Course Descriptions
COMM 101 - Introduction to Mass Communication
4 credit(s)
A preliminary study of communication theory with particular emphasis on mediated communication, including Internet, television, radio, film and print.
COMM 103 - Beginning Public Speaking
3 credit(s)
The study of the theory and practice of various forms of oral communication, including informative speaking oral interpretation, small-group communication and persuasion.
COMM 107 - TV/ Film Screenwriting
3 credit(s)
The analysis and writing of screenplays for television and film.
COMM 109 - Radio Production Activities
2 credit(s)
Credit may be received for significant participation in any phase of radio production with KCLU, the NPR affiliated station located on campus.
COMM 133 - Working on The Echo
2 credit(s)
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.
COMM 161 - Beginning Sign Language
3 credit(s)
An introduction to the study of American sign language.
COMM 200 - Survey of Broadcasting and New Media
4 credit(s)
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.
COMM 207 - TV Production I
3 credit(s)
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.
COMM 208 - Film Production
3 credit(s)
Exploring the cinematic medium in production. The student is expected to complete a super-8mm film. Laboratory and fees required.
COMM 231 - Writing for the Mass Media
4 credit(s)
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.
COMM 233 - Argumentation
4 credit(s)
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.
COMM 301 - Persuasive Communication Campaigns
4 credit(s)
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.
COMM 302 - Gender, Technology and Communication
4 credit(s)
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.
COMM 306 - Business and Professional Communication
4 credit(s)
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.
COMM 307 - Screenwriting
3 credit(s)
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.
COMM 308 - Politics in Cinema
4 credit(s)
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.
COMM 309 - Radio Production Activities
2 credit(s)
Credit may be received for significant participation in any phase of radio production with KCLU, the NPR affiliated station located on campus.
COMM 315 - Small Group Communication
4 credit(s)
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.
COMM 333 - Working on The Echo
2 credit(s)
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.
COMM 335 - Interpersonal Communication
4 credit(s)
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.
COMM 342 - Public Relations
4 credit(s)
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.
COMM 344 - Copywriting/Storyboarding in Broadcast Advertising
4 credit(s)
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, copy writing and story boarding.
COMM 346 - Copyediting, Layout and Design
4 credit(s)
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.
COMM 348 - Research and Publishing on the Wold Wide Web
4 credit(s)
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.
COMM 361 - Intermediate Sign Language
3 credit(s)
Continuing studies in American sign language.
COMM 375 - Principles of Marketing
4 credit(s)
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.
COMM 401 - Communication Theories (Capstone)
4 credit(s)
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.
COMM 405 - Freedom of Communication
4 credit(s)
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.
COMM 406 - Legal Issues and New Media
4 credit(s)
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.
COMM 407 - TV Production II
3 credit(s)
The advanced study of television directing, programming and management. Emphasis is given to cable, community and educational television production.
COMM 408 - Digital Video Production
3 credit(s)
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.
COMM 411 - Sports Related Marketing
4 credit(s)
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.
COMM 461 - Advanced Sign Language
3 credit(s)
Advanced studies in American Sign Language.
COMM 482 - Selected Topics
1-4 credit(s)
COMM 490 - Independent Study
1-4 credit(s)
This course is used to evaluate a senior project if an appropriate internship is unavailable.
COMM 492 - Internship
1-4 credit(s)
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)
