Course Descriptions
New courses are on the way! Due to the success of the program, we will soon be adding new courses! See the course rotation for more information.
| Course ID | Course Description |
|---|---|
COM 601 |
Communication Theory (3,0,3)Introduces graduate students to the philosophical underpinnings of communication research and develops skills in theory construction. |
COM 602 |
Research Methods (3,0,3)Addresses qualitative approaches to investigating human experience using tools such as ethnography and criticism. Introduces graduate students to principles, and design considerations underlying social scientific methodology. Material is applied to communication research. Final research project is required. |
COM 604 |
Organizational Communication (3,0,3)Seminar that explores the major theoretical perspectives and research findings within formal and informal organizations. |
COM 610 |
Digital Media (3,0,3)Technical and aesthetic processes in the production of media, including new media and integrated media. |
COM 620 |
Interpersonal Communication (3,0,3)Investigation of the communicative management of ongoing relationships; examination of how communication both creates and responds to exigencies of friendship. |
COM 621 |
Communication Pedagogy (3,0,3)Graduate course in pedagogy that addresses philosophical, theoretical and practical issues faced by the beginning college instructor. |
COM 622 |
Family Communication (3,0,3)Examines theories and research focused on understanding communication in family contexts. |
COM 624 |
Gender and Communication (3,0,3)This course examines how gender factors into communication processes, theories, and research. Class topics include interpersonal relationships, gender issues in organizations, rhetoric, public relations, media representations, globalized perspectives, and research methods. |
COM 630 |
Communication Ethics (3,0,3)Theoretical and critical approaches to the study of ethics in communication. Examination of professional communication behavior in workplace settings. |
COM 631 |
Communication Law (3,0,3)Examines the Constitutional, statutory, and case law affecting the communication profession. |
COM 640 |
Persuasion (3,0,3)Theory and devices of persuasion; analysis of persuasive discourse. |
COM 650 |
Rhetorical Criticism (3,0,3)Advanced seminar in the history, theory, methods, and practice of rhetorical criticism. |
COM 655 |
Health Communication (3,0,3)This course is designed to introduce students to the wide range of scholarship about health communication. The course begins with an introduction to the field of health communication, ethical concerns in the health care environment, and the models that frame theory and empirical research in this area. Through textbook readings, case studies, and research projects, the following issues will be addressed: the creation of health meanings, health care socialization, health care teams, telemedicine, stress and burnout among health care workers, and social support at the dyadic, group, and community levels. |
COM 670 |
International Media Systems (3,0,3)Communication considered in its global and international context, with special emphasis on mass media spanning of cultures and nations. |
COM 671 |
Media Literacy and Criticism (3,0,3)Seminar in the application of rhetorical theory and criticism to television, film, and other media. |
COM 675 |
Public Relations (3,0,3)Public Relations Principles of PR management, including development of writing skills essential to those directing the PR functions of organizations. |
COM 677 |
Organizational Culture and Identity (3,0,3)This course examines methods and theories regarding the management, development, and changing of organizational culture and identity. Students will learn tools for conducting cultural analyses for organizations; gain understandings of the factors that affect internal organizational identity; and develop practical understandings of how to negotiate public perceptions of organizations. |
COM 685 |
Language & Social Interaction Theories and Methods (3,0,3)This course offers methods for exploring verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors in language and social interaction. Transcription and analysis of everyday talk allows students to use research methods including conversation analysis, ethnomethodology, speech acts, and gesture analysis. PREREQ: COM 602 COM 602 |
COM 691 |
Thesis (0,0,1-6)Guided thesis development for students electing the thesis option for the MA in Communication. PREREQ: Consent of the MA in Communication program director. |
COM 692 |
Directed Research in Communication (0,0,3)Specialized aspect or topic in communication chosen by student in consultation with an appropriate communication faculty member. Faculty member will closely supervise the student's research project. PREREQ: COM 601 and COM 602. COM 601, COM 602 |
COM 694 |
Special Topics: Communications (3,0,3)Special Topics. |
COM 695 |
Experimental Courses in Communication (3,0,3)Study of varying, specialized subject matter in communication taught on an experimental basis only. |
COM 696 |
Graduate Internship in Communication (0,0,1-6)Students work under supervision in a professional setting in a communication field approved by the graduate program director in Communication. Student will be assigned additional reading and essays. PREREQ: COM 601 and COM 602. COM 601, COM 602 |
COM 697 |
Non-thesis Project (0,0,1-6)Student will create an extended communication project under the guidance and supervision of an appropriate faculty member in lieu of a traditional thesis in communication. PREREQ: COM 601 and COM 602; Consent of graduate program director. COM 601, COM 602 |