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COMM300 Communication Theory (3 cr.)
(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications, but is not a writing course.) Prerequisite: WRTG 101/101X or ENGL 101/101X. An introduction to the study of communication theory. The basic theories of human communication, mass communication, and new media and technology are explored. Focus is on the relationships among communication theory, research, and practice. General themes include intra- and interpersonal communication, public communication, mass media, and contemporary issues associated with mediated communication.
COMM319A Designing and Delivering Effective Presentations (1 cr.)
A simulation of a presentation project from conception, through creation and selection of visual aids, to delivery and evaluation. Focus is on conducting an audience analysis, developing a presentation plan, building a presentation using traditional or multimedia resources, delivering the presentation, and evaluating the results.
COMM379A Critical Perspectives in Mass Communications (3 cr.)
(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications, but is not a writing course.) Prerequisite: WRTG 101/101X or ENGL 101/101X. An in-depth examination of mass communications theory. Topics include media uses, interaction and impact, and ethical issues surrounding the development and dissemination of mass media. The roles, behavior, messages, and control of mass media producers are examined. Emphasis is on critical thinking and analysis of vital aspects of pervasive elements of popular culture, such as news, advertising, children's entertainment, and a free press.
COMM379B Minority and Endangered Languages (1 cr.)
An examination of the phenomenon of languages spoken by low numbers of people and those in danger of dying out, such as Gaelic, Navajo and Basque. Topics include the effects of colonization, economics, and natural linguistic practices, as well as efforts to preserve endangered languages.
COMM379C Writing the Resume (1 cr.)
A study of how to write a resume while constructing a persona within the conventions of resume writing. Topics include how to project oneself to future employers and how best to convey this image in a resume and related documents.
COMM380 Language in Social Contexts (3 cr.)
(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications, but is not a writing course.) Prerequisite: WRTG 101/101X or ENGL 101/101X. An examination of the linguistic components of languages, with special emphasis on the English language, its origins, continued development, and use in speaking and writing. Categories of speech and methods of written communication are examined from the perspective of regional and social variation. Discussion covers cultural, gender, and racial variations as well as underlying perspectives and assumptions.
COMM395 Writing in the Health Professions (3 cr.)
(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101X. An introduction to a broad spectrum of writing in the health professions: brochures, fact sheets, medical/insurance/health reports, and articles for newspapers, magazines, and scientific journals. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 395 or ENGL 395.
COMM400 Communication and the Law (3 cr.)
(No previous study of law required. Fulfills the general education requirement in communications, but is not a writing course.) Prerequisite: JOUR 201 or a 300-level COMM course. An examination of the important legal issues that affect professional communicators. Topics include copyright, intellectual property, fair use, privacy, freedom of information, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press, as well as issues raised by the growth of the Internet, the use of digital technologies, and the creation of media content. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 400 or JOUR 400.
COMM421 Communication Management (3 cr.)
Prerequisites: COMM 300 and any SPCH. A study of communication policies, plans, channels, and practices in the management of the communication function in organizations. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: COMM 421 or SPCH 421.
COMM493 Strategies for Visual Communications (3 cr.)
(Fulfills the general education requirement in communications, but is not a writing course. While using desktop publishing programs is necessary to the course, instruction on the software is not provided.) Prerequisite: WRTG 101/ WRTG 101X or ENGL 101/ ENGL 101X. Recommended: A course in desktop publishing. An introduction to graphic design theory that explores the integration of text and graphics in formal and practical design. Topics include organizing information, developing strategic design solutions to enhance communication and applying critical and creative processes to produce and evaluate design.
COMM495 Seminar in Workplace Communication (3 cr.)
(Intended as a final, capstone course to be taken in a student's last 15 credits. Primarily for students planning careers as communication professionals, but useful for managers and other professionals. Fulfills the general education requirement in communications.) Prerequisites: COMM 300 and either WRTG 393, WRTG 394, COMM 393 or COMM 394. Recommended: JOUR 201. A study of workplace communication that integrates knowledge gained through previous coursework and experience and builds on that conceptual foundation through integrative analysis, practical application, and critical thinking. Emerging issues in public relations are considered. Emphasis is on enhancing advanced-level writing skills and developing flexibility in changing writing tone from piece to piece. Topics include how to produce various communications (such as press releases, feature stories, fact sheets, and executive speeches) and the elements of document design.
COMM498 Independent Study in COMM (3 cr.)
No Course Description Available.