paper and presentation of portfolio project.
COMM405Freedom of Cmmunication
4 credits A study of the limits placed on freedom of expression in the United States. Through examining leading U.S. court decisions and relevant statutes, students will learn the broad principles and legal reasoning underlying First Amendment jurisprudence, including the legal, philosophical and political issues entailed in the rights of free expression. Students will then examine how these principles have been applied to the regulation of the various communication industries including the print media, broadcasting and cable television.
COMM406Legal Issues and New Media
4 credits A study of the law and policy governing the various communication industries, including the print media, broadcasting, cable television, direct broadcast satellites and the Internet.
COMM407TV Production II
3 credits The advanced study of television directing, programming and management. Emphasis is given to cable, community and educational television production.
COMM408Digital Video Production
3 credits Addresses the basic skills and theories of basic television production as they apply in education and industrial/corporate television production, distance learning and digital video for the World Wide Web.
COMM411Sports Related Marketing
4 credits An introduction to management and marketing issues in the sports industry, with a particular emphasis on major and minor league professional sports. Students will receive a broad overview of the structure of sports and its relationship to the dominant culture, the economy and the media.
COMM461Advanced Sign Language
3 credits Advanced studies in American Sign Language.
COMM482Selected Topics
1 credit
COMM490Independent Study
1 credit
This course is used to evaluate a senior project if an appropriate internship is unavailable.
COMM492Internship
1 credit
The student finds an internship appropriate to his or her career choice to fulfill the communication requirement. Contracts are available at the Career Services Center. (graded P/NC only)