COMM - Communication (COMM)

Introduction to various types of media writing, Associated Press style and copy editing techniques. Special emphasis on research techniques for media writing and on writing styles for print, broadcast and public relations.

The processes of intrapersonal and interpersonal communication including perception, message orientation, language-as-symbolic action and verbal and nonverbal interactions. Theories and principles of face-to-face interaction in such contexts as significant to continuing relationships, family and gender.

Students are introduced to the field of communication. Theoretical approaches to all major media, both oral and electronic, are addressed. Special attention is devoted to describing the different ways that symbols generate meaning in each medium.

Offers students an introduction to the process, theory, and skills of intercultural communication. The course examines the nature of human cultures, then offers insight into the ways that various cultures have interacted in the past, as well as ways to improve that interaction. Students will ultimately understand the intercultural process better, even as they develop both a better appreciation for other cultures and a set of skills to improve their own communication across cultural boundaries.

A detailed examination of the process of ethical reasoning and decision making in human communication, incorporating the rhetorical and media ethical perspectives. Students will examine a range of ethical approaches, working towards development of personal ethical standards which will provide them with the basis for ethical conduct in a wide range of professions.

Students are introduced to research in communication, including an overview of contemporary communication research and a survey of research methodologies

Critical evaluation, legal practices and the legal responsibility of the press. Legal problems, including the First Amendment, Libel, Privacy, Intellectual Property, the Communications. Prerequisite: COMM 1670.

Counted together, adherents of the major Abrahamic religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam comprise more than half of the global population. This course explores the similarities among and differences between Abrahamic faiths by studying divine-human and human-human communication patterns within their most sacred texts.

Historical survey of major contributions to rhetorical theory. Chronological account of how ideas on the means of persuasion have developed from ancient Greece to post - modernity.

An experiential immersion in developing performance techniques for narration and story-telling. Students will analyze the rhetorical, performative and cultural applications of prose, poetry and drama while exploring how literature and original works intersect with oral communication theory.. From Sophocles to Maya Angelou to Kimiko Hahn to Amanda Gorman, arguments will be crafted to support socially relevant issues. Public performance opportunities will be offered to students.

Effective management of and participation in formal and informal discussion groups whose goals are to investigate, evaluate, solve problems or make decisions. Students will also experience methods to facilitate virtual meetings leading to high performance teams.

This course immerses students in the Art of inspiring, convincing and actuating diverse audiences. Using ethical, logical and emotional appeals, students will craft and deliver their own messages to influence others and advocate change. Principles of persuasive theories will provide a foundation for face-to-face and virtual settings.

A broad study of the “one-to-many” speaking context with a focus on developing speaking and listening competence. Includes the message organization, speech presentation, vocal and physical delivery of various types of formal and informal speaking situations.

Methods of close textural analysis. Multiple perspectives and procedures for assessing how rhetoric works to create, maintain, and oppose social meanings.

This course includes a comprehensive study of great American speeches from the 20th century through today. Historical significance, the implications made by the speakersand leaders, and public and global impacts will be discussed. An examination of the texts, delivery, and public commentary of the speeches will lead to critical analysis and student performances. Great public addresses made in films and in other mediums like TED Talks will also be explored.

This course examines theories, principles and implications concerning the many important ways by which humans communicate personally and professionally without words (including such channels as space [proxemics], movement [kinesics], vocal tone [paralanguage], time [chronemics] etc.). Knowledge and skills will be enhanced through readings, lecture/discussion, projects, and various experiential learning techniques.

Organizational Communication is the study of communication processes and systems within businesses and professional settings. It examines culture, change, ethics, conflict, crisis management, leadership and power dynamics in a variety of organizations. These topics will be explored through lectures, case studies, presentations and discussions.

Environmental Communication studies how communication, digital forms, and media influence people's environmental views. It explores the circulation of environmental ideas and issues through communication channels and networks in interrelated narrative forms. Key topics include the relationship between corporate agendas, national policies, environmental groups, commodity hunger, the materialism of class conflict, environmental racism, issues of waste management/environmental risk, social justice, community activism, and the environmental impact of AI and blockchain currency. Of central interest is how media representations affect public perceptions of sustainability and resource exploitation, citizens' ability to use media for environmental mobilization, and the framing of modern lifestyles.

Propaganda, Religion, & War entails a political, historical, and ethical exploration of discursive and visual propaganda. As a form of mass persuasion, propaganda has long been a vital constituent of both religious discourse and the rhetoric of warfare. The course begins with an examination of the emergence of propaganda as a strategic concept in the 17th Century Vatican’s response to the Protestant Reformation. It then combines analytical and ethical perspectives on propaganda with a detailed examination of propaganda-like practices throughout history

This course will survey strategies and processes of argumentation and debate and prominent moral theories. Students will understand, critically analyze, and discuss contemporary legal, ethical and moral issues. Students awareness of ethical global issues will be heightened. Discussions will focus on questions drawn from applicable national and international current events. All students will present well-reasoned arguments and participate in team debates both on and off campus

Students are introduced to research in communication, including an overview of contemporary communication research and a survey of research methodologies