Plan of Study – Communication Studies

Note: A Semester Hour (s.h.) is a unit of academic credit representing an hour of class (such as lecture class) or three hours of laboratory work each week for an academic semester. Most courses are two, three or four semester hours.

Communication Studies: Minor

Minor Courses (Minimum of 24-25 semester hours required.)

COM 1050 Communication Concepts and Contexts (3 s.h.)

Principles of communication applied to interpersonal, group, and public speaking situations. Emphasis on verbal and nonverbal communication, listening, persuasive techniques, delivery, and responding to messages. Opportunity to practice speaking skills.

COM 2120 Interpersonal Communication (3 s.h.)

Analysis of communications skills vital to personal and professional success. Examines the role of communication in interpersonal relationships from their inception through termination. Specific areas of focus include: listening, non-verbal behavior, empathy, assertiveness, relationship development, and conflict resolution skills.

COM 2140 Argumentation and Persuasion (3 s.h.)

The study of argument as a process of inquiry and advocacy and the communicative means to change attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, as well as motivate people to action. Practical experience in: evidence, analysis and reasoning; organization and case-building; refutation and cross-examination; and audience analysis. Students apply theory to a variety of topics and contexts.

COM 2350 Public Speaking: Theory and Practice (3 s.h.)

Focus on the building of public speaking skills needed in education, personal life, and careers in order to effectively communicate thoughts and feelings. Students evaluate the communication efforts of others and increase their critical listening skills.

COM 3100 Small Group Communication (3 s.h.)

An analysis of communication interaction in small groups. Addresses group formation, decision making strategies, roles and norms, leadership, and conflict management. Students participate in classroom groups and evaluate group performance.

JRN 4010 Mass Communication (BCA/COM/JRN*) (3 s.h.)

Theory of behavior in communications in general and the mass media in particular. The design and evaluation of public opinion studies and research topics in communications with emphasis on the effects that the various media have had on consumers.

Electives (Minimum of 6-7 semester hours required. Choose two courses from: COM 2550, COM 3520, COM 4000 and COM 4750.)

COM 2550 Oral Interpretation of Literature (COM*/ENG) (3 s.h.)

The skills of expressive reading to elicit listener response to the text, using vocal and physical expression. Prose, poetry, and drama analyzed for meaning and mood.

COM 3520 Organizational Communication (3 s.h.)

An introduction to the major theories of communication interaction in and between organizations. Specific topic areas include: communication networks, leadership, communication ethics, communication climate, organizational persuasion, organizational culture, communication and change, and conducting the communication audit.

WRT 4000 Rhetorical Theory and Criticism (COM/WRT*) (4 s.h.)

Survey of Western rhetorical theory from Classical times to the present; analysis and criticism of major theoretical and philosophical concepts concerning persuasion in speaking and writing. The influence of rhetoric on political, social, and individual thought and action.

COM 4750 Topics in Communication (3 s.h.)

A specialized course addressing a particular area of communication. May be repeated for credit with a new topic.