Course Descriptions

110 FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION 3 hours
Examines a broad variety of communication contexts focusing both on the theoretical foundations and the development of communication skills. The course covers the definition and models of communication, including basic concepts such as the speaker, the listener and the message. The course also addresses mediating variables that affect communication across contexts, such as gender and culture. Finally, the course demonstrates how to communicate effectively in various settings, including interpersonal, group, public and mediated communication. Fall. Spring. GE-C.

130 MEDIA LITERACY 3 hours
A study of the history, organization and mechanics of the mass media. Various media will be examined to discover their roles in society, their artistic aspects and their relationships to individuals. Fall.

140 TOURING CHILDREN’S THEATRE 3 hours
The principles and practices of organizing, performing and directing a touring theatre company for child audiences. Particular emphasis is on participatory plays, and a significant proportion of the course is devoted to touring. January.

201 THEATRE AND SOCIETY 3 hours
A study of the complex relationship between theatre and Western culture. Designed to increase the student’s awareness of theatre as a fine art, the course will study significant playwrights, plays, performances and productions that illustrate the continuing development of theatre as a social force and as an artistic form. Spring.

210 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION 3 hours
A study of the factors involved in sending and receiving messages in interpersonal relationships. The student is encouraged to develop increased awareness of the effect one’s communicating has on others and on the self. Both theoretical and applied aspects are stressed in the course. Fall.

212 SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION 3 hours
An introduction to small group communication theory and practice. Lectures and assignments will provide the opportunity to examine the impact of the following on communication in a small group setting: group roles, leadership, group interaction patterns and group formation and development. Fall.

221 DISCOURSE IN POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND SOCIAL MOVEMENTS 3 hours
An examination of campaign and social movement discourse and development theory. Students will analyze persuasive message strategies utilized in historical and current political campaigns and social movements. Fall, even years.

230 APPLIED THEORIES OF COMMUNICATION 3 hours
Students will apply communication theory through the lens of their chosen concentration in communication studies to examine human interaction, both interpersonally and in the larger social world. Emphasis on presentation and preparation for the internship in communication studies.

232 NEW MEDIA 3 hours
A broad survey of media developed beyond TV. Students will learn of fundamental issues in new media, including their development, consumer and civic applications, and effects. Course readings will emphasize audience and user behaviors, interactivity, industry issues, and the implications of media fragmentation.

253 RADIO PRODUCTION AND PRACTICES 3 hours
Training and experiences in radio production including practice in the organization and utilization of various program formats, microphone techniques, and use of equipment. The facilities of the campus radio station will be used as a laboratory. Spring, even years.

256 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION 3 hours
An examination of how communication is influenced by culture and how culture is created and maintained through communication. Students will explore the complex relationship between culture and communication and how these and two issues interact with context and power in intercultural interactions. Fall. GE-M1.

260 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC RELATIONS 3 hours
An introduction to the ethical management of relationships between organizations and the publics that can affect their success. Students will learn the public relations process of research, planning, communication and evaluation; and prepare and present to groups.

273 ACTING 3 hours
Basic techniques of acting, including work in play analysis, pantomime and improvisation. Presentation of selected scenes. Fall, odd years.

302 APPLIED THEATRE ARTS* 0.5 hour
Credit for supervised participation in dramatic productions as a crew member, staff member or actor. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

303 APPLIED FORENSICS* 0.5 hour
Credit for supervised participation (research and/or travel) in intercollegiate debate competition or related forensic activities of the department such as mock trial, etc. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

304 APPLIED BROADCAST MEDIA* 0.5 hour
Credit for supervised participation in radio or video activities including serving as radio staff, producers, editors and/or camerapersons for the period of production. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

308 CREATIVE DRAMATICS 2-3 hours
How one draws out and channels creativity in children and adults by using such methods as pantomime, improvisation, movement activities, and improvised story dramatization. The course is for elementary and secondary teachers, camp counselors and park or playground supervisors. Fall. Spring.

314 LANGUAGE AND THOUGHT (W) 3 hours
Examination of some of the connections between the structure of language and the structure of thinking. Types of misevaluation are analyzed in terms of the language habits from which they spring. Effort is made to help the student be more aware of the interpersonal and organizational problems created by unexamined attitudes toward language.

315 STAGECRAFT AND DESIGN 3 hours
The relationship between the scenic designer and the stage technician, and between the design idea and the realization of that idea. The materials and techniques for constructing stage scenery and the principles and elements of scenic design will be discussed. Projects and practical experience are a part of the course. Fall, even years.

320 VIDEO PRODUCTION AND PRACTICES 3 hours
Training and experience in the fundamental principles and practices of video production and performance. Laboratory experience will focus on the use of the equipment, camera and lighting techniques, program editing and formatting. Fall.

322 COMMUNICATION FOR INSTRUCTORS 3 hours
The application of principles of communication in the classroom and other instructional settings. This course is designed primarily for prospective teachers and emphasizes the importance of good communication for good teaching.

324 PERSUASION 3 hours
A study of the messages that move humans to act. Emphasis on the persuasive, argumentative and propagandistic appeals used to secure or resist social change. Students will employ a number of analytical tools to build critical inquiry skills and develop advocacy skills by creating and presenting ethical arguments. Spring.

325 INTERCULTURAL THEATRE 3 hours
Characteristic theatre forms of non-Western cultures and their development will be surveyed. Special attention will be paid to the aesthetics of these theatre forms and the impact that social and political factors have had on their development. The course will be offered during alternating January sessions and, when feasible, will be off campus. GE-M2.

330 DIRECTING (W) 3 hours
The principles and practices of play production including play selection and rehearsal procedures. Each student will be responsible for the analysis and interpretation of at least six different full-length plays. Practical experience will be gained by directing selected scenes. Prerequisite: ENG 110. Spring, even years.

332 SPEECH WRITING 3 hours
Examination of the principles of speech construction and delivery with emphasis on the study of significant model speeches. Students will learn the techniques for constructing professional speeches. Students will have extensive public speaking practice. Prerequisite: ENG 110. Spring, odd years.

335 ADVANCED PUBLIC RELATIONS: CAMPAIGNS, CRISES, AND COMMUNITY
3 hours
Students will refine skills learned in the introductory course by designing their own PR campaigns and by working in teams on crisis response simulations. Particular emphasis is placed on developing appropriate and individual approaches to community relations. Prerequisite: COMM 260 or consent of instructor.

341 COMMUNICATION IN ORGANIZATIONS (W) 3 hours
An examination of approaches to the study of communication channels in complex organizations. Units cover organizational theories, communication climate, message flow, communication audit and communication with the public. Prerequisite: ENG 110. Spring.

350 INTERVIEWING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES 3 hours
Examination of the communication principles that characterize formal interviews. The influence of roles, verbal and nonverbal communication, strategies, and ethics will be considered for interviews in a variety of settings: employment, medical, journalism and counseling. Spring.

360 COMMUNICATION ETHICS AND FREE SPEECH 3 hours
Examination of the tensions between free and responsible communication in society. Using selected case studies of communication (taken from a variety of contexts and forums: interpersonal, organizational and public), this course examines the moral implications of human communication. Spring.

362 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 3 hours
A study of the economic, cultural, and technological implications of cell phones, PDAs, IPods, laptops, cameras and surveillance technologies. Students will learn the implications of these everyday media for larger issues, such as citizenship, consumerism and civic activism. Course content will emphasize the challenges and possibilities of adapting telecommunication technologies to civic purposes, and of the power of distance-collapsing and space-transforming media. Prerequisites: COMM 232 or permission of instructor.

363 WRITING FOR MASS MEDIA 3 hours
Writing for all phases of mass media. Students learn formats and requirements in writing for both print and electronic media including PSAs, commercials, news and drama. Students learn the function of writing in mass media and develop individual writing skills. Spring.

365 MEDIA THEORY AND CRITICISM (W) 3 hours
An examination and critique of mass media theories. Students will engage in critical analysis of the various concepts, models and theories of mass media, how film and video construct meaning and how the viewer interprets meaning. Using various theories and critical approaches, students will examine how these media reflect, shape and interact with culture. Prerequisite: ENG 110. Spring, odd years.

367 TV CRITICISM 3 hours
This course is an application of critical theory to the television industry and television programs. Students will learn how TV meaningfully combines images, sounds and words, and how audiences can negotiate and subvert these combinations. Particular attention will be paid to aesthetics, issues of representation and audience behaviors. Other topics will include reality TV, television as a culture industry, interactive TV, and the global television market.

370 RESEARCH METHODS 3 hours
This course will provide an introduction to communication research. It will include framing appropriate questions for research, choosing a suitable qualitative or quantitative method and sample, crafting the research design and collection of data. Data analysis and interpretation, as well as research ethics, will also be addressed.

375 INTERNSHIP IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES 3 hours
Students will function as applied professionals in communication fields appropriate to their interests and training, including radio and television stations, theatres, public relations firms, etc. May not be repeated for credit. Application forms are available in the department office. Prerequisite: Juniors or seniors majoring or minoring in communication studies or students completing the Associate of Arts degree in communication studies.

415 RHETORIC OF WAR 3 hours
An exploration of war rhetoric found in current and historical artifacts. Students will utilize classical and contemporary methods of rhetorical criticism and reflect upon the ethical nature of persuasive appeals. Course content will include a survey of historical, political, philosophical and religious documents, in addition to an investigation of site specific commemorative rhetoric such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. GE-L.

432 GUERRILLA JOURNALISM 3 hours
At the intersection of professional media production and political activism, guerrilla journalists use cameras, microphones and post-production editing to craft media processes. Students will form “media collectives,” will produce audio and video projects, and will upload these projects to the internet. Activities will include formal instruction on equipment usage, video composition, distribution strategies, and the role of guerrilla journalism in civic activism. Prerequisites: COMM 232 or permission of instructor.

477 SENIOR INTERNSHIP IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES 3 hours
Students will work in a professional environment as a part of their senior comprehensive evaluation. Students design the internship with the help of the communication studies faculty member in charge of internships. Senior internships may not be repeated for credit. Application forms are available in the department office. Prerequisite: COMM 370.

499 SENIOR RESEARCH PROJECT 3 hours
Students will conduct original research as part of their senior comprehensive evaluation. Students will design a research study with the help of a communication studies faculty member. Senior research projects cannot be repeated for credit. Students must complete an application form in the department office. Prerequisite: COMM 370

380 or 480 SPECIAL PROBLEMS 1-4 hours
A student who has demonstrated ability to work independently may propose a course and pursue it with a qualified and willing professor. The department chair and the vice president and dean for academic affairs also must approve. A set of guidelines is available at the Office of the Registrar.

385 or 485 SEMINAR 1-4 hours
An in-depth consideration of a significant scholarly problem or issue. Students pursue a supervised, independent inquiry on an aspect of the topic and exchange results through reports and discussions.