Communication Courses

COMM 130 Introduction to Communication Introduction to the fundamental questions, methods, and theories that define the communication discipline and professions in advertising, journalism, public relations, multimedia production and organizational communication.

COMM 211 Creative Thinking Introduction to techniques for producing ideas and improving creative thinking skills in order to generate ideas for advertising and mass communication applications as well as other fields.

COMM 221 Media Writing Develop the basic writing and research skills necessary for creating persuasive tools in print, broadcast and online media. Special focus on developing a competency in the mechanics of concise and clear writing through the appropriate use of Associated Press style. Prerequisite: Communication 130 or permission of instructor.

COMM 231 Basic Reporting Includes basic newsgathering, writing, reporting, and editing skills relevant to the area of journalism and mass communication. Examines the news selection process and focuses on the principles of news writing and reporting, construction of the news story to include lead writing, Associated Press style and ethical and legal issues. Emphasis will be placed on interviewing and research skills.

COMM 251 Basic Web Production Introduction to the basic concepts of Web site development. Students will build Web sites by utilizing HTML and the appropriate text and graphics software applications. Includes an overview of the basic design, writing and information architecture principles that apply to Web site development.

COMM 312 Advertising Copy and LayoutAdvanced techniques in message creation, with emphasis on advertising campaign development and presentation. Covers product and audience research, creative strategy statements, idea generation techniques, computer-assisted layouts, preparation of a professional portfolio and job hunting strategies

COMM 313 Ad Agency Creative PhilosophiesExamines the prevailing creative philosophies that advertising agencies operate. Emphasis will be placed on the way philosophy dictates how copywriters must adapt their talents to be a productive and successful member of an agency team.

COMM 322 Strategic Public Relations This course includes the historical evolution of public relations, with in-depth instruction on the concepts of public opinion, audience analysis and persuasion. Professional, ethical and legal responsibilities of public relations will be examined. Emphasis will be placed on the use of communication strategies to achieve organizational goals and objectives. Covers applications of public relations in a global environment.

COMM 332 Advanced Reporting Provides in-depth instruction and critiques of studentŐs journalistic work done with different reporting methodologies including interviewing, official records, direct and participant observation, and survey research. Emphasis will be placed on how to cover speeches and meetings and report on local government.

COMM 333 News Copyediting Provides an overview of the skills and uses of editing and emphasizes the practice of copyediting and headline-writing skills for print and online publications. Skills developed include tightening writing, sharpening leads, headline writing, cutline writing and basics of layout.

COMM 340 Audio ProductionIntroduction to the principles and processes of audio production. Includes an examination of general sound theory as well as audio technology including digital editing software. Emphasizes the development of writing and storytelling techniques and their application to practical experiences in audio production.

COMM 341 Video Production Introduction to principles and processes of video production. Includes preproduction (organizing, scriptwriting, management, budgeting), production (directing, visual and sound recording, lighting, design, field work), and postproduction (visual and sound editing, marketing, exhibition). Conducted on a professional basis, using the techniques and practices applied in the film, video and television industries.

COMM 352 Advanced Web and Multimedia Production Advanced techniques in web site development, including the concept of dynamic HTML. Includes the integration of video and audio as well as working with the Flash application for integrating interactive multimedia elements into web site design

COMM 380 Intercultural CommunicationExamines the communication process involved when individuals from different cultures or subcultures attempt to interact. Explores possible sources of misunderstandings in intercultural communication (e.g., time/space factors, linguistic and nonverbal factors, ethnocentric communication, and communication problems of persons engaged in personal or professional intercultural contacts).

COMM 381 Relationship ManagementCritical examination of research and theories dealing with selected variables in one-to-one relationships.

COMM 382 Team Building and Group CommunicationProvides theoretical foundations and practical skills for examining and applying communication principles in groups. Surveys concepts such as cohesiveness, leadership, groupthink, deviance, networks, choice shift and brainstorming as they relate to communication.

COMM 383 Conflict Management Examination and understanding of the factors that lead to conflicts, and theory and practice in using communication strategies to resolve conflict.

COMM 388 Organizational Communication ModelsUnderstanding and application of the tools of communication in an organization. Topics include information flow, motivation and influence, power, leadership transactions, networks, channels, teamwork and territoriality.

COMM 390 PracticumSupervised practical experience in student media or other University information outlets.

COMM 395 InternshipSupervised practical experience in an off-campus mass communication-related organization. Application required. May be repeated for up to three hours credit.

COMM 483 Media Theory and ResearchIntroduction to theory and research in the field of mass media. Examines the role of the mass media in modern society and the influence of media institutions and messages on individuals, communities and society. Includes an overview of the basic research methods associated with media research. Students will be asked to integrate theoretical knowledge into media research areas relevant to communication professionals today.

COMM 485 Media Law and Ethics Examines the rights, responsibilities and constraints on public communication in the United States. Emphasis on the effects and interaction of differing ethical constructs and First Amendment theories and sources of constraints on the mass media. Covers regulatory policies affecting advertising, public relations, journalism and present and future electronic mass mediums. Also examines legal areas of libel, privacy, obscenity, access to and ownership of information and media outlets.

COMM 487 Integrated Communication CampaignsThis course serves as the senior seminar in communication. Students will learn to identify organizational issues, conduct situation analyses, and evaluate communication programs. Includes examination of the interrelationships between media and international societies and cultures, utilizing diverse perspectives from science, business, art and the humanities. Students will develop and execute a detailed integrated communication campaign for real-world clients.

COMM 490 Special Topics in CommunicationVaried topics of periodic interest not covered in regular course offerings.

COMM 499 Independent Study in CommunicationCompletion of individual course of study under faculty supervision.

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