Course Catalog

Communication Studies

101. Introduction to Communication & Media Studies.
An introductory examination of the practices and theories that inform the study of human communication as a social and cultural phenomenon. Students consider quantitative, qualitative and critical social-science research into the processes and effects of communication in interpersonal, organizational and mass communication contexts. The course also provides students with a first look at the variety of professional opportunities awaiting Communication & Media Studies graduates. Cornerstone 3. Three hours.

102. Public Speaking in Society.
This course focuses on how language and culture intersect to produce meaning and identity. Topics include a variety of basic Communication issues: intention, interpretation, outcomes, and ethics. Emphasis is placed on public speaking, the analysis of communication situations, and thinking critically about the influences and limitations of language. Three hours.

130. Journalism Practicum (Newspaper).
Supervised, practical experience in journalism through reporting, writing and production assignments for The Simpsonian student newspaper. One hour.

160. Video Practicum.
Supervised, practical experience in video production through reporting, writing and production assignments for on- and off-campus clients. One hour.

165. Journalism Practicum (Yearbook).
Supervised, practical experience in journalism through reporting, writing and production assignments for The Zenith student yearbook. One to three hours.

171. Audio Practicum.
Supervised, practical experience in radio through reporting, production and engineering assignments for KSTM-FM. One hour.

190. Special Topics in Communication.

201. Argumentation and Rhetoric.
An examination of argumentation as the art of persuasion, pulling from a variety of theoretical perspectives. This course will focus its attention on argumentation form and content, initially grounded in the traditional argumentation principles of claim, data, and warrant. As the course progresses, alternative visions of argumentation, rooted in cooperative argumentation, will be examined. Prerequisite: Comm 102. Three hours.

204. Small Group Communication.
A survey of the concepts and competencies of small-group Communication. The course integrates dominant theoretical perspectives with skill-building. Emphasis is placed on the development of small-group leadership and participation competencies. Prerequisite: Comm 101. Offered every other year. Three hours.

205. Interpersonal Communication.
A survey of the concepts and contexts of interpersonal communication. The course combines theoretical material and skills orientation. Emphasis is placed on the development of interpersonal competencies. Prerequisite: Comm 101. Offered every other year. Three hours.

211. Beginning News writing and Reporting.
Study of the fundamentals of news writing, including methods of news judgment, news gathering and modern news style. Emphasis will be placed on the coverage of breaking news events. Prerequisite: Eng 102 or equivalent. Three hours.

220. Mass Communication and Society.
Examination of the history, audience characteristics and effects of mass communication; relationship of mass communication to public opinion, crime and violence, political affairs, racism and sexism. Cornerstone 3. Offered every other year. Three hours.

221. Video News Writing & Production.
Students will learn to write and report news stories using video technology. Students will learn the components of a traditional television newscast and the skills to produce, write and report for such newscast. In addition students will study and put into practice basic videography and non-linear editing skills. Prerequisite: Comm 211. Three hours.

222. Introduction to Integrated Marketing Communication.
Survey of the theory, processes and practices of integrated marketing communication – including public relations, advertising, sales promotion, direct marketing and sales. Three hours.

230. Journalism Practicum (Newspaper).
Supervised, practical experience in a leadership position, such as section editor or editor-in-chief of The Simpsonian newspaper. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Two hours.

240. Advertising Practicum (Newspaper).
Supervised, practical experience in advertising sales management and design for The Simpsonian student newspaper. Two hours. Same as Art 240 and Magt 240.

271. Audio Writing & Production.
An introduction to audio programs that enhance multimedia projects. Students will learn basic functions plus the computer programs that will help them in their learning. Students will learn how to interview, cut commercials, make promos and other experiences in working with sound. Prerequisite: Comm 211. Three hours.

275. Gender, Race, Class & Media.
An exploration from the perspectives of marginalized groups in the United States of the ways that popular media represent our diverse and dynamic culture. The course focuses on images of race, class and gender in television, film and popular culture. Cornerstone 6. Offered every other year. Three hours.

290. Special Topics in Communication.

301. Mass Media Law & Ethics.
Examination of the traditions and problems of a free and responsible system of mass communication. First Amendment theory and selected legal topics in communication, including defamation, privacy, sedition, obscenity, access, contempt, lottery, copyright, governmental regulation of broadcast and new media, and commercial speech. Also, the course considers the application of philosophy and ethics to the work of professionals in mass communication. Three hours.

311. Editing and Design.
The study of story and photographic editing and modern publication design and production, including instruction in desktop publishing systems. Prerequisite: Comm 211. Three hours.

315. Journalism 2.0.
Experiential, laboratory-type course designed to teach students the basic skills required to produce multimedia journalism packages in a professional setting. Students will work individually and in teams to produce audiovisual content for online display, using a variety of technologies and storytelling techniques to investigate and present subject matter of their choosing. Techniques to be covered include slideshows, podcasts, Web videos, short-form writing and interactive graphics. Prerequisite: Comm 211. Three hours.

319. Internship.
An off-campus practical experience in a communication-related professional setting. The internship offers an opportunity for study in a prepared and monitored individual learning setting. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Credit arranged. (Repeatable to a maximum of 12 hours.)

347. Writing for Integrated Marketing Communication.
Development of communication pieces in a variety of disciplines that organizations may use to reach different publics. Prewriting, preparation and editing will be discussed. This course will also explore differences between writing for printed materials and electronic materials. Prerequisites: Comm 222 and Magt 234. Three hours.

351. History of Media Technologies in America.
Exploration of the antecedents and impact of
each major innovation in mass communication since the introduction of the steam press in 1814. Technologies will be studied as social and cultural phenomena, rooted in the predominant values of a historical moment, rather than simply scientific discoveries. Cornerstone 4B. Three hours.

355. Research in Communication & Media Studies.
This course will focus on conducting and interpreting research results. It will largely take a managerial perspective with some emphasis on statistical research calculations. Three hours.

360. Seminar in Integrated Marketing Communication.
A capstone course with readings and casework in integrated marketing communications. Realworld cases will be reviewed in terms of four criteria: research, objectives, programming and evaluation. Additionally, students will work in teams to develop campaigns for real or fictional clients. Prerequisite: Comm 347. Three hours.

361. Seminar in Multimedia Journalism.
A capstone experience in multimedia journalism for senior-level majors. Students will produce multimedia packages and a summative portfolio of their work in multimedia journalism. Prerequisite: Comm 315. Three hours.

380. Independent Study in Communication.

Last Updated: 6/10/09