220 / 301
BRDM-4710 Independent Study: Digital Media
1–3 hours
Taken to allow the student to study an area beyond what is
provided through regular course offerings. The student must make
a proposal of what is to be studied for the term when applying to
a faculty mentor. The student will then follow a schedule approved
by the faculty mentor for studying the topic and submitting
a report. Repeatable to a total of 6 credit hours in the field.
Prerequisite: approval of proposal by faculty mentor.
BRDM-4810 Senior Seminar
–Fa, Sp
1 hour
The course is designed to help the student transition from
the college to professional world. Students will interact with
professionals to network and to focus on developing résumés and
portfolios, interviewing skills, and an understanding of business
etiquette.
Prerequisite: senior status as broadcasting and digital
media major.
(Fee: $45)
BRDM-4920 Senior Project
3 hours
The student selects one of two options: 1) a paper reporting
on the student’s original research that investigated a topic in
electronic media or 2) a media production. A proposal detailing
the student’s plan for the senior project must be submitted and
approved by the faculty mentor prior to registration for the course.
Capstone course.
Prerequisites: BRDM-3111 Survey Research
for Electronic Media; GPA of 3.0 in major courses; senior status;
permission of BRDM faculty.
(Fee: $35)
BRDM-4930 Electronic Media Internship
3–12 hours
Students are placed with media companies to gain experience
in actual career situations. The work must be done under the
supervision of an employee of the company approved by the
faculty mentor. Students should discuss this option with their
advisors at least one semester prior to the internship. Internship
agreements must be signed by the student, job supervisor, and
faculty mentor prior to registration for the experience. Internships
depend upon availability and approval by the electronic media
faculty. Capstone course.
Prerequisites: GPA of 3.0 in major
courses; senior status; approval by the electronic media faculty.
Communication Studies (COM)
COM-1100 Fundamentals of Speech
–Fa, Sp
3 hours
Usually a prerequisite for other courses in speech, the
fundamental course offers theory and practice in basic speech
skills for extemporaneous speaking and the use of voice and
delivery in oral interpretation of prose and poetry. Students gain
extensive training in public speaking as an art.
COM-1120 Honors Speech
–Fa
3 hours
Exposes students to and prepares them for competition in
the three general areas of intercollegiate forensic competition:
oral interpretation (prose, poetry, dramatic-duo), public speaking
(persuasion, informative, communication analysis), and limited
preparation events (impromptu and extemporaneous speaking).
Prerequisites: Audition; permission of instructor.
COM-1150 Communication Seminar
–Fa, Sp
1 hour
A foundational seminar to provide students with a background
in the discipline of communication and an orientation to the
professional standards of the discipline.
COM-1230 Voice for the Performer
–Fa
3 hours
See course description for THTR-1230 Voice for the Performer.
COM-2000 Persuasive Theory
–Fa
3 hours
Methods of applying contemporary communication theories on
attitudes, involvement, and change are studied along with classical
positions on the principles and methods of attitude change and
advocacy.
COM-2050 Communication Theory
–Fa, Sp
3 hours
Introduction and critical assessment of communication theories
that underlie interpersonal, group, organization, public, mass
media, and cultural studies.
COM-2140 Intercultural Communication
–Fa, Sp
3 hours
Provides the foundations of the way communication functions
in intercultural settings with a focus on the way culture affects
communication. Students learn to identify cultural differences,
understand adaptation processes and learn communication
effectiveness in cross-cultural contexts.
COM-2200
3 hours
Communication in Applied Contexts
–Fa, Sp
Provides students with an opportunity to develop their speaking
skills beyond Fundamentals of Speech, emphasizing the use of
technology, professional use of public address, and preparation for
upper-level applied and speaking courses.
Prerequisite: COM-1100
Fundamentals of Speech or COM-1120 Honors Speech.
COM-2220 Quantitative Research
–Fa
3 hours
Students select samples, write surveys, conduct interviews, and
administer experiments to discover how communication works in
both personal and professional settings. Learning formal methods
of inquiry encourages critical thinking, problem solving, good
writing, and personal effectiveness. Quantitative research trains
students to seek explanations, find answers, and test solutions.
COM-2225 Qualitative Research
–Sp
3 hours
Students conduct interviews, observe interactions, and
analyze documents and discourse to understand the cultural
and organizational contexts in which they are a part. Qualitative
research produces knowledge that promotes effective
communication with unique people in particular situations.
COM-2300 Voices of Diversity
–Fa, Sp
3 hours
Examination and critical analysis of the significant contributions
and issues related to women, people of color, cultural minority
groups, and the differently abled in the development of American
cultural history. Cultural, social, and artistic contributions are
examined and discussed. Field trips and guest performers/
speakers will be incorporated.
COM-2320 Theories of Mass Media
–Fa, Sp
3 hours
Contemporary mass media is surveyed with attention to
the nature, role, structure, influence, operation, and problems
of newspapers, magazines, radio, and television-journalistic
activities. The course also examines issues involving new
communication technologies such as the web, personal digital
assistants, and digital broadcasting.
COM-2330
3 hours
Writing for Communication Professions
–Fa
This course covers the form and style of writing for internal
and external communications, including use of social media
and persuasive writing. Course work includes writing executive
summaries, memos, proposals, reports, grants, press releases,
and opeds as part of a semester-long project. Students will also
learn to manage communication in email, Twitter, and Facebook.
COM-2440 Advanced Forensics
–Fa, Sp
1 hour
Advanced training for intercollegiate forensic competition. Focus
on literary and rhetorical criticism, extemporaneous speaking, and
the writing of original oratory. Repeatable up to six hours.
COM-2510 Media History
–Sp
3 hours
This course offers the historical foundations of mass
communication from colonial America to the present. Focuses
on the growth of news and entertainment media within a social,
political, and economic framework of each era of development.
Particular attention is given to the interaction of minority and
mainstream media.
COM-2520 Virtual Communication
–Fa
3 hours
This course will teach students how to be successful biblical
and professional virtual communicators through hands-on practice
of successful online communication principles and techniques.
Page
216
2015–16 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
Course Descriptions
BRDM-4710 – COM-2520