Courses - Spring 2025
COMM107
Oral Communication: Principles and Practices
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.
COMM107A
Oral Communication: Principles and Practices
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
Oral Communication: Principles and Practices
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.
COMM107C
Oral Communication: Principles and Practices
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
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
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
Media Theory
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
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
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
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.
COMM341
Environmental Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Credit only granted for: COMM398O or COMM341.
Formerly: COMM398O.
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.
COMM351
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
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
COMM354H
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.
Restricted to students in the Departmental Honors Program.
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.
COMM363
Developing Digital Media: Blogs, Magazines, and their Audiences
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: COMM107 or COMM200, COMM130, and COMM250.
Restriction: Restricted to COMM majors.
Develop journalistic and digital media production skills while examining how communication theory and periodical methodology combine to create information-sharing communities among targeted audiences. Develop skills for positions in magazine publishing, organizational communication, journalism, marketing, public relations, social media, and advertising.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
Experiential Learning
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
Communication Practicum
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
COMM398J
Selected Topics in Communication; Communication and Advanced Digital Imaging
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
COMM398U
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.
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.
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
Honors Thesis
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
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.
COMM448C
Special Topics in Public Relations; Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
There is growing interest in business ethics and corporate social responsibility, but how a company can strategically be involved in CSR practices and communicate examine the following questions: What is CSR? What is the theoretical background relevant to CSR? What has previous research on CSR found? What are the dominant and/or ideal strategies andtactics for CSR? Without prescribing simple solutions, we will seek answers to these questions. The exploration is intended to be interactive, with thejourney of exploration involving an analysis of CSR-related issues and case studies.
COMM449B
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Social Media
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restrictions: Restricted to COMM majors only.
Are you eager to master the art of social media? Do you want to learn how to craft impactful narratives in our digitally connected world? This comprehensive course dives into the dynamic realm of digital communication, with a special emphasis on social media. A dominant forcein modern society, social media has transformed personal, corporate, and global communication. The course explores its evolution, far-reaching impact, and emerging trends. Students will engage with practical applications and ethical considerations, learning how to develop compelling narratives, effectively engage users, and strategically convey messages. Social media s influence spansall sectors, from world leaders to businesses and individuals. By the end of this course, students will be equipped to create meaningful content and master the ever-evolving social media landscape.
Are you eager to master the art of social media? Do you want to learn how to craft impactful narratives in our digitally connected world? This comprehensive course dives into the dynamic realm of digital communication, with a special emphasis on social media. A dominant forcein modern society, social media has transformed personal, corporate, and global communication. The course explores its evolution, far-reaching impact, and emerging trends. Students will engage with practical applications and ethical considerations, learning how to develop compelling narratives, effectively engage users, and strategically convey messages. Social media s influence spansall sectors, from world leaders to businesses and individuals. By the end of this course, students will be equipped to create meaningful content and master the ever-evolving social media landscape.
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.
In this project-based course, students will learn about media campaigns by topics and design campaigns using different media platforms.
COMM449K
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Cybersecurity and Digital Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM449N
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Influencer Culture
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
COMM459C
Special Topics in Science Communication; Misinformation, Society, and Science Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Credit only granted for COMM459C or COMM459H (in Fall 2024). This course explores misinformation and its impact on science communication and public attitudes towards science. We will examine how misinformation spreads in our current media environment, how people form attitudes about science, why people believe misinformation and what it means to be misinformed, and the challenges of correcting misinformation especially for new or uncertain areas of science. We will draw on theory and current science examples such as vaccines, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and gene editing.
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.
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.
Are you eager to explore the world without leaving your classroom? Interested in mastering communication across diverse cultural landscapes? This dynamic course is your gateway to understanding and excelling in communication within varied cultural contexts, equipping you with essential skills for today's globalized environment. Whether you plan to work abroad or in cross-cultural settings within the U.S., this course prepares you to craft compelling narratives that resonate across cultures. By the end, you'll gain a profound understanding of global communication and practical skills to thrive in real-world scenarios, making you an invaluable asset in any global setting.
Are you eager to explore the world without leaving your classroom? Interested in mastering communication across diverse cultural landscapes? This dynamic course is your gateway to understanding and excelling in communication within varied cultural contexts, equipping you with essential skills for today's globalized environment. Whether you plan to work abroad or in cross-cultural settings within the U.S., this course prepares you to craft compelling narratives that resonate across cultures. By the end, you'll gain a profound understanding of global communication and practical skills to thrive in real-world scenarios, making you an invaluable asset in any global setting.
COMM475
Persuasion
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
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
Topical Research
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM498A
Seminar; Black Discourse and Digital Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
In this course, we will explore the history of black discourse and orality and how the unique communicative traditions of African diasporicpeople in the U.S., were formed in relation to technological skill. In this process, we will discuss how the parallel development of racism and black cultural traditions have equipped black users to wield digital technology skills in ways that often outpace and differ from the dominant group.
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
This course covers topics in the fields of decision sciences, social psychology, communication, and other social sciences that deal with issues related to risks. This class is based on an analytical and critical review of scholarly and professional literature, as well as the use of case studies. We will address current thinking about the nature of risk, risk perceptions, decision-making, and theoretical perspectiveson risk perception and risk communication, and the application of these theories to risk communication.
COMM602
Communication Theory
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Restriction: Must be in one of the following programs (Communication (Master's); Communication (Doctoral)).
Fundamental concepts, approaches, and problems in communication theory.
COMM688
Communication Field Experience
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
COMM698
Special Problems in Communication
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
COMM698C
Special Problems in Communication; Risk and Crisis Communication
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
COMM738G
Seminar in Mediated Communication; Race, Media, and Popular Culture
Credits:
3 - 12
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
This course examines mediated identities through the lenses of media and popular culture. Students will critically analyze media representations and cultural production, and will consider the impacts on audiences, content creation, and the media industry.
COMM760
Seminar in Political Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Formerly: SPCH760.
A blend of theory and practice to integrate rhetorical-critical theory and empirical methods with politics. Practitioners in political communication will be drawn in as resource persons. Students will map the communication strategy for candidates and analyze actual campaign strategies.
COMM789G
Seminar: Special Topics in Intercultural Communication; Intergroup Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
COMM798
Independent Study
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
COMM799
Master's Thesis Research
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
S-F
COMM888
Doctoral Practicum in Communication
Credits:
3 - 9
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
COMM889
Doctoral Tutorial in Communication
Credits:
3 - 9
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
COMM898
Pre-Candidacy Research
Credits:
1 - 8
Grad Meth:
Reg
COMM899
Doctoral Dissertation Research
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
S-F
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