Academic Catalog

Communication (COMM)

COMM 1010    Introduction to Communication HU  
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer  
Credits: 3  
Lecture hours: 3  
General Ed Requirement: Humanities  
This introductory course investigates principles of communication theories and how to use these theories in practical application. The course content encourages students to analyze, assess and evaluate communication principles. Students will develop skills and techniques essential to effective communication in settings that include: intrapersonal (with oneself), interpersonal (face-to-face), small group and public speaking. Students will develop the ability to look at the big picture of human communication and how it affects each individual's perception, cultural traditions and human philosophy.
COMM 1020    Public Speaking FA  
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer  
Credits: 3  
Lecture hours: 3  
General Ed Requirement: Fine Arts  
This is a practical and general course designed for students who desire to improve their speech efficiency, poise and self-confidence in public address situations. Special emphasis is placed on preparing, selecting, researching, organizing and delivering oral messages as well as on analyzing and evaluating the speaking-listening process.
COMM 1030    Introduction to Social Media  
Typically Offered: Fall  
Credits: 3  
Lecture hours: 3  
In this course, students will explore both how and why people use social media, as well as what the societal implications are for a world connected by these technologies. The course will utilize real-world examples to help students use these online tools to create content personally and professionally. Students will learn how to manage their own online identities and brands, as well as how to create communication plans for organizations and businesses.
COMM 1130    Media Writing  
Credits: 3  
Lecture hours: 3  
In this course, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of writing for the media, which will prepare them for further studies in public relations, marketing, business, and technical writing. The course will cover the necessary skills needed for processing complex information, verifying it, and effectively communicating it in both digital and print formats. Students will also learn about digital media and how to maintain the Snowdrift website.
COMM 1500    Introduction to Mass Media HU  
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer  
Credits: 3  
Lecture hours: 3  
General Ed Requirement: Humanities  
This course is an introduction to the nature of media and its relationship with the individual. The course teaches students to analyze, assess and evaluate popular culture, literature, and media. It includes a focus on various mediums including literature, radio, television, film, books, newspaper, and advertising to assist students in looking at the big picture of how media affects their perceptions.
COMM 1800    Digital Media Tools  
Credits: 4  
Lecture hours: 4  
Students will become familiar with the basic skills and techniques used to communicate through the design and creation of powerful media productions. This course will provide an introduction to industry standard software tools that are used to create and edit images, audio, video, and more. The course consists of hands-on assignments that encourage students to apply newly acquired skills and to think critically. This course is cross-listed as BUS 1110.
COMM 1997    Communications Internship I  
Credits: 1-3  
Lecture hours: 1 to 3  
This course is designed to provide hands on experience in the field of Communication to link concepts learned in courses with professional practice. Communication internships are temporary, on-the-job experiences intended to help students identify how their studies in the classroom apply to the workplace. Internships are individually arranged by the student in collaboration with a faculty member in the chosen discipline and a supervisor in the workplace. This course is repeatable for up to 6 credits, with no more than 3 credits per semester. Additional fees required. Internships are typically pass/fail credits. Students desiring a grade will need to negotiate a contract with significant academic work beyond the actual work experience.
COMM 2110    Interpersonal Communication SS  
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring  
Credits: 3  
Lecture hours: 3  
General Ed Requirement: Social Science  
The study of interpersonal communication is the study of interaction between people. It is not only the conversation, but the psychology of relationships, problems, and situations and how they can be dealt with in an effective manner. This course is designed to study interpersonal communication from a descriptive as well as analytical point of view. The topics of interpersonal relationships include; Cognitive Psychology, self-concept, perception, emotions, verbal and nonverbal language, listening, intimacy, climate, and conflict will be discussed. Possible methods of enhancing interpersonal communication situations will be practiced through discussion, role-play, writing, critical evaluation, feedback and observance.
COMM 2120    Small Group Communications IE  
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring  
Credits: 3  
Lecture hours: 3  
General Ed Requirement: Integrated Exploration  
This course is an introduction to communication in group processes such as decision-making, leadership, power, conflict, deviance, and the development of group structures, functions, norms, and roles. It is designed to help students further understanding the various perspectives on small group communication theory and concepts. Special emphasis is placed on preparing and organizing various types of oral presentations and communication strategies for organizations. It is designed to provide students with multiple ways to enhance small group communication skills and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the communication process therein.
COMM 2150    Intercultural Communication SS  
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring  
Credits: 3  
Lecture hours: 3  
General Ed Requirement: Social Science  
Intercultural Communication is a study of the ways people communicate within and between cultures, including a consideration of cultural contexts and the relationship between culture and communication. This class is aimed at developing a greater understanding about the intercultural aspect of everyday life. Intercultural connections are present everywhere and understanding some of the cultural influence helps individuals gain acceptance and tolerance of other cultures.
COMM 2300    Introduction to Public Relations  
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring  
Credits: 3  
Lecture hours: 3  
This course introduces various perspectives on public relations, as manifested in the theories, methods, principles, and practices which predominate in the field. Special emphasis is placed on preparing and organizing various types of oral presentations appropriate to the field.
COMM 2997    Communication Internship II  
Credits: 1-3  
Lecture hours: 1 to 3  
This course is designed to provide hands on experience in the field of Communication to link concepts learned in courses with professional practice. Communication internships are temporary, on-the-job experiences intended to help students identify how their studies in the classroom apply to the workplace. Internships are individually arranged by the student in collaboration with a faculty member in the chosen discipline and a supervisor in the workplace. This course is repeatable for up to 6 credits, with no more than 3 credits per semester. Additional fees required. Internships are typically pass/fail credits. Students desiring a grade will need to negotiate a contract with significant academic work beyond the actual work experience.