Courses - Fall 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.
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.
Restricted to students in the Smith Business Leadership Fellows program.
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.
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
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
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.
Formerly: 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.
Formerly: 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.
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.
COMM312
Peer Mentoring in Oral Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: COMM311.
Restriction: Permission of Department of Communication.
Credit only granted for: COMM398U or COMM312.
Formerly: COMM398U.
Provides training in the principles and practices of peer mentoring in the context of the Oral Communication Center in the Department of Communication. As peer mentors, students will apply and integrate the knowledge and skills acquired in COMM311 to help train and develop new peer consultants. Specifically, peer mentors will utilize communicative best practices, focusing on: the establishment of shared goals; performance reviews; project management and evaluation; and negotiating the mentor/mentee relationship.
COMM320
Strategic Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Credit only granted for: COMM320 or COMM498J.
Formerly: COMM498J.
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. Using case studies, interactive discussions, industry insights, and practical exercises, students will develop the critical thinking, analytical, and ethical decision-making skills necessary to succeed in today's complex communication landscape.
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.
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
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.
COMM364
Communication, Sport, and Media
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Credit only granted for: COMM449E or COMM364.
Formerly: COMM449E.
Communication and culture are central to sport and sports media. From youth athletics to the professional level, sport is a multi-billion dollar industry. Indeed, sport is deeply embedded within American culture. In this course, we examine the connections amongst communication, culture, sport, and media. Specifically, we examine how communication, culture, sport, and media shape our understanding of cultural identities such as gender, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, and/or nationality, as well as issues of commodification, gaming, and more.
COMM365
Social Media & Digital Culture
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
An examination of the relationship between social media, communication, culture, economics, and politics. Emphasizes critical analysis of social media texts, platforms, and technologies. Engages contemporary theories of digital media alongside practical lessons on social media production.
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.
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.
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.
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
COMM390
Health Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Credit only granted for: COMM390 or COMM398E.
Formerly: COMM398E.
Designed to introduce students to the academic and practical fields of health communication. It blends theoretical concepts and practical concerns that impact upon health communication processes. To be specific, this course extensively covers influential theories and models of behavior change as well as cutting-edge research on health communication interventions or campaigns, exposing students to authoritative work done in both areas. Students in this class will also learn about the process of planning a comprehensive health communication campaign and have the opportunity to work in groups to develop their own campaign plans addressing an urgent health problem.
COMM398G
Selected Topics in Communication; Game Studies
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Must be in the Communication major
Digital games are at the forefront of many cultural, economic, and technological shifts our society has undergone over the last few decades. This includes an explosion in the uses of "games" to do a range of things that have reframed what a game is or what a game does - be it the "gamification" of work, games as a medium for art, the reinvention of capitalist accumulation in media industries, or the rise of independent games. What even is a game? What can a game do? This course reviews concepts and issues foundational for "game studies" as a field of research in media and communication, and relates the traditions of this field with emerging interdisciplinary concerns that link games with education, rhetoric, political economy, and contemporary art.
Digital games are at the forefront of many cultural, economic, and technological shifts our society has undergone over the last few decades. This includes an explosion in the uses of "games" to do a range of things that have reframed what a game is or what a game does - be it the "gamification" of work, games as a medium for art, the reinvention of capitalist accumulation in media industries, or the rise of independent games. What even is a game? What can a game do? This course reviews concepts and issues foundational for "game studies" as a field of research in media and communication, and relates the traditions of this field with emerging interdisciplinary concerns that link games with education, rhetoric, political economy, and contemporary art.
COMM398L
Selected Topics in Communication; Latina/o/x Communication Studies
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
This course explores relationships among culture, identity, and communication in Latin/e America. Specifically, it examines how communication scholars have studied the rhetorical, performative, and mediated dimensions of Latinidad, mestizaje, and citizenship vis--vis intersecting colonial systems of race, class, gender, and sexuality. Special attention will be given to both the ways in which discourses of coloniality shape contemporary issues affecting identity, culture, and communication in Latin/x America, as well as to the critical efforts to decolonize intellectual and cultural practices in our communities.
COMM398N
Selected Topics in Communication; Communication and Digital Imaging
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
COMM398Q
Selected Topics in Communication; Social Media Analytics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
COMM419M
Special Topics in Health Communication; New Media and Health Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restrictions: Must be in the Communication Major.
This course is designed to provide with an in-depth understanding of new media technologies and their roles in the field of health communication. It blends theoretical conceptd and practical concerns that impact upon health communication processes.
This course is designed to provide with an in-depth understanding of new media technologies and their roles in the field of health communication. It blends theoretical conceptd and practical concerns that impact upon health communication processes.
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.
COMM448C
Special Topics in Public Relations; Public Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restricted to COMM majors only.
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 and tactics for CSR? Without prescribing simple solutions, we will seek answers to these questions. The exploration is intended to be interactive, with the journey of exploration involving an analysis of CSR-related issues and case studies.
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 and tactics for CSR? Without prescribing simple solutions, we will seek answers to these questions. The exploration is intended to be interactive, with the journey of exploration involving an analysis of CSR-related issues and case studies.
COMM449A
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Age
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Communication majors only. Holdfile available for non-majors.
Step into the future where humans and machines converge! This course takes you on an exciting journey to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the way we connect, communicate, and collaborate. From chatbots that mimic human conversations to algorithms that decide what news you see, we'll analyze the fascinating relationship between AI and human communication. Learn how AI is rewriting the rules of media, influencing interpersonal interactions, and redefining cultural and societal norms. Immerse yourself in AI-driven communication and gain skills you can apply immediately!
Step into the future where humans and machines converge! This course takes you on an exciting journey to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the way we connect, communicate, and collaborate. From chatbots that mimic human conversations to algorithms that decide what news you see, we'll analyze the fascinating relationship between AI and human communication. Learn how AI is rewriting the rules of media, influencing interpersonal interactions, and redefining cultural and societal norms. Immerse yourself in AI-driven communication and gain skills you can apply immediately!
COMM449B
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Communication and Social Media
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restricted to Communication Majors. 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? Thiscomprehensive 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 andindividuals. By the end of this course, students will be equipped to create meaningful content and master the ever-evolving social media landscape.
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.
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
COMM449N
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Influencer Culture
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in Communication program.
Be they either renowned persona such as MrBeast, Emma Chamberlain, Ryan Kaji, and Jeffree Star, or those struggling to get attention online, thecentrality of influencers is unquestionable whenever we examine social media today. This course surveys both the history of the idea of "influence" as a cultural and communicative activity, as well as how social media transforms this legacy. Topics addressed will include: "conspicuous consumption," "opinion leaders," and "influentials" in twentieth-century marketing; the role of social media platforms in shaping attention and income; the increasing necessity of transforming one's identity into a personal "brand" to be consumed by others; fame and celebrity on social media; precarity, burnout, and exhaustion in thename of achieving fame; the production of image versus the "reality" behind social media celebrity.
Be they either renowned persona such as MrBeast, Emma Chamberlain, Ryan Kaji, and Jeffree Star, or those struggling to get attention online, thecentrality of influencers is unquestionable whenever we examine social media today. This course surveys both the history of the idea of "influence" as a cultural and communicative activity, as well as how social media transforms this legacy. Topics addressed will include: "conspicuous consumption," "opinion leaders," and "influentials" in twentieth-century marketing; the role of social media platforms in shaping attention and income; the increasing necessity of transforming one's identity into a personal "brand" to be consumed by others; fame and celebrity on social media; precarity, burnout, and exhaustion in thename of achieving fame; the production of image versus the "reality" behind social media celebrity.
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.
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.
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.
COMM469C
The Discourse of Social Movements; Climate Activism
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
The climate crisis is the most profound threat to human life our species has ever encountered. How have the languages of global warming and climate change influenced our understanding of this existential crisis, and how have climate activists strategically leveraged rhetorical strategies to educate, advocate, and mobilize audiences to meet this challenge? This course explores the rhetoric of climate activism movements, along with the rhetoric of climate skepticism, from the 1960s to the present.
COMM475
Persuasion
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
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.
COMM489
Topical Research
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM498A
Seminar; Black Discourse in Digital Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM498H
Seminar; Rhetorics of the Body
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restricted to Departmental Honor Students.
This course examines the rhetorical dimensions of bodies and the embodied dimensions of rhetoric. In exploring the relationship between the body and rhetoric, this course will focus especially on the ways that bodies communicate rhetorical messages, the impact of intersecting dynamics of identity and power (especially race, gender, sexuality, ability, and body size) on bodies within a given culture, the ways in which particular bodies are categorized into frameworks of good/bad, right/wrong, and normal/abnormal.
This course examines the rhetorical dimensions of bodies and the embodied dimensions of rhetoric. In exploring the relationship between the body and rhetoric, this course will focus especially on the ways that bodies communicate rhetorical messages, the impact of intersecting dynamics of identity and power (especially race, gender, sexuality, ability, and body size) on bodies within a given culture, the ways in which particular bodies are categorized into frameworks of good/bad, right/wrong, and normal/abnormal.
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, S-F
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
Communication Field Experience
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
COMM698
Special Problems in Communication
Credits:
1 - 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, S-F
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, S-F
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.
COMM738M
Seminar in Mediated Communication; Media, Misinformation, and Public Opinion
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
This course will examine misinformation in our evolving media environment across a range of science, health, and political contexts. We will draw on interdisciplinary research and theory to explore topics such as the factors that drive misinformation beliefs, the impacts and effects of misinformation on individuals and society, and current research-based and practical approaches for correcting misinformation.
COMM768R
Seminar in Public Address; Rhetoric, History, and Memory
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
This seminar offers an exploration of the complex relationship between rhetoric, history, and memory. Students will learn about theories and methods for gathering, analyzing, and writing about historical and commemorative artifacts, including close textual analysis, archival research, and rhetorical fieldwork. This seminar will benefit students eager to conduct historical research as well as those seeking to better understand the historical contexts underpinning contemporary communication phenomena.
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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University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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