Courses at the 300-level

The field of public relations is surveyed, with emphasis on the role of the communications specialist as a practitioner. Topics include public relations history, ethics, campaign design, and media use.
4 credit hours

• completion of at least 45 college credits
• COMM 200
• or consent of instructor.

The fundamentals of composition using the AP style guide are introduced. Topics include news values, basic reporting, public relations formats, and techniques for achieving high-quality news and public relations writing.
4 credit hours

• Writing 100 or completion of college Writing Requirement

A variety of speech, language, and hearing problems that may exist in children and adults are examined. Normal processes, abnormalities, and treatment are also discussed.
3 credit hours

• COMM 200

Additional public relations skills are learned, with emphasis on writing. Formats and public relations methods are also reviewed and applied to case studies.
4 credit hours

• COMM 301 and 302

Students build on their news and media writing skills and become more proficient at public relations writing for digital and traditional outlets. Applications include news conferences and crisis communication.
4 credit hours

• COMM 301 and 302

Students develop listening and transcription skills as well as knowledge about the production of speech. The sound structure of language is explored and students are introduced to phonological theory. (Formerly Phonetics.)
4 credit hours

• COMM 255

The theories and stages involved in the acquisition of speech and language skills from birth to adolescence are examined. Included are the subsystems of language and normal and abnormal speech and language development.
3 credit hours

• COMM 200 and 255

Acoustics, anatomy, and physiology of the ear are introduced. Included are basic hearing tests, hearing disorders, and rehabilitation.
3 credit hours

• COMM 200 and either COMM 255 or 305.

Topics include the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanism, and neurological, skeletal, and muscular functions involved in speech and hearing. (Formerly Auditory and Speech Mechanisms.)
3 credit hours

• COMM 200 and either COMM 255 or 305.

The differences and similarities of the communicative patterns and behaviors of women and men are studied.
3 credit hours

• COMM 358

The communication problems, issues, and consequences that accompany interaction between people from diverse cultures are explored. Research dealing with intercultural communication is explored.
3 credit hours

• COMM 358

The key processes of modern advertising practice are introduced. Topics include production of effective advertising and media. Students cannot receive credit for both COMM 334 and MKT 338. (Formerly COMM 338.)
4 credit hours

• COMM 240

Students explore the processes of acquisition, evaluation and analysis of information needed for advertising planning. Secondary and primary research for advertising is introduced.
4 credit hours

• COMM 334

Theoretical foundations and the process of developing advertising strategy are introduced. Methods of using research data for developing advertising strategy are presented and case studies are discussed.
4 credit hours

• COMM 334

The process of conceptualizing and preparing advertising for mass media is introduced. Emphasis is placed on creative thinking, strategic writing skills, and visualization.
4 credit hours

• COMM 337

Focus is on contemporary ethical issues that arise in both traditional mass media and new media contexts. (Formerly Current Issues in Mass Media.)
4 credit hours

• COMM 200
• COMM 240

Students examine the art, design, form, and creation of the music video. Preproduction, production, and postproduction techniques, including special effects, are used in several assignments.
4 credit hours

• COMM 246

Emphasis is on the history and development of electronic media and its impact on political, cultural, and economic institutions in the United States.
4 credit hours

• COMM 200
• COMM 240

The preparation, writing, production, and editing of broadcast news are discussed. Emphasis is on local and special news events. An analysis of broadcast policies and principles of news management are presented.
4 credit hours

• COMM 246

Students explore the development, design, and creation of nonfiction video forms, such as the documentary, corporate videos, and instructional videos. (Formerly Digital Media Production.)
4 credit hours

• COMM 246

Laws and regulations that affect both mass media and new media formats are examined. Topics include the First Amendment, libel, commercial speech, obscenity, and other current legal issues. (Formerly Communication Law and Regulation.)
4 credit hours

• COMM 200
• COMM 240

Students examine how the globalization of communication systems and content affects people's lives around the world. Media and interaction patterns within and across nations are compared. (Formerly International Telecommunications.)
4 credit hours

• COMM 200
• COMM 240

The classical and modern elements inherent in persuasion and the means by which individuals and audiences are influenced in predetermined ways are studied.
3 credit hours

• COMM 208

Consideration is given to the rhetoric of elections and to political communication within government institutions.
3 credit hours

• COMM 208

Communication research that supports student-designed learning experiences is used to develop positive citizen involvement.
4 credit hours

• completion of 45 credit hours of courses and COMM 208, or consent of instructor.

The principles of group dynamics and discussion as employed in task-oriented experiences are studied. Attention is also given to the development of group leadership skills and cooperative problem-solving methods.
3 credit hours

• COMM 208

The nature and influence of public opinion are explored. Topics include propaganda as a technique for persuasion. (Formerly Propaganda and Public Opinion.)
4 credit hours

• COMM 240 or POL 200

By participating in a series of communication experiences, students explore principles, skills, and techniques essential for effective face-to-face communication and how to apply them to their daily lives. (Formerly COMM 258.)
3 credit hours

• completion of at least 30 college credits
• or sophomore standing

The tools of argumentation and debate are introduced, including the construction of logical arguments and the analysis of arguments for weakness in reasoning or evidence. (Formerly COMM 259.)
3 credit hours

• COMM 208

Students synthesize and apply the skills and knowledge leaned in previous advertising courses to design a complete advertising campaign to enhance professional development skills.
4 credit hours

• COMM 337, with a minimum grade of C.

Working in teams, students research, plan, and implement a public relations campaign for not-for-profit groups within the community. Field experience may be required.
4 credit hours

• COMM 301 and 311, each with a minimum grade of C

With the approval of the forensics director, students may receive credit for participation in debate and other forensic activities. Admission to the activity does not, by itself, ensure credit. Credit may be awarded no more than four times.
1 credit hours

• completion of at least 30 college credits
• or sophomore standing