Communication Studies (COMM)

COMM101
Communication in the 21st Century

Description: Introduction to the discipline of communication studies through a problem centered learning approach. How communication theory can be applied to solve everyday problems in public, professional, and private lives through learning how to advocate, negotiate, and relate.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option
Course and Laboratory Fee:$10
ACE Outcomes: ACE 2 Communication Competence

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence

COMM101H
Honors: Communication in the 21st Century

Description: Introduction to the discipline of communication studies through a problem centered learning approach. How communication theory can be applied to solve everyday problems in public, professional, and private lives through learning how to advocate, negotiate, and relate.

This course is a prerequisite for: COMM 400; COMM 440; COMM 452; COMM 464; COMM 465; COMM 470; COMM 471; COMM 489

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option
ACE Outcomes: ACE 2 Communication Competence

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence

COMM160
Practicing Intergroup Dialogue

Description: Engage in semi-structured face-to-face discussion groups about important and polarizing social issues.

Course details
Credit Hours:1
Max credits per semester:1
Max credits per degree:1
Grading Option:Graded
Offered:FALL/SPR

Credit Hours:1

ACE:

COMM189H
University Honors Seminar

Prerequisites: Admission to the University Honors Program or by invitation.

University Honors Seminar 189H is required of all students in the University Honors Program.

Description: Topic varies.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded
ACE Outcomes: ACE 2 Communication Competence

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence

COMM192
Special Topics in Communication Studies

Description: Topics vary.

Course details
Credit Hours:1-6
Max credits per semester:6
Max credits per degree:6
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:1-6

ACE:

COMM194
Independent Study in Communication Studies

Prerequisites: Permission.

Description: Independent reading or research under direction of a faculty member.

Course details
Credit Hours:1-3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:1-3

ACE:

COMM201
Social Scientific Research Methods in Communication Studies

Letter grade only.

Description: Introduction to social-scientific research methods in communication studies. Location, interpretation, and application of extant communication research.

This course is a prerequisite for: COMM 489

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM202
Rhetorical Research Methods in Communication Studies

Letter grade only.

Description: Introduction to the humanistic research tradition in communication studies with a focus on understanding and applying various critical approaches to the analysis of public discourse.

This course is a prerequisite for: COMM 489

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM209
Public Speaking

Description: Detailed practice in composition and delivery of speeches leading to effective extemporaneous speaking. Critical analysis of contemporary speeches on vital public issues.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded
Course and Laboratory Fee:$10
ACE Outcomes: ACE 2 Communication Competence

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence

COMM209H
Honors: Public Speaking

Prerequisites: Good standing in the University Honors Program or by invitation.

Description: Detailed practice in composition and delivery of speeches leading to effective extemporaneous speaking. Critical analysis of contemporary speeches on vital public issues will culminate in a major research paper.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded
ACE Outcomes: ACE 2 Communication Competence

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence

COMM210
Communicating in Small Groups

Description: Practice and theory of communication to participate in and lead small group discussion and problem solving.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded
ACE Outcomes: ACE 2 Communication Competence

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence

COMM212
Debate

Description: Principles of argumentation and debate. Practice in analysis, briefing, use of evidence, reasoning, detection of fallacies, refutation, and delivery of argument.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM215
Visual Communication

Description: Surveys theories of visual communication to improve critical thinking about images.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option
ACE Outcomes: ACE 2 Communication Competence

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence

COMM220
Public Advocacy and Civic Engagement

Description: Introduction to fundamentals of public deliberation, advocacy, and civic engagement in a democratic society. Develop civic engagement campaigns using the resources of the rhetorical tradition.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option
ACE Outcomes: ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship

COMM250
Rhetoric, Media, and Civic Life

Description: Explores the centrality of communication in contemporary, digitally-networked civic life.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option
ACE Outcomes: ACE 5 Humanities

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 5 Humanities

COMM271
Organizing Social Change

Description: Examine communication processes that support organizing social change. Explore theories and case examples of how social change agents develop their voices, relationships and the organizational capacity to act on behalf of shared goals.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM280
Communication and Popular Culture

Description: Introduction to communication and popular culture, e.g. television, music, film, popular literature, "self help" literature, etc., using rhetorical and critical methods of analysis to understand the communicative dimension of these cultural forms to explore the complex relationship of language, visual images, mediated communication, and cultural values.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM283
Interpersonal Communication

Description: Understanding the processes and challenges of interpersonal communication across a variety of relationship types. Issues of interpersonal communication in personal and professional relationships.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option
ACE Outcomes: ACE 2 Communication Competence

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence

COMM286
Business and Professional Communication

Letter grade only.

Description: An introduction to a variety of communication skills to help achieve maximum effectiveness on the job: verbal and listening skills, oral presentation techniques, small group problem solving/leadership, interviewing, and organizational communication.

This course is a prerequisite for: CSCE 488

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded
Course and Laboratory Fee:$10
ACE Outcomes: ACE 2 Communication Competence

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence

COMM290
University Speech and Debate Seminar

Prerequisites: Permission.

Limited to members of the intercollegiate forensics squad. Tournaments from September through April.

Description: Intensive research, practice, and application of principles of argumentation and persuasion in intercollegiate debate, public address, and oral interpretation.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:6
Grading Option:Graded with Option
Offered:FALL/SPR
ACE Outcomes: ACE 2 Communication Competence
Experiential Learning:Creative Activity

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence

COMM297
Instructional Assistantship

Prerequisites: Permission.

Pass/No Pass only.

Description: Structured professional experience for training instructor assistants to tutor, evaluate communication activities, and do other instructional assistance for communication studies courses.

Course details
Credit Hours:1-3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:6
Grading Option:Pass No Pass

Credit Hours:1-3

ACE:

COMM310
Communication and Mentorship

Prerequisites: Communication Studies major or minor and permission

Description: Examination of theory and research around effective peer mentor communication, relationship building, and instructional practices and putting those into practice in real life situations working as mentors and trainers.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option
Offered:FALL/SPR
Experiential Learning:Student Teaching/Education Practicum

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM310H
Honors: Communication and Mentorship

Prerequisites: Good standing in the University Honors Program, Communication Studies major or minor and permission.

Description: Examination of theory and research around effective peer mentor communication, relationship building, and instructional practices and putting those into practice in real life situations working as mentors and trainers.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option
Offered:FALL/SPR

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM311
Intercultural and Intergroup CommunicationCrosslisted with ETHN 311

Description: Introduction to the theories and concepts of intercultural and intergroup communication. Communicative processes associated with social comparison, prejudice and discrimination, and social conflict in various relational and professional contexts.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option
ACE Outcomes: ACE 2 Communication Competence ACE 9 Global/Diversity
Experiential Learning:Community Engagement

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence ACE 9 Global/Diversity

COMM312
Argumentation

Description: Special forms of debate and public discussion. Adaptation of argument to various types of audiences. Analysis of principles of argumentation in great historical debates.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM325
Interviewing

Description: Primary focus: studying and applying the principles and strategies of interviewing to practical situations; defining and discussing the applications of interviewing theory as it applies to interviewers and interviewees; and participation in interviews utilizing the strategies and techniques discussed in class including employment, counseling, informational, appraisal, complaint, reprimand, and/or persuasive.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM330
Freedom of Speech

Description: Surveys philosophical debates, legal precedents, historical case studies, and contemporary controversies in freedom of speech in the United States.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded
Offered:FALL
ACE Outcomes: ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship

COMM333
The Rhetoric of the American Presidency

Description: Examination of the speeches and messages of the American presidents throughout history. Focus on presidents at war, presidents dispensing the duties of the office, and presidents in political crisis.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded
Offered:FALL
ACE Outcomes: ACE 5 Humanities

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 5 Humanities

COMM334
Polls, Politics and Public OpinionCrosslisted with POLS 334

Description: Attitudes and behavior of citizens with respect to politics, how these attitudes and behaviors are shaped, how they are measured, and what influence they have on government.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM354
Health Communication

Description: Overview of communication research and practice in various care contexts: client/provider interactions, provider/provider communication, communication in health care organizations, mediated messages in the marketing and promotion of health information, consumer advocacy, politics of health care.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM355
Community and Identity in the Digital Age

Description: Theories and research on communication and technology (e.g., social media). Understanding how the "digital age" is shaping our personal, relational, and social experiences. Grade only.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM360
Dialogue Across Difference

Description: Overview of process for developing, facilitating, and evaluating dialogue across difference. Includes semester-long engagement in intergroup dialogue.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded
Offered:FALL/SPR
ACE Outcomes: ACE 2 Communication Competence
Experiential Learning:Community Engagement

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence

COMM364
Communication, Medicine, and Health Equity

Description: Examines the differences across groups in health, illness, health care access, health equity and the role of communication in defining health problems and creating intervention solutions.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option
Groups:CAS Diversity in the US

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM368
Communication and Aging

Description: Introduction to theories and concepts of intergenerational communication, perceptions of aging, and attitudes about age groups. Focus on cultural variations, media and technology, personal relationships, health and health care.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM370
Family Communication

Description: Theories and research in family communication and relationships. The complexity and consequences of defining and interacting in the family. The diversity of family forms and experiences.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option
ACE Outcomes: ACE 6 Social Science

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 6 Social Science

COMM371
Communication in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Description: Introductory account of the role of conflict in relationships, organizations, and communities.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM372
Communication and Leadership

Description: Explores the communication behaviors that constitute leadership, preparing you to deal with problems encountered by leaders and engage the behaviors, understand the attributes, and develop the communication skills needed to lead effectively. Includes a critical analysis of the social, cultural, psychological, and emotional dynamics that shape leadership.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded
Offered:FALL/SPR

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM373
Narratives and Health

Description: Focus on understanding the intersections between narratives, health, and communication. Exploration of theory, research, and skills associated with narrative approaches to well-being and healthcare.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option
Offered:FALL/SPR

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM374
Mental Health Communication: Communication, Stigma & (Dis)Connection

Description: Examination of how and why mental health is talked about on multiple levels (e.g. self-talk, interpersonal and family relationships, organizations, communities, policies) and how this communication relates to attitudes and behaviors about mental health.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded
Offered:FALL
ACE Outcomes: ACE 2 Communication Competence

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 2 Communication Competence

COMM375
Theories of Persuasion

Description: An upper-division course in the theories and perspectives of persuasion, including an examination of the dimensions, scope, and role of persuasion in our society. Critical analysis of persuasive messages, becoming familiar with persuasive research, and applying to practical situations.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option
ACE Outcomes: ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 8 Civic/Ethics/Stewardship

COMM380
Gender and CommunicationCrosslisted with WMNS 380

Description: Introduction to theory and research in gender and communication. Emphasis on examining the relationships among gender, language, social reality, and cultural values.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM382
Nonprofit Organizing & Communication

Graded only

Description: Exploration of the theories, research, implications, and applications of communicative research on the nonprofit and voluntary sector. Focus on communication processes and structures that are tied to the work, people, and organizations of the nonprofit sector.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded
Offered:FALL

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM386
Organizational Communication

Description: Introduction to the guiding theories in organizational communication field and key communication issues in contemporary organizations. Application of theories and issues through case studies.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM391
Learning Abroad

Prerequisites: Permission.

Description: Special topics through faculty-led education abroad program.

Course details
Credit Hours:1-6
Max credits per semester:6
Max credits per degree:6
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:1-6

ACE:

COMM392
Special Topics in Communication Studies

Description: Topic varies.

Course details
Credit Hours:1-6
Max credits per semester:6
Max credits per degree:6
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:1-6

ACE:

COMM394
Independent Study in Communication Studies

Prerequisites: Permission.

Description: Independent reading or research under direction of a faculty member.

Course details
Credit Hours:1-3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:6
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:1-3

ACE:

COMM395
Professional Internship

Prerequisites: Permission

P/NP only.

Description: Structured professional experience in the field of communication studies outside of the traditional academic setting. Communication problems are confronted not as abstractions, but as specific occurrences with which the student must cope.

Course details
Credit Hours:1-6
Max credits per semester:6
Max credits per degree:6
Grading Option:Pass No Pass

Credit Hours:1-6

ACE:

COMM397
Research Assistantship in Communication Studies

Prerequisites: Permission.

Pass/No Pass only.

Description: Structured research assistant experience with faculty-led research projects to provide undergraduate students interested in research processes with hands-on experience.

Course details
Credit Hours:1-3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:6
Grading Option:Pass No Pass

Credit Hours:1-3

ACE:

COMM400
Rhetorical Theory

Prerequisites: COMM 101 or COMM 101H

Description: Major writers, works, and concepts involved in the rhetorical approach to the study of human communication.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM430
Political CommunicationCrosslisted with POLS 430

Description: Role of communication in the political process, with emphasis on communication strategies in political campaigns. Includes communication variables important in the political process, an application of communication theory and principles to political rhetoric, and analysis and criticism of selected political communication events.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM440
Rhetoric of Sports and Games

Prerequisites: COMM 101 or COMM 101H

Description: Examination of rhetorical theories and perspectives viewed through the cultural lens of sports.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM452
Media and Culture

Prerequisites: COMM 101 or COMM 101H

Description: Theories of mass media, digital media and culture as the basis for investigation of human communication in a variety of contexts and activities.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM464
Communication and Consent

Prerequisites: COMM 101 or COMM 101H

Description: Examination of consent from multiple perspectives: interpersonal relationships, healthcare, social media posting, informed consent, etc. to gain a deeper understanding of how consent uniquely works within these contexts, and how to practice clear verbal requests and allocations of consent.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM465
Communication and Social Identity

Prerequisites: COMM 101 or COMM 101H

Description: Overview of theories of communication and social identity. Focus on identity and social categorization, language use and attitudes, and intergroup contact.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded
Offered:FALL/SPR
Groups:CAS Diversity in the US

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM470
Interpersonal Communication Theory

Prerequisites: COMM 101 or COMM 101H

Description: In-depth exploration of interpersonal communication theory and research across contexts. How people interact to create, maintain, and dissolve relationships.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM471
The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication

Prerequisites: COMM 101 or COMM 101H

Description: In-depth exploration of theories and research associated with interpersonal communication phenomena presumed to be destructive and dysfunctional.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM482
Voices of Dissent and Activism

Description: Explores the advocacy efforts of groups seeking social and political change outside of mainstream political institutions. Analysis of social protest rhetoric--including letters, manifestos, speeches, performance, and artwork--to understand how activists have used communication to advocate for social change. Also focuses on the African American civil rights movement to understand how movement leaders and members used discursive means to alter democratic notions of citizenship, opportunity, and community. Additional movements of study may include the suffrage movement, GLBTQ and AIDS awareness movements, anti-globalization, and environmental movements.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded

Credit Hours:3

ACE:

COMM489
Communication Studies Capstone

Prerequisites: COMM 101 or COMM 101H, COMM 201 or 202, and Senior Standing.

Description: Examination of essays and completion of a semester project that integrates and applies theories, concepts and processes learned throughout the communication studies major.

Course details
Credit Hours:3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:3
Grading Option:Graded
ACE Outcomes: ACE 10 Integrated Product

Credit Hours:3

ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product

COMM492
Special Topics in Communication Studies

Prerequisites: COMM 101

Description: Topic varies.

Course details
Credit Hours:1-6
Max credits per semester:6
Max credits per degree:6
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:1-6

ACE:

COMM499
Undergraduate Thesis

Prerequisites: Permission.

Description: Independent research leading to a thesis.

Course details
Credit Hours:1-3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:6
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:1-3

ACE:

COMM499H
Honors Undergraduate Thesis

Prerequisites: Permission.

Description: Independent research leading to a thesis.

Course details
Credit Hours:1-3
Max credits per semester:3
Max credits per degree:6
Grading Option:Graded with Option

Credit Hours:1-3

ACE: