Required

CM-101 First Year Seminar

This one credit course is an introduction to the department and its offerings in terms of areas of study, practicum, internships, and programs abroad. Opportunities with our communication club and honor society are also explored. Together we explore areas of research, teaching, and the professional & graduate school opportunities that you need to know, as you choose your POE, plan your course of study and plan for your future. Overall, we hope to inspire you to find the joy and challenge we as a department experience in the study of communication. This course is for first year and sophomore students who have already declared Communication as their POE or who are genuinely considering Communication as a POE or secondary emphasis.

1 CreditH 

 

Choose 2 of the following = at least 6 credits

CM-130 Introduction to Human Communication

Surveys the fundamental tenets of human communication through application. This course is concerned with how and why we speak, listen, respond, and strategize through the uses of verbal and nonverbal symbol systems.

3 CreditsS 


CM-132 Message Analysis

The study of rhetoric investigates the art of persuasion. The course introduces the basic rhetorical concepts and language we need to make sense of the sea of messages we swim in. The course aims to sharpen your ability to reason, reflect, send, perceive and discern messages in a variety of contexts. Upon completion of this course students understand several humanistic perspectives toward communication and are able to apply the basic tools of rhetorical analysis. Students have an increased awareness of the ways in which our symbolic behaviors shape our social lives.

3 CreditsH, CS 


CM-133 Mass Media and Society

An examination of the convergence of mass media (print, radio, television, sound, film, and internet) which serve our most common public interests. The focus is on the four primary functions to inform, to entertain, to persuade, and to transmit culture. Students have a better understanding of the tension between media as business and its social responsibility to its citizens. This course is not open to seniors.

3 CreditsH, CS

 

Choose 3 of the following = at least 9 credits

CM-200 Art of Public Speaking

Seeks to develop and improve fundamental principles and methods of selecting, organizing, developing, and communicating a line of reasoning and evidence for constructive influence in speaking situations. Students make three formal presentations, analyze messages, and improve their listening skills

3 CreditsCS, HPrerequisites: Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing.


CM-220 Group Communication

This course is designed to improve communication with others in small group task and problem-solving situations. Working with a community partner students propose, plan and carry out a service project. We explore ways of developing communication strategies for group decision making, for leadership, and for managing interpersonal conflict, as well as presentations skills. This course takes a balanced approach to understanding and using communication theories, as well as offering practical experience using those skills for working in small groups. By the end of the semester students understand the group experience in terms of shared leadership of working cooperatively with diverse group members; and the necessity for ethical choices.

4 CreditsH, CS, SW-LEPrerequisite: CM-130 or CM-132 or CM-133. Pre- or Co-Requisite: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109.


CM-230 Interpersonal Communication

Introduces students to the various theories and styles of one-on-one communication. It emphasizes the transactional approach in the study of the communication process as it occurs in interpersonal relationships. It explores interaction as a way by which we come to know ourselves and each other.

3 CreditsH, CSPrerequisites: CM130


CM-290 The Metaverse

This introductory course focuses on how information technologies shape the way we think and organize ourselves. In studying the technology of the book, social media and the metaverse, students explore change and technology as central to the decision making of leaders. 

3 CreditsH, CW, CSPrerequisites: CM133 or IT110 or IT111.


PACS-105 Introduction to Conflict Resolution
Variable;  Yearly;  Credits: 3;  S;
A survey of the field of conflict, this course explores the causes and consequences of social conflict. Theory and case studies are used to understand interpersonal disputes, the intricacies of groups in conflict and international issues and crisis. Emphasis is given to understanding the basic theoretical concepts of the field and developing basic conflict resolving skills. 


 

Practicum Courses (optional)

CM-289 Communication Practicum

A Practicum in Communication encourage students to: (1) develop skills in analyzing and delivering public presentations; (2) assess, interpret and analyze messages data among diverse audiences; (3) understand speech communication in a variety of contexts; (4) appreciate public address from a historic perspective; and (5) participate actively in the communication field. This course is repeatable up to 4 credits.

1-2 CreditsF, H 

 

Choose 3 of the following = at least 9 credits

CM-300 Professional Presentations

Designed for students to improve and polish their speaking skills for effective presentations in professional settings. It is a performance course with emphasis placed on speech structure, audience adaptation, style of presentation (oral report and manuscript reading), with the use of PowerPoint and/or Prez1. Video is used to help speakers understand the relationship between their speaking behaviors and responses of listeners.

3 CreditsCS, HPrerequisites: CM200.


CM-330 Media Analysis

Designed to explore analytical approaches applied to a variety of media, including advertising, television sitcoms, new shows, propaganda, film, music and architecture, in order to ascertain the persuasive messages inherent in each artifact. By examining the rhetorical choices revealed by each method of criticism, we can better understand the structure of message design, the medium and in a larger sense the cultural values that shape both.

3 CreditsH, CW, CSPrerequisites: CM132 or CM133.


CM-340 Intercultural Communication

This course examines symbolic patterns of communication as they relate to issues of diversity. Interactive skills needed to open channels of communication between and among people of diverse backgrounds are analyzed and developed. A multi-cultural approach to the study of human communication serves as a basis for exploring issues of diversity that include but are not limited to race, gender, class, ability, orientation, religion and ethnicity.

3 CreditsH, I, SW-GEPrerequisite or Corequisite: FYC-101


CM-365 Organizational Communication

Examines the strategic uses of communication by individuals in organizations and by organizations as a whole in the pursuit of organizational goals. Provides students with a theoretical vocabulary to analyze communication in organizational settings in order to understand processes such as social networks, leadership, and power. Focuses on personal and organizational ethics in work place communication.

3 CreditsH, S, CWPrerequisites: CM130 and CM230 and CM220.

 

Required

CM-401  Senior Seminar

Senior Seminar in Communication is an opportunity to refine your understanding of your communication POE and experiences and their application to the professional world of business or graduate school. Students will reflect on their communication expertise, prepare resumes and interwiewing techniques, network with alums in communication, and communicate their expertise. This course intends to make explicit the strong knowledge base acquired in a Communication POE and to explore the opportunities available in the field of communication.

1 CreditHPrerequisites: Senior standing.

 

Must Take 3 400 level courses = 9 credits

CM-400 Communication Philosophy

Topics in communication philosophy examine the relationship between thoughts, words, and actions. The study of rhetoric will be the basis for each course as it applies to specific contexts: health care, public discourse,diversity, conflicts and debates, political campaigns, and family dynamics.

3 CreditsH, CSPrerequisites: CM130 and CM230.


CM-420 Media Studies

Courses examine mediated persuasion both in its theory and criticism. They focus on theories of rhetoric that have influenced our modern understanding of media and communication technologies. Areas of application such as public address, communication technologies, digital media, politics, and mass media form the emphasis. Depending on the emphasis the subtitle changes after the title Media Studies.

3 CreditsH, CSPrerequisites: CM132 or CM133.

Possible 400 level courses:
*[CP] Communication Philosophy courses:

CM-400 Communication Philosophy

Topics in communication philosophy examine the relationship between thoughts, words, and actions. The study of rhetoric will be the basis for each course as it applies to specific contexts: health care, public discourse,diversity, conflicts and debates, political campaigns, and family dynamics.

3 CreditsH, CSPrerequisites: CM130 and CM230.


CM-400A Health Communication

Explores how communication functions to promote health, the important role of information in health care, the development of communication campaigns to promote health awareness, alternative and multicultural approaches to health care, the promotion of ethical health communication, and the use of new health communication technologies.

3 CreditsHPrerequisites: CM130 and CM230.


CM-400B Storytelling

This performance course gives students the opportunity to examine the oral traditions of the language through the art of reading, writing, listening, watching and telling stories. Stories are at the heart of the human experience. They form the foundation for many academic disciplines. Stories help us to understand our own beliefs, values traditions and civilities. This course aims to strengthen our appreciation and understanding of storytelling, old and new.

3 CreditsH, CS 


CM-400D Rhetoric of Coming Out

This course aims to explore diverse uses of rhetoric applicable to the coming out process. Cultural, social, political, physical, institutional, and financial constructs of the closet are studied in an effort to understand and appreciate the coming out process. Rhetorical constraints, functions, and strategies involved in the construction and deconstruction of the closet, both perceived and real, and of coming out the closet are illuminated. While various perspectives of rhetoric are covered, a classical perspective is most closely examined and applied.

3 CreditsH 

**[CS] Communication Studies courses:

CM-405A Women, Work & Identity

Women. Work. Identity. These three words are related in a complex web that many of us struggle to untangle for our entire working lives. In this course, we identify and name the components of the relationships among these words--all in the context of the unique perspective that the communication discipline offers.

3 CreditsSPrerequisites: CM130 or CM230 or CM220 or CM365 or permission of the instructor.

*[MS] Media Studies courses:

CM-420 Media Studies

Courses examine mediated persuasion both in its theory and criticism. They focus on theories of rhetoric that have influenced our modern understanding of media and communication technologies. Areas of application such as public address, communication technologies, digital media, politics, and mass media form the emphasis. Depending on the emphasis the subtitle changes after the title Media Studies.

3 CreditsH, CSPrerequisites: CM132 or CM133.


CM-420A Hollywood Films

In this course we explore one visual medium: film. Hollywood film is understood as mainstream media which is meant for a general audience and with strong box office constraints. A rhetorical perspective insists on the presence of an audience which is not necessarily of interest in all types of film study but will be crucial in our discussions. We relate theories, methods of production, and criticism to our work but it is not limited to them. This course is an opportunity for students to explore what mainstream films mean and why they are such an important cultural phenomenon.

3 CreditsH, CWPrerequisites: CM132 or CM133.


CM-420B Media Violence

This media studies course introduces students to basic issues and research surrounding media violence. We take a hard look at media violence and its scholarly research in order to understand the intricacies of both our fascination and repulsion for all of the media's manifestations of violence. Cross-listed in Communication and Peace and Conflicts Studies, this course asks students to critically analyze media violence while integrating current media research into our understanding of violence as a presence in our lives and what we can or should do about it.

3 CreditsH, CWPrerequisites: CM132 or CM133.


CM-420C Digital Media Studies

We know we can connect with a friend studying abroad on a 24/7 basis and when we do research on the WWW, the materials, location, time and distance are irrelevant. This course lets us extend our vision to a serious study of how global business, politics and social relations are changing by these various processes of instant connection and perpetual contact. Digital Media are at the heart of this revolution in communication. Necessarily we want to pay attention to the digital divide and the continuities of our lives as these communication changes occur. In looking at the big picture, the scope of these changes is necessarily global, challenging, complex and fast. Hang on to your seats.

3 CreditsHPrerequisites: CM132 or CM133.


CM-420D Truth and Lying

This media studies course introduces students to the theories of rhetoric to understand the question, who can we trust? We pay special attention to the classical period of Rhetoric and the Rhetoric of the 20th century. Rhetoric has been transformed through media. Despite these transformations, rhetoric has always been considered of first importance for the ethical practical conduct of our everyday lives. How we present or lives our beliefs, attitudes, and commitments is indeed the concern of when we lie and who we can trust in our personal and public lives. 

3 CreditsH, CWPrerequisites: CM132 or CM133.


CM-420E  Digital Storytelling

Digital stories derive their power in weaving images, music, narrative and voice together, and thereby giving deep dimension and vivid color to characters, situations, experiences, and insights. This course offers students the opportunity to experiment with narratives and their visualization using digital media technologies as a vehicle to tell stories creatively with a clear point of view and audience awareness.

3 CreditsH, F, CTDHPrerequisites: CM133 or 1 of the following courses, CM290 or IT110 or AR404.

 

Must Take 2 Advanced Writing Courses from the English Department
Total Credits: 41 - 42

Please Note: In order to fulfill the minimum 45 credits for any POE students must either complete at least 1 more 3 credit communication/communication related course (s) OR do an internship and/or Honors thesis.

Maximum Number of Internship Credits = 15

CM-490 Communication Internship

Communication students may apply their acquired skills and knowledge to on-the-job internships for a semester during their junior or senior year for a total of 9 credit hours. Television stations, radio stations, newspapers, magazines, public relations, advertising agencies and human relations in health organizations are all possible placements. You not only work as full-time members of a business team, but also evaluate and document your growth in a work journal and prepare a portfolio of presentations or publications.

2-9 Credits Corequisite: CM495. Prerequisite: Communication core and Jr. or Sr. standing.


CM-495 Communication Internship Research

In addition to the on-the-job experience provided by the internship, students are required to pursue research related to their placement. An in-depth research paper or presentation is completed during the semester. 

2-6 CreditsHCorequisite: CM490. Prerequisite: Communication core and Jr. or Sr. standing.

Maximum Number of Honor Thesis Credits = 6

CM-497  Senior Thesis Seminar

Designed to serve as a capstone course for students who emphasize Communication in their POE. The students will be expected to examine communication theories and research methods relevant to a topic, theme, issue, or problem that has served as an area of special interest throughout the previous years of study. 

3-6 CreditsH, CSStudents must have Senior standing and a POE in Communication.


CM-498  Senior Thesis Research

Designed to serve as a capstone course for students who emphasize Communication in their POE. The students will be expected to examine communication theories and research methods relevant to a topic, theme, issue, or problem that has served as an area of special interest throughout the previous two years of study. 

3-6 CreditsH, CSStudents must have Senior standing and have a POE in Communication.  Prerequisite: CM-497.

 

Total POE credits with maximum number of internship and honors credits = 63