Course Descriptions

This course is an introduction to the art of cinema for the non-major. Focus will be on critical viewing of films, identification and analysis of film form, technique, and content.

The course is designed to provide students with an overview of areas in communication (e.g., interpersonal, small group, and public communication). Students will develop necessary communication skills including listening, teamwork, and public speaking that will benefit them both personally and professionally.

Instruction and practice in speech preparation and delivery. Includes audience analysis, selecting and developing the topic, drafting the speech outline, arranging and intensifying the speech, use of visual aids and supporting materials, effective delivery techniques and speech evaluation. Stresses logical thinking as a basis for formulation of the communication message.

Improvisational acting techniques and the application of these principles to stage, television and film.

This course gives instruction and practice in the methods of construction, painting, rigging, shifting stage scenery and properties, as well as the application of these techniques to television production.

This course is a continuation of COMM 1311. It consists of instruction and practical experience in production problems, including lighting and sound.

Provides an overview of the relationship between the mass media and society from a historical perspective and will examine current trends such as the impact of media technology on society. Theories of mass communication will be examined.

Designed to introduce beginning students to basic techniques of theatre staging through practical situations, this workshop requires students to participate in a series of productions for public viewing. Because of the intensive nature of this course, students are not allowed to take other studies or outside employment during their workshop enrollment period without permission of the instructor.

An intensive workshop course in which students are responsible for all aspects of the production of a major dramatic work that will be produced for television and that will embody the principles of dramatic production in television form.

Participation in theatre, television or film programs sponsored by the department. One hour of credit requires a minimum of 60 hours of satisfactory participation plus any additional requirements set by the advisor. May be repeated for credit a maximum of four times.

This course is an introduction to television studio operations with emphasis on television production. It covers cameras, microphones, lights, setting and performers.

Intensive study of the techniques of building and developing a characterization.

From television news to documentaries to feature films, the video/film editing step is the last rewrite of any screen (TV or film) material before it is broadcast, cablecast, shown in theaters, or released either on DVD or the internet. Students will learn professional level software and acquire both the arts and crafts of assembling soung and visual images into finished, viewable productions. 

An introduction to the theatre, how to enjoy and understand plays, an appreciation and understanding of the various factors that make up a live theatre performance. Designed for non-majors.

Critical review and analysis of selected classic plays from Greek antiquity to the present time, designed to clarify the nature and major achievements of Western dramatic art. Equivalent Course: ENG 2313; may be counted as English or Communication in satisfying degree requirements. Credit may be received for only one course.

Instruction and activities in the principles of human communication and interaction. Includes self-concept, self disclosure and risk, defensiveness, perception, empathy, semantics and abstraction, emotions and behavior, nonverbal communication, listening and feedback, relational communication, assertiveness and conflict management. Previous course number: COMM 1307; a student may receive credit in only one course.

Instruction and practice in group theory and technique. Includes principles and methods of discussion, interpersonal relations in groups, problem-solving and decision-making processes, conflict management in groups, sources and philosophies of group leadership, quality circles, preparation of agendas, rules of order, and committee procedures and regulations.

Instruction and practice in the principles of argumentation and debate. Includes philosophies and concepts, forms of argument, analysis by issues and logical form, evidence and reasoning, positions of advocacy, refutation and rebuttal, cross-examination, ethics of argument and persuasion and communication strategies in contemporary society.

This course is a study of make-up for stage, film and television camera. It includes the study of make-up design and application and special effect make-up. Students must provide their own make-up for the course.

This course is a study of costume construction and technology with emphasis on problems encountered in patterning, draping, construction and fitting of costumes for the theatre and television.

This course covers the processes of communicating design ideas through drafting, drawing and rendering and modeling. This course needs to be taken before any of the design classes or concurrently with the student’s first class in design.

An intensive course in high quality diction for those planning to speak professionally on stage, TV, radio or film. Work on diction, foreign accents and dialects. Some voice work included.

This course will focus on the various writing techniques required for different media. Student must pass skill test of grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Principles of advertising as they are applied and used in radio, television, film, print media and theatre. Practice in writing advertising copy, layout and design.

This course focuses on copy editing and headline writing using the Associated Press Style Manual as a guide. Prerequisite: COMM 3303 or consent of instructor.

Interpreting trends in reader appeal; analyzing feature story structure; finding ideas for gathering materials; and writing and selling feature articles.

Prerequisite: COMM 3327 or consent of instructor.

A study of informal drama in its application to the elementary classroom. Development of creativity through original dramatizations by children. Of special interest to the elementary teacher.

This course teaches the principles of design as applied to modern stage and television production.

Problems of lighting design and execution as applied to the various media — stage, film and television.

A study of trends and movements in 20th century American, British and European drama with emphasis on works of major playwrights. Equivalent Course: ENG 3311; can be counted as English or Communication in satisfying degree requirements. Credit may be received for only one course.

Prerequisite: Twelve hours of English.

This course teaches the principles of designing as applied to costumes for the various media — stage, television and film.

An introduction to communication in the workplace. Topics include listening skills, interpersonal communication, organizational culture and diversity, interviewing skills, communication in groups, teams and meetings, and developing and delivering effective business presentations. This course is designed for students who are in business, computer science, engineering and other fields. Communication majors may take the course only with the consent of the instructor.

Persuasive techniques and rhetorical principles as they apply to verbal and nonverbal communication where the goal is social influence. In-class speeches and projects stress practical application of persuasive strategies. Persuasive characteristics of contemporary culture, structure and content of persuasive messages, source credibility, propaganda, ethics and role of attitudes, belief systems and values in persuasive communication.

Application of the Speech Communication perspective as a dynamic process of human interaction. Significant issues and topics in interpersonal relationships, such as family communication, health communication, gender communication, social conflict and crisis communication and supervisory communication. May be repeated twice for credit when topics vary.

Study of the symbolic and relativistic nature of culture and the resultant problems in attempting to communicate meaning across cultural lines.

This course emphasizes methods for establishing a positive communication climate in the classroom and for enhancing instruction through effective communication. Topics will include active listening, critical listening, storytelling and assessment of oral communication competencies.

Study of trends and movements in dramatic literature from ancient Greece through World War I. Emphasis on the works of major playwrights. Equivalent Course: ENG 3323; can be counted as English or Communication in satisfying degree requirements. Credit may be received for only one course.

Prerequisite: Twelve hours of English.

An upper level non-studio based video and film styled production course focusing on portable equipment and the capturing of pictures and sound beyond the confinements of the studio for inclusion in studio projects or for totally independent location based productions. The students will deal with natural light and/or the lack of it as well as problems of weather, and physical enviroment (cars, buildings, wall, windows, etc.) and/or natural sound difficulties.

Historical survey of motion pictures from 1890s to the present. Students will view, study and review major motion pictures from various periods, noting important periods, styles, genres and movements in the dramatic film (including foreign films and TV). Viewing lab arranged.

This course will offer an overview of the fourteen basic American film genres. Students will study their evolution from the silent days to the present and examine how commercial considerations have influenced their development in both positive and negative terms. 

An introduction to reporting focusing on writing articles in journalism style for print media, the course examines information gathering, interviewing techniques and reporting skills. Classes are conducted in computer lab rooms when available.

Prerequisite: COMM 3303 or consent of instructor.

This course focuses on analytical and investigative reporting. It outlines the quantitative and qualitative techniques required to produce accurate and comprehensive assessments of social, political and scientific issues.

Prerequisite: COMM. 3303, COMM. 3327.

Theory, application and selected practice of the interview process in a variety of situations. Students have the opportunity to develop basic skills in selection, appraisal, counseling, discipline, exit, persuasive and focus interviews; interviews in mass media contexts, in data analysis and in other important techniques. Ethical guidelines stressed throughout.

The study of the role of communication in organizational contexts. Previous course number: COMM 4306; a student may receive credit for only one course.

Comprehensive overview and analysis of the various significant theories of communication, with an historical grounding but emphasizing modern themes and perspectives. Previous course number: COMM 2320; a student may receive credit for only one course.

Theory and intensive application of various public speaking situations — informative, persuasive and special occasion speeches. Critical thinking, analysis, reasoning, support for assertions, humor and clear organization are stressed. Ethical communication and an audience-centered approach are central issues.

Prerequisite: COMM. 1313 or COMM. 1303.

Explores the historical and philosophical roots of the concepts of race and ethnicity, and their relation both to migration/immigration and personal/collective identity construction. It also examines the impact of mass media on racial and ethnic identity, using mass communication theory to understand the political and social dimensions of the concepts in question. Particular attention is given to racial and ethnic identity on the U.S.-Mexican border, and the media’s influence on conceptions and perceptions.

The course looks at important issues in global communication through mass communication and media products (movies, books, advertising, music and more). Students will learn how the mass media functions in other societies, the changing relationships between developing and developed countries, and examine how cultural identity, nationalism and globalization are communicated through the mass media. They will also learn the skills they need to work in/with global mass communication.

A production course that incorporates a student production team who produce radio and television programming for a semester. Students, in real time, plan, write and produce both radio and television shows that are presented over the station’s website and local specials on the local cable system. Basic broadcast writing principles in audio, video and online formats will be used.

This is an introductory course in audio production for broadcast, field production and non-broadcast applications. This course provides an overview of digital non-linear editing and radio station operations. The theories, tools, techniques and regulatory controls of audio production are studied. Students are required to complete laboratory exercises for this course.

This course is a study of work with partners in scenes. It gives the students practice in the techniques of working in large and small groups, working for specificity of character and developing responsive and responsible rehearsal techniques.

This course consists of working with particular acting problems, such as characterization in the musical, individuation in group scenes, commercials, supporting partners, etc.

An examination of the communication theories and processes involved with interpersonal conflict. Students develop critical thinking skills that help them frame and analyze conflict situations enhancing their ability to apply the concepts and techniques learned in class to conflict situations that occur in personal and professional contexts.

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of and an appreciation for the communicative and cultural differences between the sexes. Students will develop an understanding of the characteristics related to gender communication, become familiar with crucial issues and problems facing individuals of differing gender, and gain practice in applying this acquired knowledge and appreciation to improve trans-gender communication.

This course offers a broad overview of both theoretical and applied approaches to health communication. Students will be exposed to a variety of health communication topics including issues in provider-recipient communication, decision making, social identity, family dynamics, the role of culture in health and disease, health care delivery, and health information campaigns. Specific attention will be paid to the process of creating and organizing health interventions tailored to a particular health threat and target audience.

This course explores a variety of theoretical and applied family communication topics. Specifically, students will be exposed to multiple family interaction patterns between parents and children, romantic partners, marital partners, siblings, and extended family members. Students will also focus on several family communication constructs including, secrets, narratives, traditions, and cultural expectations.

An exploration of the writer’s craft. Using a variety of literary genres, students will understand the power of words and how this applies to strategic advertising copywriting.

Gives students hands-on experiences in reporting, producing and presenting stories for the twenty-first century media environment. Focus is on creative and technical challenges involved in multimedia storytelling. Instruction in audio, video, reporting/interviewing, software, editing and photography skills necessary to produce compelling multimedia projects.

Major methods of research used in the concentration areas of communication: speech communication and journalism/mass media. Each student is responsible for the successful completion of a research project. Required of all communication majors. Previous course numbers: COMM 4324 and COMM 4325; a student may receive credit for only one course.

Development of skills and practice in the art of writing news for radio and television. Scripts will be written and evaluated as related to audience, medium and structure.

Methods of gathering facts, words and images, then developing them into professional video newscasts, including audio and video recording, editing, production, delivery and transmission, within the scope of standard electronic journalistic ethics and practices.

Prerequisite: COMM. 2304

Participation in theatre, television or film programs sponsored by the department or other programs approved by the instructor. One hour of credit requires a minimum of 60 hours of satisfactory participation, plus any additional requirements set by the instructor. May be repeated for credit a maximum of four times.

Participation in the forensics program of the University. One hour of credit requires a minimum of 60 hours of satisfactory participation, plus any additional requirements set by the instructor. May be repeated for credit a maximum of four times.

Study, observation and practice in selecting scripts and working with problems, methods and techniques of direction and production.

A continuation of COMM 4301 with stress upon student direction and production of plays and television programs.

For the advanced undergraduate, this course may be taken more than once if the topic changes. The class is designed to give students an opportunity to study a special advanced communication topic not required in the undergraduate curriculum.

Advanced-level course in the art and craft of scriptwriting for stage and screen (motion picture and/or television). Course would be repeatable for credit with new work or work with different medium.

Examines various theoretical approaches for understanding human interaction in person-to-person settings. In addition, the following topics are covered: strategies, interaction, influence, and language in conflict management approaches, and stages in the development of interpersonal communication.

This course offers an examination of the effects of human nonverbal behavior on human communication. Emphasis on specific nonverbal behaviors including touch, time, environmental contexts, physical appearance cues, and social communication cues.

This course covers the strategic selection of media use and placement of advertising messages in the media. Includes the study of media characteristics, market research, media strategies, media analysis, media-market measurements and the development of media plans. Emphasis is on the analysis of major mass media strategies, tactics and planning.

Based on what students learned in the introduction to video and fim editing course, students will learn advanced professional level software and acquire both the arts and crafts of assembling sound and visual images into finished, viewable productions. Prerequisite: COMM 2304 and COMM 2310, or consent of instructor.

This course will cover freedom of the press, libel, invasion of privacy and the conflict between free press and fair trial. Media cases will also be examined as they relate to questions of ethics.

Advanced-level course stressing the application of basic arts and media developed in COMM 3403 and making use of advanced students in directing, technical crafts, performance and scriptwriting. May be repeated for credit with new production.

A thorough study of the history of theatre from its origins until the end of the Jacobean era.

A thorough study of the history of theatre from the Restoration to the present.

This is an intensive workshop course in which students are responsible for all aspects of the production of a major dramatic work that will be produced for children and that will embody the principles of dramatic production in forms suitable for elementary school audiences.

This course covers techniques of period acting and exploration of major theories of acting techniques.

This course teaches acting techniques to adapt performance to varying situations such as large and small proscenium, film and television. It also includes preparation of audition material and problems in developing range of characterization.

Planning and preparation of publicity materials for media, application of public relations techniques and clinical study of current public relations campaigns. Some laboratory work in the Department of Communication.

This is an intensive writing course. Student will be given the opportunity to research and write for a variety of formats such as news releases, backgrounds and pitch letters.
Prerequisite: COMM 3303 or consent of instructor.

Principles and practices of photojournalism. Topics include news photography and interrelationship with text. Participation in campus publications is encouraged. Students must furnish 35mm camera and equipment.
Prerequisite: COMM. 1308 or permission of instructor.

Methods, techniques and practice in communication training programs and human resource development workshops will be addressed.

Computer production of a variety of print media publishing, including layout, design and writing.

This course will cover the development of communication campaigns from the initiation of a situation analysis, research to final execution. Students will also be given the opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns.
Prerequisite: COMM 3304, 4321, 3350, 4335 or consent of instructor.

This course will focus on the development of effective creative strategies based on solid research and clear objectives. Media planning, buying and placing will also be covered
Prerequisite: COMM 3350 and COMM. 3304 or 4321, or consent of instructor.

In this course theoretical models used to identify different leadership styles employed in organizations are studies. The various leadership styles and their associated communicative behaviors are closely examined.
Prerequisite: COMM. 3332.

A planned program of half-time work (10 hours per week), for a minimum of one semester or two continuous summer sessions, related to the field. Enrollment must be completed prior to the work period. Students should be classified as seniors. Credit will be determined on the basis of satisfactory employer’s evaluation and the student’s written report. May be repeated up to three times when the program varies.

Application of principles of advertising to production of radio and television commercials.
Prerequisite: COMM. 2304 and COMM. 3304.

For the advanced undergraduate, experience in all areas of theatrical presentation. Students assume responsibility for one or more of the following areas: technical theatre production problems in acting and directing, theatre business management. Because of the intensive nature of this course, students are not allowed to take other studies or outside employment during the workshop enrollment period without permission of the instructor.

For the advanced undergraduate, an intensive workshop in which students are responsible for the production of a major dramatic work that will be produced for television and that will embody the principles of dramatic production in television form. Journalism students taking the course will produce a documentary concerning the production.

A planned program of half-time (20 hours per week) work, for a minimum of one semester or two continuous summer sessions, related to the field. Enrollment must be completed prior to the work period. Students should be classified as seniors. Credit will be determined on the basis of satisfactory employer’s evaluation and the student’s written report. Students must have advisor approval to enroll. Course may be repeated credit once when the program varies.