Communication
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
100 Public Speaking (3 s.h.) (O)
The theory and practice of public speaking in a variety of professional and social contexts, focusing on how presentations can transform speakers and audiences by creating an environment for the civil exchange of ideas, experiences, and opinions.
115 Mass Communication (3 s.h.) (S)
An exploration of media culture includes the history, economic structures, and special issues associated with various media industries. Enhances media literacy and explores how culture influences and is influenced by media. Students are encouraged to become cultural critics of media.
119 Introduction to Video Production (3 s.h.)
For course description, see FILM 119 in the Film listing.
202 Organizational Behavior and Interpersonal Communication (3 s.h.)
For course description, see BUAD 202 in the Business listing.
212 Mass Media Law and Ethics (3 s.h.)
Students examine the dual judicial system in the U.S. and its effect on media, the protections of speech and press afforded by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and on areas of civil and criminal law. Students practice recognizing and resolving ethical conflicts. Cross listed as POLS 212.
221 Mass Media Writing (3 s.h.) (W)
An introduction to the basic principles of media writing, covering a variety of writing styles, including journalism and public relations. Provides practical experience in writing, editing, and meeting deadlines for Campus Comments, the MBC student newspaper.
229 Advanced Video Production (3 s.h.)
For course description, see FILM 229 in the Film listing.
237 Mediation: Theory and Practice (3 s.h.) (O)
For course description, see REL 237 in the Religion listing.
240 Principles of Advertising (3 s.h.)
Examines the history, functions, practices, and criticism of advertising. Students learn the creative process of the profession, as well as ways to become more critical consumers of advertising messages. Includes community-service learning and a group project for a nonprofit organization. Cross listed as MKTC 240. Recommended background: COMM 100.
254 Film Analysis (3 s.h.)
For course description, see FILM 254 in the Film listing.
260 Principles of Public Relations (3 s.h.)
The development and role of public relations and its centrality in democratic societies. Students learn practices of the profession, strategies and tactics, and how to implement a campaign. Includes the important role of research in public relations and related theory. Study of business and media writing and a community service-learning project on behalf of a nonprofit organization. Cross listed as MKTC 260. Recommended background: COMM 100.
264 Screenwriting (3 s.h.)
For course description, see FILM 264 in the Film listing.
280 Intercultural Communication (3 s.h.) (I)
Explores the mutual influences of culture on communication: perception, histories, identity, language, nonverbal communication, conflict, behavior, media and the experience of daily life. Emphasizes awareness of oneself as a cultural being, tolerance for ambiguity, and the application of theory to practice.
300 Integrated Media and Marketing Campaigns (3 s.h.)
Course investigates a broad range of communication campaigns, with emphasis on integrated marketing and social media strategies and tactics. In addition to discussions and readings of case studies, class engages in community service learning, creating campaigns on behalf of nonprofit clients.
332 Special Topics in Communication (3 s.h.)
Focus on special topics not normally covered in other communication courses or not covered in sufficient depth. Individual student projects define or refine an aspect of the topic.
387 Internship in Communication (3–6 s.h.)
A communication-based, practical learning experience that bridges the academic and professional worlds. The student identifies the internship and negotiates the nature of her responsibilities with the supervising organization, which works with the supervising professors to evaluate the student’s performance. Internship-agreement contract must be finalized before a student begins working with an organization. The major is required to complete a three-semester-hour internship.
395 Communication Theory and Research (3 s.h.)
An examination of the discipline from rhetoric to interpersonal to mass communication. Includes both the classical theories of the discipline and those relevant in upper-division communication courses and possible graduate study, as well as in the work world beyond higher education. Focus on the basis for communication research and how to employ theory as a critical tool. The course helps prepare students for senior projects or theses.
400 Senior Seminar (3 s.h.)
Practice in the conduct of a major independent research thesis or project demonstrating understanding of communication issues, theories, and skills, on a topic of student’s choice. Application of primary and secondary research or project to a selected issue associated with human and/or mass-mediated interaction. Theses and projects are created over the academic year, then presented in writing and orally to members of the department and major. *Prerequisites: senior status.
