Courses - Spring 2026
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.
These sections will focus on oral communication in different speaking contexts including digital and in-person environments.
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.
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.
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.
COMM312
Peer Mentoring in Oral Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
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, 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
COMM360
The Rhetoric of Black America
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
An historical-critical survey of the rhetoric of Black Americans from the colonial period to the present.
COMM370
Mediated Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: COMM250.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
Analysis and critique of structure, performance, content, effects, and future of mediated communication.
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
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.
COMM398J
Selected Topics in Communication; Communication and Advanced Digital Imaging
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
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.
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.
COMM449E
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Communication, Sport, and Media
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM449H
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Digital Placemaking
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restrictions: This course is restricted to Departmental Honors students.
This course explores how place and identity is communicated through digital and social media. Using a combination of theory and novel technologies we will examine a range of materials -- including social media posts, popular culture, archives and our own media practices to understand how place (and belonging to that place) is constructed on global and local scales.
This course explores how place and identity is communicated through digital and social media. Using a combination of theory and novel technologies we will examine a range of materials -- including social media posts, popular culture, archives and our own media practices to understand how place (and belonging to that place) is constructed on global and local scales.
COMM449K
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Cybersecurity and Digital Communication
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
COMM458M
Seminar in Political Communication; Rhetoric, Memory, and Culture
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
What stories do we tell about the past? This course will explore the rhetoric and politics of public memory in media, museums, monuments, andother commemorative spaces.
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.
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
COMM498L
Seminar; Writing for Film and Digital Media
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.
COMM652
Contemporary Rhetorical Theory
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Formerly: SPCH652.
A study of twentieth century theories of rhetoric. Special attention will be devoted to Richard Weaver, Kenneth Burke, Lloyd Bitzer, Ernest Bormann, Walter Fisher, and the continental theorists of communication such as Chaim Perelman and Jurgen Habermas.
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
Communication Field Experience
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
COMM698
Special Problems in Communication
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
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.
COMM738C
Seminar in Mediated Communication; Introduction to Cultural Studies: Mediated Identities in Global Context
Credits:
3 - 12
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
COMM775
Seminar in Persuasion and Attitude Change
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-Communication department.
Formerly: SPCH775.
This seminar will concentrate on the problem of making message strategy decisions. Course content will consist of study of both theoretical and empirical research on attitude and attitude change in persuasive communication.
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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