Courses
Below is a list of the courses offered in our Communication Studies program. Note that not all programs are offered each semester, and those courses written in red are core classes required for graduation.
COMM 104. Public Speaking and Rhetoric
Introduces students to the preparation and presentation of material for a variety of public speaking situation. This performance-oriented class offers instruction in the theory of rhetoric, material development, and delivery techniques. Students will review the historical importance of oral communication and the role it plays in society. This course fulfills the Speaking Intensive (SI) and part of the Information Literacy (IL) requirement for Communication Studies majors.
Course offered every semester – 3 credit hours
Taught by: Dr. Dann Brown, Dr. Diane Dixon, Mrs. Betsy Craig
COMM 109. Forensics
A skills-based course designed to improve students’ ability to analyze ideas, advocate ideas in individual debate, and to prepare and deliver oral communications. Students will develop and refine their ability to research, organize, and present orally ideas in the form of informative, critical, and persuasive speeches, Lincoln-Douglas style debates, or individual performances of literature in the form of oral interpretation of literature.
Co-requisite: participation with the intercollegiate forensics (speech & debate) team, or consent of the instructor. May be taken up to three times
Course offered every semester – 1 credit hour
Taught by: Mr. Steven Jones
COMM 135. Writing for the Media
Provides an introduction to the substance, structure, and style of multiple forms of non-narrative mass media including print, broadcast, film, and the Internet. It is required for the Communication Studies major.
Course offered every semester – 3 credit hours
Taught by: Mrs. Kimberly Miller, Dr. Jennifer Scott
COMM 207. Theories of Communication
Focuses on the history of communication, including rhetorical and communication theory from the classics to modern times. Students are introduced to the body of communication literature through article analysis and literature review exercises. Students study the theoretical underpinnings of the practice of communication in its various settings: public, relationships, small groups, organizations, mass media, and intercultural. The course examines the functions, structure, and processes of communication in a variety of contexts. This course, along with Communication 104, 212, 305, and 427, fulfills the Information Literacy (IL) requirement for Communication Studies majors.
Course offered every semester – 3 credit hours
Taught by: Dr. Brown
COMM 212. Research Methods in Communication
Examines the fundamentals of research approaches and methods in communication studies, both qualitative and quantitative. The course also examines a variety of actual communication research studies across the breadth of the field from interpersonal to mass communication. Students will learn questionnaire design and interviewing techniques. This course, along with Communication 427, fulfills the Writing Intensive (WI) requirement, and along with Communication 104, 207, 305, and 427, fulfills the Information Literacy (IL) requirement for Communication Studies majors.
Course offered every semester – 3 credit hours
Taught by: Dr. Brown, Dr. Scott
COMM 222 – Film History and Theory
Encompasses the history of the motion picture from its invention in 1895 to the present day, focusing on American film. Introduction to film theories and criticism including principles of aesthetics and the art of how film is created, from concept to completion.
Course offered fall semester only – 3 credit hours
Taught by: Mrs. Miller
COMM 224 – Media, Religion, and Democracy
Explores a variety of questions and problems related to the mass media in a democracy. Questions related to media control, government regulation of media, political economy, journalistic “objectivity,” and the advertising-editorial dichotomy are included. Christian reactions and religious activism related to the media are discussed. Chomsky, Herman, McChesney, Postman and other critical theorists are studied.
Course offered alternative years, fall semester only – 3 credit hours
Taught by: [not listed]
COMM 225 – Intercultural Communication
Provides an overview of the study of communication and culture. Course content focuses primarily on the theory and practice of communication in intercultural communication (communication between members of different cultures). This course is especially suited to students whose future careers may involve travel overseas or business with non-native Americans.
Course offered spring semester only – 3 credit hours
Taught by: Mrs. Craig
COMM 235 – Journalism
Reviews a variety of print and broadcast media, exploring editorial style and slant. Fundamental newsgathering and new writing skills will be studied and practiced. Students will gather information from campus, community, and research sources in order to develop hard news, feature, and in-depth stories. Ethical and legal issues will be explored as well as the role of print media in shaping current events.
Course offered every semester – 3 credit hours
Taught by: Mrs. Miller
COMM 245 – Photography
Emphasizes use of the 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, the aesthetics of photography, black and white film development, and darkroom techniques. Students are required to have a 35mm camera with internal metering and a manual control override mode. An additional fee is charged for this course.
Course offered every semester – 3 credit hours
Taught by: Mr. Nathan Weatherly
COMM 260 – Independent Study
Individual study of specialized topics in Communication. Sophomore standing and permission of the department chair and a faculty sponsor are required.
Course offered every semester – 1, 2, or 3 credit hours
COMM 270 – Independent Research
An opportunity to conduct supervised research in Communication. Sophomore standing and permission of the department chair and a faculty sponsor are required.
Course offered every semester – 1, 2, or 3 credit hours
COMM 277 – Audio Production
Reviews the basics of audio production for recording. A particular emphasis is placed on the medium of radio including web casting. Consideration will be given to the history of radio broadcasting; properties of sound; microphone types; recording and control room techniques; and computerized editing of audio materials. Students will undertake a variety of practical projects in public affairs, news, sports, remote, music, and drama programming with opportunity for airing quality work on the College radio station.
Course offered fall semester only – 3 credit hours
Taught by: Mrs. Lisa Cantini-Sequin
COMM 290 – Studies in Communication
Intensive examination of area of communication not fully covered by regular departmental offerings. Subject matter varies each semester.
Course offered periodically – 1, 2, or 3 credit hours
COMM 300 – Public Relations
Focuses on public relations theory, strategy, and techniques. The course emphasizes writing and developing public relations campaigns; theories of public persuasion; legal and ethical considerations; and crisis management and related issues. Students will develop a portfolio for a campus or community organization which will include: an overall campaign plan, news releases, a brochure, a speech, a print advertisement, and a final campaign presentation.
Prerequisite: Communication 135 or 235 recommended
Course offered every semester – 3 credit hours
Taught by: [not listed]
COMM 303 – Professional Communication
Focuses on speaking and writing tools most often used by business professionals. Presentational speaking, personal communicative development, professional communication, and interviewing will be emphasized. Issues that relate to professional success will be explored. Must have junior or senior standing.
Course offered every semester – 3 credit hours
Taught by: [not listed]
COMM 305 – Persuasion Theory
Explores a variety of media to ascertain the persuasive messages inherent in each genre. The course will familiarize the students with the processes of persuasion, methods of studying persuasion, the theories of persuasion, and ethical concerns about persuasion. The perspectives and tools developed should enable the student to develop effective message strategies in both professional and personal life. An excellent course for pre-professional majors and students involved in speech and debate. This course, along with Communication 104, 207, 212, and 427, fulfills the Information Literacy (IL) requirement for Communication Studies majors.
Prerequisite: Communication 207 or consent of instructor.
Course offered fall semester only – 3 credit hours
Taught by: Dr. Scott
COMM 350 – Mass Media and Society
Surveys the major media of mass communication – print, Internet, broadcast, film, and music – and the historical, ethical, and social issues in their use. Students will study the effect of these media on society and the individual.
Course offered alternate years, fall semester only – 3 credit hours
Taught by: [not listed]
COMM 352 – Christian Faith and Cinema
A survey of films, both the decidedly Christian and decidedly secular. The student will consider the importance of a film’s theme in deciding its worth, criteria by which they can choose valuable films to watch, and will evaluate secular films through a Christian perspective. The student will also learn what it means to possess and Biblical worldview and how “other” worldviews permeate popular cinema.
Course offered alternate years, spring semester only – 3 credit hours
Taught by: [not listed]
COMM 360 – Independent Study
Opportunities for students with extensive background in communication to do intensive independent study or research on specialized topics.
Prerequisite: sophomore status or higher and permission of the department chair
Course offered every semester – 1, 2, or 3 credit hours
COMM 362 – Media Law and Ethics
Reviews relevant communication and media law and addresses a variety of communication-related ethical issues such as: libel, privacy, copyright, newsgathering rights, etc.
Prerequisite: junior status
Course offered alternate years, spring semester only – 3 credit hours
Taught by: [not listed]
COMM 370 – Independent Research
An opportunity to conduct supervised research in Communication. Junior standing and permission of the department chair and a faculty sponsor are required.
Course offered every semester – 1, 2, or 3 credit hours
COMM 376 – Editing and Design
Knowledge and skills related to the fundamentals of editing for publication. Principles of editing for newspapers, magazines, and web-based media are included. In addition to practicing these basic skills, students will be introduced to the elements of design for the print media.
Course offered every semester – 3 credit hours
Taught by: [not listed]
COMM 378 – Video Production
An introduction to broadcasting history, media aesthetics, and the technology and practice of television production. Lectures, programmed self-instruction, CD-ROM, and hands-on experience with cameras, microphones, lighting, and computer-based video editing will provide the basis for further study and internships in this influential medium of mass communication. Applications include broadcast television, cable, satellite, and computer mediated delivery systems such as CD-ROM.
Course offered spring semester only – 3 credit hours
Taught by: Mrs. Seguin
COMM 388 – Documentary Film
Encompasses the history and theory of the documentary film genre in motion pictures and television, from the earliest cinematic experiments to the present. The course examines various roles the documentary plays, such as explorer, reporter, painter, advocate, poet, catalyst, and guerrilla. Students will learn basics of visual literacy and will storyboard and shoot their own video taped documentary using computerized video editing systems.
Course offered fall semester only – 3 credit hours
Taught by: Mrs. Sequin
COMM 390 – Studies in Communication
Intensive examination of areas of communication not fully covered by regular departmental offerings. Subject matter varies each semester.
Course offered periodically – 1, 2, or 3 credit hours
COMM 427 – Rhetorical Theory and Criticism
This capstone course is required for Communication Studies majors. It includes an in-depth study of selected figures in rhetorical and communication theory from the classical, medieval, and contemporary periods. Students apply the theories studied, engage in rhetorical criticism, and prepare a significant, original research paper. This course, along with Communication 212, fulfills the Writing Intensive (WI) requirement, and along with Communication 104, 207, 212, and 305, fulfills the Information Literacy (IL) requirement for Communication Studies majors.
Prerequisite: Communication 207, senior status, or permission of the instructor.
Course offered every semester – 3 credit hours
Taught by: Dr. Brown
COMM 444 – Advanced Film Theory
A deeper look at the medium of motion pictures from the point of view of film theorists including semiotics; realism; expressionism; auteur theory; cinema as art; montage; film as narrative; literature and adaptations to the screen; documentary and propaganda approaches; genre conventions; psychology; sociology; mythology; and ideology.
Prerequisite: Communication 222
Course offered spring semester only – 3 credit hours
Taught by: Mrs. Miller
COMM 450 – Media and the Humane Environment: Seminar in Media Ecology
This course provides a historical survey of how human media shape the social environment and structure human thought. Taught as a seminar, students read and discuss Plato, Ong, Postman, McLuhan, and others who have contributed to understanding of orality, literacy, image, and electronic media.
Course offered every semester – 3 credit hours
Taught by: Dr. Thomas Gordon
COMM 459 – Organizational Communication
Provides a critical exploration of organizational communication theory, research, and application. This course examines the factors involved in the functioning and analysis of complex organizations, particularly the direct and indirect ways in which communication processes and social dynamics affect organizations and employee interaction.
Prerequisite: junior or senior status
Course offered alternate years – 3 credit hours
Taught by: [not listed]
COMM 460 – Independent Study
Opportunities for students with extensive background in communication to do intensive independent study or research on specialized topics.
Prerequisite: sophomore status or
higher and permission of the department chair
Course offered every semester – 1, 2, or 3 credit hours
COMM 470 – Independent Research
An opportunity to conduct supervised research in Communication. Senior standing and permission of the department chair and a faculty sponsor are required.
Course offered every semester – 1, 2, or 3 credit hours
COMM 480 – Internship in Communication
Students may, with consent of the department, earn academic credit for work done in a communication-related organization (e.g. newspaper; radio or television station; public relations office; business; etc.). students must arrange for a faculty advisor, contact the organization where work will be done, keep a daily log of activities, and write a final paper summarizing the internship. Students must work 60 contact hours for each academic credit earned.
Prerequisite: sophomore status or higher and permission of the department internship coordinator.
Course offered every semester – 1 to 6 credit hours
COMM 488 – Seminar
An advanced course for junior and senior Communication Studies majors to concentrate on specific subject matter to be determined by the instructor. Individual research and extensive oral and written reports are required.
Course offered every semester – 3 credit hours
COMM 499 – Honors in Communication
The student who chooses to pursue work beyond the basic requirements may do extensive reading in one of the following areas: media studies; organizational communication; public relations; audio and video production; filmmaking; oral interpretation; public address; group communication; and rhetorical or communication theory. Extensive research paper and independent reading required.
Prerequisite: senior status and consent of the department
Course offered every semester – 1, 2, or 3 credit hours