Curriculum

101: Introduction to Human Communication (1) Fall, Spring.  An introduction to the study of communication.  Students investigate communication theory, models, symbols and signs, verbal and nonverbal communication, interpersonal communication, group communication, organizational communication, mass communication, communication ethics, and new communication technologies. (Staff)

201: Verbal and Nonverbal Communication (1) Fall.  A study of verbal and nonverbal symbols and signs in human communication.  Students investigate how verbal language is used in everyday interactions from a variety of theoretical and empirical perspectives.  They also examine how the body, human space, the environment, dress and appearance are used to communicate, reinforce gender roles, establish dominance and facilitate cooperation. (Poor)

202: Interpersonal and Family Communication (1) Spring.  An investigation of the role communication plays in the formation, maintenance and dissolution of interpersonal and family relationships.  Topics include the nature of communicators and communication environments, interaction rules, rituals and intimate dialogue in family systems. (Erlandson)

203: Small Group and Organizational Communication (1) Fall.  An overview of research and theory in small group and organizational communication from a historical perspective.  Particular attention will be paid to communication and decision-making, and communication and organizational culture. (Erlandson)

205: Mass Communication (1) Spring.  An introduction to the different modes of mass communication—from the printing press to the Internet—from historical and cultural perspectives in order to understand the impact of mass communication on society.  Topics include mass communication’s production and reproduction of cultural mores and values, and the controversy surrounding media “effects.” (Young)

206: Rhetorical and Public Communication (1) Spring.  A study of the history and theory of rhetoric, combined with application of principles of rhetorical analysis to a variety of communicative texts including political speeches, verbal and nonverbal messages of social movements, advertisements and music.  This course is designed to enable students to understand the impact of persuasive or "rhetorical" messages on society. (Staff)

207: Gendered Communication (1) Fall.  An exploration of the ways in which gender and communication interact.  Students are introduced to research in the field and observe and analyze the ways in which our cultural construction of gender impacts on how we communicate and judge the communication of others.  (Young, Erlandson)

 241: Public Speaking (1) Fall, Spring.  A theoretical and practical study of speaking in public.  Students are introduced to classical and contemporary critical standards of excellence in oral style and delivery, while they develop skills in the art of speaking effectively in informational and persuasive situations. (Staff)

245: Argumentation and Advocacy (1) Spring.  An exploration of the most important models of argument.  Students investigate the relationship between critical thinking and the techniques of reasoned advocacy and debate.  Rules of evidence and valid inference formation are discussed while students participate in practical experiences for developing argumentative skills and critically applying argumentation models. (Staff)

288, 289: Selected Topics in Speech Communication (1/2, 1) Fall, Spring.  Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.  An examination of a special topic not included in the regular curriculum.  These courses are offered to meet the evolving needs and interests of students. (Staff)

301: Studies in Free Speech (1) Spring.  A practical and theoretical investigation of the evolution and impact of the First Amendment on American society through our political system, public discourse and communication technologies.  Students participate in free speech discussions in a debate format. (Staff)

306: Public Relations (1) Fall.  A theoretical and practical examination of the public relations field, including internal and external communications as well as media relations. Students gain practical experience by participating in a major campaign. (Osborn)

311: Environmental Communication (1) Spring.  A study of how the natural environment is socially constructed through its representation in word and image.  After introducing students to fundamental environmental terminology, the course will consider a number of key environmental communicators, their ideological positions, and how they shape their messages.  This will be followed by a discussion of audiences and environmental communication ethics. (Staff)

312: Minority Images in American Media (1) Fall.  A study of how minorities (racial, ethnic, sexual, etc.) and other categories of the socially marginalized (the poor, the homeless) have been portrayed throughout the twentieth century in American film and TV, from being made "invisible" to being stereotyped, and the impact of these images.  Combines theoretical approaches and insights with a historical overview to increase students' awareness of the ideological nature of media images. (Young)

313: Intercultural Communication (1) Spring.  An exploration of the role communication plays in both defining and sustaining culture both globally and locally.  By applying current research and theories in intercultural communication, students are introduced to major topics pertaining to communication between cultures.  Topics include, but are not limited to: the way a culture's deep meaning structure impacts the way people communication; culture specific verbal and nonverbal norms; advice on verbal and nonverbal behavior when doing business internationally; adjusting to culture shock; and exploring various subcultures in the United States. (Erlandson)

322: Communication Theory (1) Fall, Spring.  Prerequisite: Comm101, Comm241 and one other class or permission of instructor.  An overview of contemporary theory and research methods in communication.  Students study theoretical communication models, experimental studies and rhetorical research. (Staff)

325: Visual Communication (1) Fall.  A theoretical and critical introduction to the study, this course is divided into three parts: visual manipulation, visual literacy and the role of visual images in society.  Students study how film editing works, how images can be juxtaposed for persuasive effect, whether or not images can "lie" and whether or not viewing skills are comparable to language skills. (Young, Osborn)

341: Advanced Public Speaking (1) Spring.  Prerequisite: Speech Communication 241.  Continuation of Speech Communication 241.  Focuses on the adaptation of communication styles and content to diverse co-cultural speakers and audiences.  Includes practice in securing the acceptance of ideas through psychological appeals as well as logical reasoning.  Advanced work in speech communication research, preparation and delivery is required, as well as some media enhancement.  Oral presentations will include expository, extemporaneous, impromptu, business presentation and persuasive speeches.  Great speeches from the past will be used as models for analysis and application. (Staff))

351: Persuasion (1) Fall.  A theoretical analysis of the process of influencing belief, attitude or behavior through appeals to reason, emotion and ethos. Students investigate experimental and rhetorical theories in the field and the ethical considerations of persuasion. (Osborn)

365: Media Theory (1) Spring.  Prerequisite: Speech Communication 205 or permission of instructor.  An investigation of both critical and social scientific theories that examine the mass media's (potential) effects on audiences.  Social scientific theory and research and the controversies surrounding them in the area of media "effects" is reviewed and evaluated to determine the efficacy of claims such as causal relationships between images of violence and real world occurrences.  Critical theory and research will also be investigated to determine if media create, perpetuate and sustain certain (sometimes objectionable) ideologies.  (Young)

388, 389: Selected Topics in Speech Communication and Theatre (1/2, 1) Fall, Spring.  Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.  An examination of a special topic which is not included in the regular curriculum.  These courses are offered to meet the evolving needs and interests of students. (Staff)

391, 392: Internship (1/2, 1) Fall, Spring.  Offered on a credit/no credit basis. (Staff)

402: Seminar in Speech Communication (1) Fall, Spring.  Prerequisite: Junior  or senior standing and permission of instructor.  A detailed study of significant and relevant problems in speech communication.  Specific topic for consideration will be determined before fall registration. (Staff)

411, 412: Directed Study (1/2, 1) Fall, Spring. (Staff)