Communication Studies (COMS)

College of Fine Arts

 

(GE) = Approved General Education Course
(WR) = Approved Writing Reinforcement Course

101 Foundations of Oral Communication, 3 credit hours (GE)
Foundation in the principles of communication focusing on understanding the intrapersonal, interpersonal and group, organizational, cultural, and public communication climates within which the students interact daily. Provides students the opportunity to study and practice effective communication and to prepare for real-life situations.

102 Honors Foundations of Oral Communication, 3 credit hours (GE)
Principles of foundations of communications for Honors Program students.

140 Principles of Public Speaking, 3 credit hours
Performance of several types of public speeches, with emphasis on subject matter and content, purpose, social context, and occasion. Prerequisite: COMS 101.

141 Interpersonal Communication, 3 credit hours
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.

200 Introduction to Communication Research Methods, 3 credit hours
Study, application, and evaluation of quantitative and qualitative research methods employed in scholarly communication research. Includes experimental, survey, textual analysis, and ethnography. Prerequisite: COMS 101.

320 Communication Theory, 3 credit hours (WR)
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. Prerequisites: COMS 101 and 200.

330 Persuasion, 3 credit hours
A study and application of the theory and practice of persuasive strategies that constantly influence human behavior and attitudes. Includes performance opportunities. Prerequisites: COMS 101 and 140.

344 Organizational Communication, 3 credit hours
A study of the principles of group discussion, leadership, conflict, and communication patterns in businesses and organizations.

350 Nonverbal Communication, 3 credit hours
Communication beyond the spoken or written word, including personal appearance, touch, space, eye contact, gestures, chronemics, olfaction, body adornment, and body language.

360 Small Group Communication, 3 credit hours
Nature, uses, and types of group discussion, including leadership, group problem solving, and the individual’s role in a group. Prerequisites: COMS 101 and 141.

375 Gender Communication, 3 credit hours
Study of the development, usage, and effects of gendered communication interpersonally and in organizational settings.

430 Argumentation and Debate, 3 credit hours (WR)
A study of the development, techniques, and styles of argumentation to facilitate communication in social, political, and cultural settings.

435 History and Criticism of U.S. Public Address, 3 credit hours (WR)
A survey and criticism of U.S. public address that emphasizes the study and analysis of the changing styles of rhetoric revealed in the public address of U.S. citizens as they respond(ed) to the historically and constantly changing cultural and social contexts. Prerequisites: COMS 101 and ENG 102.

445 Communication Training and Development, 3 credit hours
Strategies and techniques for improving the communication skills of business personnel, classroom students, and clients.

450 Rhetorical Criticism, 3 credit hours (WR)
A survey and practice of rhetorical methods and criticism through analysis of speeches, campaigns, and other rhetorical artifacts. Prerequisites: COMS 101 and ENG 102.

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.

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.

460 Seminar in Communication Studies, 3 credit hours
Special offerings on a Communication Studies topic not covered in the curriculum. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.

475 Internship in Communication Studies, 1–6 credit hours
Practical experience in a professional environment. Open to juniors and seniors only with departmental consent. Applications, including requirements, are available in departmental office. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours on a pass/fail basis.

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 Seminar in Communication Studies, 3 credit hours
This course will include a synthesizing of previous work in Communication Studies (COMS) and 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.