2008-2009 Academic Catalog

Course Descriptions Course Descriptions 2008–09 Cedarville University 205 COM-2000 – COM-3451 COM-2000 Persuasive Theory –Fa 3 hours Methods of applying contemporary communication theories on attitudes, involvement, and change combined with classical positions on the principles and methods of persuasive communications. Attention is given to the study, analysis, and delivery of persuasive speeches in a free society along with background in the rhetorical criticism of logical, emotional, and ethical proofs. 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 2 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 Research in Communication –Fa, Sp 3 hours A survey of research methodologies commonly employed by communication researchers. Laboratory hour introduces library search techniques and participation in on-going research projects. Prerequisite: COM-2050 Communication Theory. COM-2230 Group Discussion –Sp 2 hours Group interaction and principles of directing effective groups are studied to develop individual understanding of group processes. Emphasis on the different aims of discussion 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-2410 Fundamentals of Oral Interpretation –Fa 3 hours The study of literature through the medium of oral performance involves development in analysis and performance skills. Interpretation theories and techniques that deal with poetry, prose, and dramatic literature are presented. 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-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. 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 and Debate –Fa 3 hours The study of principles and practices of debate. Course includes an overview of typical questions used in intercollegiate debate as well as the theory involved in logical preparation and refutation of a case. 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-3220 Visual Communication –Fa 3 hours Centers on the analysis of how we, as individuals and societies, shape, communicate, receive, and interpret visual images. Particular emphasis is given to visual and aesthetic theory as it applies to film, television, advertising, and theatre. 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 3 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-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.