Comm 310: Communication Research
Methods
An introduction to the principles, procedures, and
tools of research used in the analysis of the communication
situation, including consideration of research design
and statistical analysis and the identification, control,
and measurement of communication variables. Prerequisite:
Comm 110. This course is a prerequisite or co-requisite
for all upper division communication courses for majors.
Major or minor in Communication. (3 credits)
*Comm 312: Argumentation
A study of argumentation as a decision making process.
Course focuses on theories of argument, the roles
of advocates and opponents, the nature of argument
building, evidence, and reasoning and argument in
various contexts. Prerequisite: Comm 200. (3 credits)
*Comm 314: Dyadic and Group Communication Processes
This is a theory-based course examining the process
of communication in dyadic and group settings. Emphasis
is placed upon (1) influences upon communication processes
and resulting behavior and content and (2) the development
of skills and skill assessment in both settings. Prerequisite:
Comm 215. (3 credits)
*Comm 315: Organizational Communication
A study of the communication behavior of persons in
organizations. Considers the nature of organizations,
communication structures in organizations, and the
development of communication training in organizations.
(3 credits)
Comm 318: Professional Presentation
Principles and applications of communication techniques
and media for presentations and processes common to
professional settings. Prerequisites: Senior standing,
CpSc 110 or equivalent experience and familiarity
with PC's and software recommended. (3 credits)
*Comm 332: Case Studies in Public Relations and
Integrated Comm.
This advanced course seeks to develop critical thinking
skills through the examination of audience-centered
case studies. Students examine how professionals in
public relations and integrated communications develop
objectives that translate into communication campaigns,
illustrating theoretical applications in real-life
situations. The development of analytical skills and
ethical guidelines in communications practice is emphasized.
Prerequisite: Comm 231. (3 credits)
Comm 333: Public Relations Writing
Course seeks to further develop the writing skills
of public relations majors. Course assignments focus
on expanding students' ability to make critical decisions
regarding the process of gathering necessary information,
identifying objectives, and creating appropriate messages
for specific target audiences. Prerequisites: Comm
231 and 256. (3 credits)
Comm 334: Publication Production II
The course continues to expose students to the in-depth
study of electronic publication issues, it specifically
deals with design and layout issues related to newspapers,
annual reports and other multiple-page publications.
The course covers issues related to prepress, separations,
advanced topography and paper selection. Prerequisite:
Comm 232. (3 credits)
*Comm 342: Sports Journalism
Discussion of ethics and responsible sports journalism,
sports information and public relations interview
techniques, broadcast sports journalism. Guest lecturers
in sports information, public relations, and broadcast
journalism may speak on relevant topics. Prerequisite:
Comm 242. (3 credits)
*Comm 343: Feature Journalism
Course will focus on writing feature articles for
newspapers and magazines. (3 credits)
*Comm 344: The Editorial Function - Copy Methods
Copy Methods and practices of copy editing that are
applicable to newspapers, magazines, and technical
publications. Prerequisite: Comm 242. (3 credits)
*Comm 345: The Editorial Function - Design
The study and practices in headline writing and placement,
page and publication layout principles and photography
assignment, utilization and editing. (3 credits)
Comm 346: Investigative Reporting
Application of advanced news writing, reporting and
newsgathering techniques to produce in-depth, explanatory
news stories on important public affairs issues. Prerequisite:
Comm 242. Also recommended Comm 245. (3 credits)
Comm 347: New-Media Journalism
An examination of new-media forms and the effects
of new digital media on media industries and the practice
of journalism. The course will examine the differences
between traditional and new media journalism in theory
and in practice and explore online writing techniques
and the principles of computer-assisted reporting.
Prerequisite: Comm 242. (3 credits)
Comm 348: Advanced Reporting
Instruction in writing the news story, discussions
of reportorial ethics and techniques, and in-field
coverage of news events, feature stories and speeches.
Prerequisite: Comm 242. (3 credits)
Comm 350: Editing for Video
This course provides students with the opportunity
to expand their knowledge of videotape editing. Special
attention is given to expanding skill sets associated
with A/B Roll and Digital Non-linear editing. Continued
use of camera, lighting and sound techniques set the
stage for an in-depth study of skills associated with
program completion. Prerequisite: Comm 254. (3 credits)
Comm 353: Media Project Management
This course is intended to develop student mastery
of the emerging environment of digital information.
The course focuses on data management, budgetary issues,
strategy development, team dynamics, organizational
behavior, time management and legal issues. Prerequisite:
Comm 359. (3 credits)
*Comm 354: Television News and Studio Production
The course covers the process and techniques of
multi-camera video production. Students gain experience
in studio and control room operation and production
roles. Students are introduced to television news
reporting. The course trains students to write news
stories and integrate news packages produced in
the field for presentation in a multi-camera studio
news broadcast. Students learn the style and format
of broadcast news writing. Prerequisite: Comm 242
and 254. (3 credits)
*Comm 355: Television News and Field Production
An advanced course in the processes and techniques
of single-camera field production and editing. Students
will report, videotape, write, and edit packages
for television news. During the course of the semester,
students are assigned to cover a variety of news
stories including spot news, political news, business
news, sports news and light features. Prerequisites:
Comm 242 and 254. (3 credits)
*Comm 357: Electronic Media Programming
The course focuses on the practices and strategies
of programming for electronic media. It provides
a theoretical framework for analyzing the processes
of selecting, scheduling, and evaluating programs,
and it provides practical applications of tactics
to specific situations. (3 credits)
Comm 359: Interactive Multimedia II
This course provides students the ability to move
beyond the traditional models of information distribution
using image, sound, motion and text. The course
introduces the fundamentals of communicating through
digital interfaces with an audience. Topics include
digital imaging, creating effective interactive
projects, models of information structure, analysis
of design problems and distribution models. Theories
of communication, learning, human-centered design
and project evaluation are discussed. Prerequisites:
Comm 258. (3 credits)
*Comm 360: Corporate Media
The application of adult training theories, communication
theories, and production skills in the planning,
design, and implementation of media in the corporate
and institutional setting, with emphasis on media
management and the use of media in training and
development. Prerequisites: Advanced Standing, Comm
110, 232, 250, 310 or consent of instructor. (3
credits)
Comm 362: Mass Communication and Society
An introduction to the mass media that includes
an examination of the historical development, current
structure, and functions of the traditional and
emerging media. The course will also explore the
economic, legal, and ethical issues facing the media
and introduce the interaction of the media and society,
culture, and the individual. (3 credits)
Comm 363: Editing for Audio
This course is intended to develop student mastery
of audio production techniques. The course focuses
on theoretical and technical issues related to studio
audio production including a review of analog recording
and editing. The course examines professional standards
of signal processing, multi-track mixing, layering,
synchronization, and digital editing techniques.
Students are required to review current writings
specific to professional practices in addition to
the hands-on experience of producing audio programs
in various formats. (3 credits)