Major Requirements
- Communications Major Requirements effective Pre-August 2011
- Communication Major Requirements effective August 2011
- Communication Major Requirements effective September 2013
Course Descriptions (Bulletin)
Communication: Rhetoric & Communication (COMMRC)
COMMRC 0025 ESL Speaking And Listening 1 credits
This course is designed for incoming freshmen with English as a second language. This course will focus on basic listening and speaking skills in English as well as speaking confidence. Students will learn to introduce themselves, talk about and describe people and events, ask and answer questions, and make suggestions and objections. Group work will allow students to reinforce their English speaking and listening skills. Department Consent Required.
COMMRC 0030 Introduction To Communication 3 credits
This course is an introduction to basic theories, models, and concepts of verbal, non-verbal, interpersonal, small group, mass, computer-mediated, organizational, and intercultural communication.
COMMRC 0052 Public Speaking 3 credits
This course is designed to develop skill in public speaking by means of theory and practice. This course covers research, organization, style, delivery, argument, ethics, and criticism of informative, persuasive, and commemorative speeches.
COMMRC 0083 Intercultural Communication 3 credits
This course provides an analysis of communication and various cultures such as national cultures, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic class.
COMMRC 0320 Mass Communication Process 3 credits
This course is an introduction to the study of mass media in today’s society. Students will gain an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and ethical standards within mass media fields, learn about the norms and practices within mass media fields, and become more aware of the effects of mass media upon society.
COMMRC 0600 Theories Of Interpersonal Communication 3 credits
This course introduces students to the conceptualization, theories, and models of interpersonal relationships involving face-to-face and mediated interactions.
COMMRC 0650 Theories Of Persuasion 3 credits
This course is a study of social and psychological variables that influence values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. It is designed to promote students’ understanding of the fundamental principles and theories of persuasive communication, as well as considerations for application and enhancement of students’ competence in the production and consumption of persuasive discourse.
COMMRC 0700 Communication Research Methods 3 credits
This course is an introduction to communication research methodology. This course will enable students to distinguish between the differing epistemological assumptions of existing research paradigms. Qualitative and Quantitative measures will be discussed throughout the course, with a focus on the latter. Prerequisite: COMMRC 0030
COMMRC 1107 Gender And Communication 3 credits
This course provides an in-depth analysis of the communication of people of various genders in society in intersection with other identities such as race/ethnicity, socioeconomic class, and ability/disability. Prerequisite: COMMRC 0030.
COMMRC 1124 Rhetorical Criticism 3 credits
This is an introductory course in the study of rhetoric and its role in society. We will examine various definitions of rhetoric, theories of rhetorical processes, and examples of rhetoric in action. The objective of this course is twofold: one, to give students a sense of the formidable role rhetoric plays in the construction of our social, political, and cultural worlds; two, to introduce students to a variety of traditional and contemporary approaches to the analysis of rhetorical discourse. Prerequisite: ENGCMP 0004 or ENGCMP 0006.
COMMRC 1130 Business And Professional Speaking 3 credits
This course is a speaking course that focuses on researching, developing, and delivering presentations appropriate for business and professional contexts.
COMMRC 1131 Organizational Communication 3 credits
This course examines theories and practices regarding the relationship among communication, organizing processes, and organizational goals. Theories, principles, and practices of organizational communication are examined via an historical trajectory. Students are also taught how organizational goals are furthered when communication in problematic workplace relationships is improved via professional civility.
COMMRC 1132 Political Communication 3 credits
This course will examine the theory and practice of political communication. These will include but not be limited to the rhetorical foundations and analysis of political appeals, campaign strategies and tactics, the role of media, campaign financing methodology, role of consultants, political advertising, audience analysis, opinion polls, and polling techniques.
COMMRC 1133 Integrated Marketing Communications 3 credits
This course examines marketing communication as a specific form of persuasion. The course is designed to allow students to analyze, critique, and develop marketing strategies as part of a brand building, integrated process.
COMMRC 1134 Small Group Communications 3 credits
This course examines the principles, theories, research and behaviors relevant to small group communication. The course provides specific focus on group formation, dynamics, decision making, leadership, conflict/controversy, verbal and nonverbal message exchange, problem solving, and performance. Course content is discussed and applied through experiential learning activities.
COMMRC 1135 Medical Communication 3 credits
This course examines research and theories associated with provider/patient interactions within health-related settings. The purpose of this course is to improve the overall effectiveness, satisfaction, and safety of medical encounters through increased awareness of the perceptions, needs, and goals of everyone involved.
COMMRC 1136 Nonverbal Communication 3 credits
This course examines the process of communicating messages nonverbally as sent through an agent’s use of physical characteristics, adornment, eye behavior, design, selection of environment, spatial relationships, utilization of time, touch behavior, body movement, choice of objects for filling space, and vocal behavior. Principles, theories, research, and applications of nonverbal communication are discussed.
COMMRC 1139 Media Criticism 3 credits
This course explores advanced analysis of messages, formats, and implications of media texts, applying various theories of contemporary media criticism. Prerequisite: COMMRC 0320.
COMMRC 1144 Visual Communication 3 credits
This course is a survey of several theoretical perspectives on visual communication. Students can expect to learn broad and diverse approaches to visual perception, reception and persuasion. Learning will come from readings, comics, graphic design, film, photography and other viewings and applications of visual rhetoric.
COMMRC 1733 Special Topics In Communication 3 credits
This course examines specific communication topics that may vary each time the course is offered. Prerequisite: COMMRC 0030.
COMMRC 1902 Independent Study 1–6 credits
An independent program of study, research, or creative activity conducted under specific, prearranged conditions between the student and supervising faculty member.
COMMRC 1903 Communication Internship 1–12 credits
Internships provide practical work experience related to the student's course of study. Students are placed in community agencies, offices, etc., for training and experience in communication applications.
COMMRC 1950 Communication Capstone 3 credits
This course, designed for graduating seniors, has foci in preparing students for the job market and assessing student success in the communication program. Students reflect on their personal and professional goals, produce quality research regarding their specific career interests, and publicly represent their work. At the end of the course, students are versed in trends in the communication field, are able to professionally represent themselves, and submit an electronic portfolio that includes a resume, research and writing samples, and other evidence of job readiness. Prerequisites: COMMRC 0030, 0052and 0700 and at least two of the following: COMMRC 0083, 0320, 0600 or 1124.