Communication (COMM)
COMM-240 Visual Communication (4 Credits)
This course explores the evolving theoretical concepts and analysis of visual communication along with their implications for society. Various forms of visual communication (e.g. art, graphic design, advertising, photography, television, film, digital media) and their interaction with each other will be studied.
COMM-275 Interpersonal Communications (4 Credits)
The study and application of the principles of interpersonal communication: communication ethics, family relationships, problem solving, nonverbal communication, and small group communication.
Offered: Spring, Every Year
COMM-290 Special Topics (4 Credits)
An exploration of areas not covered by the regular curriculum. Content depends on available faculty. May be repeated for credit.
Offered: Fall, Every Year
COMM-298 Independent Study (2-8 Credits)
An opportunity for a qualified student to explore work in an area of individual interest, selected and pursued in consultation with a faculty member. Consent required of the instructor who will supervise the independent study. Repeatable to a total of 8 credits.
Offered: All, Every Year
COMM-360 Strategic Digital Communication (4 Credits)
This course takes an in-depth look at the use of social networks and digital media platforms for communication campaigns. The course offers an overview of branding and looks at the underlying models and principles that drive successful brand identity management and stategic communication through digital media.
Offered: Fall, Every Year
COMM-372 Intercultural Communication (4 Credits)
This course applies interpersonal and intercultural theories to the understanding of intercultural communication and the fostering of intercultural communication competence.
Offered: Fall, Odd Years
COMM-378 Persuasion (4 Credits)
Contemporary approaches to persuasion theory and an examination of past and current persuasive efforts. Research, writing, and speaking required.
Offered: All, Every Year
COMM-379 Internship (4 Credits)
Students apply their knowledge of communication theory and skills in a professional setting. The student may find the internship and seek the instructor's approval or the instructor may set it up with existing partners.
Prerequisite(s): 12 credits in communication and permission of instructor
Offered: All, Every Year
COMM-385 Digital Communication Law & Ethics (4 Credits)
Digital technologies have become an integral part of personal, political, and professional communication. This course will provide students with the necessary background to investigate legal and ethical issues in digital technology. It will cover topics including, but not limited to, copyright, authorship, attribution, vernacular discourse, privacy, pornography, harassment, and advertising.
Offered: Spring, Every Year
COMM-472 Communication Research Methods (4 Credits)
This methods course is designed to increase students' awareness of communication processes that govern the development, maintenance, and deterioration of interpersonal, organizational, and communal relationships, and teach them methods ranging from media & rhetorical criticism, ethnography, interviews and surveys to experimental research for investigating communication.
Prerequisite(s): Two courses in Communication, or permission of instructor
Offered: All, Every Year
COMM-479 Senior Project (4 Credits)
This course caps off the study of communication and philosophy. It is themed topically and by at least one of the following high-impact educational practices: a writing-intensive course, undergraduate research, collaborative/team-based projects, and service-learning/community-based learning. Public speaking is required.
Offered: All, Every Year
COMM-490 Advanced Special Topics (4 Credits)
An exploration of areas not covered by the regular curriculum. Content depends on available faculty. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Take one course in Communication
Offered: Spring, Every Year
COMM-498 Independent Study (2-8 Credits)
Intensive study of an issue, problem, or topic related to Communication. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and permission of instructor
Offered: All, Every Year
IHCOMM-101 Careers & Professional Comm (4 Credits)
In this experiential course, students learn what it means to communicate professionally. By engaging with selected employers through class and on-site visits, students are also introduced to various careers and internship opportunities, and understand the kinds of skills that employers look for in successful candidates.
Offered: All, Every Year
IHCOMM-171 Public Speaking (4 Credits)
Through experience in a variety of speaking situations, students gain self confidence in organization of thought and self expression.
Offered: All, Every Year
IHCOMM-250 Rhetoric Civil Rights Movement (4 Credits)
This course will examine the rhetoric of the civil rights movement. Students will gain a better understanding of the ways in which civil rights activists used rhetoric to create change as well as the ways in which defenders of segregation used rhetoric in an attempt to maintain the status quo.
Offered: All, Every Year
IHCOMM-350 Workplace Comm & Writing (4 Credits)
This course explores how people communicate in workplace and community contexts. Students will develop presentations and projects based on their developing understanding of professional communication principles. Projects emphasize career preparation, audience and genre analysis, visual rhetoric, and a service-learning project addressing the professional communication needs of a client.
Prerequisite(s): ITW and QL and 24 credits in ISP
Offered: Spring, Every Year
IHCOMM-450 The Rhetoric of Race (4 Credits)
This course examines the rhetoric of race in American society. Issues discussed will include: the creation and continuation of racial disparity in America, the debate over reparations for slavery, the permanence of racism in society, the role of race in presidential elections, and the impact of race on popular culture.
Prerequisite(s): 24 credits in ISP, including ITW-101 and QL
Offered: Fall, Every Year
IHCOMM-460 Rhetoric Post-Civil Rights Era (4 Credits)
The 1980 presidential election signaled a change in the nation's desire to address issues of racial inequality. This change might best be described as the post-civil rights era. This course examines how we talk about race and racism today and how that conversation is different than what came before.
Prerequisite(s): 24 credits in ISP, including ITW-101 and QL
Offered: Spring, Every Year
IICOMM-110 Information and Media Literacy (4 Credits)
An exploration of the interdisciplinary field of information science, and the impact that information systems have on society. Topics may include information as a commodity, media bias, censorship, privacy, intellectual property, and the digital divide. Students discuss the evolving information environment to become ethical consumers and producers of information.
Offered: Fall, Every Year
IICOMM-320 Participatory Cultures (4 Credits)
How do we engage in information creation in ethical ways? How do online groups help produce information? This interdisciplinary course draws from information science, communication, and education, allowing students to produce digital content as a means of self-discovery, self-expression, and community engagement while considering the ethics of knowledge creation.
Prerequisite(s): 24 credits in ISP, including ITW-101 and QL
Offered: Spring, Every Year