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Communication Studies (COM)
COM-1100 Fundamentals of Speech
–Fa, Sp
3 hours
Public speaking and strong verbal communication skills are
critical components of many careers. Students learn to inform
others about ideas, advocate for a position, work in groups
and teams, listen and critique messages, and practice conflict
resolution. These skills are imperative to prepare students for an
increasingly diverse workforce.
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 communication, including use of social media
and persuasive writing. Coursework 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.
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.
2017–18 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
Page
233
Course Descriptions
COM-1100 – COM-3240
COMMUNICATION