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Department of Communication
417 Kimpel Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: 479.575.3046
Fax: 479.575.6734


Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences
Copyright © 2010

Undergraduate Communication Courses

 

Check with the Schedule of Classes for course times


From the University of Arkansas Catalog of Studies

COMM1003 Basic Course in the Arts: Film Lecture (Sp, Su, Fa) Introduction to film as entertainment and art. How to look at film through a study of composition, lighting, editing, sound and acting. Lectures and viewing time.

COMM1003H Honors Basic Course in the Arts: Film Lecture (Sp, Su, Fa) Introduction of film as entertainment and art. How to look at a film through a study of composition, lighting, editing, sound and acting. Lectures and viewing time. Corequisite: Drill component.

COMM1023 Communication in a Diverse World (Sp, Su, Fa) Introductory course that focuses on the skills and understandings associated with competent communication in a diverse society within interpersonal, group, organizational and intercultural communication contexts.

COMM1233 Media, Community and Citizenship (Sp, Su, Fa) Examines theory and research on how messages are processed, meanings constructed, communities formed and maintained through interaction with the media. Focus is on critical citizenship and media literacy in the context of the cognitive, social, cultural, political, and economic consequences of increasingly networked media systems.

COMM1313 Public Speaking (Sp, Su, Fa) Application of the communication techniques needed to organize and deliver oral messages in a public setting. Emphasis given to theory and practice of message strategies and preparation, audience analysis, presentational skills including multimedia support, speech criticism, and the listening process.

COMM1313H Honors Public Speaking (Sp, Su, Fa) Application of the communication techniques needed to organize and deliver oral messages in a public setting. Emphasis given to theory and practice of message strategies and preparation, audience analysis, presentational skills including multimedia support, speech criticism, and the listening process.

COMM2303 Advanced Public Speaking (Sp, Su, Fa) 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 (Sp, Su, Fa) 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 (Sp, Fa) 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.

COMM2343 Introduction to Small-Group Communication (Sp, Su, Fa) An introduction to procedures used in exchanging information, solving problems, determining policies, and resolving differences in committees and other small groups. Prerequisite: COMM 1313.

COMM2373 Introduction to Debate (Irregular) An introduction to the basic principles and procedures of debate as an instrument of critical choice and decision.

COMM2382 Intercollegiate Forensics (Irregular) Preparation and participation in public debates and other forensic activities. 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.) Pre- or Corequisite: COMM 2373. May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

COMM2613 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.

COMM2813 Introduction to Electronic Media (Fa) Introduction to the industries centered around electronic media, including radio, broadcast and cable television, telephony, computer information systems, and digital media. Emphasis on the historical development, organizational patterns, and cultural functions of the media.

COMM298V Topics in Communication (Irregular) (1-3) Topics in communication not represented in other lower division courses. Prerequisite: Completion of at least 3 hours of COMM coursework.

COMM3143 Language and Expressive Culture This course explores the complex interrelationship of language, culture, and social identity. Verbal art and expressive culture are examined from a variety of anthropological perspectives. Topics include ethnographies of speaking, discourse analysis, cultural performances, and the performative aspects of oral expression. (Same as ANTH 3143,ENGL 3143)

COMM3173 Introduction to Linguistics (Irregular) 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, and the history of linguistic scholarship. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Same as ANTH 3173,ENGL 3173,WLLC 3173)

COMM3282 Advanced Forensics (Irregular) A continuation of 2382. 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.) Prerequisite: COMM 2382. May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

COMM3333 Communication Criticism (Irregular) 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. Prerequisite: COMM 2333.

COMM3353 Argumentation: Reason in Communication (Fa) Concepts characterizing rational discourse, with a 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. Prerequisite: COMM 1313.

COMM3383 Persuasion (Fa) Introduction to theories of persuasion with emphasis on application and effect. Prerequisite: COMM 1313.

COMM3423 Science Fiction Film (Irregular) This class concentrates on how science fiction in various communication media influences and is, in turn, influenced by broad features of cultural life. The class considers the impact of science fiction on science fact, the military, space travel, religion, race, gender, social class, education, politics, technology, and fashion styles. Prerequisite: COMM 1003.

COMM3433 Family Communication (Irregular) 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. Prerequisite: COMM 2323.

COMM3443 Introduction to Rhetorical Theory (Sp, Fa) Interpretive-critical study of rhetoric in public contexts. Prerequisite: COMM 1313.

COMM3503 Popular Communication and Culture (Even years, Sp) This course is an introduction to basic theories and topics of Popular Communication and Culture studies. The course will emphasize understanding popular media communication forms.

COMM3673 Mediated Communication (Sp, Fa) Focuses on media messages and their social/cultural effects. Includes a critical examination of media institutions and the ways they vie for audiences. Other topics include the ways people construct meaning from messages, media's influence on attitudes, media's role in cultural life, and audiences as critical consumers of media. Prerequisite: COMM 2333.

COMM3703 Organizational Communication (Sp, Fa) An introduction to the theory, processes, and management of communication in organizations, with opportunities for simulated application.

COMM3763 Health Communication (Fa) Examines communication within health care organizations and teams. Issues may include patient-provider communication, communication among health care professionals, negative consequences of poor communication in health care delivery, and the use of technology in health-related information dissemination and campaigns. Prerequisite: COMM 2323.

COMM3883 Rhetoric of Social Movements (Irregular) 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. Prerequisite: COMM 1313.

COMM3923H Honors Colloquium (Sp, Su, Fa) Treats a special topic or issue, offered as part of the honors program. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy (not restricted to candidacy in communication). May be repeated for credit.

COMM3983 Special Topics (Sp, Su, Fa) Communication topics which are not usually presented in depth in regular courses. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: At least 3 hours of COMM coursework.

COMM399VH Honors Course (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6) Prerequisite: Junior standing. May be repeated for up to 12 hours of degree credit.

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. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 or permission of instructor.

COMM4143 American Film Survey (Fa) A survey of major American film genres, major directors and films that have influenced the development of motion pictures. Prerequisite: COMM 1003 or permission of instructor. (Same as ENGL 4143)

COMM4283 Communication in Contemporary Society (Fa) An examination of research and theory on the process and effects of communication in modern society.

COMM4313 Language and Society of Japan (Fa) The primary objective of this course is to investigate the way the Japanese language reflects the beliefs and customs of the Japanese people as a social group. For comparison purposes, this course makes reference to studies in American language and culture. Proficiency in Japanese not required. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

COMM4323 Communication and Conflict (Fa) 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 or permission of instructor.

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 mediated images in contemporary culture. Prerequisite: COMM 2323 or permission of instructor.

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.

COMM4373 Political Communication (Even years, 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 (Irregular) A study of the increasing reliance of contemporary presidents on public persuasion through rhetorical discourse.

COMM4393 Freedom of Speech: Cases & Issues (Fa) 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. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 and COMM 2333.

COMM4413 Communication, Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict (Irregular) Examines Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) research and techniques focusing primarily on negotiation and mediation. Supplements and extends material presented in COMM 4323 (Communication and Conflict). Explores the verbal and nonverbal messages occurring during negotiation and mediation situations in business, legal, and counseling environments. Prepares students for roles involving negotiation and mediation.

COMM4623 Relational Communication (Sp) Review of the major theories and concepts in a relational approach to interpersonal communication. Provides exposure to a sampling of the research findings in relational communication. Prerequisite: COMM 2323 or permission of instructor.

COMM4633 History and Development of International Film I (Irregular) A critical survey of international film as a distinctive art form and as a medium of expression and communication with attention given to films and cinema from its origins to 1975. Prerequisite: COMM 1003.

COMM4643 Environmental Communication (Irregular) Explores how communication is used by individuals, corporations, and governments to shape public debates about environmental issues. Topics include rhetorical strategies, the publics' right to information and input, dispute resolution techniques, advocacy campaigns, and green marketing.

COMM4653 International Film II (Irregular) A critical survey of international film as a distinctive art form as a medium of expression and communication with attention given to films and cinema from 1976 to the present. Prerequisite: COMM 1003.

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. Prerequisite: COMM 1003.

COMM4823 Children and Media (Sp) An in-depth examination of children's use of media and the effects of media content on child and adolescent development. Topics may include violence and sex in media, commercialism, and new media. Prerequisite: COMM 3673 or permission of instructor.

COMM4843 Computer-Mediated Communication (Fa) 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 (Irregular) 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: COMM 2813 or permission of instructor.

COMM4863 Seminar in Media (Irregular) Research/discussion of contemporary issues in media. Emphasis on the economic and social impact of advertising, news, censorship, programs directed toward children, portrayals of women and minorities, future trends in media technologies, and analysis of the changing media landscape.

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 (Sp, Fa) (1-6) Credit arranged. Prerequisite: COMM 2333 and at least 9 hours of COMM coursework. May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

COMM4913 Internship in Communication (Sp, Su, Fa) Internship in applied communication within public and private organizations. Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of 18 hours in communication courses. May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

COMM5111 Colloquium in Communication Research (Sp, Fa) 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. May be repeated for credit.

COMM5113 Historical and Legal Methods in Communication (Fa) Emphasizes the assumptions and procedures of historical and legal research methods in communication. May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.

COMM5123 Quantitative Research Methods in Communication (Fa) Emphasizes the assumptions and procedures of social scientific research methods in communication.

COMM5133 Media Processes & Effects (Fa) Introduction to scholarly research and theory in media processes and effects. Particular attention will be devoted to the impact of media messages on individuals and societies. Emphasis will be placed on the construction and development of theory.

COMM5143 Ethnographic Methods in Communication (Fa) This class focuses upon the fieldwork procedures and narrative writing strategies that comprise the methods of ethnographic research in communication. Students conduct fieldwork requiring in-depth interpersonal contact with members of a group or culture, and practice narrative writing skills.

COMM5193 Seminar in Communication (Sp, Su, Fa) 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. May be repeated for up to 3 hours of degree credit.

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 (Fa) 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 and 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. Prerequisite: COMM 2343 or SOCI 4193.

COMM5373 Content Analysis (Irregular) Techniques for observing and analyzing the overt communication behavior of selected communicators. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

COMM5383 Seminar in Political Communication (Irregular) Research seminar focusing on selected topics such as candidate imagery, diffusion of political information, or political symbolism. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Same as PLSC 5383)

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 written reports. 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 (Even years, Sp) 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).

COMM5433 Marital Communication (Even years, Sp) An exploration of the major theories and lines of research that examine marital communication in contemporary American life.

COMM5443 Issues of Race and Gender in Interpersonal Communication (Odd years, Sp) An exploration of the major theories and lines of research that examine how race and gender influence interpersonal communication in everyday life in America.

COMM5453 Myth and Communication Criticism (Irregular) 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.

COMM5533 Family Communication (Even years, Fa) An exploration of the major theories and lines of research that examine family communication in contemporary American life.

COMM569V Seminar in Film Studies (Irregular) (1-3) 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, and the film musical. (Same as ENGL 569V) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

COMM590V Special Problems (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6) Credit by arrangement. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. May be repeated for credit.

COMM5913 Internship in Communication (Sp, Su, Fa) Internship in applied communication within public and private organizations. Prerequisite: 15 hours graduate

COMM 498V Senior Thesis (1-6)

Fall, Spring, Summer

arranged with instructor

 

Prerequisite: consent of instructor