COMMUNICATION (COMM)
Jimmie N. Rogers, Chairman of the Department, 417 Kimpel Hall, 575-3046
PROFESSORS FRENTZ, ROGERS, RUSHING, SMITH; PROFESSOR EMERITUS REA; ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS BAILEY, BRADY, ROSTECK, SCHEIDE; ASSISTANT PROFESSORS ALLEN, AMASON, WARREN, WICKS; ASSISTANT PROFESSOR EMERITUS GALLOWAY
The Department of Communication offers general studies of the discipline, as well as concentration in three specific emphasis areas: (1) rhetoric and public communication; (2) interpersonal, small group, and organizational communication; and (3) mass communication. Students may also select a program for acquisition of teaching certification in the field.
Requirements for a Major in Communication: For standing as a major, entering freshmen must have ACT composite scores of 20 or higher, and those transferring into the program after the first semester of college study must have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.00 or higher.
Each student must complete 30 semester hours in communication courses, including COMM 2333 and a minimum of 21 hours in courses numbered 3000 or above. To graduate with a B.A. degree in communication, students must have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.00 or above within the major.
Writing Requirement: The college writing requirement may be satisfied by a research paper submitted for an upper-division communication class and approved by the chairman of the Department.
Requirements for Departmental Honors in Communication: The Honors Program in the Department of Communication gives an opportunity for a student to achieve an additional level of intellectual growth and a satisfaction of accomplishment. A student engages in independent research and writing, under the supervision of a member of the communication faculty, and participates in special honors classes, seminars, and colloquia.
Faculty recognize outstanding achievement by a student by recommending that the bachelor's degree in communication be awarded with the distinction "Communication Scholar Cum Laude." Higher distinctions may be awarded to truly outstanding students based upon the whole of their academic program and quality of honors research.
To enter the Honors Program, a student must possess a 3.25 minimum grade-point average on all academic work and receive the recommendation of a faculty member in communication to the Honors Council of Fulbright College. A student may pursue an independent research program of a historical, critical, descriptive, or experimental nature, within any of the areas of rhetorical or communication theory, history of public address, interpersonal, small-group, or organizational communication, persuasion, argumentation, political communication, freedom of speech, communication education, or in any closely related areas of inquiry. A student interested in mass communications, broadcasting, or film may choose to pursue either a research project or a creative study. In addition to satisfying the general college and departmental requirements for a bachelor's degree, a student must satisfy departmental honors requirements, which include the following: (1) become an honors candidate no later than the first semester of the junior year of study; (2) enroll in COMM 399VH, Honors Course, a minimum of one hour of credit each semester during the junior-senior years; (3) achieve a 3.125 minimum grade-point average in communication; (4) take 12 hours (which may include 6 hours of thesis) in Honors Studies; and (5) write and defend before a faculty examining committee a thesis based on the investigative or creative project undertaken in COMM 399VH. For a full description of the Honors Program and its requirements, a student should consult with an adviser in the Department of Communication.
Requirements for a Minor in Communication: 18 hours including COMM 2303 and 2323. At least 9 hours must be numbered 3000 or above. A student should consult with an adviser in the Department of Communication for the selection of appropriate courses. A student must notify the Department of his or her intent to minor.
Communication (B.A.) Teacher Certification Requirements:
1. Complete a minimum of 38 hours in primary field.
2. Complete Pre-Education (ASED) minor. (See page 203)
3. The following courses are specifically required for certification:11
HLSC 1002, Wellness Concepts, and PEAC 1621, Fitness Concepts, OR HLSC 1103, Personal Health & Safety
DRAM 1003, Theater Lecture
DRAM 2653, Acting I
DRAM 3653, Directing I
DRAM 272V (3), Theatrical Production
4. Earn a "C" or better in ENGL 1013, ENGL 1023, ENGL 2003 (or ENGL 2013, or exemption by grades or test), COMM 1313, and MATH 1203 (or any higher mathematics course).
Courses: Communications (COMM)
COMM1003 Basic Course in the Arts: Film Lecture (FA, SP, SU) Introduction to film as entertainment and art. How to look at film through a study of composition, lighting, editing, sound, acting. Lectures and viewing time. UNIVERSITY CORE COURSE
COMM1003H Honors Basic Course in the Arts: Film Lecture (FA, SP, SU) Introduction of film as entertainment and art. How to look at a film through a study of composition, lighting, editing, sound, acting. Lectures and viewing time. UNIVERSITY CORE COURSE
COMM1313 Fundamentals of Communication (FA, SP, SU) Interpersonal and public communication with emphasis in developing both listening and speaking skills.
COMM1313H Honors Fundamentals of Communication (FA, SP, SU) Interpersonal and public communication with emphasis in developing both listening and speaking skills.
COMM2303 Public Speaking (FA, SP, SU) Continuing study of the invention and adaptation or oral discourse to the needs of listeners. Consideration of the problems of communication in platform presentation. Prerequisite: COMM 1313.
COMM2323 Interpersonal Communication (FA, SP, SU) Personal and interpersonal factors affecting communication in everyday life. Emphasis upon ways in which interpersonal perception, physical environment, semantic choices, and nonverbal cues affect communication primarily in the context of work, family, and other personal experiences.
COMM2333 Introduction to Communication Research (FA, SP) Introduction to the basic assumptions underlying communication inquiry; resources for and methods of data collection in communication research; and techniques for organization, interpretation, reporting, and evaluation of communication research.
COMM2351 Parliamentary Procedure (FA, SP) Study and practice of the rules and procedures by which self-governing organizations transact business. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.
COMM2373 Introduction to Debate (FA, SP) An introduction to the basic principles and procedures of debate as an instrument of critical choice and decision.
COMM2382 Intercollegiate Forensics (IR) Preparation and participation in public debates and other forensic activities. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours of credit. No more than 6 hours of credit in COMM 2382 and 3282 may be applied toward the departmental requirement. (A maximum of 12 hours in COMM 2382 and 3282 hours of credit.) May be repeated for 6 hours.
COMM2403 Introduction to Oral Interpretation (IR) Emphasis on oral interpretation of contemporary prose and poetry and effective reading of original writing.
COMM2813 Introduction to Radio and Television Broadcasting (FA, SP) Introduction to the field of radio-television, stressing the historical development, organizational patterns, and cultural functions of the media.
COMM3173 Introduction to Linguistics (SP) Introduction to language study with stress upon modern linguistic theory and analysis. Data drawn from various languages reveal linguistic universals as well as phonological, syntactic, and semantic systems of individual languages. Related topics: language history, dialectology, language and its relation to culture and society, the history of linguistic scholarship. (Same as ANTH 3173, ENGL 3173, FLAN 3173) Prerequisite: junior standing.
COMM3282 Advanced Forensics (IR) A continuation of 2382. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours of credit. No more than 6 hours of credit in COMM 2382 and 3282 may be applied to the departmental requirement. (A maximum of 12 hours in COMM 2382 and 3282 may be counted toward the B.A. requirements.)
COMM3303 Small-Group Communication (FA, SP, SU) Procedures used in exchanging information, solving problems, determining policies, and resolving differences in committees and other small groups. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 and junior standing.
COMM3333 Communication Criticism (FA, SP, SU) Basic elements and theoretical perspectives on criticism of public communication. Extensive practice in written analysis of events in public address, film, television, and other mass media.
COMM3343 Contemporary Communication Theory (SP) Study of the nature of the communication process as it is reflected in the individual, in interpersonal settings, in one-to-many situations, and in the mass media.
COMM3353 Argumentation: Reason in Communication (FA, SP, SU) Concepts characterizing rational discourse, with at concern for examining validity and fallacy. Consider traditional and contemporary models for analyzing argument, including an examination of the philosophy of argument and a practical inquiry into the uses of argument in contemporary rhetorical discourse.
COMM3363 Nonverbal Communication (SP) Creates an understanding of the functions of nonverbal cues operating in human communication processes and develops familiarity with recent research in the field of nonverbal communication.
COMM3383 Persuasion (FA) Introduction to theories of persuasion with emphasis on application and effect.
COMM3433 Family Communication (IR) Study of the nature, functions, and management of communication patterns in the family. Focus is on understanding routine interpersonal interactions, conflict patterns, authority structures, and decision-making processes within the context of the contemporary family.
COMM3443 Introduction to Rhetorical Theory (FA, SP) Interpretive-critical study of rhetoric in public contexts. Prerequisite: COMM 1313.
COMM3633 History and Development of Motion Pictures I (IR) A critical survey of motion pictures as a distinctive form and as a medium of expression and communication, with attention given to silent films, early talking pictures, and cinema innovators from the origins of the motion pictures medium to 1940. Prerequisite: COMM 1003.
COMM3663 Comedy of Chaplin & Keaton (SP) An examination of the history of expression of the early film comedy of Charles Chaplin and Buster Keaton.
COMM3673 Film Production I (IR) An approach to film-making from the initial idea to the scenario and the final realization of the film.
COMM3703 Organizational Communication (FA, SP) An introduction to the theory, processes, and management of communication in organizations, with opportunities for simulated application.
COMM3883 Rhetoric of Social Movement (FA, SP, SU) Study of the functions of rhetoric as it appears in the context of social movements such as American independence, women's equality, civil rights, populism, and new conservatism.
COMM3923H Honors Colloquium (FA, SP, SU) Treats a special topic or issue, offered as part of the honors program. May be repeated. Prerequisite: honors candidacy (not restricted to candidacy in communication).
COMM3983 Special Topics (FA, SP, SU) Communication topics which are not usually presented in depth in regular courses. May be repeated.
COMM399VH Honors Course (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) May be repeated for 12 hours. Prerequisite: junior standing.
COMM4113 Legal Communication (FA) Examines communication processes in the legal environment and focuses on communication skills and behaviors among judges, attorneys, litigants, and jurors. Particular attention will be given to verbal strategies and nonverbal messages related to interviews, negotiation, mediation, and litigation and to the rhetorical functions of legal pleadings and judicial opinions.
COMM4143 American Film Survey (FA, SP, SU) A survey of major American film genres, major directors and films that have influenced the development of motion pictures. (Same as ENGL 4143)
COMM4243 Literature into Film (IR) Comparison of literary and film narrative art, theory and practice. (Same as ENGL 4243)
COMM4283 Communication in Contemporary Society (FA) An examination of research and theory on the process and effects of communication in modern society.
COMM4323 Communication and Conflict (SP) Study of the processes, effects, and managements of communicative conflict, including a consideration of conflict styles, power, goals, tactics, assessment, self-intervention and third-party intervention. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 and junior standing.
COMM4333 Communication and Gender (SP) Study of the nature, construction, functions, and effects of gender and gender-role stereotypes related to verbal and nonverbal communication, small-group and organizational interaction, and mass medicated images in contemporary culture.
COMM4343 Intercultural Communication (FA) Study of intercultural communication skills, intercultural issues and their impact at home and abroad, and cross- cultural comparisons of communication phenomena from a variety of theoretical perspectives.
COMM4353 American Public Address (IR) Historical and critical study of the leading American speakers, their speeches, the issues with which they were identified. Lectures, discussion, reports, and critical papers. Prerequisite: junior standing.
COMM4363 British Public Address (IR) History and criticism of British oratory with emphasis upon the leading speakers and speeches of the Golden Age. Lectures, oral reports, critical essays.
COMM4373 Political Communication (SP) Study of the nature and function of the communication process as it operates in the political environment. (Same as PLSC 4373)
COMM4383 Rhetoric of the Modern American Presidency (FA, SP, SU) A study of the increasing reliance of contemporary presidents on public persuasion through rhetorical discourse.
COMM4393 Freedom of Speech: Cases & Issues (FA, SP) Study of philosophy, cases, and issues relevant to the first amendment right to the free expression, with focus on issues relevant to internal security, obscenity, pornography, slander, and the regulation of communication.
COMM4633 History and Development of Motion Pictures II (IR) A critical survey of motion pictures as a distinctive art form and as a medium of expression and communication with attention given to films and cinema innovators from 1940 to the present. Prerequisite: COMM 1003.
COMM4673 Film Production II (IR) An advanced workshop for students who wish to make films. Prerequisite: COMM 3673.
COMM4683 Documentary Film (FA) A study and analysis of the documentary film as a discrete film form and as an important contribution to the international cinematic scene. Prerequisite: advanced standing.
COMM4713 Language and Culture (SP) Anthropological approaches to the description and analysis of languages and their extension into ethnographic semantics with emphasis on cognitive models and their sociological correlates. (Same as ANTH 4713, FLAN 4713)
COMM4753 The Continental Film (FA, SP, SU) The development of modern cinema in France, Germany, England, Russia, Italy, and other European countries with emphasis on a nation's film history, major directors, principal genres, and trends. (Same as FLAN 4753) May be repeated for 6 hours.
COMM4793 Directing Forensics (IR) Planning, directing, and coaching co-curricular forensics at the high school or college or both.
COMM4803 TV Programming-Production (FA, SP) Developing trends in techniques and characteristics of programming: studio procedures, reproduction budgets. Problems of program director related to audience. Film and motion picture techniques. Class projects. Prerequisite: advanced standing.
COMM4833 Television Writing (FA) Comprehensive analysis of the techniques and styles of television commercials, documentaries and dramatic TV plays. Class projects. Prerequisite: 5 hours Radio-Television-Film and junior standing.
COMM4843 Computer-Mediated Communication (SP) Provides an in depth consideration of the nature of computer-mediated communication by examining its use and effects in interpersonal, work, educational, and societal contexts and in an introduction to the technologies and skills required for navigating the Internet. The course focuses on the social aspects of computer-mediated communication, rather than specific software or hardware technologies.
COMM4853 Telecommunication Policy (SP) Research and discussion of social, ethical, education, cultural, and technological aspects of telecommunications with attention given to changing programming patterns, world systems of broadcasting, data transmission, emerging technology, international politics, and regulatory policies. Prerequisite: junior or senior or graduate standing.
COMM4863 Seminar in Television (SP) Research/discussion of contemporary problems in television. Emphasis on the economic and social impact of commercials, news, censorship, children's programs, blacks and women on television, future developments in telecommunications.
COMM4883 Television and American Culture (FA) Historical and critical study of how television shapes American culture and is shaped by it. Attention will be given to the study of television history, programs, and audiences, particularly how race and gender shape content and reception of programming. Prerequisite: COMM 2333.
COMM490V Special Problems (1-6) (FA, SP) Credit arranged. Prerequisite: advanced standing.
COMM4913 Internship in Communication (FA, SP, SU) Internship in applied communication within public and private organizations. Prerequisite: junior standing and completion of 18 hours in communication courses.
COMM498V Senior Thesis (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)
COMM5111 Colloquium in Communication Research (FA, SP) Presentation, evaluation, and discussion of research proposals or on-going research projects. Graduate students are required to register for this course each semester of residence.
COMM5113 Communication Research Methods I (FA) Emphasizes the assumptions and procedures of historical, critical and ethnographic research methods in communication. Includes the creation of research proposals and the critical assessment of existing interpretive studies in communication.
COMM5123 Communication Research Methods II (FA) Emphasizes the assumptions and procedures of social scientific research methods in communication. Includes the creation of research proposals, the analysis of existing communication data sets, the assessment of existing studies, and the reporting of research.
COMM5153 Seminar in Communication Education (IR) Problems in speech education with attention to historical perspective and recent research. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
COMM5193 Seminar in Communication (FA, SP, SU) Research, discussion, and papers focus on one of a variety of communication topics including symbolic processes in communication, philosophy of rhetoric, communication education, criticism of contemporary communication, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, and contemporary applications of rhetoric. Maximum credit is 9 semester hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
COMM5303 Seminar in Classical Rhetoric (SP) Systematic investigation of the development of rhetorical theory in the Classical world with emphasis upon the contributions of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Cicero and Quintilian. Gives some consideration to the chief treatises of the medieval period. Lectures, oral and written reports, including a major research essay. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
COMM5313 Renaissance and Modern Rhetoric (SP) British and Continental theories of rhetoric from 1500 to 1700; detailed examination of the works of Campbell, Whatley and Blair; analysis of major English and American contributions of the 19th and 20th centuries. Lectures, oral and written reports, including a major research essay. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
COMM5323 Seminar in Persuasion (FA) Focus is on comparing theoretical accounts of persuasion and research evidence concerning the effects of various factors on persuasion.
COMM5333 Communication Theory (SP) Survey of the theoretical orientations in communication theory with primary focus on conceptual, theoretical, and philosophical issues.
COMM5343 Interpersonal Communication (FA) Theory and research concerning the exchange of information and the mutual influencing of behavior among people. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
COMM5353 Rhetorical Criticism (SP) A seminar in rhetorical criticism. A study of the development of standards of rhetorical appraisal from the foundations of the art of speaking to the modern period; examination of contemporary approaches to rhetorical appraisal. Practice in critical analysis of contemporary address.
COMM5363 Seminar in Small Group Communication (SU) A consideration of recent developments in small group research which relate to problem solving tasks, leadership and other kinds of human interaction through speech communication. Emphasis given to the interpersonal speech transaction and to the emergence of participant roles. (Same as SOCI 5363) Prerequisite: COMM 3303 or SOCI 4193.
COMM5373 Content Analysis (IR) Techniques for observing and analyzing the overt communication behavior of selected communicators. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
COMM5383 Seminar in Political Communication (IR) Research seminar focusing on selected topics such as candidate imagery, diffusion of political information, or political symbolism. (Same as PLSC 5383) Prerequisite: graduate standing.
COMM5393 Seminar in Contemporary Rhetoric (SP) Systematic study of contemporary perspectives on rhetoric including scholars such as Burke, Richards, Weaver, Grassi, MacIntyre, Derrida, and Rorty. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
COMM5403 Organizational Communication Theory (SP) A seminar on the historical development of theory and research into communication processes occurring within an organizational setting. Lecture, discussion, oral and Prerequisite: graduate standing.
COMM5413 Organizational Communication Research (SU) A seminar on conducting applied research within an organizational setting. Prerequisite: COMM 5403 and graduate standing.
COMM5423 Seminar in Mass Media Cognition (FA, SP, SU) Seminar exploring how people learn from written, aural and visual mass media messages. Topics to include attention, memory, comprehension, emotional response, arousal, unconscious processing, picture perception and person perception. Seminar will be concerned with most popular media (e.g., television radio, newspaper, and film), and with several content genres (e.g., entertainment, news, advertising).
COMM5453 Myth and Communication Criticism (SP) Seminar in major theories of mythology, including archetypal and ideological perspectives, and their applications to the criticism of public communicative events. Practice in written critical analysis. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
COMM5503 Communication and Cultural Studies (FA) Examinations of the role of communication in modern culture. Emphasis is upon the production and circulation of meanings with society, and special attention is given to the role of popular and mass media in this process. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
COMM569V Seminar in Film Studies (1-3) (IR) Research, discussion; papers on a variety of film genres and areas including the new American film, the science- fiction film, directors, film comedy, the experimental film, criticism, the film musical. (Same as ENGL 569)
COMM590V Special Problems (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) Credit by arrangement. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
COMM5913 Internship in Communication (FA, SP, SU) Internship in applied communication within public and private organizations. Prerequisite: 15 hours graduate level communication in residence.
COMM600V Master's Thesis (1-6) (FA, SP) Prerequisite:
graduate standing.