MAJORS AND LICENSURE We offer five majors and one licensure within the Department of Communication:
* Communication * Organizational Communication * Public Relations *
* Radio-Television-Film * Theatre Studies *
* Integrated Language Arts in Communication *
MINORS Additionally, we offer the following minors:
* Film Studies * Organizational Communication * Public Relations * Public Speaking *
* Radio-Television * Theatre *
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS (Please click on link below to go directly to course descriptions in that area.)
* Courses in American Sign Language
* Courses in Communication and Organizational Communication
* Courses in Public Relations
* Courses in Radio-Television-Film
* Courses in Theatre Studies
COURSES IN AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
ASL 110 ELEMENTARY AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE I—(4). This class is a survey of communication within the Deaf Community. As an introduction to American Sign Language (ASL), this class incorporates a series of visual readiness activities as a way of introducing students to and preparing them for a language in visual modality.
Prerequisite: none. Typically offered in Fall semesters.
ASL 111 ELEMENTARY AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE II—(4). Continuation of techniques used in Comm 110. This class is a survey of communication within the Deaf Community. As an introduction to American Sign Language (ASL), this class incorporates a series of visual readiness activities as a way of introducing students to and preparing them for a language in visual modality.
Prerequisite: ASL 110 or permission of instructor. Typically offered in Spring semesters.
COURSES IN COMMUNICATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION
COMM 100 PRE-PROFESSIONAL STUDIES—(0-6). Laboratory experience in debate, forensics and projects in performance studies or organizational communication. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 hours. Note: The department prohibits any student from accruing more than 16 hours of combined PPA/APPA credit over the course of his/her academic career.
Prerequisite: none. Offered every semester.
COMM 131 MEDIA & SOCIETY—(3). Development of print and electronic media—newspapers, magazines, radio, television, the Internet and emerging media—with an emphasis on structure, economics and impact with regard to the individual and society.
Prerequisite: none. Typically offered in Fall semesters.
COMM 151 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION—(3). Application of theory and practical experiential activities to provide insights for improving one’s relationships with others.Understanding of one’s present ways of communicating and exposure to alternatives that can lead to change.
Prerequisite: none. Typically offered in Fall semesters.
COMM 193 SELECTED TOPICS—(1-6). Repeatable under different topics.
COMM 212 PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE—(1). The fundamentals of parliamentary practice as encountered in social, business, professional and governmental organizations.
Prerequisite: Gen. Ed. Goal 2 or permission of instructor. Typically offered in Fall semesters.
COMM 213 VISUAL COMMUNICATION—(3). The study of “visual literacy,” or the ability to interpret and create visual communication. This course is designed to help students understand how visual imagery functions aesthetically, communicatively, historically and culturally.
Prerequisite: none.
COMM 251 COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE—(3). The study of the purposes of language, relationship between communication and culture, including dialect and levels of usage and analyses of communication within and between specific cultures.
Prerequisite: Gen. Ed. Goal 2 or permission of instructor. (Same course offered as CLS 251.)
COMM 253 COMMUNICATION AND GENDER—(3). The purpose of this course is to provide a foundation for students’ understanding of the complex relationship between communication and gender at the interpersonal, institutional and societal levels.
Prerequisite: Gen. Ed. Goal 2 or permission of instructor. (Same course offered as CLS 253.)
COMM 293 SELECTED TOPICS—(1-6). Repeatable under different topics.
COMM 300 ADVANCED PREPROFESSIONAL STUDIES—(0-11). Advanced laboratory experience in debate, forensics and projects in performance studies or organizational communication. Repeatable for a maximum of 11 hours. Note: The department prohibits any student from accruing more than 16 hours of combined PPA/APPA credit over the course of his/her academic career.
Prerequisites: COMM 100 and permission of instructor. Offered every semester.
COMM 311 PERSUASION AND PROPAGANDA—(3). The study of how humans use communication in their attempts to influence others’ values, attitudes, beliefs or behaviors, especially in relationship to non-print and print media and other aspects of culture. Emphasis also is given to identification and analysis of influence efforts.
Prerequisites: Gen. Ed. Goal 2 and sophomore standing. Typically offered in Fall semesters.
COMM 312 ARGUMENT AND DEBATE—(3). This course combines study and performance in the composition of different forms of critical-argumentative discourse for diverse audiences and purposes, and in both oral and written formats. It also provides for analysis of the argumentation process in the formation of public policy, and includes study of research techniques and methods for the interpretation and evaluation of evidence and argument.
Prerequisites: Gen. Ed. Goal 2 and sophomore standing.
COMM 313 PUBLIC ADDRESS—(3). Combines the opportunity for individual development of advanced performance skills in public speaking with a broader analytical understanding of the history of public communication in America.
Prerequisites: Gen. Ed. Goal 2 and sophomore standing.
COMM 314 POLITICAL COMMUNICATION—(3). A study of contemporary practices in political persuasion including use of mass media and the social effects of strategies and persuasive choices in the public sphere.
Prerequisites: Gen. Ed. Goal 2 or permission of instructor and sophomore standing.
COMM 315 COMMUNICATION AND CIVILIZATION—(3). Historical survey of the evolution of interactions between conceptions of human communication and ideas of social order, political process, artistic creativity and spiritual practice. Rhetoric is explained as an historical force as well as an intellectual instrument in the story of the humanities and Western civilization.
Prerequisites: Gen. Ed. Goals 1 & 2 or permission of instructor and sophomore standing.
COMM 338 ETHICS, LAW AND MEDIA—(3). A history of style and the development of journalism, and a study of the complexities of today’s mass media communications, including the freedom of the press and corresponding legal and ethical responsibilities of the writer.
Prerequisites: Gen. Ed. Goal 2, COMM 131, and sophomore standing. (Same course as ENGL 326.)
COMM 350 WRITING IN THE PROFESSIONS—(3). General coverage of the writing activities and tasks commonly encountered in business and technical communication. Focused attention will be given to business and technical report writing, proposal writing, and other writing tasks often completed in the corporate and non-profit sectors.
Prerequisite: Engl 211, PR 262, or Junior Standing. (Same course as ENGL 310.)
COMM 352 GROUP DISCUSSION—(3). This course involves study and performance in different forms of oral and written discourse within small group communication. It includes examination of the place of discussion in society, techniques by which groups explore problems, and the ways in which interpersonal relationships develop and become stabilized in the group setting. While exploring techniques to enhance the intellectual productivity of small group discussion, the course offers the opportunity to develop leadership skills and participant responsibility.
Prerequisites: Gen. Ed. Goal 2 and sophomore standing.
COMM 353 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION—(3). The study of the role of communication within the contexts of complex human organizations, including special characteristics of communication in work settings and the application of communication principles in promoting organizational effectiveness.
Prerequisites: Gen. Ed. Goal 2 and sophomore standing. Typically offered in Fall semesters.
COMM 393 SELECTED TOPICS—(1-6). Repeatable under different topics.
COMM 454 COMMUNICATION INQUIRY—(3). Introduce students to fundamental methods and procedures that are used when conducting a research project within the communication discipline. Students are expected to conduct a research project in which they complete a literature review, pose research questions and/or hypotheses, design a methodology that allows for the analysis of communication phenomena, collect and analyze data, and discuss the findings of the research project.
Prerequisites: Gen. Ed. Goal 2 and junior standing.
COMM 491 INDIVIDUAL STUDY—(1-6). Specialized study in an area of communication under the supervision of a faculty member with an approved format.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
COMM 493 SELECTED TOPICS—(1-6). Repeatable under different topics.
COMM 495 INTERNSHIP—(0-12). Qualified students may apply in areas of communication other than radio-TV or public relations. Opportunities include organizational communication and forensics events. Department internship hours repeatable to a maximum of 12 hours.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
COURSES IN PUBLIC RELATIONS
PR 100 PREPROFESSIONAL STUDIES—(0-6). Laboratory experience in public relations. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 hours. Note: The department prohibits any student from accruing more than 16 hours of combined PPA/APPA credit over the course of his/her academic career.
Prerequisite: none. Offered every semester.
PR 161 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC RELATIONS—(3). A survey of the field of public relations, including the scope of the field, structure, processes, theoretical perspectives, job titles and tasks.
Prerequisite: none. Offered every Fall semester.
PR 193 SELECTED TOPICS—(1-6). Repeatable under different topics.
PR 262 PR WRITING—(3). An introduction to writing and production for public relations purposes, including news releases, features, direct response and brochures, and the fundamentals of desktop publishing.
Prerequisite: PR 161. Typically offered in Spring semesters.
PR 293 SELECTED TOPICS—(1-6). Repeatable under different topics.
PR 300 ADVANCED PREPROFESSIONAL STUDIES—(0-11). Advanced laboratory experience in public relations. Repeatable for a maximum of 11 hours. Note: The department prohibits any student from accruing more than 16 hours of combined PPA/APPA credit over the course of his/her academic career.
Prerequisites: PR 100 and permission of instructor. Offered every semester.
PR 361 PRINT DESIGN AND LAYOUT—(3). Coverage of the principles guiding layout and design of multiple facets of print publication. Topics may include layout and design of: newspapers, magazines, newsletters, flyers, brochures, booklets, and other print documents. Students will also gain practice in implementing these principles using industry-standard software platforms.
Prerequisite: English 320 or permission of the instructor. (Same course as ENGL 321.)
PR 363 PR RESEARCH AND PLANNING—(3). A review of syndicated research used by PR practitioners, the concept and methodologies of evaluative research, and development of the media mix. Students will learn the principles of research and strategic planning, and apply them to research and media planning opportunities.
Prerequisites: PR 262 and sophomore standing. Typically offered every Fall semester.
PR 365 EVENT PLANNING—(3). In this course, students will gain a familiarity with the structure, strategies, planning, and eceonomics of the field of Event Planning. Students will also gain a greater understanding of how their professional roles impact the relationship between the organization and its critical stakeholders. Moreover, students will gain an understanding of the role of Event Planning in building organization-stakeholder relationships.
Prerequisites: PR 262 or permission of instructor and sophomore standing.
PR 366 WRITING FOR THE WEB—(3). Students will engage theory governing composition and design of web texts and put that theory into practice. Particular attention will be given to HTML text creation, including generation of content, HTML coding, and such elements as cascading style sheets (CSS) and basic JavaScript functionality. Will likely include client-based projects. brochures, booklets, and other print documents. Students will also gain practice in implementing these principles using industry-standard software platforms.
Prerequisite: English 211, PR 262, or permission of the instructor. (Same course as ENGL 336)
PR 368 ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING—(3). Coverage of the electronic and digital aspects of the publishing industry. Students will learn to compose, design, and generate content for electronic publication. Topics may include the generation of print-like materials for webbed distribution, preparation of print texts for on-demand publication, and creation of electronic books (ebooks).
Prerequisite: English 211, PR 262, or permission of the instructor. (Same course as ENGL 338)
PR 393 SELECTED TOPICS—(1-6). Repeatable under different topics.
PR 464 PR PROGRAMS AND CAMPAIGNS—(3). The capstone course in the public relations curriculum, campaigns provides students with the opportunity to develop comprehensive public relations programs and campaigns. Student groups develop a PR program for presentation to classmates and PR practitioners.
Prerequisites: PR 262 and junior standing. Typically offered every Spring semester.
PR 491 INDIVIDUAL STUDY—(1-3). Specialized study in public relations under the supervision of a faculty member with an approved format.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
PR 493 SELECTED TOPICS—(1-6). Repeatable under different topics.
PR 495 PR INTERNSHIP—(0-12). Working on-site with supervisory public relations professionals in area corporations, agencies or not-for-profit organizations. Departmental internship hours repeatable to a maximum of 12 hours.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered every semester.
COURSES IN RADIO-TELEVISION-FILM
RTVF 100 PREPROFESSIONAL STUDIES—(0-6). Laboratory experience in radio, television or film. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 hours. Note: The department prohibits any student from accruing more than 16 hours of combined PPA/APPA credit over the course of his/her academic career.
Prerequisite: none. More than 2 credits per semester requires permission of instructor. Offered every semester.
RTVF 141 INTRODUCTION TO FILM—(3). An introduction to film analysis and a survey of the history of film from its beginnings to the present. This course is recommended for English majors and others who are interested in film theory, teaching film analysis and appreciation, or reviewing film for newspapers or magazines.
Prerequisite: none. Typically offered in Fall semester of even-numbered years.
RTVF 193 SELECTED TOPICS—(1-6). Repeatable under different topics.
RTVF 232 ELECTRONIC MEDIA WRITING—(3). Introduction to the composing and editing processes, different forms of oral and written discourse, and writing for different purposes and audiences as related to broadcast news writing, specifically for the electronic mass media.
Prerequisites: Gen. Ed. Goal 2 and COMM 131 or permission of instructor. Typically offered in Fall semesters.
RTVF 241 FILM CRITICISM—(3). The study of film, film theory and film criticism. Students will read works by film critics, but also will write their own critiques of films watched in class.
Prerequisite: Gen. Ed. Goal 1. Typically offered in Fall semester of odd-numbered years.
RTVF 293 SELECTED TOPICS—(1-6). Repeatable under different topics.
RTVF 300 ADVANCED PREPROFESSIONAL STUDIES—(0-11). Advanced laboratory experience in radio, television or film. Repeatable for a maximum of 11 hours. Note: The department prohibits any student from accruing more than 16 hours of combined PPA/APPA credit over the course of his/her academic career.
Prerequisites: RTVF 100 and permission of instructor. More than 3 credits per semester requires permission of instructor. Offered every semester.
RTVF 332 RADIO PRODUCTION—(3). Learning the equipment and developing the skills essential to radio program planning, production and performance.
Prerequisite: none. Typically offered every semester. RTVF majors encouraged to take course in Fall semesters; Music Tech students, in Spring.
RTVF 333 VIDEO PRODUCTION—(3). Learning the equipment and developing the skills essential to television program planning, production and performance.
Prerequisite: none. Typically offered every semester. RTVF majors encouraged to take course in Spring semesters; Music Tech students, in Fall.
RTVF 336 BROADCAST ANNOUNCING—(4). Development of skills required for effective communicating, with special emphasis placed on announcing before the microphone and camera.
Prerequisites: COMM 131 and RTVF 232. Typically offered in Spring semesters.
RTVF 337 ELECTRONIC MEDIA MANAGEMENT—(3). Principals of broadcast station and cable management with an emphasis on business management, marketing, sales and audience analysis.
Prerequisites: COMM 131 and junior standing. Typically offered in Fall semesters of odd-numbered years.
RTVF 341 GENDER AND FILM—(3). Students will examine how film reflects, reinforces and redefines cultural assumptions about masculinity and femininity. Students will watch and, using theoretical perspectives discussed in class, analyze selected films.
Prerequisite: Gen. Ed. Goal 1.
RTVF 342 HORROR FILMS AND THEIR AUDIENCES—(3). This course traces the development of the horror film. This class also explores the relationship between horror films and society.
Prerequisite: Gen. Ed. Goal 1.
RTVF 343 MAJOR DIRECTORS—(3). This course provides an in-depth consideration of one or two major directors/auteurs. Topics will vary. Repeatable under different topics.
Prerequisite: Gen. Ed. Goal 1.
RTVF 344 FILM GENRE STUDIES—(3). In this course, students will engage in an in-depth critical analysis of a film genre. Topics will vary. Repeatable under different topics.
Prerequisite: Gen. Ed. Goal 1.
RTVF 345 SCREENWRITING—(3). Students are introduced to the elements of screenwriting (e.g., 3-act structure, proper screenplay format, conflict, plot, character, point of view, dialogue, step outline, and treatment). Students write, revise, and critique screenwriting in a structured workshop setting.
Prerequisite: Gen. Ed. Goal 1.
RTVF 393 SELECTED TOPICS—(1-6). Repeatable under different topics.
RTVF 433 ADVANCED VIDEO PRODUCTION—(3). Advanced study and performance in producing, directing and editing various programs for television. Concept development and script preparation included.
Prerequisite: RTVF 333. RTVF majors encouraged to take course in Spring semesters; Music Tech students, in Fall.
RTVF 491 INDIVIDUAL STUDY—(1-3). Specialized study in an area of radio, television or film under the supervision of a faculty member with an approved format. Repeatable to a maximum of 12 hours.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
RTVF 493 SELECTED TOPICS—(1-6). Repeatable under different topics.
RTVF 495 RADIO-TV-FILM INTERNSHIP—(0-12). Qualified students are placed in radio and television stations, media production houses or in similar organizations. Departmental internship hours repeatable to a maximum of 12 hours.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Offered every semester.
COURSES IN THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE STUDIES
TH 100 PREPROFESSIONAL STUDIES—(0-6). Laboratory experience in dramatic or reader’s theatre productions. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 hours. Note: The department prohibits any student from accruing more than 16 hours of combined PPA/APPA credit over the course of his/her academic career.
Prerequisite: none. Offered every semester.
TH 121 INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE—(3) Gen. Ed. 7. A study of the various arts involved in a theatrical production. The phases of preparation, performance and evaluation are considered in terms of historical development and current practice. Special emphasis is given to theatre as a means of communication and as a collaborative art. Classroom performance.
Prerequisite: none. Offered every semester.
TH 126 STORYTELLING—(3). The purpose of this course is to help the student understand and enjoy the art of storytelling, to increase performance skills, to learn the basic mechanics of narratives, and to sharpen critical skills through the performance and analysis of various types of stories.
Prerequisite: TH 100, TH 121, or permission of instructor.
TH 193 SELECTED TOPICS—(1-6). Repeatable under different topics.
TH 221 PERFORMANCE STUDIES—(3). This course is an introduction to the theories and practices of analyzing, interpreting, and criticizing texts through performance. Operating on a theory that texts are best understood and appreciated when performed, this course is designed to give the student experience performing as well as using performance as a method of analysis including a study of the ways to respond to literature, ways to read for different purposes, techniques involved in effective communication of an author’s message and mood, and personal development of confidence, poise and essential vocal qualities (diction, pitch, modulation, tempo controls and varieties, volume control).
Prerequisite: TH 100, 121, or permission of instructor.
TH 222 STAGECRAFT—(3). Principles and practices of scenic construction, setting, furnishing, properties and lighting. Practical experience with University Theatre productions emphasized. Organized for those who plan to design, build, paint and light scenery in an educational setting, as well as those who approach theatre as a vocation or an avocation.
Prerequisite: TH 121 or permission of instructor. Typically offered in spring of odd-numbered years.
TH 223 ACTING FOR THE STAGE—(3). This course includes basic performance and rehearsal techniques for the actor in which different forms of oral and written discourse are stressed. This involves practice in exercises and scene work, and studies in character development and physical/vocal work. It also includes examination of the historical development of the role of actor and of theories of acting. Students will engage in classroom performance/critique of scenes.
Prerequisite: TH 121 or permission of instructor. Typically offered in fall of odd-numbered years.
TH 224 GROUP PERFORMANCE—(3). This course is designed to give students experience in selecting, compiling, scripting, analyzing, staging, directing, and performing group performances of literary, cultural, and on traditional texts.
Prerequisite: TH 100, TH 121, or permission of instructor.
TH 225 THE HISTORY AND CRITICISM OF MODERN AMERICAN COMEDY— (3). This course surveys American comic writing and performance as it reflects changing societal tastes and stylistic changes from vaudeville through theatre, radio, film, television, improv., and clubs.
Prerequisite: TH 121 or permission of instructor.
TH 226 TOPICS IN VARIETY ARTS—(3). These courses are studies of the history and performance techniques in the variety arts. Rotating topics include STAGE AND CLOSE-UP MAGIC, PUPPETRY, JUGGLING AND CLOWN SKILLS, and BUSKING AND THE NEW VAUDEVILLE MOVEMENT. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 hours.
Prerequisite: TH 121 or permission of instructor.
TH 293 SELECTED TOPICS—(1-6). Repeatable under different topics.
TH 300 ADVANCED PREPROFESSIONAL STUDIES—(0-11). Advanced laboratory experience in theatrical or reader’s theatre productions. Repeatable for a maximum of 11 hours. Note: The department prohibits any student from accruing more than 16 hours of combined PPA/APPA credit over the course of his/her academic career.
Prerequisites: TH 100 and permission of instructor. Offered every semester.
TH 321 THEATRICAL DESIGN—(3). A study of the theories related to design elements in a theatrical production, including scenic, lighting, and sound design.
Prerequisite: TH 222.
TH 323 ALTERNATIVE AND EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE—(3). This performance-based course is an overview of various alternative performance styles, genres, movements, and practices that fall outside the purview of traditional theatrical representation, such as performance art, ethnographic performance, stand-up comedy, mystery, invisible theatre, and performance of non-traditional literature.
Prerequisite: TH 100, TH 121 or permission of instructor.
TH 324 THEATRE HISTORY AND CRITICISM—(3). Survey of theory and history of theatre and srama from the various origins to present day. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between the theatre and the social and aesthetic values of the time.
Prerequisite: TH 121 or permission of the instructor.
TH 325 DIRECTING FOR THE STAGE—(3). Theory and practice of the director’s function: play analysis, concept and interpretation, casting, rehearsing, staging techniques, using the promptbook. Examination of historical development of the director. Exercises in case studies and criticism. Classroom performance/critique of scenes.
Prerequisite: TH 121. Typically offered in spring of even-numbered years.
TH 327 PLAY WRITING—(3). This course involves the practice and study of writing plays. Students learn the elements of play construction and study representative models while engaged in exercises with formats such as the journal, the scenario, dialogue and character development, and the one-act play. Classroom readings and critiques are conducted.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor or TH 121 and Gen. Ed. Goals 1 & 2. Typically offered in fall of even-numbered years.
TH 393 SELECTED TOPICS—(1-6). Repeatable under different topics.
TH 423 ADVANCED ACTING—(3). This course is a continuation of the work started in TH 223, with special emphasis given to advanced scene work, styles of acting, advanced character development, and audition techniques.
Prerequisites: TH 121 and TH 223. Typically offered in fall of even-numbered years.
TH 425 ADVANCED DIRECTING—(3). This course is an extension of the work started in TH 325 with an emphasis on more complicated and extended scene work, an exploration of styles beyond realism, and period work.
Prerequisites: TH 121 and TH 325. Typically offered in spring of even-numbered years.
TH 429 THEATRE STUDIES—(3). This course is the continuation and presentation of work started in TH 329.
Prerequisites: Gen. Ed. Goal 1, Gen. Ed. Goal 2, TH 121, TH 329, junior or senior rank and permission of the instructor. Offered every semester.
TH 491 INDIVIDUAL STUDY—(1-3). Specialized study in an area of theatre or performance studies under the supervision of a faculty member with an approved format.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
TH 493 SELECTED TOPICS—(1-6). Repeatable under different topics.
TH 495 INTERNSHIP—(0-12). Qualified students may apply to work within various dimensions of theatrical activity. Opportunities include community theatre and various performing arts venues. Departmental internship hours repeatable to a maximum of 12 hours.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Offered every semester.