COMM 101 - PUBLIC SPEAKING

Principles and practices of composition and delivery of speeches for effective communication to diverse audiences.

Credits: 3

Attributes: Humanities

COMM 150 - MEDIA TODAY

Considering the effects of society on media and media on society. This course will focus each semester on a different topic exploring and exposing the possibilities and issues of the ongoing relationship between media and society.

Credits: 3

Attributes: Social Science

Course Notes: Open to freshman. Journalism, Media Studies, and Integrated Marketing Communications students cannot use 100-level courses as electives in their majors.

COMM 160 - THE ART OF PERSUASION

Intensive study and practice rhetorical strategies for writing on a variety of topics and addressed to diverse audiences.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: ENG 102

COMM 201 - COMMUNICATION IN THE INFO AGE

Prerequisite course for Journalism, Media Studies and Integrated Marketing Communications majors. Overview of print and broadcast journalism, public relations, advertising and media studies; emphasis on the role and effects of media in society, particularly the transformation of mass communication resulting from current technologie

Credits: 3

Attributes: Social Science

Prerequisites: ENG 102

COMM 210 - WHAT IS TRUTH/FAKE NEWS?

There's no quick fix for the challenges of "fake news" and "alternative facts." Course focuses on development of critical thinking skills needed to explore the boundaries, using newspapers, magazines, videos and internet resources, of our socially constructed, digital reality. This course looks at varied concepts of truth throughout history and across cultural contexts, with particular attention to similarities and differences with the modern, science-based concept of "fact.

Credits: 3

Attributes: Social Science

Prerequisites: ENG 101

COMM 215 - CAUSE-RELATED MARKETING

To save even small parts of the world, one needs to raise funds, create engagement, attract activists, build consensus, understand why people dedicate themselves to particular social issues, and comprehend the social and cultural limitations with which society attempts to thwart or re-direct world-improvers. Classics on this topic in psychology, sociology and cultural anthropology will frame the discussion. Heavy emphasis on the nuts and bolts of how it’s done.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: ENG 101

COMM 230 - TELLING SOC JUST STORIES 2.0

Black Lives Matter, Me Too, LGBTQ & You: Telling the stories of social justice in the 21st century. Combining age-old reporting and new-age digital technology, students will learn to capture the faces, voices and narratives of today's most visible social movements. Students will study the role of the media in advancing social movements. Course culminates in a final multimedia project. Learn how to tell professional quality stories that matter.

Credits: 3

Attributes: Social Science

Prerequisites: ENG 102

COMM 240 - DEMOCRACY: THE WORST FORM OF GOVERNMENT?

This course focuses on American democracy as a lived experience. Students will apply critical thinking to both confirm and challenge their concepts of, and beliefs about democratic government considering: the benefits of democracy; the flaws/limitations inherent in democracy; the citizen’s obligations in a working democracy; courts and the rule of law; individual and group influence; the electoral system, its benefits and liabilities; and the role and responsibilities of media.

Credits: 3

Attributes: Social Science

Prerequisites: ENG 101

COMM 250 - MASS MEDIA AND ACCULTURATION

Problem-based learning course addressing various modes of acculturation observable between immigrant and/or marginalized populations and host cultures and the influence of mass media in the acculturation context. Students identify problems emergent from acculturation, consider problems relative to social justice concepts and develop problem solution options with emphasis on socially-just outcomes and the role mass media might assume in implementing such solutions.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: ENG 102

COMM 338 - DIGITAL STORYTELLING

To unpack the storytelling possibilities offered by digital technologies, students will analyze a variety of audio and visual texts composed digitally, focusing closely on the purpose, intended audience, and structure of these texts. Students will explore digital storytelling possibilities by studying a range of digital media, including audio documentaries, video essays, interactive webtexts, and video games. After analyzing these works, students will produce their own audio and video narratives.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: ENG 102

Course Notes: Lab/Course Fee $60.00

COMM 345 - CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Communication styles and characteristics of various cultural groups. Understanding and recognizing barriers (semantics, nonverbal behavior, stereotypes, and assumed similarities) that affect communication among cultures. Fulfills the non-Western requirement.

Credits: 3

Attributes: Humanities, International Studies, Non-western Culture

Prerequisites: ENG 102