COM 500 Service Learning in Communication Graduate Study. 1, F,S.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor and concurrent registration for graduate credit in a communication, media, or journalism course designated as a service learning offering. This service component for an existing course incorporates community service with classroom instruction in communications to provide an integrative learning experience that addresses the practice of citizenship and promotes an awareness of and participation in public affairs. Includes 40 hours of service that benefits an external community organization, agency, or public service provider. Approved service placements and assignments will vary depending on the course topic and learning objectives; a list of approved placements and assignments is available from the instructor and the Citizenship and Service Learning Office. May be repeated but no more than 1 hour of service learning credit may count toward a masters degree.
COM 505 Health Communication. 3(3-0) D.
Examination of communication theory in the health care context. Emphasis will be on communication effectiveness in health care professional/client relationships, in addition to message practices in small group, organizational, and mediated health campaign settings.
COM 506 Family Communication. 3(3-0) D.
This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth examination of communication as it functions in family systems.
COM 509 Proseminar in Public Relations. 3(3-0) D.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Readings and applications in chosen areas of professional communication practice. May be repeated once for credit. Variable Content Course.
COM 510 Direction of Forensic Activities. 2(2-0)D.
Prerequisite: COM 322 or permission. Problems in coaching and conducting forensic contests.
COM 511 Communication, Community, and Conflict. 3(3-0) D.
This course equips students to understand the dynamics of interpersonal conflict and its resolution in a variety of community settings. Students will learn to analyze their own conflict styles and to develop self-regulation strategies for collaborative outcomes. The course covers conflict theory and research and applies these ideas to current community and organizational settings and diverse populations. Lectures/discussions by scholars, community leaders, and/or agency personnel who deal with conflict as well as simulations of conflict situations will be provided.
COM 512 Communication and Diversity in the Workplace. 3(3-0) D.
Exploration of current theory and research regarding communication and diversity in the workplace. Study of practical applications for the assessment and training of communication skills relative to culture, race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation and other diversity issues. Emphasis is placed on improving understanding of communication similarities and differences among diverse population groups. Includes readings, class discussion, observation, and/or class projects about assessment and training in communication skills in a diverse workplace.
COM 521 Communication, Mediation, and Negotiation. 3(3-0) D.
This course explores the communicative foundation for understanding the processes of mediation and negotiation as methods for resolving conflict, with an emphasis on interpersonal and organizational conflict. The course covers theories and concepts pertaining to mediation and negotiation, particularly alternative dispute resolution, and provides students the opportunity to apply concepts through a variety of experiential activities.
COM 550 Political Communication. 3(3-0) D.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and MED 120; Communication majors/minors must be admitted to degree program. Communication majors must complete COM 210. Examination of the communication process in modern political campaigns. Emphasis is placed on the role of communication strategies and tactics in political organization, message formation, fund raising, and mass media usage.
COM 566 Social Movement Communication. 3(3-0) D.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and MED 120; Communication majors/minors must be admitted to degree program. Examination of social movement communication with emphasis on functionalist, dramatistic, and symbolic convergence theories. Study of movements’ use of communication to generate discontent, mobilize and coordinate support, defend themselves and attack opponents, and negotiate with external groups. Critical analysis of collective actions such as student, civil rights, identity, labor, religious, feminist, lesbian/gay, and utopian movements.
COM 597 Studies in Communication Theory and Practice. 3(3-0) D.
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and MED 120. In-depth examination of a specific communication topic. May vary from semester to semester and, with permission of the department, may be repeated to a total of 12 hours. Variable Content Course.
The following courses are open only to graduate students.
To enroll in graduate courses in the Department of Communication, a student must satisfy one of the following two conditions listed below:1. Be admitted to the graduate program in Communication, or2. Have permission to enroll from the Coordinator of Graduate Studies in the Department of Communication.
COM 601 Introduction to Graduate Studies. 1(1-0) F.
Introduction to graduate study in communication. Topics include an overview of the field, introduction to relevant journals, library skills, professional associations, planning a program of study, and how to satisfy the research requirement.
COM 602 Theory and Research in Communication. 3(3-0) F.
Survey of communication theory, models, and research. Topics include perception, construction of meaning, language and symbol systems, interpersonal discourse, relationships, small group interaction, and organizational communication.
COM 606 Rhetorical Theory. 3(3-0) F.
The study of rhetorical theories from the pre-Socratic period to the contemporary period.
COM 610 Contemporary Communication Education. 3(2-2) F,S.
Examination of current practices and trends in Communication Education. Graduate teaching assistants in communication are required to take COM 610 during the first semester of the assistantship. COM 610 is only open to graduate teaching assistants in the Department of Communication.
COM 612 Quantitative Analysis in Communication Research. 3(3-0) D.
Quantitative research designs and statistical tools used in human communication research. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics, validity and reliability, hypothesis testing, and analysis and interpretation of computer assisted research. Students may design and carry out individual research projects.
COM 613 (513) Media Resources for Organizations. 3(3-0) D.
This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore the interface of profit and non-profit organizations with television, radio, newspapers and the internet to enhance organizational effectiveness. The course is project based focusing on developing specific media resources to meet strategic organizational communication goals.
COM 614 Qualitative Analysis in Communication Research. 3(3-0) S.
Qualitative approaches to studying human communication. Topics include in-depth interviewing, survey methods, observation and coding techniques in structured and naturalistic settings, and interpretive data analysis. Students may be required to design and complete research.
COM 616 Rhetorical Analysis in Communication Research. 3(3-0) D.
Prerequisite: COM 606. The investigation and evaluation of rhetorical acts and artifacts for the purpose of understanding rhetorical processes. Students will survey methods of rhetorical analysis and practice critical analysis of artifacts, events, and/or acts.
COM 618 Applied Communication Research Methods. 3(3-0) D.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. In-depth examination of a specific applied communication research methodology including: survey research, media criticism, communication audits, in-depth interviewing, and focus group interviewing. Topic will vary semester to semester. May be repeated but only 3 hours will count toward the degree.
COM 622 Argumentation as Communication. 3(3-0) D.
Argumentation as related to decision making, conflict resolution and negotiation in business, industry, government, and education.
COM 624 Theories of Interpersonal Communication. 3(3-0) D.
Topics include theories, concepts, models of interpersonal communication, interpersonal discourse, relationships, resolving conflicts, verbal message analysis, interpreting nonverbal message.
COM 632 Theories and Concepts of Small Group Communication. 3(3-0) D.
Survey of theories and concepts related to communication in small groups. Topics include group development, roles, norms, leadership, cohesiveness, decision making, conflict, interaction analysis, and research approaches to small group communication.
COM 636 (638) Concepts and Analysis of Communication in Organizations. 3(3-0) D.
Advanced study of communication in organizations. Application of traditional and contemporary theories of communication and organizations in current research and practice. Particular attention is given to the symbolic nature of organizing and to the analysis of organizational culture.
COM 639 Concepts and Analysis of Public Relations. 3(3-0) D.
Prerequisite: COM 309. Examination of concepts which underlie practices in public relations. Analysis of current practices and issues important in public relations for corporations, not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions.
COM 695 Communication Internship. 1-6, F,S.
Prerequisite: 12 graduate credit hours in Communication, permission of department. Independent projects in the various areas of communication. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours with permission of the department.
COM 696 Independent Study. 1-4, F,S.
Prerequisite: permission of advisor. Study may be reading project or a practical application of theories. May be repeated to a maximum of 4 hours.
COM 697 Seminar: Communication Theory. 3(3-0)D.
Special topics in history, theory and criticism of communication. Topic may vary from semester to semester. With permission, may be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours.
COM 699 Master’s Thesis. 1-6, F,S.
Prerequisite: completion of a minimum of 9 graduate credit hours in communication, permission of the Director of Graduate Studies and admission to the thesis option. In addition, the student must complete 3 graduate hours in research methods or be concurrently enrolled in one of the following courses: COM 612, COM 614, COM 616, or COM 618.