COTC - Comm Theory and Critic (COTC)

Communication contexts and situations within profit and nonprofit organizations are explored to identify common communication techniques, strategies, and patterns of information and influence. Consequently, organizational functions, structures, and systems are analyzed through the lens of various organizational communication theories. An emphasis is placed on organizational communication problem solving as well as identifying and developing effective communication strategies that impact organizational productivity, growth, and values in workplace settings.

Independent study on a select topic completed under the supervision of the instructor.

This course introduces students to research in the field of Communication. It involves the exploration of communication texts, communication contexts, a survey of research methods with related paradigms, and academic writing in the discipline. Students develop their research vocabulary, advanced writing skills, and research abilities for analyzing and evaluating information in the Communication discipline as it relates to their major area of study. This course is a prerequisite for the Master’s Project I and II course sequence.

This course explores the theory and practice of communication consulting. An emphasis is placed on identifying professional challenges through projects and discussions, as well as the role and function of a consultant to private and public businesses and organizations. The course provides a practical view of the multiple components of this profession, and offers strategies for success while also examining communication theories at play in consulting contexts.

The development of professional and personal ethics for communication in the corporate and public sectors is examined in this course. This includes issues such as work communication, journalist and PR codes of ethics, hate-speech online, media representations, and other ethical issues related to the implementation and use of digital technologies. Students deal with actual case problems in corporate and public communication.