Listed below are brief descriptions of the courses offered by the communication department. Please note that graduate courses are numbered 600 and above.
Communication Courses
Communication (COM) courses
COM 100 Introduction to Majors in Communication
This course is intended for new or prospective Communication majors and minors. The course informs students about programs of study in Communication and assists students in making decisions regarding degree programs and career plans. This is an elective course that will not count towards major or minor requirements. Graded Pass/Not Pass only.
COM 115 Fundamentals of Public Speaking
General Education Course (Focus on Oral Communication).Instruction and practice in researching, composing, and delivering formal and informal speeches in a variety of public contexts. Representative topics include: ethics in public speaking; listening; library research; outlining; delivery; writing in an oral style; evaluation of public address; and analyzing and adapting to audiences. The course emphasizes informative and persuasive speaking.
COM 120 Fundamentals of Debate
A survey of fundamental principles of debate, including research techniques, argument invention and construction, refutation, and strategy. This course is taught in relationship to current debate topics, and is not limited to participants on the debate team. May be repeated to a total of 12 hours. Variable content course.
COM 205 Interpersonal Communication Theory and Skills
Theory and practice in the principles and skills of interpersonal communication within a variety of contexts. Representative topics include: perception; self-concept development; verbal and nonverbal communication; effective listening techniques; conflict resolution; and sensitivity to cultural and gender differences.
COM 206 Introduction to Health Communication
An introductory survey of contemporary health communication issues, including patient-provider communication, health ethics, health organizations, health campaigns, and health and the media.
COM 209 Survey of Communication Theory
A survey of selected theoretical approaches to understanding mediated and non-mediated human communication.
COM 210 Communication Research Methods
Prerequisite: COM 209.A survey of the quantitative and qualitative methods most commonly used for research in communication. Topics include the nature of the research process; research ethics; academic vs. applied research; evaluating research; and a discussion of specific research methods such as experimental design, statistical interpretation, survey research, individual and group interviewing, sampling and polling, content analysis, ethnography, and qualitative analysis techniques.
COM 260 Communicating with Cultural Competence
General Education Course (Focus on Cultural Competence).A cultural competence-based approach to contemporary intercultural communication issues in the United States. Topics include consideration of communication practices as they relate to ethnicity, race, religion, gender, sexuality, family structure, social class, age, and ability.
COM 300 Professional Development in Communication
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209.This course assists Communication students to assess their abilities and qualifications, to research professional opportunities, and to prepare for job searching and career planning.
COM 305 Service-Learning in Communication
Prerequisite: 30 hours and concurrent registration in a communication course designated as a service-learning offering.This service component for an existing course incorporates community service with classroom instruction in communication 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.
COM 307 Gender and Communication
This course examines theory and research on gender and communication. Its purpose is to help students explore how gender and communication are interrelated, how these concepts intertwine with other aspects of our identities, and how these factors play out in their own lives.
COM 309 Principles of Public Relations
Recommended Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209. Study of the development, planning, and implementation of communication programs and campaigns. Emphasis on the professional practices and ethical standards important to effective communication within organizations, and between organizations and their publics.
COM 311 Introduction to Conflict Resolution Studies
This course surveys the causes and nature of conflict, the role of communication skills in conflict management, formal and informal conflict resolution/management processes and techniques, careers in conflict management, and professional ethics.
COM 315 Advanced Speaking in Professional Settings
Prerequisite: COM 115.An advanced course focused on developing competence in a variety of professional speaking situations. Content areas include speaking in live and mediated contexts, interacting with an audience, and providing feedback to others.
COM 320 Principles of Advanced Debate
A survey of principles of debate, including counterplans, criticism, deep refutation, and other advanced strategies. This course is taught in relationship to current debate topics, and is not limited to participants on the debate team. May be repeated to a total of 12 hours. Variable content course.
COM 321 Inter-Collegiate Debating
Open only to those chosen to debate as University representatives. May be repeated to a total of 12 hours.
COM 322 Introduction to Argumentation
Prerequisite: COM 115.Fundamental theories of argument. This course will meet the secondary teaching certification requirements for a minimum of 2 semester hours in debate. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.
COM 325 Nonverbal Communication
This course examines the methods of research in nonverbal communication, the types or subcodes of nonverbal behaviors, and the application of nonverbal behaviors in social situations.
COM 326 Effective Listening
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209.The purpose of this course is to prepare the student to understand listening attitudes and behavior and to build a program for improvement in listening skills through application of listening theory to practical situations.
COM 328 Persuasion
Prerequisite: COM 115.Recommended Prerequisite: COM 209 and COM 210. Modern theories of persuasion with some evaluation of specific case studies.
COM 332 Small Group Communication
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209.Recommended Prerequisite: COM 210. Basic theory and techniques of oral interaction in group activities.
COM 336 Communication in Organizations
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209.Recommended Prerequisite: COM 210. Analysis of communication processes as they occur within organizations. Students study both the effects of the organizational context on communication as well as the role of communication in shaping organizational life and effectiveness.
COM 338 Communication Strategies for Recruitment in Organizations
Prerequisite: COM 115.This course will examine communication as a tool for successful recruitment (e.g., interviewing and networking) in organizations. This specialty course will advance students' ability to be competitive for various careers and to be knowledgeable of the role of communication in career-related strategies. Students will develop skills to be applied as both an applicant and an employer. Topics include: phases of the interview process, event and career networking, employment research strategies, and applicant presentation.
COM 350 The Rhetorical Tradition and Contemporary Applications
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and COM 210.A survey of rhetorical theories and methods from the classical period until present. The relevance of the rhetorical tradition to contemporary communication theory and practice is stressed. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.
COM 360 Intercultural Communication Theory and Research
Prerequisite: COM 209 and COM 210 and COM 260.A survey of intercultural communication theory, research, and contemporary applications.
COM 368 Communicating Culture and Identity
Prerequisite: COM 260.This course is a communication-based exploration of U.S. cultural diversity, including the study of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, cultural ritual, custom, everyday conversation, and social interaction as manifestations of cultural diversity. This course may be taught from a variety of perspectives.
COM 379 Writing for Public Relations
Recommended prerequisite: JRN 270. Study and preparation of copy for press releases, newsletters, brochures, annual reports, and other written public relations communications.
COM 380 Leadership in Practice
Prerequisite: COM 115; and permission of instructor.Students will learn and demonstrate effective ethical leadership as they manage the Vicki Stanton Public Speaking Showcase. They will learn various leadership theories on decision making, conflict resolution, problem solving and efficiency.
COM 390 Communication and Aging
Communication theories as they apply to the aging process. Examination of the effects of communication on the self-esteem, self-perception, well-being, and quality of life of the elderly. Study of communication between the elderly, the elderly and the young, and the elderly and their caregivers in a variety of contexts, including in one-on-one, family, and mediated situations.
COM 397 Topics in Communication
A course covering a single topic within the field of Communication; subject will vary according to student demand and faculty availability. Examples include Conflict and Conflict Management, and Gender Differences. May be repeated up to a total of 6 hours with permission of department. Variable content course.
COM 405 Interpersonal Communication
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 205 and COM 209.Recommended Prerequisite: COM 210. A survey of contemporary interpersonal communication theories and issues within a variety of contexts.
COM 417 Teaching of Speech and Theatre
Prerequisite: EDC 350, SPE 340, EDT 365, 12 hours in communication and 12 hours in theatre.Scope and objectives of the speech and theatre program in secondary schools; organization and administration of curricular and co-curricular programs; general instruction methodology. Completion of Checkpoint II for the Professional Portfolio is a component of this course. This course is recommended to be completed the fall semester before student teaching. Credited only on BSEd (Secondary). A grade of "C" or better is required in this course in order to take COM 490 or COM 491. Cannot be taken Pass/Not Pass. Identical with THE 417. Cannot receive credit for both COM 417 and THE 417.
COM 436 Communication and Leadership
Prerequisite: COM 115; and 60 hours.In-depth study of the relationship between communication and leadership within organizations and the development of specific communication competencies associated with effective leadership.
COM 437 Advanced Organizational Communication
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and COM 336; and 60 hours.In-depth examination of a specific organizational communication topic. Topics will vary from semester to semester and may include: Conducting a Communication Audit, Communication Training and Development, Symbolism in Organizations, Interorganizational Collaboration and Communicating Organizational Change. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course for Organizational Communication majors.
COM 439 Techniques and Cases in Public Relations
Prerequisite: COM 210 and COM 309.Recommended Prerequisite: COM 336. Communication theories and techniques of message preparation as applied to the function of organizational promotion.
COM 459 Social Media Analytics for Public Relations
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209; and Communication majors must complete COM 210.This course focuses on the application of social media monitoring tools and teaches students to become social media analysts to create real-time content and engagement with various publics.
COM 468 Ethnography in Communication Research
Prerequisite: COM 260 and COM 360; and declared Intercultural Communication major.This course focuses on the study and application of ethnography in communication as a research method. The course serves as the capstone for the Intercultural Communication major.
COM 469 Global Public Relations
This course develops an understanding of the global perspective of public relations with an emphasis on corporate and agency public relations practice.
COM 479 Strategic Communication for Events
The foundational application of communication theories in the area of social, professional, recreational, personal, educational, and commercial special events. This course offers a comprehensive study of staging, implementing, budgeting and marketing activities in an event-centered society.
COM 490 Supervised Teaching (Secondary Speech and Theatre)
Prerequisite: COM 417; a grade of "C" or better in all professional education courses; current pre-professional liability insurance; and approval for supervised teaching; and concurrent enrollment in COM 491.Student observes then teaches speech and theatre classes under the direction of the cooperating teacher and the university supervisor. Student participates in school-related activities appropriate to the assignment and attends all required meetings. In order to receive a grade in this course, the student's professional portfolio must meet or exceed final criteria. Cannot count toward the major GPA. Identical with THE 490. Cannot receive credit for both COM 490 and THE 490.
COM 491 Supervised Teaching (Secondary Speech and Theatre)
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in COM 490.Student observes then teaches under the direction of the cooperating teacher and the university supervisor. Student participates in school-related activities appropriate to the assignment and attends all required meetings. In order to receive a grade in this course, the student's professional portfolio must meet or exceed final criteria. Cannot count toward the major GPA. Cannot receive credit for both COM 491 and THE 491. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.
COM 493 Clinical Experiences in Teaching II
Prerequisite: EDC 199; and admitted to Teacher Education Program; and grades of "C" or better in all professional education courses; and completion of portfolio checkpoints 1 and 2; and current pre-professional liability insurance; and program approval.This course is designed to meet HB 1711 for student's experience as a Teacher's Aide or Assistant Rule (Rule 5 CSR 80-805.040), to that of conventional student teachers within the same program. It is also designed to support completion of additional clinical requirements within that program including: seminars and workshops, required meetings, school related activities appropriate to the assignment, demonstrated mastery of the MoSPE standards and completion and overall assessment of a Professional Preparation Portfolio. This course is credited only on BSEd or appropriate masters-level certification programs. Can only receive credit for one of the following: AGE 499, AGT 499, ART 469, COM 493, ECE 499, ELE 499, ENG 434, FCS 498, HST 499, KIN 498, MCL 491, MID 499, MTH 496, MUS 499, SCI 499, SEC 499, SPE 499, THE 493.
COM 494 Conflict Internship
Prerequisite: COM 205 and COM 311 and COM 511 or COM 521; and permission of instructor.This course allows students an applied opportunity to integrate theoretical material on conflict and dispute resolution in a variety of contexts in which conflict occurs. Meeting minimum prerequisite requirements does not guarantee internship placement. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours with permission of the Internship Coordinator. May be taught concurrently with COM 794. Cannot receive credit for both COM 494 and COM 794.
COM 495 Communication Internship
Prerequisite: 60 hours; and COM 115 and COM 209; and nine additional COM hours; and major/minor minimum GPA of 3.00; and declared Communication major or minor or declared undergraduate certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution; and permission of Internship Coordinator.Supervised pre-professional field experience related to communication studies. Meeting minimum prerequisite requirements does not guarantee internship placement. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours with permission of Internship Coordinator. No more than three hours may be applied to a Communication minor. No more than one hour may be applied to the Undergraduate Certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution. Public Affairs Capstone Experience course.
COM 496 Independent Study in Communication
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209; and permission of instructor.Supervised independent study exploring in-depth selected areas.
COM 500 Service Learning in Communication
Prerequisite: permission of instructor and concurrent enrollment 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. May be taught concurrently with COM 600. Cannot receive credit for both COM 600 and COM 500.
COM 506 Family Communication
This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth examination of communication as it functions in family systems. May be taught concurrently with COM 607. Cannot receive credit for both COM 607 and COM 506.
COM 507 Health Communication and Culture
The examination of intercultural communication concepts in the health care context. Emphasis will be on understanding the health needs of diverse populations, Western health practices, non-Western health practices, and the conflicts that can emerge when cultures collide. May be taught concurrently with COM 604. Cannot receive credit for both COM 507 and COM 604.
COM 508 Patient-Provider Communication
This course explores the nature of patient-provider interactions in health care contexts. Emphasis is placed on traditional and non-traditional health care providers, their patients, and interpersonal communication theories specific to health care interactions. May be taught concurrently with COM 608. Cannot receive credit for both COM 508 and COM 608.
COM 509 Communication Campaigns
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.This course is designed to provide students with hands-on experience researching, planning, executing, and evaluating communication campaigns with actual clients. Variable content course. May be repeated once for credit.
COM 511 Conflict and Communication
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 allows opportunities to apply this information to current issues in community and organizational settings and within 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. The Public Affairs Capstone Experience for students in the Conflict and Interpersonal Communication major will be fulfilled by completion of COM 511. May be taught concurrently with COM 611. Cannot receive credit for both COM 611 and COM 511.
COM 512 Communication and Diversity in the Workplace
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. May be taught concurrently with COM 617. Cannot receive credit for both COM 617 and COM 512.
COM 513 Ethical Issues in Communication
Ethical theories and justification models are studied and then related to ethical decision making in a variety of communication contexts, including interpersonal communication, group communication, organizational communication, and public communication. The course will examine the components of good ethical decision making in communication, as well as obstacles that can stand in the way of responsible choices. May be taught concurrently with COM 619. Cannot receive credit for both COM 619 and COM 513.
COM 519 Bateman Competition PRSSA
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209 and COM 210; and permission of instructor.This course aims to prepare students for advanced public relations problem-solving. At the end of this course, students will research, develop and execute a strategic public relations plan by competing in the national Public Relations Student Society of America Bateman Case Study Competition.
COM 521 Communication, Mediation, and Negotiation
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. May be taught concurrently with COM 621. Cannot receive credit for both COM 621 and COM 521.
COM 523 Contemporary Topics in Conflict
Prerequisite: COM 311 or COM 511 or permission.An in-depth exploration of a specific topic in conflict. Topics will vary from semester to semester and may include but are not limited to the following: Dialogue and Facilitation, Conflict and Communication Coaching, Advanced Mediation, Family Conflict, Communication and Restorative Processes, Conflict Management in Schools, and Peace and Conflict. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of nine hours with permission of the department. May be taught concurrently with COM 623. Cannot receive credit for both COM 523 and COM 623.
COM 532 Teaching Debate
Prerequisite: COM 322.This course prepares the student to teach various forms of debate in a high school setting. It will explore all major forms of high school debate, including CX Policy Debate, L/D Debate, parliamentary, and Public Forum debate. May be taught concurrently with COM 631. Cannot receive credit for both COM 631 and COM 532.
COM 534 Teaching Individual Events
Prerequisite: THE 323.This course prepares the student to teach various individual events common in a high school setting. It will explore all major high school individual events, including Foreign and Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking, Original Oratory, Poetry, Prose, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Radio Speaking, Storytelling, and Student Congress. May be taught concurrently with COM 633. Cannot receive credit for both COM 633 and COM 534.
COM 536 Directing Forensics
Prerequisite: COM 532 and COM 534.Problems in coaching and conducting forensic contests. May be taught concurrently with COM 635. Cannot receive credit for both COM 635 and COM 536.
COM 550 Political Communication
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. May be taught concurrently with COM 650. Cannot receive credit for both COM 650 and COM 550.
COM 552 Communication Technology and Politics
This course focuses on how communication technology contributes to the political process including campaigns, discourse, and information gathering. Heavy emphasis is placed on the distribution, reception, and process of political information through all communication technology, including social media, in terms of both theory and practice. May be taught concurrently with COM 652. Cannot receive credit for both COM 652 and COM 552.
COM 554 Presidential Rhetoric
Prerequisite: COM 115; and Communication majors must complete COM 209 and COM 210 and COM 350.Examination of rhetoric used in governance, with a primary focus on presidential rhetoric. Emphasis is placed on history of presidential address, genre expectations for common presidential topics, political speechwriting, and rhetorical norms for legislative and judicial rhetoric. May be taught concurrently with COM 654. Cannot receive credit for both COM 554 and COM 654.
COM 566 Social Movement Communication
Prerequisite: COM 115 and COM 209.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. May be taught concurrently with COM 660. Cannot receive credit for both COM 660 and COM 566.
COM 597 Studies in Communication Theory and Practice
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. May be taught concurrently with COM 698. Cannot receive credit for both COM 698 and COM 597.
COM 600 Service Learning in Communication Graduate Study
Prerequisite: permission of instructor and concurrent enrollment 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. May be taught concurrently with COM 500. Cannot receive credit for both COM 600 and COM 500.
COM 604 Health Communication and Culture
The examination of intercultural communication concepts in the health care context. Emphasis will be on understanding the health needs of diverse populations, Western health practices, non-Western health practices, and the conflicts that can emerge when cultures collide. May be taught concurrently with COM 507. Cannot receive credit for both COM 604 and COM 507.
COM 607 Family Communication
This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth examination of communication as it functions in family systems. May be taught concurrently with COM 506. Cannot receive credit for both COM 506 and COM 607.
COM 608 Patient-Provider Communication
This course explores the nature of patient-provider interactions in health care contexts. Emphasis is placed on traditional and non-traditional health care providers, their patients, and interpersonal communication theories specific to health care interactions. May be taught concurrently with COM 508. Cannot receive credit for both COM 608 and COM 508.
COM 611 Conflict and Communication
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. May be taught concurrently with COM 511. Cannot receive credit for both COM 511 and COM 611.
COM 617 Communication and Diversity in the Workplace
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. May be taught concurrently with COM 512. Cannot receive credit for both COM 512 and COM 617.
COM 619 Ethical Issues in Communication
Ethical theories and justification models are studied and then related to ethical decision making in a variety of communication contexts, including interpersonal communication, group communication, organizational communication, and public communication. The course will examine the components of good ethical decision making in communication, as well as obstacles that can stand in the way of responsible choices. May be taught concurrently with COM 513. Cannot receive credit for both COM 513 and COM 619.
COM 621 Communication, Mediation, and Negotiation
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. May be taught concurrently with COM 521. Cannot receive credit for both COM 521 and COM 621.
COM 623 Contemporary Topics in Conflict
An in-depth exploration of a specific topic in conflict. Topics will vary from semester to semester and may include but are not limited to the following: Dialogue and Facilitation, Conflict and Communication Coaching, Advanced Mediation, Family Conflict, Communication and Restorative Processes, Conflict Management in Schools, and Peace and Conflict. Variable content course. May be repeated to a maximum of nine hours with permission of the department. May be taught concurrently with COM 523. Cannot receive credit for both COM 523 and COM 623.
COM 631 Teaching Debate
This course prepares the student to teach various forms of debate in a high school setting. It will explore all major forms of high school debate, including CX Policy Debate, L/D Debate, parliamentary, and Public Forum debate. May be taught concurrently with COM 532. Cannot receive credit for both COM 532 and COM 631.
COM 633 Teaching Individual Events
This course prepares the student to teach various individual events common in a high school setting. It will explore all major high school individual events, including Foreign and Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking, Original Oratory, Poetry, Prose, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Radio Speaking, Storytelling, and Student Congress. May be taught concurrently with COM 534. Cannot receive credit for both COM 534 and COM 633.
COM 635 Directing Forensics
Problems in coaching and conducting forensic contests. May be taught concurrently with COM 536. Cannot receive credit for both COM 536 and COM 635.
COM 650 Political Communication
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. May be taught concurrently with COM 550. Cannot receive credit for both COM 550 and COM 650.
COM 652 Communication Technology and Politics
This course focuses on how communication technology contributes to the political process including campaigns, discourse, and information gathering. Heavy emphasis is placed on the distribution, reception, and process of political information through all communication technology, including social media, in terms of both theory and practice. May be taught concurrently with COM 552. Cannot receive credit for both COM 652 and COM 552.
COM 654 Presidential Rhetoric
Examination of rhetoric used in governance, with a primary focus on presidential rhetoric. Emphasis is placed on history of presidential address, genre expectations for common presidential topics, political speechwriting, and rhetorical norms for legislative and judicial rhetoric. May be taught concurrently with COM 554. Cannot receive credit for both COM 554 and COM 654.
COM 660 Social Movement Communication
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. May be taught concurrently with COM 566. Cannot receive credit for both COM 566 and COM 660.
COM 698 Studies in Communication Theory and Practice
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. May be taught concurrently with COM 597. Cannot receive credit for both COM 597 and COM 698.
COM 701 Introduction to Graduate Studies
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 702 Theory and Research in Communication
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 703 Professional Communication Skills
Prerequisite: admission to the MBA program.This course seeks to enhance students' awareness and appreciation of communication processes in business and professional settings. An emphasis is placed on improving skills in interpersonal relations, teamwork, and professional presentation. Skills and applications related to communication competence and impression management from the individual's perspective working within the contextual enabling and constraining of organizational hierarchy are underscored.
COM 705 Health Communication
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 706 Rhetorical Theory
The study of rhetorical theories from the pre-Socratic period to the contemporary period.
COM 710 Contemporary Communication Education
Examination of current practices and trends in Communication Education. Graduate teaching assistants in communication are required to take this course during the first semester of the assistantship. Course is only open to graduate teaching assistants in the Department of Communication.
COM 712 Quantitative Research Methods in Communication
Quantitative research methodology in human communication. This course is designed to teach students how to read, interpret, and conduct research that uses numerical data. Some descriptive and inferential statistical analysis included. Students will design and carry out communication research using the methods they have learned.
COM 713 Public Relations Campaigns
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 714 Qualitative Research Methods in Communication
Qualitative research methodology in human communication. This course is designed to teach students how to read, interpret, and conduct various types of qualitative research. Students will design and carry out communication research using the methods they have learned.
COM 716 Rhetorical Research Methods in Communication
Rhetorical criticism methodologies in human communication research. This course is designed to teach students how to read, interpret, and conduct various types of rhetorical criticism. Students will develop and complete a rhetorical criticism using the methods they have learned.
COM 718 Applied Communication Research Methods
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 722 Argumentation as Communication
Argumentation as related to decision making, conflict resolution and negotiation in business, industry, government, and education.
COM 724 Theories of Interpersonal Communication
Topics include theories, concepts, models of interpersonal communication, interpersonal discourse, relationships, resolving conflicts, verbal message analysis, interpreting nonverbal message.
COM 732 Theories and Concepts of Small Group Communication
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 736 Concepts and Analysis of Communication in Organizations
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 739 Concepts and Analysis of Public Relations
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 794 Conflict Internship
Prerequisite: 6 hours of conflict courses; admission to the graduate certificate in Conflict and Dispute Resolution; and permission.This course allows students an applied opportunity to integrate theoretical material on conflict and dispute resolution in a variety of contexts and settings in which conflict occurs. May be taught concurrently with COM 494. Cannot receive credit for both COM 794 and COM 494.
COM 795 Communication Internship
Prerequisite: 12 graduate hours in Communication; and 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 796 Independent Study
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 797 Seminar: Communication Theory
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 799 Masters Thesis
Prerequisite: completion of 9 graduate hours in communication; and permission of the Director of Graduate Studies and admission to the thesis option; and complete 3 graduate hours in research methods or be concurrently enrolled in one of the following courses: COM 712, COM 714, COM 716, or COM 718.Independent research and study connected with preparation of thesis.
