Course Descriptions
Communications Course Descriptions
Courses numbered COM105 or higher qualify as Humanities or Liberal Arts electives.
COM100
Critical Reading and Thinking - 2 Credits
This course in reading and thinking is required for students who experience difficulty analyzing and interpreting written material. Through programmed exercises, verbal and written analysis, students will develop skills for reading critically, organizing information, thinking logically, and solving problems.
Unrestricted elective only.
Laboratory Fee required.
COM105
Introduction to Communication Theory - 3 Credits
This course introduces students to the theories of communication that serve as the foundation for understanding the principles and practices of the field. The nature of communication and the various definitions of the phenomena will be covered based on a chronological organization to show how the knowledge and work in communication has evolved over the decades. This introduction will function as a comprehensive overview to unify the overlapping perspectives and paradigms.
COM107
Intro to Communications - 3 credits
This introductory course will focus on the knowledge and skills that students need to become competent communicators. This information and these skills will include speaking, listening, media literacy, computer-mediated communication, cultural sensitivity, workplace communication, group dynamics, and critical thinking. Students will prepare and present speeches and group projects that utilize media and technology. Emphasis will be place on personal, social and workplace interaction both individually and in group settings.
COM200
Popular Culture - 3 Credits
This course will introduce students to the changes to modern culture that covered the post World War II to the present time. It will examine a variety of societal and cultural elements including: gender, consumerism, music, film, and fashion.
COM208
Interpersonal Communication - 3 Credits
This course investigates the basic principles of interpersonal communication, communication theory, and semantics. Special emphasis is given to non-verbal communication, transactional- analysis, self-concept, and conflict management.
Prerequisite: ENG207.
COM298
Basics of Journalism - 3 Credits
This course surveys print and electronic media for the purpose of developing writing skills relevant to news stories, features, editorials, interviews, and surveys.
Cross listed with ENG298. Prerequisite: ENG120.
COM300
Introduction to Mass Communication - 3 Credits
This course examines the institution, history, and technology of mass media as communication systems. A selection of media productions is presented for discussion.
Prerequisite: ENG207.
COM301
Mass Media and Society - 3 Credits
This course analyzes newspapers, magazines, television, radio, the Internet, and film to evaluate their complex and diverse power for shaping patterns of society.
COM302
Media Literacy and Culture - 3 Credits
This course deals with “learning to become a more thoughtful, critical consumer of media.” It asks the following questions: “Where do the media come from? Who creates their content? What is their purpose? What effects do they have on our world? What is our role in the communication process?”
COM304
Film: The Reel Experience - 3 Credits
This course deals with the elements of film including the script, filming techniques, direction, acting, editing, art and set design, costume and makeup, and historical development. Examples from various genres are viewed for analysis.
Cross listed with ENG304. Prerequisite: ENG207.
COM320
Introduction to Theater - 3 Credits
This course gives students an appreciation of the theater as a performing art throughout history. Students will examine the dramatic genre while developing an understanding of the components of production and performance. One component of the course will be the participation in the actual phases of staging and production as well as attendance at a live performance.
Prerequisite: ENG207.
COM375
Public Relations - 3 Credits
This course focuses on the role of managed communications in public relations. It includes definitions and concepts, history, potential careers, and research methods.
COM398
Internship in Communications - 3 Credits
This course provides students with practical experiences in the communications field. Students meet with the instructor on a regular basis and work in a communications placement for at least 84 hours. The supervising faculty member determines the specific requirements for the internship.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
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