Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Communication Courses


Department of Communication

Courses

  • COMS 101 - Foundations of Oral Communication


    3 credit hours
    General Education Course
    Foundation in the principles of communication focusing on understanding the intrapersonal, interpersonal and group, organizational, cultural, and public communication climates within which the students interact daily. Provides students the opportunity to study and practice effective communication and to prepare for real-life situations.
  • COMS 102 - Honors Foundations of Oral Communication


    3 credit hours
    General Education Course
    Principles of foundations of communications for Honors Program students.
  • COMS 140 - Principles of Public Speaking


    3 credit hours
    The study and application of audience analysis, content creation, speech occasion, social context, and ethical communication through the performance and analysis of multiple public speeches.  Prerequisite(s): COMS 101  (or 102 ).
  • COMS 141 - Interpersonal Communication


    3 credit hours
    Study and practice of effective dyadic communication in family, social, and work environments. Explores development of the self-concept, perception, language, nonverbal communication, and conflict management.
  • COMS 200 - Introduction to Communication Research Methods


    3 credit hours
    Study, application, and evaluation of quantitative and qualitative research methods employed in scholarly communication research. Includes experimental, survey, textual analysis, and ethnography. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101  (or 102 ).
  • COMS 220 - Introduction to Public Relations


    3 credit hours
    Introduction to the strategic management function of communication in public relations. Includes an overview of public relations planning and ethics for the contemporary corporate communicator.
  • COMS 299 - Career and Professional Development


    3 credit hours
    Overview of career development and successful job search strategies. Topics include: career assessment, resume writing, interview skills, career advancement, and communication in the workplace. Required for all COMS majors. Open to all majors.  Prerequisite(s): COMS 101  (or 102 ).
  • COMS 310 - Social Media and Public Relations


    3 credit hours
    Communication techniques to build personal/corporate brands and use of social media and web tools to engage customers. Application of social media strategies to organizational needs.  Class format includes lecture, discussion, case study analysis, and team projects. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101  (or 102 ) and 220 .
  • COMS 320 - Communication Theory


    3 credit hours
    Effect of communication theories on interpersonal, group, public, and other communication contexts. Formulation and evaluation of communication theories.
  • COMS 330 - Persuasion


    3 credit hours
    Study and application of theories and practices of persuasive messages used strategically to influence human behavior and actions. Includes critical analysis and public performance of persuasive strategies with a focus on ethical communication Prerequisite(s): COMS 101  (or 102 ) and  140 .
  • COMS 344 - Organizational Communication


    3 credit hours
    Examines communication patterns in businesses and organizations. Applies management and communication theories to workplace topics such as conflict, decision-making, diversity, leadership, and power.
  • COMS 350 - Nonverbal Communication


    3 credit hours
    Communication beyond the spoken or written word, including personal appearance, touch, space, eye contact, gestures, chronemics, olfaction, body adornment, and body language.
  • COMS 355 - Intercultural Communication


    3 credit hours
    An introduction to human communication as it reflects and shapes culture. Emphasizes communication’s role in living, socializing, and working effectively in a culturally and co-culturally diverse world.  Prerequisite(s): COMS 101  (or 102 ).
  • COMS 360 - Small Group Communication


    3 credit hours
    Nature, uses, and types of group discussion, including leadership, group problem solving, and the individual’s role in a group.
  • COMS 365 - Family Communication


    3 credit hours
    Effect of communication in family relationships. Functional and dysfunctional family systems across a wide range of structures and cultural backgrounds are examined.
  • COMS 375 - Gender Communication


    3 credit hours
    Development, usage, and effects of gendered communication interpersonally and in organizational settings.
  • COMS 390 - Communication, Leadership, and Society


    3 credit hours
    Analysis of leadership and followership as communication phenomena. Application of leadership principles in a variety of contemporary social and business contexts.
  • COMS 410 - Environmental Communication


    3 credit hours
    Effect of communication on how the natural world is perceived. Contexts, styles, and strategies of communication about the environment examined from a rhetorical perspective. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101  (or 102 ).
  • COMS 420 - Interpersonal Conflict Management


    3 credit hours
    Principles of effective communication and conflict engagement. Conflict strategies employed in interaction and techniques to increase awareness of power and emotion in conflict.
  • COMS 430 - Argumentation and Debate


    3 credit hours
    An introduction to theories, techniques, and styles of debate with a focus on understanding the role of ethics in argumentation. Includes opportunities to analyze and perform argumentation and debates in a variety of contexts including interpersonal, community, and political. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101  (or 102 ) and 140 
  • COMS 435 - Social Movement Rhetoric


    3 credit hours
    Survey and criticism of the rhetoric of social movements throughout U.S. history including abolition and 20th century civil rights; women’s suffrage and the waves of feminism; and the contemporary LGBT rights movement.   Prerequisite(s): Grade of “C” or higher in COMS 101  (or 102 ), and ENG 102  (or 104 ).
  • COMS 445 - Communication Training and Development


    3 credit hours
    Strategies and techniques for improving communication skills of business personnel, students, and clients.
  • COMS 450 - Rhetorical Criticism


    3 credit hours
    A survey and practice of rhetorical methods and criticism through analysis of speeches, campaigns, and other rhetorical artifacts. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101  (or 102 ), and ENG 102  (or 104 ).
  • COMS 460 - Seminar in Communication Studies


    3 credit hours
    Special offerings on a Communication Studies topic not covered in the curriculum.  May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Prerequisite(s): COMS 101  (or 102 ).
  • COMS 475 - Internship in Communication Studies


    1-6 credit hours
    Practical experience in a professional environment. Applications, including requirements, are available in departmental office. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours. Graded Pass/Fail. Open to juniors and seniors only with departmental and Academic Advisor consent.
  • COMS 491 - Directed Studies in Communication Studies


    1-3 credit hours
    Supervised, directed study in communication-related area. Faculty advisor must approve research topic the semester prior to registration. Consent of instructor required.
  • COMS 495 - Public Relations Campaigns


    3 credit hours
    Review of current strategic communication management practices related to planning, proposing, implementing, and analyzing public relations campaigns. Application of theory and research strategies to current problems and needs of organizations. Class format is primarily discussion and team projects, including case study analyses and service learning projects. Prerequisite(s): COMS 220   or instructor consent. 
  • COMS 499 - Senior Seminar in Communication Studies


    3 credit hours
    Communication Studies capstone experience. Presentation of senior projects that demonstrate how coursework in the COMS program contributes to the understanding of research, theory, and practice in the field of communication studies. Required of all COMS majors. Offered in fall term only. Prerequisite(s): COMS 299 . Senior standing and consent of instructor.
  • MC 100 - Introduction to Mass Media


    3 credit hours
    Students learn the historical development of all forms of mass media, including how culture both shapes and is shaped by mass media products. Course topics also include business and financial aspects of media industries and an introduction to relevant theories of communication and media effects.
  • MC 200 - Introduction to Mass Media Writing


    3 credit hours
    Developing and improving news writing and professional skills for print, online, and broadcast. 
  • MC 210 - Introduction to Media Production


    3 credit hours
    Fundamentals of photography, video, and audio production. 
  • MC 215 - Producing Video in the Studio


    3 credit hours
    Principles and practices of television production in a studio environment. 
  • MC 265 - Broadcast News Writing


    3 credit hours
    Students learn the fundamentals of writing for broadcast news, both television and radio. Course topics also include tease writing and social media.
  • MC 300 - Advanced Journalism Practices


    3 credit hours
    Practical approaches to print journalism, including covering a beat, developing sources, news writing, and editing. Introduction to layout and design for newspapers Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 200 .
  • MC 305 - Media Writing


    3 credit hours
    Writing commercials, promotional announcements, and public service announcements for radio and television. 
  • MC 310 - Publication Layout and Design


    3 credit hours
    In-depth layout and design for newspapers, magazines, brochures, and other publications using desktop-publishing software. 
  • MC 315 - Video Field and Post Production


    3 credit hours
    Electronic field production for video. Scripting, producing, and directing for location videography, including lighting techniques and audio recording, and the post-production process including basic Photoshop® and video editing. Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 210 .
  • MC 320 - Multimedia Videojournalism


    3 credit hours
    Videography for television and online news. On-camera interviewing techniques. Shooting, writing, and editing news stories for the weekly campus newscast. Students are not required to appear on camera. Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 315  and MC 200 .
  • MC 325 - Survey of American Cinema


    3 credit hours
    General Education Course
    Examining the impact, techniques, theories, and style of American cinema. Includes regular screening of movies.
  • MC 327 - Television and Digital Reporting


    3 credit hours
    Students combine their videography, writing, and editing skills to create news stories for use on the campus newscast. Students also report on digital platforms, including websites and social media platforms. This course requires students to appear on camera.  Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 210  and MC 265 .
  • MC 330 - Digital Filmmaking Fundamentals


    3 credit hours
    Digital Filmmaking Fundamentals is designed to develop the skills and knowledge of digital film production, concentrating on the areas of digital cinematography, narrative editing, and pre-production planning. Prerequisite(s): MC 210  grade of C or higher.
  • MC 333 - Television Newscast Production


    4 credit hours
    Students work as producers, anchors, and reporters to create a weekly newscast.  Course topics also include news judgment, time management, story and tease writing, anchoring, and  on-camera performance, and management.  Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 210  and MC 265 .
  • MC 347 - Exploring Star Trek


    3 credit hours
    An exploration of the fandom and cultural influences of the Star Trek franchise. The course also examines how various Star Trek series and movies address societal issues, such as race, gender and sexuality, politics, ethics, etc. Includes regular screenings of movies and television episodes.
  • MC 355 - Scriptwriting


    3 credit hours
    Advanced writing skills, including character, plot development, visualization, action and dialog for television and film scripts. Prerequisite(s): MC 305  
  • MC 357 - Special Topics in Public Relations


    3 credit hours
    Varied topics in the field related to public relations agency work. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
  • MC 360 - Mass Communication Theory and Media Effects


    3 credit hours
    Overview of research in media effects and mass communication theory.
  • MC 375 - Strategies for Video in Social Media


    3 credit hours
    Using Internet-based video to promote products or issues in a professional setting, either as an entrepreneur or for a client. Includes analytics, social-media applications, mobile video, and techniques to increase a video’s reach. Students will develop a plan to increase a video’s impact by using Web-based social and technical video techniques, apply the plan, and analyze the results.
  • MC 380 - Film Theory


    3 credit hours
    A survey of the literature and films associated with classical film theory (1916-1958) and also film theory from the mid-twentieth century to the present.  The course will consider the questions and answers early film theorists considered about the new art form of film.  The course addresses semiotic, psychoanalytic, Marxist, feminist, and cognitive theories of film.
  • MC 400 - Special Topics in Journalism


    3 credit hours
    Varied topics in the field, offered on a one-time basis. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
  • MC 411 - Video Engineering


    3 credit hours
    Theoretical and practical application of video engineering principles in a modern digital broadcast environment, including working as technical crew for weekly newscasts. Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 215 .
  • MC 412 - Audio Engineering


    3 credit hours
    Aesthetic and technical considerations for digital multi-track recording, mixing, and sound reinforcement.  Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 315 .
  • MC 415 - Advanced Video Post Production


    3 credit hours
    Philosophy and technical considerations in software based, non-linear video editing.  Restricted to junior or senior MC majors. Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 315   or MC 330 .
  • MC 425 - Documentary Production


    3 credit hours
    Individual projects completed under faculty supervision. Includes documentaries, dramas, animation, or other appropriate subjects. Topic must be approved by Instructor prior to registration Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 330  or MC 415 . Prerequisite(s) with concurrency allowed: MC 415 .
  • MC 433 - Advanced TV Newscast Production


    4 credit hours
    As Executive Producer, the student will gain advanced managerial experience in producing  and overseeing the operations of the campus newscast.  Consent of instructor required. Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 333 .
  • MC 450 - Seminar in Mass Communication


    3 credit hours
    In-depth examination of critical Mass Communication issues.  May be repeated for credit as topics change.
  • MC 452 - Public Relations Writing


    3 credit hours
    Writing news releases, videos, online material, fact sheets, position papers, and other PR-oriented messages. Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 200  and MC 310  
  • MC 453 - Advanced Journalism Practicum


    3 credit hours
    Practical experience in the production of the campus newspaper.
  • MC 455 - Media Law


    3 credit hours
    Examination of laws affecting broadcast, cable, and print media. 
  • MC 460 - Media Management


    3 credit hours
    Management and motivational theories applied to print, broadcast, and cable industries. 
  • MC 475 - Internship


    1-6 credit hours
    Practical experience in a professional environment. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours on a pass/fail basis. Open to juniors and seniors only with departmental consent. Applications available in the departmental office. 
  • MC 491 - Directed Study


    1-3 credit hours
    Supervised, directed study in media related area. Faculty advisor must approve research topic the semester prior to registration.
  • MC 494 - Location Production


    3 credit hours
    Theoretical and practical instruction in the techniques of advanced video production. Teamwork aspects of location production are emphasized.  Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 315  or MC 330 .
  • MC 495 - Broadcast Production Capstone


    1 credit hour
    Production of an advanced media project and e-portfolio with detailed critical anaylsis. Project topics and guidelines must be approved by faculty advisor the semester prior to registration. Broadcast Production senior in last 30 hours of study. Prerequisite(s): “C” or higher in MC 415 .
  • MC 497 - Digital Filmmaking Capstone


    3 credit hours
    Theoretical and practical instruction in advanced digital filmmaking. Teamwork aspects of filmmaking are emphasized. Students will learn the role of the Producer and Director in filmmaking, as well as how to create and control the visual and aural structure of a scene.  Students will learn to plan and execute complex and creative visual images using digital filmmaking cameras, dollies, steadicams, and other lens accessories. Lighting to support the visual message of a narrative will be applied and explored.  The course will consist of lectures, analysis of film scenes and narratives, applied class exercises, and creation of creative short narrative films. Prerequisite(s): “C” or better in MC 210  and MC 355 . Recommended: Completion of the History and Production requirements for the Digital Filmmaking Minor.
  • MC 499 - Multimedia Journalism Capstone


    3 credit hours
    Students report stories across print, television, and digital platforms. Students are required to create a portfolio. Prerequisite(s): MC 300  and MC 327 .