Communication (COMM)

Head of Department: Professor Carl Coelho
Department Office: Room 213, Communication Sciences Building

For major requirements, see the Communications Sciences Department listing in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section of this Catalog.

1000. The Process of Communication

(100) (Formerly offered as COMS 102). Either semester. Three credits. 

A study of modern communication theories and principles useful in understanding how people affect and are affected by others through communication. CA 2.

1100. Principles of Public Speaking

(105) (Formerly offered as COMS 105). Either semester. Three credits.

Theory and performance in public speaking: overcoming apprehension; audience analysis; development of concepts; maximizing message impact; professional presentation skills; group projects; evidence; listening and speech evaluation.

1300. Mass Communication Systems

(130) ( Formerly offered as COMS 135.) Either semester. Three credits.

The history, organizational structure, economics and functioning of technologically-based communication systems and the relationship of these factors to mass communication issues and effects.

2310W. Media Literacy and Criticism

(231W) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1000; ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800. Recommended preparation: COMM 1300, 3400, 3600.

History, analysis and evaluation of technique, content and aesthetic effect of media messages. Cultural, political, economic, and institutional factors that help define the grammar of popular mass media content; social scientific perspectives addressing how audiences learn to comprehend media content including efforts to promote media literacy.

3000Q. Research Methods in Communication

(200Q) (Formerly offered as COMS 231Q) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1000 or instructor consent. Recommended preparation: MATH 1010 or equivalent. 

The scientific approach as it specifically applies to communication.

3100. Persuasion

(210) ( Formerly offered as COMS 210.) Either semester. Three credits. Three class periods or two class periods with one discussion period. Prerequisite: COMM 1000 or instructor consent.

Introduction to theories of attitude formation, change and reinforcement. Research is used to evaluate past and present models of persuasion.

3103. Motivation and Emotion

(255) (Formerly offered as COMS 255.) (Also offered as PSYC 3103.)  Either semester.  Three credits.  Prerequisite: PSYC 1100 and either PSYC 1101 or 1103; open to juniors or higher.

Cognition, brain mechanisms, biofeedback, aggression, sex, competence, social influence, and conformity.

3170. Introduction to Semantics

(224) (Formerly offered as COMS 224.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1000 or instructor consent; open to juniors or higher.

The relationship among people, words, and meaning.

3200. Interpersonal Communication

(220) (Formerly offered as COMS 205.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1000 or instructor consent.

An introduction, analysis and critique of recent theories of interpersonal communication. Topics include person perception, theories of communication management, and the structural analysis of face to face communication behavior.

3300. Effects of Mass Media

(230) (Formerly offered as COMS 235.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1000 or instructor consent.

An analysis of the roles of the mass media and of the effects they exert on individuals and society

3321. Latinas and Media

(233) (Also offered as PRLS 3264 and WS 3260.) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher.

The role of ethnicity and race in women's lives. Special attention to communication research on ethnic and racial minority women. CA 4.

3400. Mass Media and Political Process

(241) (Formerly offered as COMS 238.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1300, 3100 and 3300; open to juniors or higher.

An introduction to the role of the mass media in the American political process. Topics include the relationships among the media, major political institutions, and citizenry; the interplay of the media, interest groups, and policymaking process; and the role of the media in elections and international crises.

3440W. Communication Law and Policy

(244W) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1000; ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: COMM 1300, 3400, 3600.

The development of American communication laws and policies, from their constitutional base through federal law, regulatory agencies and the judicial system. Exploration of rights and responsibilities of communication organizations and the public.

3450. Gender and Communication

(245) (Formerly offered as COMS 226.) (Also offered as WS 3268). Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1000 or instructor consent; open to juniors or higher.

Differences in male/female communication, and an examination of cultural assumptions regarding gender in the communication process. Critically analyze the theory, politics and practice of communication and gender.

3600. New Communication Technologies

(262) ( Formerly offered as COMS 239.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1300. Recommended preparation:  COMM 3300.

An overview of new communication technologies. Topics include the uses, evolution, diffusion, operation, and effects of new communication technologies. 

4035. Advanced Study of Media Effects: Sex, Drugs and Rock N Roll

(235) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1000; open to juniors or higher.

Contentious topics in current media effects research, and their theoretical implications. Topics include, but are not limited to, sexual content on television, pornography, alcohol on television, video games, and media impact on body image.

4089. Introduction to Research Literature in Communication

(205) (Formerly offered as COMS 230.) First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 3000Q, 3100, 3200, and 3300.

A survey of research in major sub-areas of communication.

4100. Advanced Persuasion and Communication

(211) (Formerly offered as COMS 219.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 3100. Recommended preparation: COMM 3000Q and 3300 or instructor consent.

Advanced consideration and criticism of selected modern persuasion theories and research in communications.

4120. Communication Campaigns and Applied Research

(215) (Formerly offered as COMS 218.) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 3000Q, or STAT 1000QC or 1100QC; open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: COMM 1300, 3100, and 3300. Snyder

Application of media, persuasion, and social change theories to the design of communication campaigns, including focus groups, interviews and other background research. Students will work with community organizations.

4220W. Small Group Communication

(225W) (Formerly offered as COMS 216W.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 3200 or instructor consent; ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open to juniors or higher.   Recommended preparation: COMM 3100.

Approaches, methods, and findings of research in small group communication and development of an ability to engage effectively in small group situations.

4230. Organizational Communication

(226) (Formerly offered as COMS 217.) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 3000Q and COMM 3200 or instructor consent; open to juniors or higher.  

Communication in formal organizations; horizontal and vertical communication; effectiveness of different organizational structures and channels; feedback; networks; norms and roles.

4320. Media and Special Audiences

(232) (Formerly offered as COMS 260.) (Also offered as PRLS 4320.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: COMM 1000.

Media content and audience responses. Ethnic, racial, and gender issues in mainstream and ethnic media. Special audiences include Latina/os, African Americans, Asian Americans, Women, Gays, Lesbians.

4330. Children and Mass Media

(234) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1000; open to juniors or higher.

Child development and the effects of mass media on young children. Educational television, frightening media, violent television, computer games, the Internet and media policy. 

4340. Visual Communications

(212) (Formerly offered as COMS 240.) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1000, completion of at least one C course. Recommended preparation: Completion of at least one Q course.

Theory of design and creation of graphics for professional and technical purposes, to complement or supplement written and spoken communications.

4410W. Government Communication

(242W) (Formerly offered as COMS 222W.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1000; ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open to juniors or higher.

Communication in government processes. Communication theory and practical applications. Issue management, lobbying, interest-group strategies, government relations, grassroots action, and coalition building. Students may not pass this course without passing the written work.

4420. Communication and Change

(271) (Formerly offered as COMS 208.) First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: COMM 3100 and COMM 3300.

The role of communication and communication technologies in social change, diffusion of new ideas, and education. Special application to third world development

4422. Protest and Communication

(243) (Formerly offered as COMS 236.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite or corequisite: COMM 3300; open to juniors or higher.   With a change in content, this course may be repeated once for credit.

Protest movement - past and current - in light of principles, models, and theories of communication.

4450W. Global Communication

(270W) (Formerly offered as COMS 206W.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: COMM 1300. 

International communication patterns; globalization of media industries; new technologies; communication in war and peace; political, economic, social and cultural effects.

4451W. Media, State, and Society

(273W) (Formerly offered as COMS 213W.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1300 and COMM 3300, which may be taken concurrently; ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open to juniors or higher.

Forms of, rationales for, and effects of state involvement in mass media. The development of alternative media. Cultural implications of transnational media influences.

4460. Cross-Cultural Communication

(272) (Formerly offered as COMS 209.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: COMM 3200.

Communication behavior within and across cultures and subcultures.

4500. Nonverbal Communication

(250) (Formerly offered as COMS 207.) First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: COMM 3000Q.

Facial expression, body movement, spatial behavior and para-language, with a consideration of applications for information theory.

4551W. Advanced Nonverbal Communication

(251W) (Formerly offered as COMS 214W.) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 4500 or instructor consent; ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: COMM 3200.

Selected issues and research techniques current in the literature. Research projects of kinesic, proxomic, and/or paralinguistic behaviors involved in communication.

4620. Information and Communication

(260) (Formerly offered as COMS 234.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 3000Q or instructor consent; open to juniors or higher.

Approaches to studying communication including cybernetics, general systems theory, information theory, and human information processing.

4630. Communication Technology and Social Change

(265) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1000; open to juniors or higher.

Examination of new communication technologies and their influence on social change. Provides a foundation for students with professional as well as academic interests in communication technology.

4650. Design of Human Communication Systems

(264) ( Formerly offered as COMS 237.) Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: COMM 1300; open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: COMM 3300. With a change in content, this course may be repeated once for credit.

Application of communication theory and principles of information science to the design of modern systems of communication, with consideration given to the physical and social settings in which they will be used.

4660. Computer Mediated Communication

(261) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1000 and 1300; open to juniors or higher.

How computer media increasingly influence communication processes and how computer media are changing society. Students will examine critically both exposure to and use of computer media with particular attention to how people use computer media and the effects of this use.

4660W. Computer Mediated Communication

(261W) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1000, 1300; ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open to juniors or higher. With a change in content this course may be repeated for credit.

4700. Health Communication

(216) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1000, 1300, 3000Q or PSYC 2100Q; open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: COMM 3100, 3200, 3300. Snyder

Overview of health communication, including health behavior change interventions, emergency communication, risk assessment, media influences, provider-patient communication, socialization and identity, stereotyping, social support, diverse populations, and new communication technologies.

4800. Communication Processes in Advertising

(280) Formerly offered as COMS 220.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1300, 3100 and 3300; open to juniors or higher.

Covers communications theory relevant to advertising, with specific application to the creative elements of art and copy. Students create actual print advertisements and radio commercials.

4802. Cultural and Global Diversity in Advertising.

(281) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 4800; open to juniors or higher. Lin.

Advertising and marketing strategies that incorporate cultural diversity and global marketing considerations.

4820. Public Relations

(282) ( Formerly offered as COMS 215.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1300, 3000Q and 3300; open to juniors or higher.

Practical applications of major theories of communication and mass media to public relations practiced by organizations. Based on readings, student research, and case histories.

4930W. Public Relations Writing

(283W) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 4820; ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open to juniors or higher.

Philosophy and practice of good, ethical and effective public relations for advanced students. Writing projects such as press releases, media advisories, briefing packets, speech introductions, brochures, newsletters, and op-eds.

4940. Television Production

(288) (Formerly offered as COMS 233.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: COMM 1000 and 1300 and instructor consent; open to juniors or higher.

Provides hands-on broadcast and industrial video production. Students will rotate through all studio positions for a televised production and complete field shoots and editing for an electronic field production project. Preproduction skills such as proposal and script writing, storyboarding and budgeting will be included in each class project.

4991. Internship in Communication

(291) (Formerly offered as COMS 212.) Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement, with a maximum of three credits per semester. Prerequisite: At least 12 credits of 2000-level or above Communication courses and consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher. Should be taken during the senior year. May be repeated once for credit. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

Provides students with an opportunity for supervised field work in a professional communication organization. Student's performance will be evaluated both by the field supervisor and course instructor.

4992. Research Practicum in Communication

(290) (Formerly offered as COMS 211.) Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement, with a maximum of three credits per semester. Prerequisite: At least 12 credits of 2000-level or above Communication courses which must include COMM 3000Q and consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher. Should be taken during the senior year. May be repeated once for credit.

Provides students with an opportunity to participate in a variety of supervised research activities in communication.

4993. Foreign Study

(293) (Formerly offered as COMS 293.) Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. May be repeated for credit. Consent of Department Head required, normally granted prior to the student's departure. May count toward the major with consent of the advisor.

Special topics taken in foreign study program.

4995. Special Topics

(298) (Formerly offered as COMS 298.) Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. With a change in content, may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary; open to juniors or higher.

4996W. Senior Thesis

(296W) (Formerly offered as COMS 296W.) Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open to juniors or higher. Open only with consent of instructor.

Preparation of a thesis and its presentation to the department.

4998. Variable Topics

(297) (Formerly offered as COMS 297.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. With a change in topic, may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary.

4999. Independent Study

(299) (Formerly offered as COMS 299.) Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Open only with consent of instructor. With a change of content, may be repeated for credit.

The course, for superior students, includes independent reading, periodic conferences, and such other work as desired by the instructor.