|
|
|
Core Courses
101 Foundations of Public Communication -- 4 hours
The principles and practice of public speaking, which are founded in a rich Western rhetorical tradition from Ancient Greece to contemporary scholars, are studied in this course.
300 Human Communication Theory -- 4 hours
A body of scientific and humanistic theories that provide understanding of the human communication process is examined. The course starts with a discussion of theory and evaluative criteria, then moves to an identification of the nature of communication theory, both thematic and contextual theories, and concludes with an assessment of the status of communication theory. Prerequisite: Communication 101.
470 Communication Research Methodology -- 2 hours
This short course is a brief study of qualitative and quantitative methodologies used in communication research. Construction of research questions and research design for the scientific and humanistic approaches within the discipline will be emphasized as students prepare their research proposals for Senior Seminar.
480 Senior Seminar -- 4 hours
A comprehensive examination of the discipline's recent significant, or historical exemplary research is undertaken to acquaint all majors with important aspects of each field within the discipline. Major areas include interpersonal, group, organizational, nonverbal communication, rhetoric, public address, mass media and journalism. Ethical issues of the discipline will also be considered, particularly a discussion of the significance of choice, moral obligations, truth and honesty in communication. Students research a chosen topic and present their findings.
Relational Communication Track
220 Interpersonal Communication -- 3 hours
The course explores the complex process of communication between persons seeking meaningful and satisfying relationships.
221 Group Interaction Processes -- 3 hours
This course examines the complex dynamics of small group life. Small group theory as it applies to perception, membership, leadership, norms, communication, problem-solving and decision making is explored.
222 Organizational Communication -- 4 hours
The course involves the study of communication theory as it relates to organizations. Topics include communication systems analysis, intergroup communication, team-building, goal setting, meetings, and organizational change.
224 Oral Interpretation of Literature -- 3 hours
Critical approaches to literature to discover meaning and to appreciate the emotional effect of the work is the focal point of this course. Emphasis is placed on principles of reading a work aloud to communicate its intellectual and emotional meaning. Also listed as Theatre Arts 224.
324 Gender Communication -- 3 hours
This course is concerned with the communication "about" and "between" men and women. "About" involves how the sexes are discussed, referred to, or depicted both verbally and nonverbally. "Between" is the interpersonal dimension. More specific topics include the social construction of gender and the influence of gender on: self perceptions, self disclosure, language usage, nonverbal communication, mass media, intimacy, friendship, and professional relationships.
326 Persuasion and Attitude Change -- 4 hours
This course focuses on the interaction of attitudes and verbal communication process emphasizing recent experimental studies dealing with source, message, receiver and environmental variables. Additionally, specific persuasive situations such as bargaining, negotiations, trial processes, marketing and political campaigns are examined. A research paper on an aspect of persuasion theory and recent experiments is required. Also listed as Management 326.
Rhetorical Communication Track
230 Argumentation and Advocacy -- 3 hours
Argumentation and advocacy are examined as reasoned discourse in formal and informal decision-making situations.
231 Rhetoric of International Speakers -- 3 hours
An exploration of the messages of international speakers as representatives of a global rhetorical environment. Emphasis will be on examining each speaker as a product of his or her culture.
332 The Rhetorical Tradition -- 4 hours
An examination of the nature of rhetoric as it has developed as a human problem-solving process from the 5th Century B.C. to the present. Students will explore the contributions of major rhetorical figures from the Classical Period through the 20th Century with an emphasis on rhetoric as a cultural artifact that evolves from the political, philosophical, and social background of the times. The ethical dimension of rhetoric is stressed throughout. Applications will be made to contemporary examples. Students will engage in experiential learning through the re-enactment of a Roman banquet.
333 Rhetorical Criticism -- 4 hours
An examination of the nature and practice of rhetorical criticism as theory and methodology for understanding and critiquing contemporary discourse. The tools of rhetorical criticism, different methodological approaches, and the values of analyzing human discourse are explored. Students will do five critiques from a broad variety of contemporary discourse including speeches, essays, letters, editorials, theater, television, film, and other symbolic contexts of their choosing. Also listed as Writing 333.
334 The Rhetoric of Social Movements -- 4 hours
The role of rhetoric in the political context is studies as it has been demonstrated in the major social movements of the 20th Century. Students will examine movement stages, movement organization, movement leadership, and movement use of communication channels as expressed through different kinds of rhetorical messages. The role of rhetoric in conflict-resolution will be examined through case studies of the resolution of the Arab-Israeli and the South African conflicts. Students will research a social movement of their choosing.
Mediated Communication Track
240 Survey of Journalism -- 4 hours
This course examines the contemporary professional journalistic field, particularly the areas of writing for various media outlets, design and layout. It provides students with practical experience, acquaints them with concepts and functions of journalism in our society and gives them an understanding of ethical and legal problems facing contemporary journalism and what it means to be a professional journalist. Also listed as Writing 240.
241 Mass Media and Society -- 3 hours
Discussions covering the evolution of print and electronic media systems in general and their impact on different kinds of societies are the central focus of the course. Press freedom, a key component of many political systems, will also be evaluated.
242 Television: Medium and Its Messages -- 3 hours
Television is addressed as a cultural icon which, for better or for worse, influences the social, economic and political order in significant ways. It also examines how reality is established on television and the impact of such realism on diverse audiences.
243 Photojournalism -- 3 hours
This course introduces students to the medium by defining photojournalism and the difference between pictures made for publication and those made for personal purposes.
244 American Popular Culture -- 4 hours
In the United States, as in all other societies, ordinary people use the objects and symbols available to them to make sense of their lives. This course explores the ways in which different groups of Americans have produced and consumed a widely disseminated and widely shared culture since the mid-19th century. Also listed as History 244 and English 244.
345 Writing for Publication -- 3 hours
A critical survey of modes and styles in contemporary publications is offered. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical and analytical skills in assessment of manuscripts, as well as on improving research and interview techniques. Instruction will be provided about such issues as copyediting, marketing, agents, working with editors, and assembling feature-length or book-length texts. Students will contact publishers concerning article needs and editorial guidelines to enlarge their understanding of the appreciation for the standards and expectations of publishers. Prerequisite: Communications 240 or permission of instructor. Also listed as Writing 345.
346 History of American Broadcasting -- 4 hours
This course examines the history of the American broadcasting system from its inception in the early 20th century to the present. The course will concentrate on the changing interactions and interrelationships between the broadcasting media and the larger socioeconomic and political environment. Topics include corporations and the state, industrial research and technological innovations, regulation and deregulation, broadcasting and foreign relations, etc. Also listed as History 346.
Intercultural Communication Track
250 Communication Between Cultures -- 3 hours
Communication channels carry our symbolic universe, create our perceptions of reality, and act as sources of influence. The course will examine the reciprocal nature of communication and will stress the interplay between individuals and their cultures.
252 The English Language: A Linguistic Introduction -- 3 hours
This course traces the historical development of the English language from its Indo-European origins down to present day U.S. speech, with a special emphasis on the various contemporary American dialects. Also listed as Writing 252.
231 Rhetoric of International Speakers -- 3 hours
An exploration of the messages of international speakers as representatives of a global rhetorical environment. Emphasis will be on examining each speaker as a product of his or her culture.
324 Gender Communication -- 3 hours
This course is concerned with the communication "about" and "between" men and women. "About" involves how the sexes are discussed, referred to, or depicted both verbally and nonverbally. "Between" is the interpersonal dimension. More specific topics include the social construction of gender and the influence of gender on: self perceptions, self disclosure, language usage, nonverbal communication, mass media, intimacy, friendship, and professional relationships.
355 Communication and Development -- 4 hours
This course is designed for students who hope to work in international development agencies that address third world countries. It builds a framework for conceptualizing development issues within the context of a changing international economic and political environment. It then addresses policy and planning skills that enable one to develop effective communication strategies in these regions. Emphasis is placed on both theoretical and applied aspects of communication and development. Students will be expected to participate actively in debates, simulations and written assignments.
356 Global Communication and Human Rights -- 4 hours
In recent years, world capitalism has become increasingly reliant on communication technology and information flows to remain operational. This course assesses the impact of such developments on freedom and liberty using human rights principles and legal precedents as an essential yardstick. Students will be expected to participate actively in debates, simulations and written assignments.
|
