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, interpersonal, 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.

This course will introduce students to various practical principles of competent public speaking across various modalities (e.g., written, oral, digital). Students will be taught how to employ appropriate organizational strategies (e.g., purpose statements, visual aids) with special emphasis placed on building strong claims supported by solid rationale and reasoning. Students will learn to both build and critique public messages, and they will gain self-confidence in their abilities to adapt to a variety of public speaking contexts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This course will explore a wide variety of topics and skills related to human interaction in various contexts (e.g., face-to-face, mediated). Students will be exposed to current research in the human Communication field, and they will work to become more effective communicators in their relationships with friends, family, co-workers, and intimate others. Some of the topics and skills which may be covered in the course include: nonverbal communication, perception, interpersonal conflict, identify construction, impression management, intimacy, emotions, and enhancing communication competence throughout their lives, professionally and personally.

This course will introduce students to several practical and theoretical components of small group communication (e.g., leadership, decision-making, conflict management). Students will explore how numerous variables, such as power, normative influence, and communication climate, impact a group’s ultimate communication competence. They will also be exposed to several hands-on group experiences and activities to practice developing their own small group communication skills and abilities.

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.

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.

This course is designed to represent the possible study of a series of one-semester Communication topics. The specific subject for any given semester will be shown in the class schedule and catalog. Examples of subjects potentially covered under this concept are Video Game Communication, Nonverbal Communication, and Health Communication. Repeatable for credit.

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.