Undergraduate Catalog 2022-2023

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department of Communication & Journalism 

COMM 100 Basics of Public Speaking

Overview of concepts, including practice and evaluation, central to effective public speaking including managing nervousness, researching and organizing information, thinking critically, delivering messages, fielding questions and influencing an audience.
3

COMM 102 Introduction to Communication

An introduction to the nature of communication as symbolic behavior including an overview of communication contexts.
3

COMM 201 Questioning Communication

An introduction to communication inquiry and research as a means to answer questions about communication and its impact in our daily lives. 

3

Offered

Generally offered Fall, Spring, and/or Summer Annually

COMM 211 Winning Arguments

Study the basics of argumentation including reasoning, evidence and critical thinking. Practice the practical skills of public debating.

3

Offered

Generally offered Fall Annually

COMM 212 Professional Speaking

Practical experience in presentation design and delivery to facilitate understanding of a message and for influence of others.

3

Prerequisites

COMM 100 with a minimum grade of D-

COMM 220 Interpersonal Communication

An undergraduate course focusing on the philosophical and theoretical issues of self-perception and relationships as they are affected by verbal and nonverbal communication.
3

COMM 221 Nonverbal Communication

An overview of current theory and research in communication. The course will focus on nonverbal communication message systems and their impact on the communication process.
3

COMM 222 Unpacking Popular Culture

Using rhetorical methods as a lens, this course focuses upon the identification and interpretation of persuasive messages found within a variety of popular culture texts including television, film, and music.

3

Offered

Generally offered Fall, Spring, and/or Summer Annually

COMM 223 Intercultural Communication

Learn about the communication concepts and theories inherent in the process of interacting with individuals in cross-cultural and inter-ethnic situations.
3

COMM 261 Seminar in Communication

Investigate introductory issues of current concern for COMM professionals with subject varied according to faculty expertise.
1- 3

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

ST - Repeatable under different subtitles and course is repeatable with a maximum of 6 credit hours

COMM 324 Family Communication

Investigate family structure from a human communication perspective.
3

COMM 330 Small Group Communication

Apply problem-solving and decision making techniques and theories, particularly in the relationship between communication and group variables such as leadership roles and cohesiveness.
3

COMM 331 Organizational Communication

Study the dynamics of communication activities within an organization.
3

COMM 340 Rhetoric of Scientific Messaging

Systematic review of relevant contributions of rhetorical theorists for their probable impact on scientific communication.
3

COMM 341 Courtroom Communication

Investigate the relationship between communication and the law and legal argumentation and persuasion within courtroom advocacy. Analyze communication within the legal profession.
3

COMM 343 The Art of Persuasion

Investigate major variables surrounding attitude change and human persuasion.

3

Offered

Generally offered Fall, Spring, and/or Summer Annually

COMM 350 Communication in the Classroom

Investigate communication theory and research related specifically to the classroom setting. Course content will focus on the development of self concept perception, verbal and nonverbal language and group dynamics.
3

Prerequisites

COMM 201 with a minimum grade of D-

COMM 410 Communication & Technology

This course is designed to introduce the concepts, theories, and issues surrounding the emergence of communication technologies and the evolution of the communication process.
3

COMM 422 Directed Study

Individualized investigation under the direct supervision of a faculty member. (Minimum of 37.5 clock hours required per credit hour.)
1- 3

Special Notes

Maximum concurrent enrollment is two times.

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with no limitations

COMM 431 Communication and Leadership

Examine theories of leadership, major leadership research findings and various leadership methods. Consider how the principles derived from leadership literature can be applied to small group and organizational settings.
3

COMM 461 Seminar in Communication

Investigate issues of current concern for COMM professionals with subject varied according to faculty expertise.
1- 3

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

ST - Repeatable under different subtitles and course is repeatable with a maximum of 9 credit hours

COMM 491 Communication Theory Capstone

Summative course of the nature and function of communication theory and research including an overview of the traditions of theory and current perspectives in the discipline.

3

Prerequisites

(COMM 100 and COMM 102 and COMM 201 and COMM 220 and COMM 330 and COMM 343 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Generally offered Fall, Spring, and/or Summer Annually

COMM 492 Undergraduate Internship

Supervised work experience in area of specialization. Submit a proposal to the coordinator of internships six weeks before registration. Maximum of six semester credit hours may be counted toward the major.
1-10

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with a maximum of 10 credit hours