Course Descriptions

• Performance of several types of public speeches, with emphasis on subject matter, purpose, and occasion. Prerequisite: COMS 101. Spring Semester.

• Study and practice of effective dyadic communication in family, social, and work environments. Explores such topics as the development of the self-concept, perception, language, nonverbal communication, and conflict management. Fall Semester.

• An in-depth exploration of communication theories as they relate to interpersonal, group, public, and other communication contexts. Emphasis on how theories are formulated and evaluated. Carries Writing Reinforcement credit. Offered every fourth semester.

• A study of the theory and practice of influencing human behavior and attitudes. Includes performance opportunities. Prerequisite: COMS 101. Offered every fourth semester.

344 Organizational Communication, 3 credit hours

• A study of the principles of group discussion, leadership, conflict, and communication patterns in businesses and organizations. Offered every fourth semester.

• A study of the theories of small-group communication and decision-making in various group formats. Offered every fourth semester.

• Study of the development, usage, and effects of gendered communication interpersonally and in organizational settings.

430 Argumentation and Debate, 3 credit hours

• A study of the techniques and styles of argumentation, with emphasis on application to issues of current public interest. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Offered every fourth semester.

435 History and Criticism of American Public Address, 3 credit hours

• A survey of criticism of major American public speakers, with emphasis on changing styles of rhetoric and criticism of the contemporary speaker. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Offered every fourth semester.

445 Communication Training and Development, 3 credit hours

• Strategies and techniques for improving the communication skills of business personnel, classroom students, and other clients. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Offered every fourth semester.

450 Rhetorical Criticism, 3 credit hours

• An analysis of speeches, campaigns, and other rhetorical artifacts, using established methodologies. Prerequisite: ENG 102 and 6 hours of COMS courses. Offered every fourth semester.

452 Advanced Public Speaking, 3 credit hours

• A study of the history and theory of public address, with emphasis on composition and delivery. Prerequisite: COMS 140. Offered every fourth semester.

455 Intercultural Communication, 3 credit hours

• An introduction to communication between people from different cultures. Class format will include lecture, discussion, debate, and participation in intercultural events. Offered every fourth semester.

• Special offerings on a Communication Studies topic not covered in the curriculum. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.

475 Internship in Speech Communication, 1- 6 credit hours

• Structured, practical professional experience under the supervision of off-campus agency. Student must arrange internship, keep a written journal of activities, and obtain written evaluation from project supervisor. Open to juniors and seniors only, with departmental consent. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours.

491 Directed Study, 1- 3 credit hours

• Supervised, independent directed study in communication-related area. Faculty adviser must approve research topic the semester prior to registration.

499 Senior Exit Portfolio, 3 credit hours

• This course includes a synthesis of previous work in Communication Studies (COMS) and an exploration of how that work has contributed to an understanding of the overall subject of COMS, culminating in the presentation of either a senior project or thesis. Must be taken during fall semester of senior year.