May 07, 2024  
2021-2022 Catalog 
    
Catalog Navigation
  Catalog Home
  University Academic Policies
  Programs of Study
  Course Descriptions
  Departments/Programs
  Archived Catalogs
  University Graduation Requirements
  Enrollment and Student Services
  Student Services (more)
  College of Business and Economics
  College of Fine and Performing Arts
  College of Humanities and Social Sciences
  College of Science and Engineering
  Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies
  Graduate School
  Huxley College of the Environment
  University Interdisciplinary Programs
  Western Libraries
  Woodring College of Education
  Outreach and Continuing Education
  Health Professions
  All-University Programs
  Appendices
  My Portfolio
HELP
2021-2022 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

 

Communication Studies

Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400 are described in the University Academic Policies  section of this catalog.
  

  • COMM 100 - Introduction to Communication & Public Speaking

    This course will teach students the process of creating speeches, from the beginning to end. We will discuss the basic principles and strategies of public speaking. Students will apply each principle as the speaker and listener. Students will have the opportunity to select a current diverse issue that is related to social justice, equity, and inclusion. In addition, students will learn how to build their self-concept in preparation for their speeches. The class will consist of fun role playing, discussions, observations, reflections, skills-rehearsals, and lectures.

    Credits: 1
    Grade Mode: S/U
  

  • COMM 101 - Fundamentals of Speech

    Functional approach to effective communication. Emphasizes the application of principles to practical problems in speech for persons with little or no previous public speaking experience. Students with prior public speaking experience are advised to take COMM 235 to satisfy GUR requirements or communication major application requirements.

    Credits: 4
    Grade Mode: Letter
    GUR Attributes: BCOM
  

  • COMM 220 - Communication Theory

    Survey of human communication focuses on communication theories, concepts and principles ranging from intrapersonal to interpersonal, group, organizational, rhetorical, intercultural, international and mass communication.

    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
    GUR Attributes: HUM
  

  • COMM 224 - Small Group Processes

    Exploration of the dynamics of human interaction in small group settings. Group tasks include the development of problem-solving skills, utilizing topics of current interest.

    Credits: 4
    Grade Mode: Letter
    GUR Attributes: BCOM
  

  • COMM 225 - Communication, Diversity and Controversy

    This course is designed to foster the skills necessary for civil engagement and effective dialogue on controversial issues. Students will learn to appreciate, integrate, and effectively challenge diverse perspectives on a number of traditionally divisive topics.

    Credits: 4
    Grade Mode: Letter
    GUR Attributes: BCGM
  

  • COMM 228 - Organizational Communication

    Survey of research and theories in organizational communication. Introduces students to communication theories and concepts relating to workplace practices and processes.

    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
    GUR Attributes: SSC
  

  • COMM 230 - Rhetorical and Social Change

    Students are introduced to rhetorical theories and modes of criticism that inform the study and pursuit of social change. Emphasis is placed on the important role rhetoric plays in contemporary public discourse and democratic citizenship.

    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
    GUR Attributes: HUM
  

  • COMM 235 - Exposition and Argumentation

    Theory and practice of principles of reasoned discourse as applied to public discussion of controversial issues. Students with prior background or experience in public speaking should consider COMM 235 as an alternative to COMM 101.

    Credits: 4
    Grade Mode: Letter
    GUR Attributes: BCOM
  

  • COMM 236 - Intercollegiate Forensics

    Debate, extemporaneous and impromptu speaking, and interpretive reading and other phases of forensics. Repeatable to a maximum of 6 cr. S/U grading.

    Credits: 2
    Grade Mode: S/U
  

  • COMM 240 - Media Studies

    This course develops students’ ability to think critically about mass media. Media messages and images are examined, as well as the social, political, and historical significance of media.

    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
    GUR Attributes: SSC
  

  • COMM 244 - Advocacy Through Media

    Introduction to nonprofit information campaigns, social issues marketing and other forms of advocacy through contemporary mass media. Students will learn basic theory and then engage in applied exercises as well as service-learning assignments.

    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 260 - Communication, Identity and Difference

    This course introduces students to communication theories that explore the ways discourses produce, reinforce, and challenge our understandings of identity — as well as how these identities interact with discourses of difference. By critically engaging the politics of representation, intersectionality, materialism, and power, this course questions identity and difference from hybrid perspectives rather than taking up isolated categories (such as race, gender, sexuality, disAbility, and class) as distinct particulars. The course will particularly emphasize debates within Communication Studies that problematize contemporary discourses and practices of multiculturalism. Students will be encouraged to understand how communication works to oppress certain populations while privileging others.

    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
    GUR Attributes: BCGM
  

  • COMM 300 - Directed Independent Study

    An individualized course of study not available through or replacing existing curriculum, to be arranged between one matriculating student and sponsoring faculty member. All academic policies and registration deadlines apply. Directed Independent Study courses cannot substitute for General University Requirements and are not eligible for tuition waiver.

    Credits: 1-15
  

  • COMM 303 - Communication and Conflict

    This course examines the role of communication in conflict. Students will examine the nature and causes of conflict and will explore practical methods as well as theoretical models for dealing with conflict in diverse relational contexts.

    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 306 - Conference & Event Planning

    Coursework examines the skills and techniques of event planning by emphasizing communication and organizational skills and theories that contribute to developing and managing successful events. Students work primarily in groups throughout the course, planning hypothetical events as well as actual events as part of service-learning based assignments.

    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 308 - Communication and Fundraising

    Students will learn verbal and nonverbal communication skills regarding the donor-centered approach to fundraising, fundraising program research, and fundraising budgets. Students will be required to conduct a group fundraising event during the quarter.

    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 318 - Professional Communication

    This course integrates business writing, public speaking, collaborative problem solving, and diversity training in a professional development context. Includes theory application and skill development. Students will be working in collaboration with organizations on or off campus.

    Prerequisites & Notes: Junior status.
    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 319 - Health Communication

    Survey of health communication theory and research. Introduces students to theories, research, practices, and skills related to health communication across interpersonal, intercultural, group, and various media platforms. Students will examine current issues related to healthcare practices, such as health literacy, access and equity, communication-based education, outreach, and research in health and risk communication.

    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 325 - Intercultural Communication

    Introduction to intercultural communication. Principles, concepts and various topics in this rapidly growing, important field. Covers the needed knowledge and skills in communicating effectively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.

    Prerequisites & Notes: 4 credits Comparative Gender/Multicultural Studies GUR or COMM 220
    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 327 - Interpersonal Communication

    Focuses on theory and practice in work, family, and social settings. Emphasizes observation, analysis, and skills training in relationship development. Topics include language use, listening, nonverbal behavior and conflict management.

    Prerequisites & Notes: Junior status
    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 330 - Environmental Rhetoric

    This class is an exploration of the way the environment is represented rhetorically and the implications this has for public policy and personal action.

    Prerequisites & Notes: Junior or senior status or instructor permission.
    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 331 - Advanced Public Speaking

    Theory and practice in the art of public discourse.

    Prerequisites & Notes: COMM 101 or COMM 235 or instructor permission.
    Credits: 3
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 339 - Practicum in Applied Communication

    Students function in a variety of directed studies and contexts in which they apply their communication skills. Covers putting theory into practice in such areas as small group communication, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, intercultural communication and applied public information strategies. Repeatable to a maximum of 6 credits including the original course. S/U grading.

    Credits: 1-3
    Grade Mode: S/U
  

  • COMM 350 - Emerging Communication Technologies

    Primary course objective is technological literacy - gaining skills and experience for working with emerging communication technologies. Students will engage in a range of experiential and service-learning assignments using various emerging technologies. Secondary objective is technology critique and the study of theories of technology.

    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 360 - Communicating Masculinities

    This course considers the relationships between communication practices and gender roles in the United
    States, with a particular focus on how communication constructs masculinities. The course focuses
    on how media, language, and rhetorical strategies construct dominant masculinities in contrast with other
    expressions of masculinity.

    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 398 - Research Methods in Communication

    Course should be taken as soon as possible after admission to the major as it is prerequisite for most 400-level communication courses. Survey of qualitative and quantitative research methods utilized in the field of communication.

    Prerequisites & Notes: Departmental majors only
    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 400 - Directed Independent Study

    An individualized course of study not available through or replacing existing curriculum, to be arranged between one matriculating student and sponsoring faculty member. All academic policies and registration deadlines apply. Directed Independent Study courses cannot substitute for General University Requirements and are not eligible for tuition waiver.

    Credits: 1-15
  

  • COMM 416 - Topics in Communication

    In-depth coverage of special topics in communication, rhetoric and mass media. The subject of each individual course and its prerequisite is announced in the Timetable of Classes. Repeatable with different topics to a maximum of 12 credits.

    Prerequisites & Notes: Senior status; COMM 398 or permission of instructor
    Credits: 3-5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 420 - Issues in Communication Theory

    In-depth examination of advanced theories in human communication. Emphasis on theory development.

    Prerequisites & Notes: COMM 398 or permission of instructor.
    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 425 - Issues in Intercultural Communication

    Introduction to dynamic forces that enhance effective communication between persons with various cultural backgrounds. Covers topics such as differences, similarities, values, pride and prejudice, cultural barriers in communication settings, and effectiveness of intercultural communication.

    Prerequisites & Notes: COMM 325 and COMM 398 or permission of instructor.
    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 427 - Issues in Interpersonal Communication

    Senior seminar that offers an in-depth examination of theories and practices in interpersonal communication.

    Prerequisites & Notes: COMM 327 and COMM 398 or permission of instructor.
    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 428 - Issues in Organizational Communication

    Reviews current theory and research on topics such as communication and organizational decision making, organizational culture, gender relations, and power and control in organizations.

    Prerequisites & Notes: COMM 228
    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 430 - Visual Rhetoric

    This course aims to interrogate the relationship between rhetoric and the image. Devoting attention to theories that explore the symbolic and performative dimensions of visual culture, this course introduces advanced students to theories of perception and visual interpretation as they relate to visual communication, media and film studies, cultural studies, art, literature, memory, and the public spectacle.

    Prerequisites & Notes: Junior status or permission of instructor.
    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 435 - Issues in Rhetorical Studies

    In-depth examination of advanced theories in rhetorical theory and criticism.

    Prerequisites & Notes: COMM 230 or COMM 235 and junior status or instructor permission.
    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 436 - Advanced Forensics and Debate

    Emphasis on intercollegiate debate with opportunity for experience in extemporaneous, impromptu and persuasive speaking. A maximum of 6 credits may be earned in COMM 436; a combined total of 6 credits from COMM 236 and COMM 436 may be applied to the major. S/U grading.

    Prerequisites & Notes: 6 credits COMM 235 and/or COMM 236
    Credits: 2
    Grade Mode: S/U
  

  • COMM 440 - Issues in Media Studies

    Examination of advanced theories in mass communication and media literacy. Examines social, political, and economic forces that shape media; influences of media on society; and issues of media policy, media advocacy, and media reform.

    Prerequisites & Notes: COMM 240 or JOUR 190; COMM 398.
    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 442 - Video Workshop

    Course includes practical application of techniques used in video production. Utilizes digital technology, graphic materials, design and staging. Students will learn the role of producer and director. Repeatable to a maximum of 6 credits including original course. S/U grading.

    Prerequisites & Notes: Recommended prior to registration: JOUR 190, COMM 350 or previous video experience; instructor permission.
    Credits: 3
    Grade Mode: S/U
  

  • COMM 450 - Communication Pedagogy I

    Serve as undergraduate tutor for students taking communication courses. Learn instructional methods and gain further mastery of course content. Conduct supervised tutoring and feedback for students enrolled in communication courses. S/U grading

    Prerequisites & Notes: Recommendation; written permission of instructor.
    Credits: 3
    Grade Mode: S/U
  

  • COMM 451 - Communication Pedagogy II

    Help supervise teams of undergraduate tutors. Develop leadership, organizational and pedagogical skills. S/U grading.

    Prerequisites & Notes: COMM 450; recommendation; written permission of instructor.
    Credits: 3
    Grade Mode: S/U
  

  • COMM 452 - Communication Pedagogy III

    Students enrolled in this course are the instructor assistants (IAs) returning to the COMM 101 program for the third time. Under the program director’s supervision, students will mentor the first-time IAs enrolled in COMM 450; complete workshops demonstrating leadership, organizational and pedagogical skills for all IAs enrolled in COMM 450 and COMM 451; and supervise teams of COMM 101 students. S/U grading.

    Prerequisites & Notes: COMM 450 and COMM 451
    Credits: 3
    Grade Mode: S/U
  

  • COMM 454 - Instructional Communication

    This course is designed for prospective elementary, secondary and college teachers and communication trainers/consultants. Communication theories, principles, and skills applicable to the classroom context are addressed as they apply to teaching in general and communication specifically.

    Prerequisites & Notes: COMM 398 or permission of instructor.
    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 459 - Field Internship in Communication

    Supervised work in communication with an educational institution, public agency, private enterprise, broadcast station or other appropriate business. Meetings, written reports and a paper related to the internship are required. For students applying for media internships, plan to complete all academic course work before the internship, as this is the usual career pattern for those in that area. Repeatable to a maximum of 12 credits. A maximum of 6 credits may be applied to the COMM major. S/U grading.

    Prerequisites & Notes: Senior status; written permission of advisor; departmental majors only.
    Credits: 1-12
    Grade Mode: S/U
  

  • COMM 460 - Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies

    This course examines theories and approaches in Cultural Studies as they are utilized in Communication Studies. Students will use critical cultural theory to examine the role that communication practices play in the development or transformation of social hierarchies, with an emphasis on cultural practices and relations of power, privilege, and identity.

    Prerequisites & Notes: Junior status; one course from COMM 225, COMM 230, COMM 240 or COMM 260.
    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 492 - Senior Thesis

    Supervised independent research on an advanced topic, leading to a substantial research paper. Two quarters prior, student should seek out a supervising faculty member to begin preparation and planning. One quarter prior, student should complete a preparatory independent study (COMM 400) that includes a literature review, an outline of methods and, if needed, a Human Subjects Review form.

    Prerequisites & Notes: COMM 398; departmental majors only; permission of a supervising professor.
    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter
  

  • COMM 498 - Communication Ethics

    This capstone course examines diverse ethical theories and perspectives pertaining to communication in contexts ranging from the local to the global. Students will have opportunities to reflect on and clarify their own ethical commitments, and to understand these in relation to ethical theories and perspectives in the field of communication studies.

    Prerequisites & Notes: COMM 398 or permission of instructor.
    Credits: 5
    Grade Mode: Letter