Course Descriptions
Below are listed the course descriptions divided into Communication, Research and Specialized Courses, Journalism, and Public Relations
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.
COMM104 V (3)
Communication Skills
AU/HSI course-see content above.
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.
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 Alt (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 of work experience are required. Obtain procedures and guidelines from the department. S/U grade.
COMM405 Alt F (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 F $ (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 worldview and a sense of identity.
COMM436 Alt F $ (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 Alt F (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 Alt F (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 Alt F $ (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 F (1-3)
Topics in Communication:__________
Topics of current significance. Repeatable with different topics. Credit to be announced with topic in advance.
COMM456 S F $ (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 F (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 Alt F $ (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 assessing 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 4 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.
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.
COMM545 (2)
Human Rights and Liberties
An analysis of the church-state approach of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, with special reference to policies, rationales, and advocacy techniques. An investigation of contemporary issues in peace, religion and freedom and the media.
COMM554 (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.
RESEARCH AND SPECIALIZED COURSES
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.
JOUR140 Alt $ (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 Alt $ (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 of work experience are required. Obtain procedures and guidelines from the department. S/U grade.
JOUR445 Alt F $ (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 Alt F $ (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 F $ (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
* Feature Writing
* Investigative Reporting
* Magazine Writing
* Scriptwriting
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 of work experience are required. Obtain procedures and guidelines from the department. S/U grade.
PREL454 F $ (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 Alt F (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 F $ (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
PREL510 (2)
Advancement and Communication
Developing communication skills necessary to the non-profit arena, including working with volunteers, and promoting and positioning various service organizations. Communication with relevant publics.