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Courses - Fall 2023
COMM
Communication Department Site
COMM107
Oral Communication: Principles and Practices
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
GenEd: FSOC
Credit only granted for: COMM107, COMM200, ENES143, INAG110, JOUR130 or THET285.
A study of and practice in oral communication, including principles of interviewing, group discussion, listening, informative briefings, and persuasive speeches.
COMM107B
(Perm Req)
Oral Communication: Principles and Practices
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
GenEd: FSOC
Credit only granted for: COMM107, COMM200, ENES143, INAG110, JOUR130 or THET285.
A study of and practice in oral communication, including principles of interviewing, group discussion, listening, informative briefings, and persuasive speeches.
Restricted to students in the Smith Business Leadership Fellows program.
COMM107C
Oral Communication: Principles and Practices
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
GenEd: FSOC
Credit only granted for: COMM107, COMM200, ENES143, INAG110, JOUR130 or THET285.
A study of and practice in oral communication, including principles of interviewing, group discussion, listening, informative briefings, and persuasive speeches.
This class is designed for current or prospective STEM students.
COMM130
Professional Communication and Writing
Credits: 1
Grad Meth: Reg
Restriction: Must be in the Communication major.
Designed to enhance the clarity and grace of students' writing. Students will acquire knowledge of writing based on principles of style and grammar as well as argument and organizational structure across a diversity of professional writing contexts. Students will also engage in peer review of one another's writing.
COMM200
Critical Thinking and Speaking
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: FSOC
Credit only granted for: COMM107, COMM200, ENES143, INAG110, JOUR130, OR THET285.
Theory and practice of persuasive discourse analysis and composition. Research techniques, logical and rhetorical conceptions of argument, and technical principles for persuading in public venues.
Attendance on the first day of classes is mandatory.
COMM201
Introduction to Public Relations
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in COMM130.
Restriction: Must be in the Communication major.
Basic concepts and principles of public relations. Roles in organizations and society; history; skills and practices of public relations; theories and models of effective and ethical public relations.
COMM230
Argumentation and Debate
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
A study of the fundamental principles of reasoning, analysis, and evidence preparation of debate briefs and presentation of standard academic debate.
Attendance on the first day of class is mandatory.
COMM250
Introduction to Communication Inquiry
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
An introduction to the field of communication. Definitions, models, and contexts of communication; rhetorical theory and rhetorical criticism of discourse.
COMM288
(Perm Req)
Communication Internship
Credits: 1 - 6
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM301
Rhetorical Theories
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: COMM130, COMM250; and one course from STAT100, BMGT230, EDMS451, CCJS200, PSYC200, or SOCY201; and one course from COMM107, COMM200, or COMM230; and must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in COMM304.
Restriction: Must be in the Communication major.
Credit only granted for: COMM301 or COMM401.
Explores the idea of rhetoric, from antiquity to digitality. Rhetoric, as an art of moving bodies, is central to democratic self-governance: only through persuading each other can we develop a shared vision of a just and desirable future. This course tracks the genesis of rhetorical theory in the ancient world, 20th-century struggles against fascist rhetoric, and contemporary extensions of rhetoric in digital media ecologies.
COMM302
Communication Science Theories
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: COMM130, COMM250; and one of STAT100, BMGT230, EDMS451, CCJS200, PSYC200, or SOCY201; and one of COMM107, COMM200, or COMM230; and must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in COMM304.
Restriction: Must be in the Communication major.
Credit only granted for: COMM302 or COMM402.
This class introduces students to the principles of theory construction and offers a critical overview of how communication theories can be applied to solving problems in diverse social contexts, including interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, health, and/or political issues. The ultimate goal of this course is to put students in an intellectual position to understand theories more logically and critically and use them appropriately and effectively in conducting academic research and addressing social issues.
COMM303
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: COMM130 and COMM250; and one of STAT100, BMGT230, EDMS451, CCJS200, PSYC200, or SOCY201; and one of COMM107, COMM200, or COMM230; and must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in COMM304.
Restriction: Must be in the Communication major.
Provides students with an introduction to media theory from multiple perspectives. We will begin by understanding how the history of mediated communication has been connected to ideology and lived experiences. Through readings, discussions, and activities, you will understand how technical, historical, economic social, and political forces have helped shape media content and the media themselves. You should also become familiar with the debate over how much influence the media have over their audiences, and what types of influences are present. The course will introduce issues relevant to consideration of media and historically underrepresented and marginalized groups, as well as individual and societal functions of the media.
COMM304
Communication Research Literacy
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have completed the Communication gateway requirements (COMM250; and one of STAT100, BMGT230, EDMS451, CCJS200, PSYC200, or SOCY201; and one of COMM107, COMM200 or COMM230). Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in COMM130.
Restriction: Must be in the Communication program.
Explores the different research traditions in the Communication discipline. This "literacy" course will develop students' ability to locate and fully comprehend Communication research and to understand how that research is conducted, reported, analyzed, and critiqued in Communication literature.
COMM305
Qualitative Communication Research Methods
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: COMM130 and COMM304.
Restriction: Must be in the Communication major.
Introduces undergraduate students to the methods used in qualitative communication research. Topics covered in class include ethics, field research, reflexivity, data collection, and data analysis. Over the course of the semester, students will develop a research prospectus, engage in field research (interviews and observations), analyze qualitative data, and write/present their research.
COMM306
Rhetorical Methods in Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: COMM130 and COMM304.
Restriction: Must be in the Communication major.
Equips students with skills for conducting research using rhetorical-critical methods. Such methods are crucial for scholars studying all kinds of public rhetoric: speeches, popular culture, photojournalism, digital media, public monuments, laws, and more. They are also instrumental for citizens engaging with elected officials, other citizens, and democratic institutions, as well as professionals who seek to create and understand persuasive discourse. This course will equip you with critical interpretive skills important to your work as a scholar, citizen, and professional.
COMM307
Quantitative Methods in Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: COMM130 and COMM304.
Restriction: Must be in the Communication major.
Credit only granted for: COMM400 or COMM307.
Formerly: COMM400.
Designed to introduce students to the basics of quantitative communication research methods. As such, it covers the basic principles of scientific inquiry, the process for generating research questions and hypotheses, the concept of variables, sampling methods, research designs, basics of data analyses, as well as ethics in scientific research. This course prepares students to become informed consumers of quantitative communication research.
COMM311
(Perm Req)
Peer Consulting in Oral Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of Communication department.
Credit only granted for: COMM398C or COMM311.
Formerly: COMM398C.
Additional information: There will be a pre-enrollment interview conducted before students are given permission to enroll in the course.
Provides training in the principles and practice of peer consulting in the context of the Oral Communication Center in the Department of Communication. Students will apply and integrate the knowledge and skills acquired in their fundamental studies oral communications course with new training to help their peers become outstanding listeners and speakers. Students will also engage in a group research project designed to extend knowledge in peer consulting best practices.
COMM324
Communication and Gender
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: DSHU, DVUP
Explores how communication shapes constructions of gender, sex, sexuality and other identity markers. Topics include issues of oppression, identity, and power and social, political, and economic situations and examines how these issues impact our daily lives.
COMM330
Argumentation and Public Policy
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Contemporary theories of argumentation with special emphasis on methods of formulating and critiquing public policy argument.
COMM331
(Perm Req)
News Writing and Reporting for Public Relations
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: COMM130 and COMM201.
Restriction: Must be in Communication program; and (sophomore standing; or junior standing).
Credit only granted for: JOUR201, COMM231, or COMM331.
Formerly: COMM231.
Writing and researching news and information media for public relations; laboratory in news-gathering tools and writing techniques for public relations.
COMM351
(Perm Req)
Public Relations Techniques
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: COMM331.
Restriction: Must be in Communication program.
The techniques of public relations, including news releases, publications and printed materials, audio-visual techniques, speeches and special events. Application of these techniques in laboratory and field projects.
COMM353
(Perm Req)
New Media Writing for Public Relations
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in COMM351.
Restriction: Must be in Communication program.
Credit only granted for: COMM352 or COMM353.
Formerly: COMM352.
Students learn the uses and influence of new media on public relations practice and expand their ability to write using new and traditional media platforms and tools
COMM360
The Rhetoric of Black America
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
An historical-critical survey of the rhetoric of Black Americans from the colonial period to the present.
COMM370
Mediated Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: COMM250.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
Analysis and critique of structure, performance, content, effects, and future of mediated communication.
COMM370H
(Perm Req)
Mediated Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: COMM250.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
Analysis and critique of structure, performance, content, effects, and future of mediated communication.
COMM371
Communication and Digital Media
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in Communication program.
A basic introduction to communication in the digital age. Through class lectures, assignments and projects, students will learn to effectively use new media for the purpose of strategic message creation and management used in the field of communication. Students will apply the basics of visual layout skills and the principles of visual design to create messages using words and images.
COMM372
Communication, Meaning, and Digital Media
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg
Restriction: Must be in Communication program.
An exploration of visual communication and meaning creation. A theoretical and practical application of communication concepts and techniques in the production of visual content.
Formerly COMM498J. Credit granted for COMM498J or COMM372.
COMM373
Communication and Digital Visual Narrative
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in Communication program.
Examination of the traditional style of visual communication, its practices and theoretical underpinnings juxtaposed against contemporary digital media aesthetics and techniques. Utilizing a variety of communication skills and new media tools, students will plan, write, shoot, edit, and upload digital visual narratives.
Formerly COMM498K. Credit granted for COMM498K or COMM373.
COMM375
Documentary Theory and Practice
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in Communication program.
A historical and theoretical introduction to documentary films and videos. Students will explore the power of documentaries to address socially significant issues.
COMM382
Essentials of Intercultural Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: DVCC
Credit only granted for: COMM382 or COMM482.
Introduction of major theories and concepts of intercultural communication; examination of processes that make up cultural differences; and use of intercultural communication competence skills.
COMM385
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: DSSP, SCIS
Credit only granted for: COMM385 or COMM498I (Spring 2014).
Formerly: COMM498I (Spring 2014).
Explores contemporary theories of influence and their implications for communication practice. Topics include power and influence, logical theory, rhetorical theory, persuasion theory, framing theory, social influence theory, and propagation of influence in mediated social networks.
COMM386
(Perm Req)
Experiential Learning
Credits: 3 - 6
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
GenEd: DSSP
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-Communication department.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher; and must be in Communication program.
Supervised internship experience with communication professionals. Relation of academic training to professional experience.
COMM388
(Perm Req)
Communication Practicum
Credits: 1 - 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Contact department for information to register for this course.
COMM398E
Selected Topics in Communication; Health Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg
COMM398N
Selected Topics in Communication; Communication and Digital Imaging
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg
COMM398O
Selected Topics in Communication; Environmental Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Environmental Communication explores the theory and practice of talking about the environment. Students will explore how environmental discourses construct and challenge our identities and relationships with other beings as part of multiple complex and interconnected systems. Topics covered include historical and contemporary rhetorics of environmentalism, scholarly thought on discourses of nature and culture, and efforts to relocate the "center" of environmental communication by privileging the perspectives and strategies of marginalized knowledges, practices, and voices.
COMM398Q
Selected Topics in Communication; Social Media Analytics
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg
COMM398T
Selected Topics in Communication; Digital Culture and Civic Life
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Restricted to COMM majors only.

This course asks: what does it mean to participate in civic life in a digital age? Students will explore their role as participants in digital culture by critically engaging contemporary case studies alongside learning digital production skills. Topics like social media activism, algorithmic bias, and conspiracy theories will be paired with digital projects like video essays and Twitter bots.
COMM398U
(Perm Req)
Selected Topics in Communication; Peer Mentoring in Oral Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Provides training in peer mentoring specifically focusing on communicati ve best practices, the establishment of shared goals, and effectively managing the mentor/mentee relationships.
COMM399
(Perm Req)
COMM424
Communication in Complex Organizations
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Structure and function of communication within organizations: organizational climate and culture, information flow, networks and role relationships.
COMM425
Negotiation and Conflict Management
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Role of communication in shaping negotiation and conflict processes and outcomes.
Restricted to COMM majors only.
COMM426
Conflict Management
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Recommended: COMM425 and COMM250.
Role of communication in managing conflict processes.
This course is restricted to COMM majors only.
COMM427
Crisis Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Explores theories and research related to communication before, during, and after a crisis. Students examine the fundamentals of organizational communication, crisis management, and strategic and crisis communication planning before examining case studies of a number of real-life crises: organizational crises, natural disasters, accidents, terrorism incidents, health crises, and major crises of credibility.
COMM435
Theories of Interpersonal Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Major theoretical approaches and research trends in the study of interpersonal communication.
COMM449B
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Communication and Social Media
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM449E
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Communication, Sport, and Media
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restrictions: Restricted to COMM majors only.

Description: An exploration of cultural and mediated influences on the intersection of sport, society, and communication. The course covers topics such as how cultural values become embedded within sports and sports media, and how factors such as race, gender, national identity, or global diplomacy impact communication about sports.
COMM449F
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Media Campaign Message Design
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Restricted to COMM majors only.

In this project-based course, students will learn about media campaigns by topics and design campaigns using different media platforms.
COMM449L
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Media Literacy
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Restricted to COMM majors only.
COMM449P
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Black Podcasts
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restrictions: Restricted to COMM majors only.

This course examines the cultural production and significance of Black podcasts. Students will examine how podcasts can help us make sense of shifting meanings of race, gender, and sexuality.
COMM449Y
(Perm Req)
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Digital Video Production
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM456
Freedom of Speech & the First Amendment
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Credit only granted for: COMM498Y or COMM456.
Formerly: COMM498Y.
Examines the U.S. Supreme Court's rulings on freedom of speech cases as grounded in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It also considers the political and ideological role of "freedom of speech" as a rhetoric organizing and ordering U.S. political culture.
COMM459A
Special Topics in Science Communication; Science Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restricted to COMM majors only. Formerly COMM398A. Credit only granted for COMM398A or COMM459A.

This focuses on the theory and practice of science communication to public audiences. This course is mainly designed to help students learn how to communicate better about science with a variety of audiences, including the public, advocacy groups, and the media. For this, we will review who does science communication, how, why, and with what impacts.
COMM462
Visual Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Credit only granted for: COMM462 or COMM498V.
Formerly: COMM498V.
The study of visual communication should change the way one sees the world. Students will observe, analyze, and critique visual images. The ascendance of images in our contemporary world will be demonstrated, methods for critically comprehending how images do persuasive work will be identified, and students will develop a vocabulary for critiquing images, and assist students in creating compelling images.
COMM475
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Bases of persuasion, with emphasis on recent experimental developments in persuasion.
This course is restricted to COMM majors only.
COMM476
Language, Communication, and Action
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in the Communication major.
Communication as symbolic action through the study of communication ethics. Emerging ethical principles and decision-making in public discourse, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, public relations, health communication, and crisis communication.
Retricted to COMM majors only.
COMM483
(Perm Req)
Senior Seminar in Public Relations
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: COMM351; and 1 course from (COMM305, COMM306, COMM307, or COMM400).
Additional information: Students who enrolled after Fall 2020 should not take COMM400 as a prerequisite.
Integration of theory, techniques and research methods into the planning and execution of public relations campaigns for specific organizations. Analysis of research on the case studies of public relations.
COMM488I
Communication Portfolio Project; Strategic Interviewing for the Career You Want
Credits: 1
Grad Meth: Reg
This course introduces students to advanced techniques in interviewing for job opportunities and career progression. This online course focuses on the dynamics of the interview process, the communication theories and best practices behind influence and persuasion, and the communication aptitudes and skills that distinguish top candidates.
COMM498I
Seminar; New Media & Health Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM498J
Seminar; Strategic Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
This course presents a system of strategies that underlie communication. It is a practice-based framework with definitions, conditions, risks and rewards that inform the moves and motives of influence professionals. Through a series of interactive lectures, landmark writings, group exercises and classroom simulations, students will learn to decode, defend, apply and ethically manage the ever-present plays of dynamic, media-driven markets.
COMM631
Seminar in Public Relations Publics
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Credit only granted for: COMM631 or JOUR631.
Formerly: JOUR631.
Analysis of public relations programs aimed at organizational publics. Media, issue-related, community, employee, governmental, consumer, financial, and student/educator publics. Theories of the nature of publics, communication behavior of publics, and effects of public relations programs aimed at different publics.
COMM686
Teaching Communication
Credits: 1
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Formerly: SPCH686.
Principles of effective teaching--content and process--in the college communication classroom.
COMM688
(Perm Req)
Communication Field Experience
Credits: 1 - 6
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Contact department for information to register for this course.
COMM698
(Perm Req)
Special Problems in Communication
Credits: 1 - 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Contact department for information to register for this course.
COMM698A
Special Problems in Communication; Science Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
COMM698M
Special Problems in Communication; Colloquium in Digital Studies
Credits: 1
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Cross-listed with COMM698M. Credit only granted for MITH729 or COMM698M.
COMM700
Introduction to Graduate Study in Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Restriction: Must be in Communication (Doctoral) program.
Formerly: SPCH700.
Basic skills in communication research.
COMM712
Advanced Historical/Critical Methods in Communication Research
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Restriction: Permission of instructor.
Critical assessment of qualitative approaches to communication. Introduction to significant schools of historical and critical research. Advanced techniques for inquiry and manuscript preparation. Students must have dissertation research project requiring historical or critical method.
COMM714
Introduction to Qualitative Methods in Communication Research
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Restriction: Permission of instructor.
Methods for field research in communication including interiewing, ethnographic and participant intervention, focus groups, and content analysis. Formulation of significant research questions, systematic collection of field data, formulating substantial claims from the research, organizing and writing research from disciplinary outlets.
COMM748
The Rhetoric of the Presidency
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
COMM798
(Perm Req)
Credits: 1 - 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Contact department for information to register for this course.
COMM799
(Perm Req)
Master's Thesis Research
Credits: 1 - 6
Grad Meth: S-F
Contact department for information to register for this course.
COMM888
(Perm Req)
Doctoral Practicum in Communication
Credits: 3 - 9
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Contact department for information to register for this course.
COMM889
(Perm Req)
Doctoral Tutorial in Communication
Credits: 3 - 9
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Contact department for information to register for this course.
COMM898
(Perm Req)
Pre-Candidacy Research
Credits: 1 - 8
Grad Meth: Reg
Contact department for information to register for this course.
COMM899
(Perm Req)
Doctoral Dissertation Research
Credits: 6
Grad Meth: S-F
Contact department for information to register for this course.