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Communication Studies

Overview


The Communication Studiesmajor is designed for the student who seeks to develop oral communication skills, to learn to organize and present ideas clearly and concisely, and to improve interpersonal relationships through a formal study of the communication process. This major is excellent preparation for a career in public relations, sales, politics, business or as a pre-law program.

The major provides opportunities for students to engage in activities which promote skills in conflict management, team building, giving/receiving praise/criticism, development of various types of relationships in business and personal life, entering and fitting into organizations, leadership and influence.

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Bachelor of Art


Total Credit Hours Required: 128
Major Credit Hours Required: 48

I. Core Courses (30 credit hours)
10-212 Interpersonal Communication (3)
22-213 Voice and Diction (3)
10-216 Small Group Communication (3)
10-242 Argumentation and Debate (3)
10-349 Organizational Communication (3)
10-350 Intercultural Communication (3)
10-360 Advanced Public Speaking (3)
10-431 Rhetorical Backgrounds in Communication (3)
10-433 Communication Theory (3)
10-461 Persuasion Theory and Campaigns (3)

II. Select, in consultation with your advisor, an appropriate minor (18 credit hours)
Business Administration
Mass Communication
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Social Work

III. Communication Studies majors will be required to maintain a portfolio of their work.

IV. The advanced writing requirement for the Communication Studies major is fulfilled by completion of 10-431 Rhetorical Backgrounds of Communication or 10-433 Communication Theory with a minimum grade of "C".

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Minor


Minor Credit Hours: 18

10-112 Introduction to Communication Studies (3)
10-212 Interpersonal Communication (3) 
10-216 Small Group Communication (3)
10-349 Organizational Communication (3)
AND
six (6) hours from the following:
10-260 Business/Professional Speaking (3)
10-350 Intercultural Communication (3)
10-360 Advanced Public Speaking (3)
10-431 Rhetorical Backgrounds in Communication (3)
10-461 Persuasion Theory and Campaigns (3)
10-470 Seminar in Rhetoric and Communication (3)
10-498 Communication Internship (3)


Communication Studies Minor for Criminal/Social Justice Majors


Minor Credit Hours: 18

Required Courses: (12)

10-211 Interpersonal Communication (3)
10-350 Intercultural Communication (3)
10-216 Small Group Communication (3)
OR
10-349 Organizational Communication (3)
10-260 Business/Professional Speaking (3)
OR
10-360 Advanced Public Speaking (3)

Electives (6):

10-216 Small Group Communications (3)
10-242 Argumentation and Debate (3)
10-260 Business and Professional Speaking (3)
10-349 Organizational Communication (3) 
10-360 Advanced Public Speaking (3)
10-470 Seminar in Rhetoric and Communication (3)
10-499 Independent Study (3)

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in Mock Trial.

Communication Studies Minor for Criminal/Social Justice Majors


Required Courses (12 Credit Hours)

10-211 Interpersonal Communication (3)
10-350 Intercultural Communication (3)
10-216 Small Group Communication (3)
or
10-349 Organizational Communication (3)
10-260 Business and Professional Speaking (3)
or
10-360 Advanced Public Speaking (3)

Electives (6 Credit Hours)

10-216 Small Group Communication (3)
10-242 Argumentation and Debate (3)
10-260 Business and Professional Speaking (3)
10-349 Organizational Communication (3)
10-360 Advanced Public Speaking (3)
10-470 Seminar Topics: Gender Communication, Conflict Management, etc. (1-4)
10-499 Independent Study (3)

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in Mock Trial.

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Courses


10-100 Introduction to Mass Media (3)
: An overview of the history, structure and operation of the mass media as well as an examination of the impact of the mass media institutions and messages on individuals and society.

10-101 Information Search Strategies (3): Develops the students' secondary and library research skills, computer search and search strategy skills and introduces students to the elements of the Internet as a research tool such as E-mail, news groups, bulletin boards and the World Wide Web.

10-105 Introduction to Journalism (3): Provides an overview of the forms and styles of journalistic writing as well as practice in writing and editing the basic types of news, feature and opinion stories for print media. This course also provides an introduction to desktop publishing and layout and design.

10-112 Introduction to Communication Studies (3): An introduction to basic theories of communication including an examination of techniques of communication in three common communication settings: interpersonal relationships, groups and public gatherings. Topics to be covered include nonverbal communication and listening.

10-119 Introduction to Radio (3): Covers all aspects of working at a radio station from control board operations to sales. The class uses the University's radio station WLRA for hands-on experience.

10-125 Newswriting and Reporting (3): Develops a variety of newsgathering skills in research, data collection and interviewing as well as practice in writing general assignment and beat stories.

10-190 Introduction to Communication Technology (3): Analyzes the fundamental principles and processes of technology utilized in modern telecommunications.

10-200 Feature Writing (3): Instruction and practice in writing local and specialized feature stories for newspapers, Sunday supplements and magazines.

10-201 Parliamentary Procedure: A functional approach to Roberts Rules of Order as part of a study of procedures for running meetings whether political or social. (See 18-221).

10-202 Broadcasting in America (3): Analysis of the social, technological and economic conditions under which the American broadcasting industry emerged and the impact of new technologies of broadcasting on American society.

10-211 Interpersonal Communication (3): Skills for success in career, friendship, and intimate relationships are developed by learning how these relationships work through laboratory experiences. Prerequisite: 10-112 or consent.

10-216 Small Group Communication (3): Discussion, problem-solving, conflict management, and leadership are reviewed along with research of contemporary problems. Prerequisite: 10-112.

10-219 Advanced Radio (3): Students produce programs, do sound engineering, write and produce radio commercials, and practice advanced production studio techniques. All aspects of radio broadcasting and managing a radio station will be covered. Prerequisite: 22-119.

10-220 Introduction to Television (3): Techniques of television production including the use of the television camera, video recorder, lighting, audio control, and TV direction. The class offers extensive practical experience in producing and recording video programs. Prerequisite: 10-119.

10-242 Argumentation and Debate (3): Research, analysis, fallacies, cases, and strategies in the theory and practice of formal argument. Prerequisite: 10-112.

10-260 Business and Professional Speaking (3): Examines interpersonal and public speaking occasions integral to business and the professions, such as performance evaluations, proposals, summaries, sales presentations and training sessions. Prerequisite: 10-112.

10-280 Instructional Design and Development (3): A study of the various instructional media theories, principles and applications materials designed to meet specific instructional objectives.

10-291 Photojournalism (3): Instruction in basic use of SLR camera, darkroom processing, printing and composition. Includes the study of ethics in photojournalism.

10-300 Special Topics in Journalism (1-3): Specialized study in an area of journalistic writing or an exploration of current issues in journalism.

10-320 Publications Design (3): Covers the theory, aesthetic principles and techniques of print production, includes newspapers, newsletters, brochures, magazines as well as experience with desktop publishing software and equipment.

10-322 Sports Communication (3): Theory and practice in sports writing, sports marketing and promotion and media relations.

10-326 Sports Broadcasting (3): Introduction to all phases of sports broadcasting, including radio, television, and field work as well as standard sports terminology. Prerequisites: 10-119, 10-353.

10-330 Public Relations Writing (3): Theory and practice in writing and preparing the various forms of informational and promotional material used in public relations such as news releases, fact sheets, media kits, backgrounders and more.

10-335 Advertising Copywriting (3): Theory and practice in writing and designing advertising for print, broadcast and out-of-home media.

10-342 Job Search Techniques (2): The purpose of this course is to assist seniors in developing a logical and organized approach to job-seeking. The course develops their skills and experiences; covers resumes, letters, applications and instructs in the interviewing process. Prerequisite: Senior or second semester Junior standing.

10-349 Organizational Communication (3): A study of organizations as communicated cultures, the various systems of communication relevant to organizations. Includes power, politics, decision-making, conflict, racial and gender policies. Prerequisite: 10-112.

10-350 Intercultural Communication (3): An examination of culture, language, nonverbal communication and strategies for overcoming barriers. Prepares students to interact comfortably with those who are unlike them due to nationality, ethnicity, regionality, gender and other factors of cultural diversity. Prerequisite: 10-112.

10-352 Broadcast Management (3): Principles and techniques of managing a broadcast facility or production house and methodologies unique to the broadcast industry, including government regulations, public responsibilities and technical needs. Prerequisite: 10-119, 10-353.

10-355 Electronics and Engineering (3): Basic field repairs, use of test equipment in both radio and television, use of tools, basic video and audio design, and general studio maintenance. Prerequisite: 10-119.

10-360 Advanced Public Speaking (3): Advanced problems of motivation, audience psychology, construction of various types of speeches, organization, and delivery. Prerequisite: 10-112.

10-365 Broadcast Writing (3): Principles and practice in writing for broadcast media. Assignments will focus on writing commercials, training, documentary, dramatic, educational, and news scripts. Prerequisite: 10-119.

10-366 Broadcast Reporting (3): Integration of interviews, remotes, actualities, and other sources in the development of news stories and production for radio and television. Prerequisite: 10-365.

10-368 Electronic Newsgathering (3): Provides training and experience in newsgathering and reporting in a variety of remote settings.

10-370 Opinion Writing (3): A study of the editorial function of the press, persuasion theory and techniques as well as practice in writing editorials and reviews of films, records, books and plays. Includes an analysis of leading critics and columnists.

10-380 Multimedia Production I (3): An advanced course in publication design emphasizing the use of digital media in the creation of multimedia presentations on the Macintosh. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

10-382 Web Design (3): Provides training and experience in creating, developing and maintaining web pages and interactive media sites.

10-384 Teleconferencing and Satellite Communication (3): Covers the fundamental principles and processes of technology applications of teleconferencing in business, industrial and training and educational settings.

10-400 Mass Media Law (3): A study of the First Amendment freedoms and the laws that regulate or restrict the flow of information access. Prerequisite: Junior/Senior status.

10-410 Advanced Newswriting and Reporting (3): Provides advanced training and practice in newswriting and editing with an emphasis on public affairs and investigative reporting.

10-422 Radio Practicum (1): Academic credit granted for work with the campus radio station (WLRA). Students must work one semester with the station before being eligible to apply for credit. Credit to be arranged with the instructor (maximum of eight hours). Prerequisite: 10-119 or Consent of Instructor.

10-423 Television Practicum (1): On the job training at the television studio and remote television productions. Prerequisite: 10-353 or Consent of Instructor.

10-426 Special Topics in Media (3): Examination of special topics and problems unique to the broadcast industry, including social, cultural, ethical and technological issues. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

10-431 Rhetorical Backgrounds of Communication (3): Surveys communication origins in ancient Greece and Rome (Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Quintillian) through Middle Ages and Modern theorists (Blair, Campbell, Whately). Prerequisite: 10-112.

10-433 Communication Theory (3): A survey and analysis of current theories in Communication Studies . Prerequisite: 10-112.

10-435 Corporate Media Operations (3): Explores the expanding role of television applications in industries, corporations, educational and training institutions, medical and paramedical organizations.

10-441 Rhetorical Criticism (3): Survey and application of methods and materials of rhetorical criticism. Prerequisite: 10-431.

10-453 Advanced Television (3): The course provides experience in single and multicamera shoots, advanced studio techniques, writing and producing television programs and commercials, advertising and television station management. Prerequisite: 10-353.

10-454 Video Tape Editing (3): Video tape recorder operation and editing strategies will be studied. Several advanced level editing projects will be required. Prerequisite: 10-353.

10-455 Television Directing (3): Study and perform directing and producing television shows. Concentrates on all aspects of producing and directing, including: pre-production planning, set-up and rehearsal, production, and post-production. Prerequisite: 10-353.

10-456 Mass Media Research Methods (3): Examines the research methods used in journalism, speech and broadcast communication. The course covers the scientific method, sampling methods, various data collection and research approaches, analysis and reporting techniques as well as syndicated and secondary media and marketing information.

10-457 Nonlinear Editing (3): Provides experience in advanced level computer based digital editing. Prerequisite: 10-454.

10-458 Multimedia Production 2 (3): Provides advanced training and practice in the use of multimedia hardware and software with an emphasis on digital video disc and CD production. Prerequisite: 10-380.

10-461 Persuasion Theory and Campaigns (3): Examination of the means of motivation in any message or social situation which can be used to influence others and protect individuals from influence. Analysis of observed persuasive effects and presentation of persuasive messages. Prerequisite: 10-112.

10-463 Computer Graphics and Animation (3): Provides training and experience in the use of imaging hardware and software in the production of 2D and 3D animated programs. Prerequisite: 10-458 or 01-331.

10-470 Seminar in Rhetoric and Communication (1-4): Special topics seminar. Subjects include nonverbal communication, intercultural, political and gender communication. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

10-480 Mass Media Ethics (3): A comprehensive examination of the social and ethical responsibilities of the professional communicator. Exploration of the roles of writers, producers, performers, and other message manipulators as agents of social change. Topics include freedom of speech, responsibility, censorship, and media effects. Fulfills the Advanced Writing requirement. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

10-495 Journalism Practicum (1-3): An opportunity to apply skills learned in journalism courses through working on the staff of The Flyer in areas of writing, editing or layout. Prerequisite: Consent of Program Director.

10-498 Internship (3): Students are placed in various media or other business communication outlets arranged with an advisor to allow 'on-the-job' experience. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and internship contract.

10-499 Independent Study (3): Students conduct independent research projects directed by a departmental instructor. The project is an area of communications not covered by other courses. The student must present a brief outline of the project and obtain the instructor's approval before registration. Prerequisite: Communications major.

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