Courses - Fall 2024
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
COMM296
Credit only granted for: HNUH238A, COMM398I (Fall 2022), or COMM296.
Formerly: COMM398I.
How do we change our politics, save democracy, and move beyond the "us vs. them" culture that divides us? This course begins with the premise that how we talk to one another and debate controversial issues can promote the public good or erode it in irreparable ways. Students in each class session will put principles of public dialogue into practice as they learn deliberative theories and skills that can help save democracy. Class readings will turn to historical case studies to frame the most controversial political issues we face today.
Restricted to students in Carillon Communities. Once registered, students need an electronic stamp from an advisor to drop the course.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Formerly COMM498J. Credit granted for COMM498J or COMM372.
COMM373
Communication and Digital Visual Narrative
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in Communication program.
Examination of the traditional style of visual communication, its practices and theoretical underpinnings juxtaposed against contemporary digital media aesthetics and techniques. Utilizing a variety of communication skills and new media tools, students will plan, write, shoot, edit, and upload digital visual narratives.
Formerly COMM498K. Credit granted for COMM498K or COMM373.
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.
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
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
COMM398U
Selected Topics in Communication; Peer Mentoring in Oral Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Provides training in peer mentoring specifically focusing on communicati ve best practices, the establishment of shared goals, and effectively managing the mentor/mentee relationships.
COMM398W
Selected Topics in Communication; Rhetoric, Racism, Resistance
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
This course will engage the relationship between communication, racism, and resistance. We'll explore how rhetoric contributes to and reinforces racial systems of power alongside the ways racialized communities wield rhetoric as a mode of resistance. The goal of the course is for students to reflect on the role of rhetoric in sustaining systems of disenfranchisement, how rhetoric can be a form of racial violence, and the profound ways rhetoric can assist in dismantling racist structures of power. Topics include studying the social movements from Black, Asian American, Latinx, and Indigenous communities; colorblind and post-racial public discourse; DEI in contemporary political debates; intersectional approaches to the study of racism; and the transnational and imperial politics of racism within and beyond the United States.
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 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.
COMM449B
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Communication and Social Media
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM449E
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Communication, Sport, and Media
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restrictions: Restricted to COMM majors only.
Description: An exploration of cultural and mediated influences on the intersection of sport, society, and communication. The course covers topics such as how cultural values become embedded within sports and sports media, and how factors such as race, gender, national identity, or global diplomacy impact communication about sports.
Description: An exploration of cultural and mediated influences on the intersection of sport, society, and communication. The course covers topics such as how cultural values become embedded within sports and sports media, and how factors such as race, gender, national identity, or global diplomacy impact communication about sports.
COMM449F
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Media Campaign Message Design
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Restricted to COMM majors only.
In this project-based course, students will learn about media campaigns by topics and design campaigns using different media platforms.
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
COMM449P
Special Topics in Digital Communication; Black Podcasts
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restrictions: Restricted to COMM majors only.
This course examines the cultural production and significance of Black podcasts. Students will examine how podcasts can help us make sense of shifting meanings of race, gender, and sexuality.
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.
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.
COMM459H
Special Topics in Science Communication; Misinformation, Society, and Science Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restricted to students in the Departmental Honors program (Departmental BPO)
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.
COMM460
Public Life in American Communities, 1634-1900
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Ways that Americans have used their voice to create public life. Focus is on the diverse social communities that have characterized American life and the place and characteristics of oral discourse in each.
COMM468G
Seminar in Mediated Communication; Communicating in a Global Society
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restricted to COMM majors.
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 processes for communication.
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 processes for communication.
COMM469R
The Discourse of Social Movements; Red Power
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restricted to COMM majors
Public debate about social change has been part of American public discourses since the beginning of the country. This class explores rhetorical theories relating to social movement studies as well as tracing one concrete case study in depth from its inception in the 18th and 19th century, to the current day. The Red Power movement, running parallel to other 20th-century civil rights movements, offers an opportunity to study uniquely American examples of counter public discourses and responses to it.
Public debate about social change has been part of American public discourses since the beginning of the country. This class explores rhetorical theories relating to social movement studies as well as tracing one concrete case study in depth from its inception in the 18th and 19th century, to the current day. The Red Power movement, running parallel to other 20th-century civil rights movements, offers an opportunity to study uniquely American examples of counter public discourses and responses to it.
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
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.
COMM498R
Seminar; Risk Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
COMM630
Seminar in Public Relations Management
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Credit only granted for: COMM630 or JOUR630.
Formerly: JOUR630.
Relationship of public relations management to organizational structure and communication functions. Objectives, planning, staffing, budgeting, administering, and evaluation of public relations programs.
COMM652
Contemporary Rhetorical Theory
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
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.
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
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.
COMM711
Historical/Critical Methods in Communication Research
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: COMM700; or permission of instructor.
Formerly: SPCH711.
Methods for historical and critical research in communication. Formulation of significant research questions, systematic collection of bibliographic and phenomenal information, formulating substantial claims, organizing and writing research for disciplinary outlets.
COMM715
Advanced Qualitative Methods in Communication Research
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Advanced data analysis of qualitative data in Communication research. In-field research and techniques for analysis of data from in-field work.
COMM730
Seminar in Health Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Formerly: SPCH730.
Communication processes in health care and promotion.
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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