COMM-120 Information Gathering and Distribution (3 credits)

Introduces concepts of information gathering from primary and secondary sources including (but not exclusive to) library resources, archival information, Internet resources, public records, and interviews. Also includes methods of presenting gathered information in writing, including news media, research papers, and writing for audio, video, and spoken presentation.

COMM-130 Introduction to Communication (3 credits)

Introduction to the fundamental questions, methods, and theories that define the communication discipline and professions in advertising, journalism, public relations, multimedia production, and organizational communication.

COMM-210 Professional Speaking (3 credits)

This course focuses on a variety of presentations

COMM-211 Advertising & Promo Strategy (3 credits)

Focuses on the practical and creative skills necessary for advertising professionals. Students learn broad fundamentals of advertising, including brand positioning, copywriting and media placement. An introduction to marketing research is included, allowing students to learn how to create advertising that sells based on qualitative and quantitative research. How advertising fits into an overall integrative communication plan will be discussed. Prerequisite: COMM 130 or permission of instructor.

COMM-221 Media Writing (3 credits)

Develop basic writing and research skills necessary for creating persuasive tools in print, broadcast, and online media. Special focus on developing a competency in the mechanics of concise clear writing through appropriate use of Associated Press style. Prerequisite: Communication 130 or permission of instructor.

COMM-240 Live Events (3 credits)

From running the camera to producing from the truck, this course teaches students the necessary skills to be part of a live event broadcast, and offers hands-on opportunities to apply those skills in real-world settings. Fall.

COMM-251 Principles of Multimedia (3 credits)

Introduces basic concepts of Web site development, video production, and Photoshop. Prerequisite: COMM 130 or permission of instructor.

COMM-312 Media Design and Layout (3 credits)

Emphasize on creative strategies, idea generation, message creation, design, and computer-assisted layouts in various media contexts.

COMM-314 Integrated Communication Campaigns (3 credits)

Details the establishment of communication strategies, and the execution and evaluation of outcomes using research-based goals. Students create and carry out an integrated communication campaign for a real-world client. Course offers an opportunity for students to integrate prior learning and problem-solving for a comprehensive campaign plan which incorporates traditional and new media platforms. Prerequisite: COMM 211.

COMM-325 Sports Promotion (3 credits)

This course covers relationship management within the sports industry, including sponsorship (endorsement and licensing). Students will gain skills in research and market segmentation, marketing mix consideration, ticket sales and special events. Prerequisites: COMM 130, 221 and 231.

COMM-332 Advanced Writing and Editing (3 credits)

In-depth instruction and critiques of student-created work for clients. Various forms of news gathering, research, reporting, and interviewing will occur to write, edit and publish feature articles and create, edit and produce podcasts. Prerequisites: COMM-120 and COMM-221

COMM-333 News Copyediting (3 credits)

Overview of the skills and uses of editing. Emphasizes the practice of copyediting and headline-writing skills for print and online publications. Skills developed include tightening writing, sharpening leads, headline writing, cutline writing, and basics of layout. Prerequisite: COMM 231.

COMM-335 Sports Writing (3 credits)

This writing-intensive course helps students gain skills in sports journalism through various story forms, including newspapers, magazines and social media. Students will explore human-interest stories with social significance and gain understanding of the role of sports in society. Prerequisites: COMM 130, 221, and 231.

COMM-340 Sound Reinforcement and Recording for Li (3 credits)

Focuses on the equipment and strategies used to optimize sound both within the space and via recording of live events, including (but not exclusive to) music and theatre performances, speeches and presentation, and corporate conferences and events. Pre-req: COMM 240: Live Events, or permission of instructor

COMM-345 Video Production (3 credits)

The focus of this class will be on understanding the key principles and characteristics of video production - from concepts to the final edit. Prerequisite: COMM 251. Fall.

COMM-355 Multimedia Sound (3 credits)

Emphasizes the equipment and requirements for sound mixing and design in video, including on-set recording, post-production mixing, and the identification and creation of needed Foley, sound effects, and musical elements to create a professional video presentation.Pre-reuisites COMM 251.

COMM-380 Intercultural Communication (3 credits)

Examines the communication process of individuals from different cultures or subcultures. Explores possible sources of misunderstandings in intercultural communication (e.g., time/space factors, linguistic and nonverbal factors, ethnocentric communication, communication problems of persons engaged in personal or professional intercultural contacts).

COMM-381 Relationship Management (3 credits)

Critical examination of research and theories dealing with selected variables in one-to-one relationships. Explores development, maintenance, and deterioration stages of professional and personal relationships. Prerequisite: COMM 130 or permission of instructor.

COMM-382 Team Building and Group Communication (3 credits)

Theoretical foundations and practical skills for examining and applying communication principles in groups. Surveys concepts such as cohesiveness, leadership, groupthink, deviance, networks, choice shift, and brainstorming as they relate to communication. Prerequisite: COMM 130 or permission of instructor.

COMM-383 Conflict Management (3 credits)

Examination of the factors that lead to conflicts, and theory and practice in using communication strategies to resolve conflict. Prerequisite: COMM 130 or permission of instructor.

COMM-390 Practicum (1-3 credits)

Supervised practical experience in student media or other university information outlets. May be repeated for up to three hours credit. No more than six hours total credit given for COMM 390 and 395 combined.

COMM-391 Professional Development (1 credit)

Supervised practical experience in student media or other university information outlets. May be repeated for up to three hours credit. No more than six hours total credit given for COMM 390 and 395 combined.

COMM-395 Internship (1-3 credits)

Supervised practical experience in an off-campus mass communication-related organization. Application required. May be repeated for up to three hours credit. Prerequisites: one course from COMM 211, 221, 231, 251, 341; GPA of 2.50 or better; 36 hours of completed academic credit.

COMM-410 Health Communication (3 credits)

Provides students the opportunity to learn how communication in different contexts (interpersonal, organizational, mediated, etc.) can be utilized effectively to promote physical, mental and social well-being. Contexts include provider-patient communication, communication in healthcare organizations, risk communication and new media technologies related to health communication.

COMM-483 Media Theory and Research (3 credits)

Introduction to theory and research in the field of mass media. Examines the role of mass media in modern society and the influence of media institutions and messages on individuals, communities, and society. Includes an overview of basic research methods associated with media research. Students integrate theoretical knowledge into media research areas relevant to communication professionals today. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.

COMM-485 Media Law and Ethics (3 credits)

Examines the rights, responsibilities, and constraints on public communication in the United States. Emphasis on the effects and interaction of differing ethical constructs and First Amendment theories and sources of constraints on the mass media. Covers regulatory policies affecting advertising, public relations, journalism, and present and future electronic mass mediums. Also examines legal areas of libel, privacy, obscenity, access to and ownership of information, and media outlets. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.

COMM-488 World Media Systems (3 credits)

The focus of this class will be to help students identify and understand the key elements that define and influence media systems around the world. These will include specific philosophies of media systems, the state's relationship with media, how the media is financed, accessibility of the media, and the influence of culture on media audiences. Specific attention will be given to the process of media globalization and how media imports and exports influence various media systems. Students will have the opportunity to analyze specific media systems through comparative analysis allowing them to not only have a broader understanding of the variety of media systems around the world, but also to develop a greater appreciation for the factors that influence the development of the media system of the United States.

COMM-490 Special Topics in Communication (3 credits)

Varied topics of periodic interest not covered in regular course offerings. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Senior standing and permission of instructor.

COMM-499 Independent Study in Communication (1-3 credits)

Completion of individual course of study under faculty supervision. Topic and credit hours must be approved in advance in accordance with University policy. May be repeated twice for up to six hours credit.