Course Description

Communication

 COMM104    (3)    Communication Skills
Study of the human communication process?including a multicultural
perspective and the importance of diversity?focusing on interactions
with oneself, with one other person, with a small group, and within
public-speaking situations. Transfer students, juniors, and seniors
meet the General Education requirement by taking one of the
following: COMM320, 436, or 456. Communication majors
who transfer in take COMM320, 436 or 456.

 COMM215    (4)    Introduction to Communication Theory and Research
A study of classical and modern theories of rhetoric, Interpersonal
communication, language, and the role of communication in
establishing social reality. Includes a survey of critical research
related to these major theories and a sample research project.

 COMM230    (1)    Communication Practices
A foundational course which introduces students to the study of
the human communication process and career opportunities in
the field of communication. Majors and minors are advised to
complete this course.

 COMM280    (3)    Voice and Diction
Through vocal analysis and studying the production
and differentiation of sound units in the English language, students
identify and develop vocal strengths and identify and remedy
vocal problems. Students learn to use their voices to achieve
maximum understanding and pleasure. Includes theory, practice
exercises, public performances, and an introduction to the
International Phonetic Alphabet.

 COMM290    (1-3)    Practicum
Supervised work experience in journalism, public relations, or
another aspect of communication. A minimum of 75 clock hours
of work experience is required. Obtain procedures and guidelines
from the department. S/U grade

 COMM320    (3)    Interpersonal Communication
Emphasis is placed on interpersonal skills for the workplace.
Students examine components of interpersonal communication
such as listening, perception, managing conflict, etc., then apply
specific strategies to build relationships.

 COMM340    (3)    Argumentation and Debate
An examination of argumentation and debate theory with practical
application of debate skills including building and organizing
cases, and analyzing and rebutting arguments. Particularly useful
for students in fields such as pre-law and business which require
decision making and argumentation. Prerequisite: COMM104 or
COMM230.

 COMM389    (1-3)    Internship in Communication
Students work full time at communication enterprises.
At least 90 clock hours per credit of work experience are required.
Obtain procedures and guidelines from the department. S/U grade. 

COMM405    (3)    Persuasion
The analysis of persuasive appeals from the point of view of
a critical consumer plus practical experience, oral and written,
in ethically persuading others. Prerequisite: COMM104 or
COMM230.

 COMM425    (3)    Media Literacy
A critical and experiential approach to information conveyed
through the mass media. It includes an introduction to myth and
meaning and the importance of understanding prevailing ideologies
in the context of a Christian world view and a sense of identity. 

COMM435    (2)    Crisis Communications
Understanding communication during crisis conditions. Planning,
preventing and anticipating Public Relations emergencies.
Preparing a crisis communication?s plan including internal and
external consulting factors. Implementing Public Relations activities
including understanding and handling the media and the press,
explaining technical information, communicating about risks and
responding to warnings. Notification priorities and protocols.
Developing information centers and methods and tools for disseminating
information during emergencies.

 COMM436    (3)    Intercultural Communication
Students examine the relationship between culture
And communication and the ways culture influences values and
perceptions. Discussion and activities help students develop
and apply analytic and communication skills which enable
them to interact with cultural sensitivity and communicate more
effectively in intercultural, interethnic, and cross-gender contexts.
Particularly useful for students in business, behavioral sciences,
education, and theology.

 COMM445    (3)    Family Communication
The study of the interactive relationships between gender and
communication as experienced in various contexts such as
personal relationships, school and work settings (odd years).

 COMM446    (3)    Gender Communication
The study of the interactive relationships between gender and
communication as experienced in various contexts such as
personal relationships, school and work settings (even years).

 COMM450    (3)    Communication in the Classroom
The study and development of effective communication
Skills within the context of the classroom. Focus is on
interactive learning where the student rather than the
instructor is central. Open only to upper division
and graduate students.

 COMM454    (1-3)    Topics in Communication:__________
Topics of current significance. Repeatable with different topics.
Credit to be announced with topic in advance. 

COMM456    (3)    Group Dynamics and Leadership
An experiential study of groups in process within organizations
for the purpose of problem-solving and team building. Students
work in teams to plan and complete a service project during the
semester.

 COMM465    (3)    Topics in Communication Arts:__________
Study of selected topics in Communication Arts. Topic to be
announced in advance. Repeatable to 9 credits with different
topics. Prerequisites: Varies according to topic.

• Drama
• Interpretive Reading
• British Dramatic Arts

 COMM475    (3)    Effective Presentations
For students who wish to continue their study and practice of
public oral presentations. Grounded in rhetorical theory and
research. Students deliver presentations on subjects of their choice
to an interdisciplinary audience and, in addition to improving their
public-speaking skills, they gain expertise in using presentational
aids, in analyzing oral argument, in assessment of their own
speaking skills and in evaluating the effectiveness of others?
presentations. Prerequisite: COMM104 or COMM230.

 COMM480    (3)    Communicating for Community
A practical capstone class which helps students integrate and
synthesize material acquired in their major. Practical applications
are made to specific communities of practice. Students are
required to complete their portfolios including mission statements
and samples of performance in their major, and give evidence
of an organized job search. Preparation for internship.

 COMM495    (1-3)    Independent Study/Readings/Research
Topics chosen in consultation with an instructor. Repeatable to 3
credits. Requires prior approval from instructor.

 COMM515    (3)    Communication Theories
The study of communication theories from covering
laws, human action, and systems perspectives. Students
engage in seminar presentations and classroom discussions
of how the theories can be applied in practical ways.

 COMM535    (2)    Crisis Communications
Understanding communication during crisis conditions. Planning,
preventing and anticipating Public Relations emergencies.
Preparing a crisis communication?s plan including internal and
external consulting factors. Implementing Public Relations
activities including understanding and handling the media and
the press, explaining technical information, communicating about
risks and responding to warnings. Notification priorities and
protocols. Developing information centers and methods and tools
for disseminating information during emergencies.

 COMM536    (2-3)    Issues in Intercultural Communication
Examination of intercultural communication issues with specific
applications to student?s chosen fields of enquiry or employment.
Students explore critical issues influencing the effectiveness of
their interaction with individuals from varied cultures in specific
organizational and societal contexts.

 COMM554    (1-2)    Topics in __________
Study of selected communication topics of current significance.
Topics to be announced in advance. Repeatable to 6 credits with
different topics.

 COMM589    (2-3)    Internship/Practicum in Communication
Students apply their academic preparation at a full-time
professional communication-related job. At least 400 clock hours
of work experience are required. Obtain procedures and guidelines
from the department. S/U grade.

 COMM590    (2-3)    Graduate Seminar in __________
Projects, reports, and discussions. Seminars are offered in various
subjects such as Conflict Management, Prejudice Communication
and Forgiveness, Religious Journalism, Contextualized Communication,
Communication Paradigms, and Teambuilding. Repeatable
with different subject matter. Topic announced in advance.

 COMM651    (1)    Communication Research Seminar I
A seminar for analysis of communication research in which
students explore published research from a variety of approaches.
Emphasis is given to understanding and critiquing research
studies.

 COMM652    (2)    Communication Research Seminar II
A research seminar in which students present, evaluate and
critique original research. This seminar provides students an
opportunity to refine their proposals and develop their original
research/production projects under the direct guidance of an
instructor. COMM652 is usually taken in conjunction with
COMM599 or COMM695 after completing other course
work. Prerequisites: COMM651, 520 or equivalent is strongly
recommended.
COMMUNICATION 127
128 COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

 PLSC420    (3)    Human Rights, Violations and Reconciliations
An interdisciplinary approach to concepts of human rights within
western and non-western traditions. The course will evaluate legal
and political instruments that address human rights and examine
the meaning and relevance of these rights to such contemporary
issues as torture, political repression, war crimes, and genocide
and refugees.

 

Research And Specialized

 COMM520    (3)    Communication Research Methodology
Consideration of basic research principles and methodologies
with emphasis on constructing appropriate research designs and
choosing appropriate methods. Students usually conduct a class
research project. Prerequisite: COMM515

 COMM599    (2-3)    Production Project in Communication
Students produce some major communication effort, such as
creating and offering a training workshop, designing a public relations
campaign, editing a department magazine, directing a play, or
offering a one-person show. Prerequisite: Completed production
project proposal. S/U grade.

 COMM648    (1-6)    Communication Workshop
Intensive study on selected practical topics. Offered on a periodic
basis with topic announced in class schedule. Repeatable with
different topics.

 COMM690    (1-3)    Independent Study in Communication
Individualized reading or research in a specified area under
the guidance of an instructor; admission by consent of Area Coordinator.

 COMM695    (2-3)    Research Project in Communication
Independent work on final research project(s). Repeatable to
6 credits with Graduate Committee permission. Prerequisites:
COMM520 and approved project proposal.

 

Journalism

 JOUR140    (3)    Introduction to Mass Communication
A study of how media affects our popular culture and the lives
we live. Beginning with the invention of mass communication
and ending with the technology of the World Wide Web, students
study each mass medium using culture as a thematic approach to
critically assess the role of media in our lives.

 JOUR230    (3)    Beginning Media Writing
Aimed at all communication majors, media writing introduces
students to writing targeted communication in a journalistic style.
They learn the basics of journalistic writing for various media
(i.e., newspapers, radio and television), public relations press
releases, basic features and editorials, the importance of audience
for any written communication as well as the values of timeliness,
objectivity, and fairness critical to any communication career.
Prerequisite: Ability in word-processing.

 JOUR330    (3)    Advanced Media Writing
Continues on the foundation of Beginning Media Writing, helping
students to develop a deeper understanding of journalism and
its place in society. Students learn how to cover a journalistic
?beat?, develop sources, and how to research in-depth stories.
Students also practice the art of the interview and learn the rights
and obligations of reporters and communicators in any media.
Prerequisite: JOUR230.

 JOUR375    (3)    Photojournalism
Practice in the composition of good news pictures and in
producing the picture story. Prerequisites: JOUR230, PHTO115.

 JOUR389    (1-3)    Internship in Journalism
Students work full time at journalistic enterprises. At least 90
clock hours per credit of work experience are required. Obtain
procedures and guidelines from the department. S/U grade.

 JOUR445    (3)    Publication Production
The theory and practice of planning and producing of any publication,
be it newspaper, magazine or newsletter. Students will learn the value
of careful editing and basic layout from an editor?s perspective.
Practice in editing copy, writing headlines, composing picture captions,
planning layout and designing pages, as well as tips and tricks on project
production, will be covered. Prerequisite: JOUR230.

 JOUR455    (3)    Media Law and Ethics
Case studies of court decisions affecting the mass media in the
United States and the place of the ethical journalist in society.
Consideration of the development of freedom, censorship,
libel, privacy, obscenity laws, and the relationship between the
press and the courts and freedom of information, and broadcast
regulation.

 JOUR465    (3)    Advanced Topics in Journalism:__________
Study of selected topics in Journalism Topic to be announced in
advance. Repeatable to 9 credits with different topics.

• Communicating on the Web
• Communication in an Electronic Society
• Magazine and Feature Writing
• Investigative Reporting
• Script Writing
• Podcasting and Blogging for Influence
• Advertising and Creative Copy Writing

 

Public Relations 

 PREL255    (3)    Introduction to Public Relations
Basic concepts in public relations, publics, public opinions,
attitudes, two-way communications, and evaluation of public
relations effectiveness. Basic literature of the field is examined.
Basic principles for production of news releases, public service
announcements, and other materials are covered.

 PREL320    (3)    Managing PR Campaigns, Special Events & Meetings
Provides techniques and insights into developing and managing
all aspects of meetings, events and program planning, and
evaluation. Whether the meeting or event is for 10 or 10,000, the
fundamentals are the same and planning is the key to success.
Prerequisite: PREL255.

 PREL389    (1-3)    Internship in Public Relations
Students intern at public relations or a related field. At least 400
clock hours per credit of work experience are required. Obtain
procedures and guidelines from the department. S/U grade.

 PREL454    (3)    Advanced Public Relations
Examines the characteristics of successful public relations
campaigns. Emphasis given to public relations planning and
evaluating, as well as to advanced techniques in news publicity,
controlled media publicity, and media relations. Professional
practitioners are frequent guest lecturers. Prerequisites: PREL255,
and PREL320 or JOUR330.

 PREL460    (3)    Development
Provides student with an understanding of the facets of
development intrinsic to a non-profit organization. Students work
on team projects in local agencies and organization. They report to
the class, write reflection papers, and give a final oral presentation
about their experiences.

 PREL465    (3)    Advanced Topics in Public Relations:
Study of selected topics in Public Relations. Topic to be
announced in advance. Repeatable to 9 credits with different
topics. Prerequisite: PREL255.

• Crisis / Issues Management
• Critical Issues in PR
• Case Studies in PR
• Health Care PR
• Special Events
• Public Relations Research Techniques

 
PREL510    (2)    Advancement and Communication
Developing communication skills necessary to the non-profit
arena, including working with volunteers, promoting and
positioning various service organizations. Communication with
relevant publics.