Courses in Communication Studies provide students with an understanding of and experience in human message-making exchanges. Cognizant of its roots in oral rhetoric, the Department expects each student to develop effective presentational ability. Most areas of study are directly applicable to influence systems, interpersonal and public relationships, opinion-making, cultural awareness, mass communication, conflict resolution, and career settings.
COM 500: Leadership Comunication
A comprehensive examination of major perspectives on communication and leadership. A required course.
COM 502: Communication Research Methods
An examination of the major issues pertaining to inquiry in human communication, including the nature of inquiry; qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches to communication research; moral and ethical standards for human research; the role of the researcher; and comparisons of academic research. Students will be required to design and execute a research project.
COM 503: Communication and Persuasive Influence
An analysis of major conceptual approaches to persuasion and their implications for understanding influence context and designing pragmatic strategies. [Syllabus]
COM 504: The Symbol Systems of Communication
Students will explore the verbal and nonverbal components of message creation in communication using primary theories to analyze language variables in different settings.
COM 505: Concepts and Criticism of Public Influence
The criticism and history of influence will be explored to focus on examples of persuasion through public discourse.
COM 506: Communication in Small Groups
An examination of traditional and contemporary research which pertains to various dimensions of small group communication including, but not limited to, the following topics: structure, size, tasks, goals, systems, and leadership.
COM 507: Issues in Mass Communication
An overview of the mass communication systems, including an analysis of the elements and processes of these media, their functions, and the major issues attending to their use in our culture.
COM 508: Special Topic Seminar
An intensive examination of a selected area within communication study. Topics will vary and will be announced in advance of each semester.
COM 509: Communication and Conflict Resolution
Using both theoretical and activity-centered learning, the student will explore the options available to resolve conflict through communication.
Com 520: Political Communication
Examines the role communication plays in the political system with a specific focus on campaign communication, political advertising, and media coverage of politics.
Com 525: American Public Address
Critical and theoretical examination of significant speeches in American history (from early American history to contemporary times).
Com 530: Advances in Non-Verbal Communication
This course investigates recent advances and controversies in nonverbal communication theory and research.
Com 535: Communication Competence
This course examines what it means to be a highly competent communicator. Communication competence will be explored across a multitude of communication contexts including interpersonal, organizational, intercultural, and leadership contexts
Com 550: Public Relations Research and Writing
Familiarizes students with the skills needed to work as a public relations writer and editor. Explores applicable media theories as well as ethical and legal issues.
Com 555: Inspirational Communication
This course examines inspirational and motivational forms of communication.For an extended description see http://www.cjorr.com.
COM 570: Conceptual Foundations for Training and Development
Examination of major schools of thought that underpin organizational training and development. Viewpoints explored for diagnostic guidance, learning implications and training technologies. For an extended description see http://www.cjorr.com.
COM 571: Practicum in Communication, Training and Development
Design and delivery of training workshops by each participant. Review and practice of the leading training technologies in communication and organizational development.
COM 575: Seminar on Speech Pedagogy
An examination of pedagogical research on the development of effective public speakers. Provides opportunities for both training speakers and critiquing public presentations.
COM 598: Graduate Internship in Communication Studies
Supervised professional training in approved communication placements. PREREQ: Approval of department chairperson.
COM 599: Directed Graduate Studies
Research projects, reports, readings in speech communication. PREREQ: Approval of department chairperson.
COM 600: Communication Studies Thesis
Original research, supervised through topic selection, investigation, and oral defense.