Undergraduate Course Directory

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Courses by Subject Area

Click on the links below for a list of courses in that subject area. You may then click “View Classes” to see scheduled classes for individual courses.

1000. The Process of Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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1100. Principles of Public Speaking

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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1993. Foreign Study

1.00 - 9.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Special topics taken in foreign study program. Consent of department head required, normally granted prior to the student's departure.

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2000Q. Research Methods in Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 1000. Recommended preparation: MATH 1011Q or equivalent.

Grading Basis: Graded

The scientific approach as it specifically applies to communication.

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2010Q. Applied Communication Research Methods

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 1000. Recommended preparation: MATH 1011Q or equivalent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Principles and practices of research and data analysis in communication industries.

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2100. Professional Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 1000. Recommended preparation: COMM 1100.

Grading Basis: Graded

The principles of communication in business and professional environments. Focus on the refinement of communication skills necessary to succeed in professional contexts.

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2110. Presenting in the Digital World

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 1000. Recommended preparation: COMM 2100.

Grading Basis: Graded

Fundamentals of applying computer mediated communication skills, with emphasis on best practices for producing a range of effective digital presentations.

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2200. Interpersonal Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 1000. May not be taken out of sequence after passing COMM 3222, 4200, or 4222.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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2300. Effects of Mass Media

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 1000.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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2500. Persuasion

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 1000.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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2600. Media in the Information Age

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Recommended preparation: COMM 1000, which may be taken concurrently.

Grading Basis: Graded

The history, organizational structure, economics, policy, and functioning of technologically-based communication systems, and the relationship of these factors to media issues, effects, and culture. Formerly offered as COMM 1300.

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2700. Fundamentals of Digital Production

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 1000. May not be taken out of sequence after passing COMM 4710 or 4720.

Grading Basis: Graded

Fundamentals associated with the production of digital video, audio, and images to communicate with various audiences. Students rotate through various roles of pre-production, production, and post-production processes in the creation of multimedia projects.

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2993. Foreign Study

1.00 - 9.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Special topics taken in foreign study program. Consent of department head required, normally granted prior to the student's departure. May count toward major with consent of the advisor.

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3110. Organizational Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2100 or 2200.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3110W. Organizational Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2100 or 2200; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3120. Small Group Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2100 or 2200.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3120W. Small Group Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2100 or 2200; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3130. Communication in Conflict Management

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2100 or 2200.

Grading Basis: Graded

The principles of communication underlying conflict and its management, including negotiation and intervention strategies, in interpersonal, group/organizational, and inter-group conflict.

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3198. Variable Topics in Professional Communication

3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 9 credits.

Prerequisites: COMM 2100 or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

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3210. Gender and Communication

Also offered as: WGSS 3210

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 1000 or instructor consent. Recommended preparation: COMM 2200.

Grading Basis: Graded

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. Formerly offered as COMM 3450/WGSS 3268.

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3220. Intercultural Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2200.

Grading Basis: Graded

Communication behavior within and across cultures and subcultures. How cultures impact social structures, communication styles, and behavior.

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3220W. Intercultural Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2200. ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.

Grading Basis: Graded

Communication behavior within and across cultures and subcultures. How cultures impact social structures, communication styles, and behavior.

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3222. People of Color and Interpersonal Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2200.

Grading Basis: Graded

Impact of race, ethnicity, and culture on interpersonal interactions. Surveys key theories and empirical works of past and current race relations in the U.S., negotiation of identity, and ways identity is communicated in various personal relationships.

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3222W. People of Color and Interpersonal Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2200; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.

Grading Basis: Graded

Impact of race, ethnicity, and culture on interpersonal interactions. Surveys key theories and empirical works of past and current race relations in the U.S., negotiation of identity, and ways identity is communicated in various personal relationships.

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3230. Family Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2200.

Grading Basis: Graded

The role of communication theories and processes in family contexts, construed broadly to include the biological, legal, and voluntary kin comprising diverse families today. Formerly offered as COMM 4240.

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3240. Nonverbal Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2200 or 2500.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3241. Motivation and Emotion

Also offered as: PSYC 3241

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: PSYC 1100, and 1101 or 1103; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3298. Variable Topics in Interpersonal Communication

3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 9 credits.

Prerequisites: COMM 2200 or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

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3310. Media Literacy and Criticism

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2300 or 2600.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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3310W. Media Literacy and Criticism

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2300 or 2600; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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3320. Media and Diverse Audiences

Also offered as: LLAS 3320

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: COMM 1000, 2300 or 2600.

Grading Basis: Graded

Issues of race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender, and sexuality in mainstream and alternative media. Analysis of how diverse groups use the media, are represented in, and interpret media content. Formerly offered as COMM/LLAS 4320.

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3321. Latinas and Media

Also offered as: LLAS 3321, WGSS 3321

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

The role of ethnicity and race in women's lives. Special attention to communication research on ethnic and racial minority women. CA 4. Formerly offered as LLAS 3264/ WGSS 3260.

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3322. Soap Opera/Telenovela

Also offered as: LLAS 3322

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: COMM 1000, 2300 or 2600.

Grading Basis: Graded

Socio-cultural functions of soap operas/telenovelas as mediated serials constructed by commercial organizations and consumed by United States and global audiences. Formerly offered as COMM/LLAS 4470.

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3330. Children and Mass Media

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2300.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3330W. Children and Mass Media

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2300; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3398. Variable Topics in Media Effects

3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 9 credits.

Prerequisites: COMM 2300 or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

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3410. Political Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2300 or 2500.

Grading Basis: Graded

Communication in political processes and the role of mass media in American politics. Topics may include campaigning, issue management, lobbying, interest-group strategies, government relations, grassroots action, and coalition building.

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3410W. Political Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2300 or 2500; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.

Grading Basis: Graded

Communication in political processes and the role of mass media in American politics. Topics may include campaigning, issue management, lobbying, interest-group strategies, government relations, grassroots action, and coalition building.

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3415. Protest and Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2300 or 2500.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3420. Health Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 1000. Recommended preparation: COMM 2300 or 2500.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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3420W. Health Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 1000; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011. Recommended preparation: COMM 2300 or 2500.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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3430. Science Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 1000. Recommended Preparation: COMM 2300 or 2500.

Grading Basis: Graded

The role of communication and media in shaping science and technology in society. Topics include theories and debates in the field, media coverage of science, activism and science campaigns, and using new and social media to communicate science issues.

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3430W. Science Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 1000; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011. Recommended Preparation: COMM 2300 or 2500.

Grading Basis: Graded

The role of communication and media in shaping science and technology in society. Topics include theories and debates in the field, media coverage of science, activism and science campaigns, and using new and social media to communicate science issues.

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3435. Environmental Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 1000. Recommended preparation: COMM 2300 or 2500.

Grading Basis: Graded

Survey of best practices for communicating environmental issues and engaging diverse communities and publics. Development of communication strategies to effectively promote environmental literacy and increase environmental equity.

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3460. Sport Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 1000. Recommended Preparation: COMM 2100 or 2300 or 2500. Not open for credit to students who have passed COMM 3498 when offered as Sports Communication.

Grading Basis: Graded

Communication theory and best practices in the realm of sport, with a focus on application to modern issues for organizations, athletes, and fans at varying levels of competition.

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3498. Variable Topics in Specialized Communication

3.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

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3510. Marketing Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2500 or 2600.

Grading Basis: Graded

Principles, strategies, and theories of communication in product and brand marketing contexts.

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3520. Communication Processes in Advertising

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2500 or 2600.

Grading Basis: Graded

Advertising theory and practice, with specific application to digital, omni-channel and multimedia strategies for implementation in advertising campaigns.

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3530. Public Relations

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2500 or 2600.

Grading Basis: Graded

Practical applications of major theories of communication and mass media to public relations practiced by organizations.

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3598. Variable Topics in Persuasion and Promotion

3.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: COMM 2500 or 2600 or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

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3600. New Communication Technologies

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2600.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3600W. New Communication Technologies

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2600; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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3605. Communication Technology and Social Change

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2300 or 2600.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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3610. Computer Mediated Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2200 or 2600.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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3610W. Computer Mediated Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2200 or 2600; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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3698. Variable Topics in Communication Technology

3.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: COMM 2600 or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

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3700. Visual Communications

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2500 or 2700.

Grading Basis: Graded

Strategic use of imagery and multimedia to improve communication in professional and public contexts. Students will create media to solve communication-based problems.

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3798. Variable Topics in Multimedia Production

3.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: COMM 2700 or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

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3993. Foreign Study

1.00 - 9.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Special topics taken in foreign study program. Consent of Department Head required, normally granted prior to the student's departure.

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4200. Advanced Interpersonal Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2000Q and 2200.

Grading Basis: Graded

An advanced approach to interpersonal communication focusing on theories and their applications. Topics may include affection exchange theory, theories of uncertainty, attachment theory, communication privacy management theory, interpersonal deception theory, and relational dialectics theory.

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4200W. Advanced Interpersonal Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2000Q and 2200; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.

Grading Basis: Graded

An advanced approach to interpersonal communication focusing on theories and their applications. Topics may include affection exchange theory, theories of uncertainty, attachment theory, communication privacy management theory, interpersonal deception theory, and relational dialectics theory.

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4300. Advanced Media Effects

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2000Q and 2300.

Grading Basis: Graded

Contentious topics in current media effects research, and their theoretical implications. Topics may include sexual content on television, pornography, alcohol on television, video games, and media impact on body image. Formerly offered as COMM 4035.

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4300W. Advanced Media Effects

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2000Q and 2300; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.

Grading Basis: Graded

Contentious topics in current media effects research, and their theoretical implications. Topics may include sexual content on television, pornography, alcohol on television, video games, and media impact on body image. Formerly offered as COMM 4035W.

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4411. International Communication and Conflict

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2200 and 2500.

Grading Basis: Graded

Communication in international conflicts and crises. Negotiation, mediation, and transformational approaches; globalization and the media; communication in war and peace; cultural, social, political, and economic effects.

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4501. Advanced Persuasion and Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2000Q and COMM 2500.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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4510. Communication Campaigns and Applied Research

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2000Q and 2500. Recommended preparation: COMM 2300.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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4530W. Public Relations Writing

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 3530; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.

Grading Basis: Graded

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.

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4540. Crisis Communication

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 3530 or instructor consent. Not open for credit to students who have passed COMM 4995 when offered as "Crisis Communication."

Grading Basis: Graded

Principles and practices of effective crisis response. The management processes and leadership skills necessary to anticipate, plan for, manage, communicate about, and recover from organizational and public crises.

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4640. Social Media: Research and Practice

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2600; COMM 2200 or 2300 or 2500.

Grading Basis: Graded

Examines social media from multiple perspectives, including understanding their effects through theoretical approaches and empirical research, as well as practical applications across various contexts.

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4640W. Social Media: Research and Practice

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2600; COMM 2200 or 2300 or 2500; ENGL 1007 or ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 2011.

Grading Basis: Graded

Examination of the use and effects of social media through theoretical approaches and empirical research; practical applications across various contexts.

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4650. Human-Computer Interaction

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Six credits of 2000-level or higher coursework in Communication or Computer Science Engineering. Recommended preparation: COMM 2600 or 3600.

Grading Basis: Graded

Human interaction with computer technology and methods of evaluating communication systems for different populations and usage goals.

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4710. Narrative Digital Video Production

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2700 or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Hands-on work in narrative digital video production. Students rotate through all production positions for a digital production and complete field shoots and editing for a narrative production project. Preproduction skills such as proposal and script writing, storyboarding and budgeting included in each class project.

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4720. Nonfiction Digital Video Production

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: COMM 2700 or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Hands-on work in nonfiction video production. Role of documentary and informational media in various communication contexts. Students rotate through all production positions for a digital production and complete field shoots and editing for a nonfiction production project. Production skills such as proposal writing, interviewing, b-roll, and budgeting included in each class project.

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4799. Independent Study in Multimedia Production

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher with instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Credits and hours by arrangement.

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4979. Digital Portfolio

1.00 - 3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.

Prerequisites: At least 12 credits of 2000 level or above COMM courses; open to juniors or higher. Recommended preparation: COMM 2100 and 2700.

Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Development of a digital portfolio for presentation to professional and graduate-level audiences. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

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4981. Internship in Communication

1.00 - 3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: At least 12 units of 2000 level or above Communication Sciences courses; open to juniors or higher. Should be taken senior year.

Grading Basis: Satisfactory/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. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

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4982. Research Practicum in Communication

1.00 - 3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: At least 12 credits of 2000-level or above Communication courses which must include COMM 2000Q; open to juniors or higher. May be repeated once for a total of six credits.

Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Participation in supervised research activities in communication. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

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4993. Foreign Study

1.00 - 9.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Special topics taken in foreign study program. Consent of Department Head required, normally granted prior to the student's departure. May count toward the major with consent of the advisor.

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4995. Special Topics

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary by section; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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4996. Undergraduate Research in Communication

1.00 - 3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: COMM 2000Q; at least 12 credits of COMM courses at the 2000 level or above; open only to junior or higher Communication majors; instructor consent required.

Grading Basis: Graded

Students conduct an original research investigation under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The student is required to submit a brief report at the end of the semester. May be repeated once for credit.

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4997W. Senior Thesis

1.00 - 6.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Honors Credit

Preparation of a thesis and its presentation to the department.

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4998. Variable Topics

3.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary by section; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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4999. Independent Study

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

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

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