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Courses - Spring 2024
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.
COMM130
Professional Communication and Writing
Credits: 1
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
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.
COMM201
Introduction to Public Relations
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
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.
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.
This is a blended learning course.
COMM288
(Perm Req)
Communication Internship
Credits: 1 - 6
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM298M
Selected Topics in Communication; Machine Learning in Language and Art
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Cross-listed with ARHU299M and ENGL289G. Credit only granted for ARHU299M, COMM298M, or ENGL289G.

How do language models like ChatGPT generate essays, poems, and stories? How do machine learning models learn to determine the author of a text, or identify the artist behind a painting? What makes language models like ChatGPT different from image generators like Stable Diffusion? And can language models be used to make music? We will teach you how to build models that read and write in natural languages, what makes those models different from applications of machine learning to visual art and music, how to use Python for data analysis and statistics, how to visualize data, and how to apply mathematical and statistical knowledge to practical problems in the digital humanities. No background in coding or statistics is required, but students with some programming or statistics experience are also very welcome in the course.
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.
Restriction: Restricted to COMM majors only. Credit only granted for COMM303 or COMM398G (Fall 2020). Formerly offered as COMM398G in Fall 2020.
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. Contact the instructor for details.
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, P-F
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
COMM354
Public Relations Programs
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: COMM201.
Analysis of eight major programs typically carried out by public relations professionals: employee relations, media relations, financial relations, member relations, governmental relations, community relations, fundraising and dealing with activist public.
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.
COMM374
Communicating Visually: Message Production and Digital Media
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Restriction: Restricted to Communication Majors at the Universities at Shady Grove.
Focus on the interplay between technology, images and sound in the creation of digital content. This is a communication process by which a digital visual message evolves from conception to completion, incorporating the creative, financial and marketing tools. Students will conceive, plan, recruit and supervise digital video projects, developing a familiarity with production management technique and execution.
Credit only granted for COMM374 or COMM498T.
COMM376
Communication through Advocacy Short Film
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in Communication program.
Explores the theory and practice of contemporary communication and advocacy short form video.
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, P-F
COMM398O
Selected Topics in Communication; Environmental Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
COMM398P
Selected Topics in Communication; Advanced Strategic Message Design
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
COMM398T
Selected Topics in Communication; Digital Culture and Civic Life
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
COMM398U
(Perm Req)
Selected Topics in Communication; Peer Mentoring in Oral Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: COMM311 or COMM398C. Restriction: Permission of department.

Provides training in peer mentoring specifically focusing on communicative best practices, the establishment of shared goals, and effectively managing the mentor/mentee relationships.
COMM398Y
Selected Topics in Communication; Strategic Communication and New Media
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
Restricted to COMM majors.

This course will acquaint you with practical knowledge and analytical skills necessary to create, evaluate, and execute digital media and mobile campaigns. This course will also provide iconic and current case studies using social media and mobile, individual assignments, and engaged activities that will help you in developing a strong social media skill set to take to future job and/or internship interviews.
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.
COMM426
Conflict Management
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Recommended: COMM425 and COMM250.
Role of communication in managing conflict processes.
Restricted to COMM majors.
COMM427H
(Perm Req)
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.
Restricted to students in the Departmental Honors Program.
COMM428D
Special Topics Seminar in Dialogues and Deliberation; Principles and Practices of Democratic Talk
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
This class considers how dialogue and deliberation contribute to democratic politics. We learn principles of dialogue and deliberation, watch them in real life examples, and then practice facilitation skills by conducting a real world opportunity for democratic talk.
COMM449B
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Social Media
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restrictions: Restricted to COMM majors only.

Social Media has become one of the most influential forms of media in modern society. Everyone from world leaders, celebrities, athletes, businesses, brands, and people, in general, use social media imyriad of different ways. This course aims to introduce the general concof social media and its impact on society (domestically and internationally). The course also examines the theoretical and cultural aspects of social media to understand how this communication form has changed our relationship between individuals, organizations, and society.
COMM449E
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Communication, Sport, and Media
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM449F
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Media Campaigns and 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.
COMM449G
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Digital Media & Sports Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in Communication program. Sports commuincation and digital media explore social video, digital analytics, and brand building online. Students will earn Google certification while creating compelling online content grounded in communication theory.
COMM449I
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Studying Digital Humanities
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM449K
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Cybersecurity and Digital Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM449P
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Black Podcasts
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be a student in the COMM major.

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
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Digital Video Production
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM449Z
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Digital Message Design for User-Friendly Application
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.
COMM461
Voices of Public Leadership in the Twentieth Century
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Study of the use of speaking in the power struggles of the twentieth century. Focus is on important speakers of the century, their social and policy influence, and the struggle to expand the diversity of voices with power in the public sphere.
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.
COMM468A
Seminar in Mediated Communication; Arab Media
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM468G
Seminar in Mediated Communication; Communicating in a Global Society
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restrictions: Restricted to COMM majors only.

Engages international and intercultural communication to enable students to become effective communicators with others in an increasingly diverse global society. This course critically interrogates the themes and processes of intercultural communication, global media, and globalization, attending to the effects and implications of those proces for communication.
COMM475
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Bases of persuasion, with emphasis on recent experimental developments in persuasion.
Restricted to COMM majors.
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.
This course is restricted 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.
Restricted to majors in Communitcation
COMM488I
Communication Portfolio Project; Strategic Interviewing
Credits: 1
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
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.
COMM489
(Perm Req)
Credits: 1 - 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Contact department for information to register for this course.
COMM498G
Seminar; Event Planning and Communication
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Restricted to COMM majors (1506A) only.

A hands-on course where client work will develop the professional-level skills required to plan a creative event on time and under budget and build brand awareness of the client. This course requires attendance at several meetings, conference calls, lectures and activities outside of the scheduled class time.
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.
COMM498L
Seminar; Writing for Film and Digital Media
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM498R
Seminar; Risk Communiation
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM633
Global Public Relations
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Credit only granted for: COMM633 or JOUR633.
Formerly: JOUR633.
Application of principles of public relations to countries or regions with different cultures, political systems, economic systems, levels of development, media systems, and levels of activism.
COMM661
Communication and Social Change
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Place of rhetoric as the union of the moral and historical in moments of social definition. Reviews theories of discourse in social change including political change, social movements, consciousness change, and more global change. Application to contemporary change.
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.
COMM698M
Special Problems in Communication; Colloquium in Digital Studies
Credits: 1
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Cross-listed with MITH729. Credit only granted for MITH729 or COMM698M.
COMM701
Quantitative Methods in Communication Research
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: COMM700.
Formerly: SPCH701.
Logic and methods of quantitative data collection and statistical analysis as applied to communication studies. Research strategies for communications: experimentation, survey research, field research, and content analysis.
COMM738A
Seminar in Mediated Communication; Media Effects
Credits: 3 - 12
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
COMM738D
Seminar in Mediated Communication; Intro to Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Cross-listing with MITH610. Credit only granted for MITH610 or COMM738D.

An introduction to digital studies in the arts and humanities, broadly conceived as the critical, creative, and practical engagement with digital media, methods, tools, and experiences, as well as the theoretical and conceptual bases for understanding them.
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.