Courses Offered

110 Fundamentals Of Effective Speaking And Listening (3)
An introduction to the dimensions of effective platform speaking with special emphasis on developing critical listening skills. Lecture, performance, and discussion. Every semester.

140 Principles Of Communication (3)
An interdisciplinary introduction to the study of contemporary communication studies including a consideration of intrapersonal, interpersonal and public communication. Lecture. For non-majors only. Offered: Fall or winter.

212 Argumentation And Debate (3)
A study of the nature of logical discourse generated through the preparation and presentation of oral argument within the framework of the debate format. Lecture, performance and discussion. Offered: Fall and winter.

213 Argumentation And Critical Thought (3)
An introduction to the theory and application of argument construction. The course is designed to examine the fundamental strategies of critical thinking and to help understand the relationships among critical thought and argumentation development and refutation. This course is designed for application across many fields and is not specific to debate or oral argument. Lecture, discussion. Prerequisite: None. Offered: Fall.

220 Introduction: Modern Communications Media (3)
A comprehensive survey of the content, structure and control of the communications media in American society--newspaper, motion pictures, radio and television; providing an informational frame of reference that will enable discerning students to formulate and apply useful critical concepts in evaluating America's media environment. Every semester.

230 Introduction To Film Studies (3)
The course is an introduction to the study of film as an art form and industrial practice. Students are introduced to the basic terms and concepts of film theory, including theories of film editing and mise-en-scene while becoming familiar with the basic "canon" of major films and directors that form the foundations for the academic field of film studies. Offered: Fall, Winter

250 Introduction To Film And Video Methods (3)
A comprehensive examination of film and video production methods and visual literacy.  It is the foundation and prerequisite for media production courses. Prerequisite: None Offered: Fall, Winter

265 Media Photoimaging (3)
An introduction to the production and manipulation of photographic images as they are applied in the print publishing medium, multi-image, and multimedia communications. Photography will be examined as a fundamental medium for the study of visual communication and the techniques of creating specifically meaningful images. This course will provide an essential familiarity with the terminology, concepts, practices, and process variables involved in photographic direction and production supervision, and will also introduce the basics of image composition, manipulation, and quality control. Offered: Summer & Fall

303WI Introduction To Journalism (3)
Introduction to the styles and techniques of reporting and writing basic news through assignments in straight news, features and in-depth stories. Exposure to the history and principles of American journalism. Practical application in writing news and news feature articles. Also offered as English 303WI.

308 Introduction To The Study Of Human Communication (3)
This course serves to introduce students to the basic theories, perspectives and methodologies used (historically and currently) in the study of speech, interpersonal and mass communication. Prerequisites: COMS 110 (grade of C or better) Offered: Every semester

308WI Introduction To The Study Of Human Communication (3)
This course serves to introduce students to the basic theories, perspectives and methodologies used (historically and currently) in the study of speech, interpersonal and mass communication. Writing Intensive course. Prerequisites: ComS 110 (grade of C or higher) and Passed WEPT Offered: On demand Restrictions: Successful completion of WEPT

311 Radio & Television Performance (3)
A study of the specialized radio and television performing and operating situations and techniques simulated and evaluated in studio sessions. Lecture, discussion and performance. Prerequisite: None.

312 Advanced Public Speaking (3)
Advanced study of rhetorical theory and its application to the presentation and criticism of public discourse. Prerequisite: Communication Studies 110. Offered: Fall & Winter.

314WI Reporting (3)
A seminar of practical application in advanced reporting. Assignments to cover news events and to pursue in-depth news reports on the campus and off. Work is turned in on deadline and critiqued by the instructor. Also offered as English 313. Prerequisite: Eng 110, 225, and successful completion of the WEPT.

317 Persuasion (3)
A study of the rhetorical, psychological and ethical principles of influencing and controlling individuals and groups, and of the methods of adapting to various attitudes and audiences through the preparation, presentation and evaluation of persuasive speeches. Lecture, discussion and performance. Prerequisite: Communication Studies 110. Offered: On demand.

320 Mass Media, Culture And Society (3)
A critical exploration of the role of mass media (and its reception) in the social construction of reality. The course employs theoretical, analytical and empirical approaches derived from multidisciplinary sources, particularly "critical theory" semiology, post-structuralism, psychoanalysis and ethnography. Term paper required. Prerequisite: None. Offered: Every semester.

322 Oral Performance In Speech Communication (3)
This course is designed to develop and strengthen oral communication for students pursuing careers in pre-law, media, human resources, and education as well as increase the skills of potential professional speakers. The student will learn to develop emotional, vocal, physical, and non-verbal skills through an investigation of poetry, prose, and non-fiction literature. Through the process of reading, studying, investigating, rehearsing, and performing literary and nonliterary works, the students will learn to pay particular attention to the voice embodied in a given text and the cultural and social context within which that voice speaks. Prerequisite: ComS 110. Offered: Fall and Winter.

331WI Mass Media In America (3)
Writing intensive. Social History of the development of mass media, radio, film and television, from Marconi's first experiments to the present. Emphasis placed on relationship of American culture and American media. Term paper required. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the WEPT. Offered: Fall.

339 Film Theory And Criticism (3)
The course serves to locate the film medium within the study of human communication while developing an understanding of the effects of film on the individual and society with an emphasis on understanding the film medium as both an art form and a reflection of a social system with national, cultural & sub-cultural components. Prerequisites: None. Offered: Winter.

341 Rhetorical Theory And Criticism (3)
An analysis of significant public discourse within the context of social protest and political rhetoric with attention to applying methods of communication criticism in evaluating the effectiveness of persuasive advocacy aimed at social change. Fall.

341WI Rhetorical Theory And Criticism (3)
Writing intensive. An analysis of significant public discourse within the context of social protest and political rhetoric with attention to applying methods of communication criticism in evaluating the effectiveness of persuasive advocacy aimed at social change. Prerequisite: ComS 308 and successful completion of the WEPT required for admission.

343 Group Dynamics (3)
A study of strategies and communication relationships unique to non-dyadic situations, with an emphasis on the integral structure of leadership, roles, norms and task functions. Discussion. Offered: On demand.

344 Communication In Organizational Settings (3)
An examination of the major elements of interpersonal, group, and oral communication competence essential to human interaction in organizational settings. The course focuses on developing communication competencies and increasing theoretical understanding of the communication process within the organizational context. COMS 110 OR COMS 308. Offered: Fall/Winter.

344WI Communication In Organizational Settings (3)
An examination of the major elements of interpersonal, group, and oral communication competence essential to human interaction in organizational settings. The course focuses on developing communication competencies and increasing theoretical understanding. Prerequisite(s): 110 or 308 and WEPT.

351WI Fundamentals Of Writing For The Media (3)
Writing intensive. Analysis of individual differences and common characteristics of copy for eye and ear, with emphasis on the application of both verbal and visual imagery in the process of communicating the writer's ideas and intentions. Weekly written assignments and critical analysis of the student's work. Prerequisites: Communication Studies 110 and successful completion of the WEPT. Offered: Fall and winter.

354 Intro to Screenwriting (3)
An introduction to the form and language of the motion picture screenplay. Students will learn to create a workable blueprint for a movie and undertake an in-depth examination of visual story telling. This will include understanding the basics of dramatic structure, scene and sequence construction and the role of dialogue. Emphasis will be placed on students mastering the accepted movie industry format of the screenplay. They will also adapt a short story and revise it after giving and receiving feedback in small groups. Prerequisite - None, offered Fall

363 Radio Production I (3)
A study of the techniques of producing audio material for use in radio, in concerts, on film, on television and in the recording studio. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory. Prerequisite: COMS 308. Offered: Fall.

373 Intermediate Media Production (3)
A study of the principles and techniques of studio production, with emphasis on introducing and developing intermediate skills using professional broadcast video equipment and post-production technologies. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory. Prerequisite: COMS 270 and 351 Offered: Spring

376 History Of The Film Industry (3)
Emphasis on 16mm non-sync production and digital video in the studio and field. Students produce, script and edit a significant individual project. Lecture, discussion and laboratory. Prerequisite: ComS 250 Offered: Spring

377 Interpersonal Communication (3)
An intensive analysis of the dimensions of intrapersonal and interpersonal communication designed to identify the philosophies and methods that underwrite effective human communication. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisite: COMS 308 Offered: Fall and winter.

377WI Interpersonal Communication (3)
Writing intensive. An intensive analysis of the dimensions of intrapersonal and interpersonal communication designed to identify the philosophies and methods that underwrite effective human communication. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the WEPT (effective FS93). Offered: Fall and winter.

378 Computer-Mediated Communication (3)
Examination of the nature of human communication on the Internet. Design function, content innovations of computer mediated communication discussed, with emphasis on technology as a means of interpersonal communication. Research, essays, and participation in online environment required. Prerequisite: None Offered: On demand

378WI Computer Mediated Communication (3)
Examination of the nature of human communication on the internet. Design, function, content innovations of computer mediated communication discussed, with emphasis on technology as a means of interpersonal communication. Research, essays, and participation in online environment required. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the WEPT EXAM Restrictions: Writing Intensive. Successful completion of the WEPT Exam required. Offered: Fall 2003.

382 Advanced Media Topics (3)
Variable content: Media Arts and Media Studies Topics will be addressed in this course including film/video production and post-production techniques, and analytical evaluation of recent trends in media. Prerequisite: Topic Dependent Restrictions: Approval of instructor Offered: Winter

384 Documentary Film (3)
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the history, terminology, film making techniques, film makers and cultural/societal influences of documentary film. Five distinguishing characteristics will be examined in terms of 1) subjects, 2) purposes, points of view, or approaches, 3) forms, 4) production methods and techniques and 5) experiences they offer to audiences. Prerequisites: None.

385 Documentary Production (3)
This course is designed to familiarize students with the basics of documentary production from an artistic, ethical, and practical results-oriented perspective. Prerequisites: ComS 250.

390 Forensic Activities (1-4)
Participation in the intercollegiate forensic program. A practicum in debate, discussion, oratory and other forensic activities. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Offered: Summer, fall, winter.

391 The World(S) Of Alfred Hitchcock (3)
The course offers an historical study of the film art of Alfred Hitchcock. The course gives special attention to the director's work in the silent cinema of the U.K., Hitchcock's early major British sound films, his arrival in the United States, his major World War II propaganda films, the directors maturing into a major influence on world cinema in the 1940s, and Hitchcock's "masterworks" of the 1950s-1960s. Offered: On Demand

392 Great Directors Of Foreign Film (3)
The course is an introduction to the major films and directors of the international cinema. Particular attention will be given to the influence of German Expressionism, Italian "Neo-Realism," the "French New Wave, the "New German Cinema" of the 1970s, post-Franco Spanish cinema, and the national cinemas of South America, India, China, and Japan. Offered: On Demand

393 History Of The Hollywood Musical (3)
The course offers an historical survey of the development of the film musical as a major Hollywood film genre from the introduction of the sound film in 1927 to current manifestations of the genre. The course gives particular attention to the development of the studio musicals of the 1930s, the role of the musical during World War II, the "Golden Age" of the MGM musical in the 1950s-60s, and the effects on the traditional Hollywood musical of the Vietnam Era social upheavals. Offered: On Demand

394 The World Of "Film Noir" (3)
The course offers an historical survey of the development of "film noir" as a major film genre. The course examines the major characteristics that define "film noir" and offers an introduction to the historical roots of this genre in German Expressionism, as well as the social and political context for the development of "film noir" as a Hollywood studio genre in the late 1940s. Particular attention is given to the social/ political conditions of the 1950s that contributed to both the rise and decline in popularity of "film noir" during the Cold War, as well as the film genre's revival in the "neo-noirs" of the 1970s. Offered: On Demand

400 Special Studies (1-3)
(A-N) This is an upper-level course on a subject, which is not a part of the regular department offering. The course results from one or more of the following: (1) the expressed desire of students (2) the broadened or refocused scholarship of a member of the communication studies faculty (3) the temporary presence of a scholar whose specialization is not reflected in the department's regular offerings (4) the conclusion by the department that the course meets a community need (5) the effort of the Communication Studies faculty to provide an interdisciplinary approach to an era or topic. The course is experimental in the sense that it is a "one-time" offering with the potential of repetition or modification, depending upon student, faculty and community response. On demand.

400CB CC: The African Diaspora In The Arts And Culture (3)
This new cluster course will examine the expression of certain aspects of African culture in the African Diaspora. Black culture in the area now popularly termed "The Black Atlantic," and in particular Western Africa, the Caribbean and certain parts of South and North America, will be examined. Special attention will be paid to visual and material culture, feminist and anti-apartheid literature, and religion and spirituality. African culture is a multi-layered and complex phenomenon. An understanding of African Diastolic culture involves an analysis of the effects of historical and sociological movements, the interpretation of written culture and the effects of Africa's response to colonial intrusion. Questions concerning the transmission and transformation of African cultures will be addressed by a close investigation of visual and material culture, literary texts, and cosmological constructions of African peoples. Students will be exposed to methodologies garnered from the Arts, Literature and Religious Studies. Offered: Fall Restrictions: Sophomore or above.

403CE Cc: Radical Changes Since 1945 (3)
This cluster course will focus on modernism, post-modernism and expressionism in the visual arts and literature since World War II. Lectures address intellectual movements-such as existentialism and formalism-and cultural development-such as increased impact of technology and mass media-in contemporary society. By focusing on these movements, we hope to provide an integrated view of the literature and visual arts of the period and to draw upon analogous developments in contemporary architecture, music, philosophy and film. This course is offered as a cluster with English 300CE.

431 Colloquium In Interpersonal Dynamics (3)
An examination of the practical application of communication principles and theories, with focus on one of the following: health, organizational, nonverbal, intrapersonal, conflict management, computer0mediated, or intercultural communication. Prerequisite: None Offered: On demand.

432 Press, Politics And Public Policy (3)
Undergraduate component of Comm Studies 532. An advanced course in the study of the press and political establishments in the formation of public policy. Lecture, discussion and research. Prerequisites: Two semester of undergraduate writing courses of 300-400 level or professional equivalents.

444WI Intercultural Communication (3)
A consideration of communication phenomena in multicultural settings. A study of the public forum with an emphasis on the interpersonal aspects of international, intercultural, and co-cultural communication. Lecture and discussion. On demand. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the WEPT.

448 Principles Of Public Relations (3)
An overview, presenting the function, purposes, procedures and practices of public relations, its role in society, industry, government and politics, and its potential as a career field. This is a survey course with primary emphasis on theory, supplemented with applied techniques.

454 Advanced Screenwriting (3)
This course provides students with advanced theory in narrative screenwriting, training in industry standard script analysis (called "coverage") and story editing. Students will be required to draft, revise and workshop a short film screenplay or will focus on a feature screenplay, delivering a draft and revision of the first act and a detailed outline for the rest of the script. Students will workshop feature screenplays in small groups, emphasizing the art of constructive story editing. Prerequisite ComS 354 Intro to Screenwriting. - offered Winter.

457 Producing And Distributing Media (3)
Survey of Contemporary practices used in the producing, funding and distribution of media for theatrical, broadcast, home video/DVD and web-based markets. Lectures, discussion and projects. Prerequisites: None

458WI Publicity, Promotion And The Media (3)
Writing intensive. A study of controlled and uncontrolled (public) media and their use to effect motivation of various target audiences, and alteration of attitudes, opinions, and beliefs in special publics; examination of the theory and nature of messages and materials generated by PR departments or counseling firms; analysis and practice in development of specialized communications materials, such as house organs, news releases, publicity and speeches to gain reaction and support from specialized groups. Prerequisite: Communication Studies 351 and successful completion of the WEPT. Offered: Fall.

462 Public Broadcasting (3)
A study of the development of public broadcasting, its position and responsibilities in the world of modern communications. Programming and operations concepts and philosophies of public broadcast facilities will be studied and analyzed. Prerequisites: COMS 308 AND 361. Offered: On demand.

466 Electronic Journalism Performance (3)
An advanced study of television and Internet news gathering, field production and performance for electronic media. Prerequisite: ComS 456 Offered: Fall

470 Directing (3)
An advanced course in video techniques with emphasis on creating complex formats for broadcasting, recording and performance. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory. Prerequisites: Communication Studies 270, 351 and 371. Offered: Winter

471 Advanced Media Production (3)
An advanced course in media production techniques involving knowledge and practical use of video, film and sound equipment to create professionally competitive media productions. Lecture, discussion, laboratory and research. Prerequisites: Communication Studies 250, 373 and 454 or professional equivalents. Offered: Fall.

478 Media Law (3)
A comprehensive examination of the law as it pertains to advertising, public relations, journalism, commercial and electronic media, broadcast regulatory agencies, corporate speech and corporate participation in elections. Students will study topics that include the First Amendment, defamation and privacy. Court opinions and legislation will be the course's primary focus, however students will also examine contemporary and historic theory of free expression. Offered: On demand.

483 Research Seminar In Communication Studies (3)
This is the departmental capstone course and is required for majors in their senior year. The course summarizes and extends student's theoretical and applied understanding of the role of communication competence in the work place and beyond. The course also focuses on refining student's research competencies and their appreciation of the cultural role of modern communication methods. Prerequisites: Completion of COMS 308 and 344 and 12 additional hours of Communication Studies credits. Offered: Fall and Winter.

484 Communication Studies Activities (1-4)
Internships opportunities for advanced students involved in community and campus activities. Student must receive approval of advising professor in semester prior to enrollment. No more than four hours with any one project. Fall, winter and summer.

498 Special Problems In Communication Studies (1-6)
Research and/or projects for advanced upper class students. Student must receive approval of advising professor in semester prior to enrollment. No more than three hours with any one instructor. Offered every semester.