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COM-2820 Political Communication
–Fa
3 hours
A survey of the theory and practice surrounding the relationship
between media and politics. Issues such as the role of media in
promoting democracy; media effect theories, political knowledge,
and the public’s response to news; and the role of public opinion in
an open society will be explored. (even years)
COM-3100 Advanced Public Speaking
–Sp
3 hours
Emphasizes the creative, logical, and audience-centered
thinking needed for excellent public address. Students exhibit
logical communication skills through writing and speaking
assignments.
Prerequisite: COM-2200 Communication in Applied
Contexts.
COM-3120 Argumentation
–Sp
3 hours
The study of principles and practices of critical thinking and
argumentation. Course includes an overview of debate theory as a
vehicle for argumentation as well as the theory involved in logical
preparation and refutation of a position.
COM-3150 Gender, Politics, and Communication
–Fa
3 hours
Using communication theory and biblical application, this
course studies the patterns and the effects of communication upon
male and female genders identifying the political struggles that are
a part of gender relationships and communication. The women’s
movement, contemporary masculinity studies, and the Christian
church’s response to gender issues are surveyed.
COM-3230 Organizational Communication
–Sp
3 hours
The study using communication for organizational structure. The
course focuses on major organizational theories, topics, and their
communicative implications. The role of communication during
conflict management, negotiation, crisis management, and small
group process in the organizational context. (Fee: $10)
COM-3240 Interpersonal Communication
–Sp
2 hours
Centers on the nature and function of interpersonal
communication as it operates within casual encounters, families,
organizations, and institutions. Implications for personal, social,
and professional growth will be considered.
COM-3250 Interviewing
–Fa, Sp
3 hours
Focuses on the study of fundamental interviewing principles.
Instruction and training are offered across a variety of interviewing
situations, including informational, employment, and persuasive
interviews.
COM-3260 Organizational Negotiation
–Fa
3 hours
Focus on communication and the negotiation process in the
organizational context, coverage of negotiation theories, elements
of the negotiation process, and negotiation formats (e.g., salary
negotiations, budget negotiations, collective bargaining, etc.).
COM-3330 Organizational Training
–Fa
2 hours
Focuses on trainer skills essential for training the adult
employee in an organizational setting. Techniques and learning
resources are presented to aid the trainer in assessing training
needs.
Prerequisite: COM-3230 Organizational Communication or
permission of instructor.
COM-3350 Event Planning
–Sp
3 hours
This course introduces students to event planning processes
and techniques. Emphasis is on creating, organizing, planning,
processing, marketing, implementing, and evaluating a wide
variety of events. Focus includes information and resources
applicable to community, professional, private, nonprofit and for-
profit events.
COM-3450 Forensics/Individual Events
–Fa, Sp
1 hour
Students receive individual coaching for participation in
intercollegiate speech competition. Areas of competition include
oral interpretation, public speaking, and limited preparation events.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
COM-3451 Debate Practicum
–Fa, Sp
1 hour
Students receive individual coaching for participation in
intercollegiate debate competition.
Prerequisite: permission of
instructor.
Credit/no credit; repeatable up to six times.
COM-3500 Storytelling
–Sp
3 hours
The history, development, and usage of storytelling is presented
in a format where the student participates in developing skills as
a teller. Students are assisted in developing their own style and
method for presenting stories. Open to all majors.
COM-3550 Advocacy Communication
–Fa
3 hours
This course studies advocacy as it relates to social and political
change. Advocacy communication requires unique practices that
rely on public speaking skills and analysis of advocacy discourse.
Students will think critically about current social, political, and
ethical issues and will develop persuasive and strategy skills as
they practice how to mobilize the public, influence public opinion,
and negotiate policy decisions. These skills are useful to those
anticipating careers in politics, consulting, speechwriting, law,
sales, nonprofits, and religion.
COM-3650
2 hours
Clinical Methods in Teaching Speech
–Fa, Sp
Students seeking certification for teaching speech will gain
classroom experience. One credit hour equals 20 classroom
hours. Department staff members will supervise all assignments.
Credit/no credit.
COM-3710 Narrative and Cultural Literacy
–Sp
3 hours
An examination of early New Testament and American cultural
narratives helps students examine current communication
practices using biblical, critical, and theological perspectives.
COM-3810 Speechwriting for the Professional
–Sp
3 hours
This course focuses on the skills necessary to research for
and effectively write a variety of public messages. Students will
practice using the skills necessary for effective communication
in organizational, political, and nonprofit contexts. Theory that
enriches the understanding of speech writing will be presented
and applied.
Prerequisite: COM-3100 Advanced Public Speaking.
COM-3840 Media Analysis
–Fa
3 hours
Overviews the study and application of theories that analyze
and critique news, and film media. Theories of media criticism will
be presented, along with a Christian view. Students will produce
critiques of media using the theories presented and integrating a
Christian worldview into their analysis.
COM-4060 Organizational Leadership
–Fa, Sp
3 hours
Leadership as a societal role is addressed through analysis
of theory and observation of practitioners. A chronology of
methodological approaches to the study of leadership is
presented. Students observe and evaluate leaders in a variety of
disciplines.
COM-4110 History of Public Address
–Fa
3 hours
Classical rhetorical systems and theories are studied from the
perspective of the rhetorical critic. The development of rhetoric is
traced from the Greek period to the present. Analysis is made of
the part rhetoric has played in the development of philosophies
and nations.
COM-4120 Contemporary Rhetoric
–Sp
3 hours
A survey of rhetorical theory that has developed since WWII.
Selected representative, contemporary rhetorical theories will
be studied and applied to U.S. political communication. Seeks to
integrate the study of political messages and the current political
culture.
Prerequisite: COM-4110 History of Public Address or
permission of instructor.
COM-4610 Communication Ethics
–Sp
2 hours
Seminar focuses on how to reason biblically about ethical
issues. Surveys contemporary Christian ethicists; examines issues
of concern to the Christian community; suggests communication
dynamics that build Christian social ethics.
COM-4640 Special Topics
–Fa, Sp
2–3 hours
Topics of important interest are examined on an as-needed
basis.
Page
217
2015–16 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
Course Descriptions
COM-2820 – COM-4640