Communication Course Descriptions
We have updated our course descriptions to reflect our new curriculum that went into effect for the Fall 2022 semester.
COMN 100 : Introduction to Communication
This course introduces key principles and aspects of human communication to improve the appropriateness and effectiveness of our messages. Students will explore the fundamentals of communication—such as perception, verbal and nonverbal messages, and listening—in our daily contexts, including relationships, groups, organizations, cultures, media, technology, and public settings. The course also increases understanding of Communication in relation to other disciplines while exploring the varied writing styles of researchers and practitioners and the scholarly sources central to Communication Credits: 4; Prerequisites: None; Offered every semester.
COMN 102 : Principles of Public Speaking
Basic public speaking is the focus of the course. Emphasis is placed on researching topics, organizing speeches, using appropriate language, effective delivery, and critical listening. Instructors analyze student speeches. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: None; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 203 : Professional Public Speaking
Building on the theories and principles introduced in COMN 102, this intermediate course facilitates the continued development of oral communication competency. Course content underscores an audience-centered approach to public address. Topics include organizing speeches for specialized and professional contexts of public address, voice and diction, the proper use of technology to support presentations, critical listening, and understanding/managing communication apprehension. Assignments are tailored to meet the career needs of individual students. Prerequisites: COMN 102. Offered every other year Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 102; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 207 : Writing for Business & Professions
This course focuses on traditional and contemporary methods of written business communication. There is practical application of strategies for composing, organizing, and editing content for targeted audiences. Approaches may include collaborative and web-based writing. Students who are required to take INTD 205 may not take this course. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 209 : Organizational and Small Group Communication
This course provides students with theoretical and practical perspectives of organizational and small group communication. We will explore the problems and paradoxes of organizational communication, the changing features of organizational life, and the central role small group communication plays in organizations. S
Students will develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to group development, leadership, preparing and running meetings, decision-making, problem-solving, managing conflict, roles, and managing differences. Case studies and group projects will provide opportunities for application and experiential learning. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Offered every year.
COMN 210 : Interpersonal Communication
This course provides theoretical and practical knowledge about interpersonal communication from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives. This course is designed to help students become more mindful and effective communicators across a number for relational contexts. We will explore the role of communication in creating, maintaining, altering, and terminating relationships. Topics include identity and perception, investment, support, emotional intelligence, relational development, and conflict management. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 222 : Special Topics in Communication
This course is a slot course that is designed to introduce students to theories, topics, and issues related to specialized or emerging topics in communication. Students will develop knowledge of related concepts, engage with readings related to the specific topic, and demonstrate their knowledge through one or more topic-centered projects. Examples of special topics include gender communication and political communication. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 230 : Public Speaking and Rhetoric I: Identity
Rhetoric is the oldest discipline in the world, predating science and philosophy—because it is concerned with the most essential human endeavor: using symbols to influence belief. This course helps students develop a rhetorical perspective on the world in which belief is an effect of persuasion. Students will explore a range of rhetorical theories surrounding identity and critique oratory about identity and self. Students will craft and deliver original speeches that focus on self and identity. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Offered every two years.
COMN 231 : Public Speaking and Rhetoric II: Power
Rhetoric is the oldest discipline in the world, Predating science and philosophy—because it is concerned with the most essential human endeavor: using symbols to influence belief. This course helps students develop a rhetorical perspective on the world in which belief is an effect of persuasion. Students will explore a range of rhetorical theories surrounding power and critique oratory about power and privilege. Students will craft and deliver original speeches that focus on power and privilege. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Offered every two years.
COMN 260 : Introduction to Mass Communication
This course covers mass communication in both historical and contemporary contexts. Students are introduced to the broad socio-cultural function of mass media, as well as the specific function of each medium. The course explores roles of mass communication in terms of the societal impact, technology, and the effects on individuals. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Offered every semester.
COMN 266 : Radio and Audio Media Production
An introduction to basic radio-station operations and equipment, announcing skills, and audio-production techniques, (including scriptwriting, voiceover and commercial production), and their application in modern radio and digital platforms. Students will be introduced to and use the facilities of campus radio station WGSU-FM. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Offered every year.
COMN 267 : Visual Communication
A study of visual communication through practical application, designed to introduce students to the technical and aesthetic elements involved in visual media production. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Offered once every fall.
COMN 275 : News & Specialized Writing
This slot course focuses on improving basic reporting and writing skills, crafting in-depth news reports, and exposing students to other types of journalistic writing. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 276 : Media Writing
This course presents the essentials of writing for media and public relations, which include but are not limited to textual, audio, video, social media or other electronic media. Students will design, develop and produce messages for various platforms. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Offered every two years.
COMN 300 : Introduction to Strategic Communication
This course is designed to introduce the foundational principles of strategic communication to undergraduate majors. It focuses on two major disciplines of strategic communication, public relations and advertising and emphasizes the essential elements as well as the fundamental process of the two. Through integrating public relations and advertising, the course aims to help students understand the key principles as well as concepts of strategic communication. The course introduces the strategic perspective of communication for students who plan to pursue further education in communication. It is also beneficial to students who are planning careers in other areas that require or desire an understanding of strategic communication practices, such as public relations and advertising. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Offered every year.
COMN 310 : Family Communication
this course will center on theories, topical issues, and empirical research related to family communication. This course will place emphasis on the multitude of family formations that people experience. Topics of discussion include but are not limited to family culture, family development, family identity, family meaning-making, family roles, and mediated constructions of family. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Offered every two years.
COMN 314 : Persuasion
The course is designed to introduce persuasion from a social scientific perspective to undergraduate majors. It focuses on the key elements of persuasion in social science, introduces various common social scientific theories and principles in persuasion, and acquaints students with the essential process of designing and developing persuasive messages guided by the theories and principles. The course builds a foundation of persuasion for students who plan to pursue further education in communication. It is also beneficial to students who are planning careers in other areas that require or desire an understanding of persuasion. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Offered every year.
COMN 317 : Culture and Communication
The purpose of the course is to provide the student with the theoretical and practical tools necessary to engage in competent communication across differences in culture and identity. Discussions will focus on the role of communication in constructing cultural messages and managing relationships and how cultural variations play a role in the process of communication. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 330 : Photography as Visual Communication
Visual images, largely provided through the ease that anyone can take a picture with digital technology, plays a significant role in contemporary communication. This course explores photography's role in our visual communication. It introduces technical aspects of photography, historical development of photography, explores different venues of photography (e.g., photojournalism, advertising), and analyzes how visual messages influence viewers. The course covers both creative aspects as well as criticism of photography to enhance our visual literacy. Prior photographic experience is not needed. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100, 260; Offered every year.
COMN 333 : Special Topics in Communication
This course is a slot course that is designed to introduce students to theories, topics, and issues related to specialized or emerging topics in communication. Students will develop knowledge of related concepts, engage with readings related to the specific topic, and demonstrate their knowledge through one or more topic-centered projects. Examples of special topics include gender communication and political communication. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 342 : Mass Media and Society
This course assesses the evolving and dynamic relationship between mass media and society. Particular attention is paid to how mass mediated messages can define social and cultural realities and the interplay of social influences on these messages. By applying theoretical concepts, students critically examine how mass media function in various contexts, from local communities, national industries and politics, to global systems. Current and past research perspectives are discussed and analyzed. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100, 260; Offered every year.
COMN 346 : Conflict and Relational Communication
This course focuses on the nature of conflict in a variety of relational contexts. A combination of theory and application helps students understand the central issues of relational conflict and develop communication skills to manage those conflicts. Case studies and simulations facilitate the application of theory to practice. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100 or permission of instructor; Offered every year.
COMN 357 : Broadcast News Workshop
Students with communication, journalism/news writing and/or audio/video production backgrounds will work as part of a team of student broadcasts journalists in the production and dissemination of original-reporting multimedia news content (written and audio-based segments and packages occasionally supported by additional multimedia content)—for broadcast (and online posting) as part of a bi-weekly "news digest"-style radio program (and other public-radio-style news programjing). Student journalists will gain hands-on experience in civic-based original reporting, new judgement, news writing, storytelling, investigative journalism, production (audio editing and post-production), story pitching and working independently and collaboratively in teams. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100, 266, 275; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 367: Advanced Visual Communication
This course is an in-depth examination of video production techniques through both practical application and academic analysis. Students will apply principles of visual composition to create advanced level stories, cover events, prepare news packages, and/or produce live television programs. Legal issues, such as libel, slander, and shield laws will also be examined. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisite(s): COMN 100 and COMN 267; Offered every two years.
COMN 379 : Communication in Career Preparation
This course encourages students to make connections between the communication concepts they have learned in their classes and their future personal and professional life. In doing so, students will look back to review and discuss key concepts, look inward to see how these concepts impact their own lives and look forward to see how these concepts impact their own lives and look forward to make explicit connections to their anticipated future. Concurrently, students will engage in a self-reflective process in preparation for a professional career. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100 and junior or senior standing; Offered every year.
COMN 395 : Internship in Communication
This course provides an opportunity for students to explore different career contexts through an internship experience. Students work with the Department's faculty internship director and Career Design to find and secure an appropriate internship in a field of interest. An approved learning agreement is needed for class registration. A minimum of sophomore standing is required. May be repeated for credit without exceeding a maximum of 15 credits for internships (395 or 495). COMN 395 is graded on an S/U basis and cannot count toward the major. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100, junior or senior standing and permission of internship faculty; Offered every semester.
COMN 410 : Theories and Research in Relational Communication
This course involves theory-grounded empirical research in relational communication. Students will learn the history, assumptions, axioms, and vocabulary of various theories used by researches to explain relational communication. Students will develop basic skills in data collection, theory-based analysis, manuscript preparation, and research translation within the context of relational communication. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Offered every year.
COMN 415 : Research and Theory in Persuasion
This course is designed to help students further their understanding of persuasion from a social scientific perspective. It offers more in-depth discussion of major concepts in persuasion as well as their theoretical and practical implications. In this project-oriented course, students are guided to apply theoretical concepts of persuasion via a systematic research processes on issues that interest them. The course is beneficial to students who wish to enrich their understanding of persuasion from a social scientific perspective in Communication and to students who wish to practice and improve their critical thinking and analytical skills. (Communication 314 Undergraduate D or Communication 213 Undergraduate D)
COMN 420 : Sports Communication
In this course, students will critically engage with readings and thinking about the role of sports in our lives and how we experience it, especially as it relates to media, culture, identity, global politics, and social justice. Given that modern sports development transcends global boundaries in terms of both (in/ex)clusion and belonging, the class utilizes a worldwide approach to sports communication from a critical/cultural lens. Sports in this case are not solely about what happens on the field, but also about the power dynamics and civic nature that sports, sport events, and media coverage have on local and global society. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100 and junior or senior standing; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 442 : Strategic Communication Management
The course is designed to help students further their understandings as well as applications of strategic communication management. It is project-oriented, and often the project focuses addressing actual communication needs and/or desires from an actual client. the project provides an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge of strategic communication management. Further, through their application and practices, the course helps students strengthen their understanding of strategic communication management. the course can benefit students who are planning careers in strategic communication as well as in other areas that require or desire an understanding of strategic communication. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisite(s): COMN 100 and COMN 300; Offered every two years.
COMN 450 : Media Entertainment
In this course, we explore theory and research regarding the uses, features, and effects of entertainment media content. Course material addresses effects and appeal of media entertainment, emphasizing emotional reactions. topics include key concepts of entertainment research, as well as the respective features and emotional/social-psychological effects of genres such s comedy, suspense, and horror. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100, 260; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 452 : Mass Media and Youth
Students in this course will gain an understanding of how children and adolescents use, interpret, and are affected by media. The concepts and research discussed will follow a developmental approach, focusing on how young children, older children, and adolescents interpret and respond to media content differently. Class topics will include media violence, eating disorders, social networking, and prosocial media, among others. Students should end the course with a more developed awareness of the unique challenges and considerations in children's media use. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100, 260; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 453 : Advertising as Social Communication
An investigation of historical and contemporary advertising as a form of mass persuasion. The course examines what advertising is as a communication form, its impact on society, how it is shaped and regulated by the social context in which it occurs, and conceptual guidelines for its evaluation. Since the course assumes a critical approach, the interrelationship of advertising with social norms, constraints, values, and ideologies is examined. Credits: 4 (4-0); prerequisites: COMN 100, 260. Offered every year.
COMN 454 : Media Ethics
In this course, students will learn foundational theories of ethics and apply them to a variety of mass media ethical dilemmas. We will explore the similarities and differences among ethical issues in areas such as news, entertainment, public relations, advertising, and online communication. Students will develop and demonstrate their critical understanding of media ethics case. By the end of the course, students should know how to make and effectively communicate ethical media choices. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100, 260; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 456 : Mass Media and the Mind
In this course, processing and effects of media content are explored from a cognitive perspective. Important concepts such as perception of attention to, and comprehension of media stimuli are explicated and applied to understand advertising, news, and politics, and other major media types. Students should end the course wit a greater understanding of the psychological processes that occur during media use, as well as increased knowledge of the effects these processes might have on media consumers. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100, 260; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 458 : Visual Rhetoric
As we become fully immersed in the so-called "visual age", we need to become critical consumers and producers of the media saturating our lives. This course engages the visual age while pushing back against the tendency to assume that "new" media cannot be studied through classic principles of style composition, and design. This course introduces strategies for critiquing and producing visual media including juxtaposition, pose, figure, metaphor, composition, duration, rhythm, montage, and foregrounding. Student will write visual analysis and produce visual messaging. We approach visual culture as a site of convergence for power and privilege. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100 and either COMN 230 or COMN 231; Offered every two years.
COMN 459 : Critical Rhetoric
This course focuses on a topic or related group of topics relevant to a critical approach to rhetorical studies. Research in the areas of critical studies and rhetorical theory and criticism will be applied and discussed. The course may integrate both theoretical and practical applications. May be taken without limit for credit but only under different subtitles. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100, and either COMN 230 or 231; offered every two years.
COMN 462 : International Mass Communication
This course explores the role of mass communication and the media in our increasingly interdependent, globalized world. Through selected case studies, national systems of mass media found in various parts of the world are compared and analyzed. Issues that transcend geo-political boundaries are also examined. These include globalization of the media industry and cultural products, inequality in the flow of information, media influences on identity formation across different cultures, and media portrayals of war and peace. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100, 260; Offered every year.
COMN 467 : Specialized Visual Communication
This course is an advanced level visual media production course that involves providing higher level visual communication while critically engaging with theories and aesthetics. Students will delve into production and analysis or creative work. Special thematic topics for content creation will vary. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100, 267; Offered once every 2 years.
COMN 468 : Research in Media and Cultural Studies
This course explores and applies selected textual, qualitative and critical perspectives in media studies, as well as an overview of major trends and developments in contemporary research methods in media and cultural studies, students are expected to design and craft their own research project. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, COMN 100, 260 and a minimum 3.0 average in the major or permission of instructor; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 476 : Social Change and Activism
In this course, students will critically engage readings in development communication, especially as it relates to struggles for social justice. We will explore historical and global aspects of development and mediated activism, and specifically focus on contemporary sports and other mass-cultural events. This course draws from interdisciplinary research from media studies, critical/cultural studies, sports communication, social movement research, urban studies, and development communication. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 477 : Research and Creative Activities in Communication
In this course, students will develop and carry out a unique empirical or applied project under the guidance of a Communication faculty member. Each week, students will come together to discuss their project development, engage in peer review, and offer constructive feedback. The course will culminate with project presentations. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 480 : Communication Research
This course is designed to introduce you to communication research basics and develop your ability to conduct and evaluate research. Methodologies of communication research are explored, including experiments, surveys, focus groups, content analysis, and rhetorical and critical analyses. These methodologies and the theoretical and ethical assumptions underpinning them are examined as ways of posing questions and getting answers about human communication. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to critically evaluate the research of the others while also developing your own research proposal based on a selected topic of interest. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, COMN 100, and a minimum 3.0 average in the major or permission of instructor; Not offered on a regular basis.
COMN 495 : Advanced internship in Communication
An advanced internship experience that combines regular field experience with a focused, reflective component. Students will design and execute an individualized essay that integrates material from their communication classes with their internship experience. COMN 495 is intended for students hoping to confirm their initial professional field they plan to pursue after graduating. Credits: Up to four credits of COMN 495 may count toward the elective category of the major. Normal grading mode. Prerequisite: Permission of internship faculty director; Restricted to communication majors; Offered every semester.
COMN 496: Teaching Practicum in Communication
This course offers practical teaching experience in the field of communication, as practicum students work closely with supervising professor for a specified course in communication. Responsibilities may include assisting in preparation and presentation of lectures and activities, holding office hours and review sessions with students, helping to prepare exams and assignments, and providing evaluative feedback to students. In addition students will learn about and get practical experience in teaching techniques through completion of weekly online modules. Credits: 3-4 (1-4); Prerequisite: Permission of instructor; Offered through individual arrangement.
COMN 498 : Capstone Experience
The course is designed to help students finalize a communication portfolio. Students have had opportunities to work on pieces of their portfolio throughout the program, but in this course, students will analyze, reflect, and improve their portfolio. The course emphasizes the concept of commencement, a highlight of the past and the preparation for the future. Credits: 4 (4-0); Prerequisites: COMN 100 and senior standing; Offered every semester.