The Department of Communication offers a variety of courses leading to a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Communication. We also provide courses that fulfill the oral communication requirement component of the University Studies Program. For details, see the COM listings in the University Bulletin.
Looking for graduate courses? See the Graduate Program in Communication.
An introduction to the process of communication as a critical element in human interaction and in society. Designed to enhance effective communication and informed use of the mass media.
Introduces students to fundamental oral communication skills needed to prepare and present messages effectively.
An examination of the interplay between the technology and content of the mass communication media.
This course examines basic verbal and nonverbal concepts affecting the communication process between individuals in various interpersonal contexts. Course also requires participation in written and oral activities designed to develop and improve interpersonal skills. Topics may include: perspective-taking, relationship and conversation management, effective listening, conflict management, communication climate, communication anxiety, and cultural/gender differences in interpersonal communication.
A study of communication processes in small group situations. Topics include conflict, leadership, and decision-making. Students will participate in group discussion and develop skills in analyzing group performance.
A study of the processes involved in attitude change, with emphasis on the preparation and delivery of persuasive messages.
This course is designed to help students explore, understand, and appreciate the patient-provider relationship through an examination and analysis of selected health communication case studies and related materials. It is also designed to improve communication skills with and among physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals.
This course will examine intercultural and co-cultural divides using a skills-based approach. Students will be exposed to cultural communication situations and will apply skills using lecture and various media formats (e.g., news, radio, film, blogs), equipping students with more effective skills for communicating with other groups, communities, and cultures.
This course focuses on describing and explaining communication processes that occur within the context of close relationships in both face-to-face and mediated environments. The course is organized around three general topic areas: (1) developing and escalating relationships, (2) satisfying relationships, and (3) coping with relationship challenges.
This course explores research and theory that illuminates the “dark side” of interpersonal communication and relationships. The course will cover topics such as secrets, bullying, cyber-stalking, verbal abuse, and revenge between romantic partners, family members, friends, and sometimes strangers.
This course addresses contemporary concepts about the meanings and functions of communication in business organizations in an increasingly diverse U.S. society. It deals with a large number of ideas in substantial depth with the aim of developing an understanding of effective and responsible participation in diverse workplaces.
Designed to introduce students to basic concepts in the study of organizational communication. The course considers approaches to the practice and study of communication within organizational settings, including classical approach, human relations, human resources approaches, systems approaches, cultural approaches, and critical approaches. It also introduces specific issues within the study of organizational communication, including assimilation, decision-making, conflict, change, emotion, cultural diversity and communication technologies.
Considers various theoretical perspectives which lead to a more thorough understanding of communication processes. Begins with discussion of the development of theory and inquiry. Includes perspectives of systems, cognitive, behavioral, affective, symbolic interactionist, dramatic, cultural and social reality, interpretive and critical theories.
An introduction to the methods of philosophy of scientific research into the origins, nature, and effects of communication processes. Provides skills necessary for designing research projects and for interpreting and critically evaluating research results.
Research and study of special topics in communication. The student proposes the specific study to be undertaken and formally contracts with a faculty supervisor for guidance and evaluation. Ordinarily, projects will require the production of written materials as a basis for the evaluation. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.
Provides field-based experience in communication through work in industry, government, education, etc. Pass-fail only. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. A maximum of three credit hours may be counted toward the communication major.
Examines theory and research on the relationship between the organization of modern society and its communication media. Special emphasis is given to the way in which cultural processes and social change have an impact on the mass media and on the way in which the mass media influence cultural processes and social change.
Examines current theory and research on the nature and development of interpersonal communication ability. Topics include: understanding strategic communicative relational communication elements, and cultural and institutional influences on the development of interpersonal communication.
A course designed to examine theory and research related to criticism of the mass media and to the relationship of mass communication to contemporary social issues.
Intensive study of a communication topic in professional, theoretical, and research methodology areas of communication. To graduate with honors, COM majors must take COM 454 and the course must be taken in addition to the 15 hours of upper division electives.
An overview of problems, issues, processes and assumptions involved with communicating with people of different cultural and subcultural backgrounds. Theories of cognition and communication will be used to explore and explain communication with people from other cultures. Differences in both verbal and nonverbal communication among different cultural groups will be discussed.
Examines theory and research of persuasion. Topics include message characteristics, credibility, compliance-gaining, decision-making, and motivational appeals.
Examines theory and research relevant to understanding the organizational communication process. Topics include strategies of organizing, globalization, technology, power, and diversity.
Examines theory and research relevant to health communication including interpersonal, organizational, and mass communication approaches. Topics include the role of communication in general models of health and illness, the relationship between patients and healthcare providers, social support, and health campaigns.
Examines theory and research on the nature and development of small group communication. Topics include leadership, interpersonal relations and roles, goals, and decision-making in multiple contexts.
This course uses communication research and theory to develop effective instructors of communication. Topics include instructor identity, course development, teaching communication contexts (e.g., small group, intercultural, persuasion, speech) in diverse settings (e.g., classroom, organizational training), managing learners, and learning assessment.
This course will explore the nature of information and information technology using case studies of organizations that compete on information. Some of the key issues to be examined include efficiency versus quality, tractability versus opacity, dynamic complexity, and motivation factors. Knowledge management. Students will also examine the role of the CIO in information strategy encouraging critical assessment of information, information literacy, individual and group meta-cognitive skills, and the role of organizational culture in information management.
Intensive study of a specialized topic area in communication. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits under different subtitles.
This course focuses on African American cultural communication pertaining to linguistic, rhetorical, and relational styles. Students will become familiar with concepts of communication literature such as Afro-centricity, complicity theory, cultural contracts theory, and Black identity theory, as well as on the principles and methods of Black Greek Letter organizations in a variety of contexts including: communication, leadership, and community service.
Intensive study of a specialized topic area in communication. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits under different subtitles.Prereq: none.
This course is designed to explore in depth the relationship between communication and sport. We will examine theories of communication and their application to sport. The class will examine the relationship between sport and race, gender, class, violence, community, and society.
Intensive study of a specialized topic area in communication. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits under different subtitles.Prereq: none.