Communications (COMM)

COMM 1001. Presentational Speaking (1) 

A course of instruction in the essentials of effective informative public speaking. The goal of the course is to help students develop credibility as speakers by gaining basic competence in the preparation and delivery of spoken reports or other informative presentations. (Not open to students enrolled in or with credit for COMM 1110).

COMM 1002. Presentation Applications (1) 

A course providing instruction and practice in the use of a variety of audio-visual media, including electronic media, often employed to enhance speaking presentations in a variety of situations. (Not open to students enrolled in or with credit for COMM 1110).

Prerequisites: COMM 1001 (may be taken concurrently)

COMM 1100. Human Communications (3) 

This course is a broad approach to oral communication skills including intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, and public speaking. Students in this course will be expected to participate in discussions on a frequent basis, take 12 short online quizzes, complete a variety of unit assignments and take a proctored final exam.

Prerequisites: ECOR with a score of C

COMM 1110. Public Speaking (3) 

A study of the fundamentals of effective speaking, with emphasis on preparation and delivery of spoken presentations to inform and persuade. Instruction in and assessment of speaking skills are based on the elements described by the CSU. Communication outcome, focusing on the interrelationships among speaker, listener, situation, purpose, knowledge, organization, vocal and physical delivery, and language. Attention to group and inter- personal interaction is also included. Basic instruction is provided in preparing audio-visuals, including electronic media, to accompany end-of-semester presentations. (Not open to students with credit for COMM 1001 and COMM 1002 without permission of Humanities Department Head).

COMM 3015. Research Design in Human Comm. (3) 

Survey of contemporary quantitative and qualitative methods used in the study of speech communication. Introduces students to the scientific method in areas of communication studies such as intrapersonal, interpersonal, public, small group, organizational, and nonverbal communication. Provides an introduction to interpretive methods such as participant-observation, symbolic interactionism, and ethnomethodology. Includes the analysis and evaluation of examples of communication research found in the speech communication literature.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 and COMM 1110 and CMS 2100 and CMSW with a score of 1

COMM 3100. Professional Speaking (3) 

A study and application of principles of effective communication skills in a variety of business and other professional settings within multicultural and/or international contexts. Includes effective verbal, nonverbal, and persuasive strategies; listening competence; and group dynamics. This course is open to students from all majors.

Prerequisites: COMM 1110

COMM 3210. Communication Theory (3) 

Study of major theories of interpersonal, group and mass communication, including the hypodermic effect, group leader theory, social categories theory, and diffusion theory.

Prerequisites: COMM 1110 and CMS 2010

COMM 3300. Interpersonal Communication (3) 

This course is designed to help students develop effective interpersonal communication skills. Students can expect to learn the theories and concepts of interpersonal communication, and then apply them to "real world" situations. It is expected that students will develop proficiencies in dyadic interactions and their analysis. In other words, students should be able to evaluate and moderate their own behavior, and assess the skills of others. In this way, students develop skills and a critical mindset that can be applied when they venture into the work- place. Recommended completion of Area C and E.3.

Prerequisites: ENGL 112 or ENGL 1102

COMM 3310. Communication in Context I (3) 

Provides an intensive investigation of communication as it occurs within specific contexts. Topics include computer-mediated communication, courtroom rhetoric, family communication, health communication, instructional communication, organizational interviewing, political rhetoric, small group communication, and the rhetoric of social movements.

Prerequisites: COMM 1110

COMM 3311. Communication in Context II (3) 

Provides an intensive investigation of communication as it occurs within specific contexts. Topics include computer-mediated communication, courtroom rhetoric, family communication, health communication, instructional communication, organizational interviewing, political rhetoric, small group communication, and the rhetoric of social movements.

Prerequisites: COMM 1110

COMM 3312. Communication in Context III (3) 

Provides an intensive investigation of communication as it occurs within specific contexts. Topics include computer-mediated communication, courtroom rhetoric, family communication, health communication, instructional communication, organizational interviewing, political rhetoric, small group communication, and the rhetoric of social movements.

Prerequisites: COMM 1110

COMM 3330. Rhetorical Criticism (3) 

This course is designed to examine the theories, methods, and applications of rhetoric and rhetorical theory. This course will give students an introduction to the thinkers and movements in rhetorical history and examine rhetorical studies most significant to popular culture. This course includes the study of various rhetorical perspectives including Neo-Aristotelian, Narrative, Dramatistic, Feminist, Marxist and Media Effects perspectives.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 and COMM 1110

COMM 3340. Persuasion (3) 

This course is designed to examine the theories, methods, applications and implications of persuasive communication. It includes the study of psychological and sociological aspects of persuasive communication by considering principles used in interpersonal, political, commercial and media contexts.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 and COMM 1110 and CRIT 1101

COMM 3420. Communication Theory (3) 

Study of major theories of interpersonal, group and mass communication, including the hypodermic effect, group leader theory, social categories theory, and diffusion theory.

Prerequisites: (CMS 2010) or (CMS 2015)

COMM 3440. Communication Technologies (3) 

Study of design, development, and operation of technical systems used by business and industry to transmit and store information, for long-distance communication, and for asynchronous information exchange.

Prerequisites: CMS 2010

COMM 3460. Principles Project Management (3) 

This course introduces students interested in corporate communication to the process of developing a media package, concept generation for campaigns, following a production project from start to finish. Overview of audience and situation analyses, objectives, strategies, tactics, budgets, measurement. Consideration of corporate communication strategy from concept through production to evaluation.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1102

COMM 3600. Democratic Deliberation (3) 

This course introduces students to the techniques used to promote local involvement in public affairs, resolve differences between groups, and reach public policy decisions that best accommodate the interests of all parties involved.

Prerequisites: COMM 1110 and (COMM 3300 or COMM 4100)

COMM 4020. Argumentation and Debate (3) 

This course develops students’ research, critical thinking, and spoken communication skills by having them debate controversial social issues relevant to democratic societies. Students will learn to construct strong arguments for and against resolutions, identify logical fallacies, and cross-examine opponents.

Prerequisites: COMM 1110 and (CRIT 1101 or CRIT 1101H)

COMM 4100. Organizational Communication (3) 

Organizational Communication introduces students to theories of management and communication. Students apply their knowledge of theory to real-world phenomena utilizing a case-study approach. This combination of theory and application develops knowledge and skills necessary for success in corporate communication environments.

Prerequisites: COMM 1110 and ENGL 1102

COMM 4200. Nonverbal Communication (3) 

This course explores nonverbal communication in theory and practice; with emphasis on the types of nonverbal behaviors that communicate meaning and the functions those behaviors serve.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 and COMM 1110

COMM 4210. Interracial Communication (3) 

This course explores cross racial, interracial, and intraracial communication in theory and practice, with emphasis on cultivating the communication tools necessary to successfully navigate through human interaction where race and ethnicity are concerned.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1102 and COMM 1110

COMM 4510. Intercultural Communication (3) 

Intercultural Communication is a course dedicated to theories and practices of communicating across cultures. The students will learn how other cultures deal with conflict, context, and communication.

Prerequisites: COMM 1110

COMM 4600. Organizing for Social Change (3) 

This course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for grass roots organizing on social justice issues. It involves hands-on experience in organizing for social justice and in partnering with existing nonprofit organizations that promote direct action for the common good.

Prerequisites: COMM 1110