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Department of Communication Studies
Naomi Johnson, Chair Heather Milne, Administrative and Program Specialist
Faculty
Laura Farrell, PhD, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies Jeff Halliday, MA, Associate Professor of Communication Studies Alec Hosterman, PhD, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies Naomi Johnson, PhD, Associate Professor of Communication Studies Kris Paal, PhD, Lecturer of Communication Studies Ronda Scarrow, MS, Lecturer of Communication Studies Ryan Stouffer, PhD, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies Pamela Tracy, PhD, Associate Professor of Communication Studies
COMMUNICATION STUDIES PROGRAM
Mission Statement: The Communication Studies program empowers students to thrive as leaders and innovators in today’s evolving communication fields. Our rigorous curriculum combines research, cuttingedge technology and best practices to provide students the essential knowledge, values, and experience needed to excel.
Vision Statement: To support our mission, we value collaboration, inspiration, contemplation, and innovation. Collaboration: We recognize learning is a joint venture between each instructor and student. We strive to develop permanent relationships within our major, across our campus and with our alumni.
Inspiration: We endeavor to create a learning community that empowers our students to discover a passion for leadership and creative engagement in our world. We have high expectations for our students, identifying resilience and adaptability as keys to personal and professional success.
Contemplation: We are committed to rigorous inquiry and reflection in our academic and professional pursuits. We encourage thoughtful interaction, promoting a diverse and engaged learning environment.
Innovation: We are intentional in embracing changes in the communication field. We critically evaluate those changes to model best practices in scholarship, pedagogy and professional development.
Students are required to select one of the two concentrations that follow:
Concentration in Digital Media
In conjunction with the core curriculum in Communication Studies, the Digital Media Concentration is designed to prepare students to become effective critics and consumers of mass media, and to prepare students for careers in a marketplace increasingly dominated by convergent media. To this end, students learn skills in print and online reporting; writing and production; broadcast writing, production, and editing; and creation of digital communication across a variety of web and social media platforms. Students pursuing the Digital Media concentration often choose to enter careers such as Reporter, Editor, Social Media Marketing and Management, Public Relations, and Marketing. 120
Concentration in Public Relations
In conjunction with the core curriculum in Communication Studies, in Public Relations Concentration is designed to cultivate in students an understanding of the processes through which human beings organize themselves to accomplish goals. To this end, students explore ways in which organizations communicate with internal and external publics, and the ways in which organizations are enacted at the interpersonal communication level. Students pursuing the Public Relations concentration often choose to enter careers such as Public Relations, Event Planning, Marketing, Management, Student Affairs, Political Aid or Lobbyist, and Human Resources.
COMMUNICATION STUDIES MAJOR, BA DEGREE
Digital Media Concentration
A. General Education Requirements/38 credits
The Department requires MATH 171 Statistical Decision Making for the satisfaction of Goal 5. The Department requires COMM 400 for the satisfaction of Goal 12.
B. Additional Requirements for the BA Degree/6 credits
(Humanities 3 credits, and 3 credits in a foreign language at the 202 level or above)
C. Major Requirements/47 credits 1. Communication Studies Core: 26 credits
COMM 101 Public Speaking/3 credits COMM 200 Introduction to Communication Studies/3 credits COMM 210 Media & Society/3 credits COMM 220 Communication in a Diverse Society/3 credits COMM 241 Introduction to Media Writing/3 credits COMM 410 Digital and Social Media Technologies/3 credits COMM 460 Communication Research Methods and Prospectus/3 credits COMM 461 Senior Seminar/3 credits COMM 492 Communication Internship/3 credits* (*One credit from COMM 492 satisfies General Education Goal 14)
2. Concentration: 15 credits
COMM 240 Digital Editing/3 credits COMM 341 Advanced Media Writing/3 credits COMM 345 Media Globalization/3 credits COMM 355 Media Production/3 credits COMM 445 Digital Storytelling/3 credits
3. Choose 2 Communication Electives below (6 credits):
COMM 251 Principles of CommunicationDesign/3 credits COMM 280 Fundamentals of Public Relations/3 credits COMM 295 Special Topics in Communication Studies/1-3 credits COMM 310 Interpersonal Communication/3 credits COMM 311/312 Study Abroad/1-18 credits COMM 322 Communications Law/3 credits COMM 325 Media Criticism/3 credits COMM 330 Small Group Communication/3 credits COMM 340 Visual Communication/3 credits COMM 350 Persuasion Theory/3 credits COMM 354 Public Relations Writing/3 credits COMM 360 Contemporary Practices in Communication/3 credits
COMM 361 Contemporary Issues in Communication/3 credits COMM 362 Organizational Communication/3 credits COMM 366 Conflict Resolution/3 credits COMM 375 Public Relations Research/3 credits COMM 390 Directed or Independent Study/ 1-18 credits COMM 392 Internship in Communication Studies/1-3 credits COMM 420 Intercultural Communication/3 credits COMM 430 Public Relations Campaigns/3 credits COMM 470 Gender and Communication/3 credits COMM 481 Crisis Communication/3 credits COMM 495 Special Topics in Communication Studies/3 credits
D. General Electives/29 credits
E. Total credits required for BA in Communication Studies/120
Digital Media Concentration
A. General Education Requirements/38 credits
The Department requires MATH 171 for the satisfaction of Goal 5
The Department requires COMM 400 for the satisfaction of Goal 12.
B. Additional Requirements for the BA Degree/6 credits
(Humanities 3 credits, and 3 credits in a foreign language at the 202 level or above)
C. Major Requirements/47 credits 1. Communication Studies Core: 26 credits
COMM 101 Public Speaking/3 credits COMM 200 Introduction to Communication Studies/3 credits COMM 210 Media & Society/3 credits COMM 220 Communication in a Diverse Society/3 credits COMM 241 Introduction to Media Writing/3 credits COMM 410 Digital and Social Media Technologies/3 credits COMM 460 Communication Research Methods and Prospectus/3 credits COMM 461 Senior Seminar/3 credits COMM 492 Communication Internship/3 credits* (One credit from COMM 492 satisfies General Education Goal 14)
2. Concentration: 15 credits
COMM 280 Fundamentals of Public Relations/3 credits COMM 350 Persuasion Theory/3 credits COMM 354 Public Relations Writing/3 credits COMM 375 Public Relations Research/3 credits COMM 430 Public Relations Campaigns/3 credits
3. Choose 2 Communication Studies Electives below (6 credits):
COMM 240 Digital Editing/3 credits COMM 251 Principles of Communication Design/3 credits COMM 295 Special Topics in Communication Studies/1-3 credits COMM 310 Interpersonal Communication/3 credits COMM 311/312 Study Abroad/1-18 credits
COMM 322 Communications Law/3 credits COMM 325 Media Criticism/3 credits COMM 330 Small Group Communication/3 credits COMM 340 Visual Communication/3 credits COMM 341 Advanced Media Writing/3 credits COMM 345 Media Globalization/3 credits COMM 350 Persuasion Theory/3 credits COMM 355 Media Production/3 credits COMM 360 Contemporary Practices in Communication/3 credits COMM 361 Contemporary Issues in Communication/3 credits COMM 362 Organizational Communication/3 credits COMM 366 Conflict Resolution/3 credits COMM 390 Directed or Independent Study/ 1-18 credits COMM 392 Internship in Communication Studies/1-3 credits COMM 420 Intercultural Communication/3 credits COMM 445 Digital Storytelling/3 credits COMM 470 Gender and Communication/3 credits COMM 481 Crisis Communication/3 credits COMM 495 Special Topics in Communication Studies/3 credits
D. General Electives/29 credits
E. Total credits required for BA in Communication Studies/120
Public Relations Concentration
COMMUNICATION STUDIES MINOR
18 Credit hours including:
COMM 101 Public Speaking/3 credits
COMM 200 Introduction to Communication Studies/3 credits And a selection of 12 credit hours from among the following courses:
COMM 210 Media and Society/3 credits
COMM 220 Communication in a Diverse Society/3 credits
COMM 240 Digital Editing/3 credits
COMM 241 Introduction to Media/3 credits
COMM 251 Principles of Communication Design/3 credits
COMM 280 Fundamentals of Public Relations/3 credits
COMM 310 Interpersonal Communication/3 credits
COMM 311/312 Studies Abroad/1-18 credits
COMM 322 Communications Law/3 credits
COMM 325 Media Criticism/3 credits
COMM 330 Small Group Communication/3 credits
COMM 340 Visual Communication/3 credits
COMM 341 Advanced Media Writing/3 credits
COMM 345 Media Globalization/3 credits
COMM 350 Persuasion Theory/3 credits
COMM 354 Public Relations Writing/3 credits
COMM 355 Media Production/3 credits
COMM 360 Contemporary Practices in Communication/3 credits
COMM 361 Contemporary Issues in Communication/3 credits
COMM 362 Organizational Communication/3 credits
COMM 366 Conflict Resolution/3 credits
COMM 375 Public Relations Research/3 credits
COMM 400 Communication Ethics/ 3 credits
COMM 410 Digital and Social Media Technologies/3 credits COMM 420 Intercultural Communication/3 credits COMM 430 Public Relations Campaigns/3 credits COMM 445 Digital Storytelling/3 credits COMM 470 Gender and Communication/3 credits COMM 481 Crisis Communication/3 credits COMM 495 Special Topics in Communication Studies/3 credits
COMMUNICATION STUDIES COURSE DESCRIPTIONS (COMM)
General Education Course * Writing Intensive Course WR Speaking Intensive Course SP
COMM 101. Public Speaking. Students will create and evaluate presentations in a variety of speaking contexts with special emphasis placed on competencies in public speaking. 3 credits. SP.
COMM 200. Introduction to Communication Studies. Introduces students to Communications Studies as an academic discipline and to opportunities within the field. Students will explore how meaning is created and shared in multiple theoretical contexts such as intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, organizational, public, mass mediated, and intercultural. Prerequisite: Communication Studies major or minor. 3 credits.
COMM 210. Media and Society. This course examines the economic and social organization of mass media, the content of media messages, the relationship between media and the public, the growth of new media technologies, and current dilemmas facing media policy makers. Prerequisite: COMM 101 (with grade of “C-” or better) or by permission of Department Chair. 3 credits.
COMM 220. Communication in a Diverse Society. This course focuses on the complexities and importance of identity and diversity for communication. In particular, we will study how identity and culture influence the creation and sharing of meaning and how various meaning and symbols constitute our sense of our social world. We will explore the relationship among identity, culture, and communication within a variety of contexts including interpersonal, organizational, and mediated communication. Prerequisite: COMM 101 and 200 (with grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits.
COMM 240. Digital Editing. A comprehensive study of digital editing equipment and techniques used in the media industries. Emphasis will be placed on non-linear video and audio and audio editing. Prerequisite: COMM 101 (with grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits.
COMM 241. Introduction to Media Writing. Developing writing and reporting techniques required in professional media fields. Intensive practice in news gathering skills and public relations tactics with emphasis on interviewing, accuracy, grammar and under deadline. Prerequisite: COMM 101 (with grade of “C-” or better) or by permission of Department Chair. 3 credits. WR
COMM 251. Principles of Communication Design. Principles and practice of design, typography, imagery, color and brand identity in contemporary visual communication and digital media. Prerequisite: COMM 101 (with grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits.
COMM 280. Fundamentals of Public Relations. This course is an introduction to public relations principles and concepts. Students are introduced to the history and development of public relations as a profession, to the range of responsibilities and functions that public relations practitioners assume in a variety of organizations, and to the significant issues and trends that influence the practice of public relations. Prerequisite: COMM 101 (with grades of “C-” or better) or by permission of Department Chair. 3 credits.
COMM 295. Special Topics in Communication Studies. Selected topics in communication studies. The topics may vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit when topics change. 1-3 credits.
COMM 310. Interpersonal Communication. This course will examine various communication patterns including nonverbal and intercultural communication. Students will study theories and concepts through text readings, class activities, and lectures. Students will understand that people, even if witnessing similar sights, may have different perspectives. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 200 (with grades of “C-” or better). 3 credits.
COMM 311, 312. Studies Abroad. Primarily intended for transfer of credit earned abroad in courses in communications studies. 1-18 credits.
COMM 322. Communication Law. In this course students will examine the U.S. legal system and concepts basic to the laws, regulation and current cases impacting public communication. Emphasis will be on press freedom and the First Amendment, libel, privacy, obscenity and commercial speech. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 210 (with grades of “C-” or better). 3 credits.
COMM 325. Media Criticism. A critical examination of the influence of mass media through reading, viewing and discussion to build awareness of the influence of media in personal life and develop media literacy skills. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 200 (with grades of “C-” or better); COMM 210. 3 credits.
COMM 330. Small Group Communication. Examines the complex personal and communication dynamics of small groups. Topics include leadership, influence, conflict, task management, organization, interdependence, and others. Students actively participate in group projects and meetings to demonstrate successful small group techniques. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 200 (with grades of “C-” or better). 3 credits.
COMM 340. Visual Communication. Theory and analysis of visual communications, including human perception, stereotypes, color, and principles of design. Application of learned theories to various print and digital media. Prerequisites: COMM 200 (with grades of “C-” or better). 3 credits.
COMM 341. Advanced Media Writing. This course will focus on the composition of professional quality messages for the modern media landscape. Students will study and practice advance perspectives of reporting and writing skills used in print, broadcast and online media. Prerequisite: COMM 241 (with grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits. WR.
COMM 345. Media Globalization. This course will focus on communication theory and its application to local and global media and their systems, structures and operations. Prerequisites: COMM 101, 200 and 210 (with grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits.
COMM 350. Persuasion Theory. This course is designed to promote the understanding of the fundamental principles and theories of persuasive communication. Theories are considered for application in producing and consuming persuasive discourse. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 200 (with grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits.
COMM 354 Public Relations Writing This course offers an advanced experience in public relations writing, principles, and concepts. It builds upon fundamental media and public relations skills. Students are exposed to a range of writing responsibilities and functions that public relations practitioners assume in a variety of organizations. Students also are engaged in significant issues and trends that influence the practice of public relations. Prerequisite: COMM 101 & COMM 241 (with grades of "C-" or better). 3 credits. WR
COMM 355. Media Production. This project based course will explore professional media industry standards and practices while providing hands-on experience in advanced videography, performance, audio reporting, editing and studio production. Prerequisites: COMM 241 and 240 (with grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits. SP.
COMM 360. Contemporary Practices in Communication. Current skills and strategies necessary for Communication Studies practitioners. May be repeated with change of subject matter; maximum 9 credits hours. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 200 (with grade of “C-” or better, or permission of department chair). 3 credits.
COMM 361. Contemporary Issues in Communication. Research and theory related to contemporary issues in Communication Studies. May be repeated with change of subject matter; maximum 9 credits hours. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 200 (with grade of “C-” or better, or permission of department chair). 3 credits.
COMM 362. Organizational Communication. Explores the communication processes humans use to organize themselves to accomplish goals. Theoretical approaches to organizing are considered, such as classical, systems, cultural, critical, and postmodern approaches. Organizational communication processes such as entry, learning, planning, and evaluation are examined in their relation to common organizational outcomes such as satisfaction, productivity and commitment. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 200 (with grades of “C-” or better). 3 credits.
COMM 366. Conflict Resolution. This course introduces students to the origins of the field of conflict and to current communication-oriented perspectives in a wide range of arenas – from intimate relationships to group, inter-group, organizational and negotiation settings. Students will understand the opportunities for conflict management through negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 200 (with grades of “C-” or better). 3 credits.
COMM 375. Public Relations Research. This course is an introduction to research methods common to the public relations field. Focus is on using applied research for public relations programs and campaigns. Students will gain experience designing and implementing research projects. Prerequisites: COMM 280 (with a grade of “C-” or better, or the permission of department chair). 3 credits.
COMM 390. Directed or Independent Study. Must be approved by the head of the department. Maybe repeated as 391. 1-18 credits.
COMM 392. Internship in Communication Studies. A semester-long, on-the-job learning experience designed to apply the principles of communication studies. Prerequisites: Communication Studies Major/Minor restriction; COMM 101 and COMM 200 (with a C- or better). May be repeated. 1-3 credits.
COMM 400. Communication Ethics. This course investigates the theories and principles of ethical communication applied to a variety of personal and public communications contexts. Students will identify, analyze, and evaluate ethical issues and cases in interpersonal, professional, and mediated contexts Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 200 (with grades of “C-” or better). 3 credits. *Fulfills General Education Goal 12. Communication Studies majors are required to take COMM 400 to fulfill General Education Goal
12 requirements.
COMM 410. Digital and Social Media Technologies. Practical and theoretical approaches to examining the influence of digital and social media techniques on consumers and communication industries. The course explores personal branding and the strategic use of digital marketing tools in order to develop specialized, professional portfolios. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and COMM 200 (with grades of “C-” or better.). 3 credits.
COMM 420. Intercultural Communication. A study of intercultural communication in the classroom and business worlds, defining and identifying the different cultures at work in our society, exploring the problems resulting from poor intercultural communication, and finding ways to improve communication between differing cultures. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 200 (with grades of “C-” or better). 3 credits.
COMM 430. Public Relations Campaigns. Principles relevant to creating and implementing a public relations campaign. Course covers client relations, setting objectives, using research, planning special events, writing and evaluating appropriate media strategies and tactics, preparing budgets, and implementing evaluation techniques. Prerequisites: COMM 280 and 375 (with a grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits. SP 126
COMM 445. Digital Storytelling. Students will analyze the production of media and the influence of media in shaping society. Students will use a combination of media writing, editing, and production skills in the creation of a digital short story. Prerequisites: COMM 241 and 355 (with grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits.
COMM 460. Communication Research Methods and Prospectus. Students will develop a research prospectus while learning communication research processes, including introductory qualitative and quantitative methods. Students learn to become competent researchers and critics of scholarship. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and COMM 200 (with grades of “C-” or better) and Math 171/Senior Status. 3 credits. WR.
COMM 461. Senior Seminar. A capstone course designed to help students prepare for commencement. It is structured as a seminar/tutorial, culminating in the creation of an undergraduate thesis or equivalent project. Prerequisite: COMM 460 (with grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits. WR and SP.
COMM 470. Gender and Communication. Study of advanced communication theories and research focusing on the relationships among gender identity and communication in communication contexts such as organizations, interpersonal relationships, family, mass media and popular culture, education and health. Prerequisites: COMM 101 and 200 (with grades of “C-” or better). 3 credits.
COMM 481. Crisis Communication. Introduces students to the study of crisis communication. The course addresses key issues including threat assessment, crisis plans, and strategies for handling crises when they occur. Prerequisite: COMM 280 (with a grade of “C-” or better). 3 credits.
COMM 490. Directed or Independent Study. Must be approved by the head of the department. 1-18 credits. *Fulfills General Education Goal 14.
COMM 492. Communication Internship. Directed practicum of experiential learning in a professional setting. Students perform relevant task to the discipline and profession. An internship contract must be agreed upon by the professional supervisor, faculty advisor, and student. Prerequisite: Completion of 15 credits in Communication Studies with a minimum gpa of 2.5. Junior status. 3 credits. May be repeated. *Fulfills General Education Goal 14.
COMM 495. Special Topics in Communication Studies. Selected topics in communication studies. The topics may vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit when topics change. Prerequisites: COMM 101 & 200 (with grades of “C-” or better). 1-3 credits.
COMM 498. Honors Research in Communication Studies. Students conduct research in communications studies under the direction of a faculty member and the Senior Honors Research Committee. May be repeated as 499. 3 credits.
