Ron Warren
Chair of the Department
525 Kimpel Hall
479-575-5957
Email: ronw@uark.edu
Communication Department Website
The Department of Communication offers a major leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in communication as well as a minor in communication.
As a subject for academic study, communication bridges the humanities and the social sciences. It focuses on all forms and modes of communication and its consequences for individuals, groups, organizations, communities, and cultures. Our program of study applies communication theory and principles to a wide variety of settings, including interpersonal relationships, business and political systems, cultural interaction and communication technologies.
Communication students may concern themselves with the dynamics of persuasion, media technologies, gender roles, the family, organizational structures, cultural myths, and rhetoric. Because the program offers many diverse interests, there is a place for anyone with a genuine curiosity about human communication and its effect upon society.
The Department of Communication offers courses in five principal areas of study, though students can also choose to follow a broad range of courses across these areas:
- Film studies
- Interpersonal communication
- Mediated communication
- Organizations and communities
- Rhetoric and public communication
Communication majors from recent graduating classes now hold positions in government and public affairs, business, public relations, non-profit organizations, education, and media. Many others successfully pursue further education in graduate and professional schools.
Admission Requirements for a Major in Communication: For standing as a major, entering freshmen must have ACT composite scores of 20 or higher, and those transferring into the program after the first semester of college study must have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.00 or higher.
University and College Requirements for a Major in Communication: In addition to the university/state core requirements and the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Graduation Requirements (see under College Academic Regulations and Degree Completion Policy), the following course requirements must be met. Bolded courses from the list below may be applied to portions of the University/state minimum core requirements.
| University/State Core Requirements | 35 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Finite Mathematics | ||
| Mathematical Reasoning in a Quantitative World * | ||
| Principles of Statistics (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2103) * | ||
Other 2000-level MATH courses can be accepted. (Check with your adviser for details.) | ||
*These courses are highly recommended. | ||
| 3-6 hours – Completion of a world language course at the 2003 Intermediate I level is preferred. (This is usually accomplished through completion of a sequence of two language courses: 1013 and 2003.) Alternatively, 6 hours of courses from a single culture or world region including African, Asian, European, Latin American and Latino, or Middle Eastern and Islamic may be used to fulfill this requirement. Courses must be approved by a departmental adviser. | 3-6 | |
| 36 hours - Communication courses: | ||
| *Two required courses (completed with a grade of C or higher): | 6 | |
| Public Speaking (ACTS Equivalency = SPCH 1003) * | ||
| Introduction to Communication Research * | ||
| *At least two of the following introductory courses (completed with a grade of C or higher): | 6 | |
| Basic Course in the Arts: Film Lecture | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Introduction to Small-Group Communication | ||
| Argumentation and Advocacy | ||
| Introduction to Mediated Communication | ||
| 3 hours of communication elective (numbered 2000 or higher) | 3 | |
| 3000 or 4000-level COMM electives 1,2 | 21 | |
| 40 hours - Electives | ||
| Advanced Electives | 19 | |
| General Electives | 21 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Communication courses that may satisfy the college or University Core requirements will not count toward the communication electives. To graduate, students must have a cumulative grade-point average of 2.00 or above within the major.
- 1
Meets 40-hour advanced credit hour requirement. See College Academic Requirements.
- 2
Meets 24-hour rule (24 hours of 3000-4000 level courses in Fulbright College), in addition to meeting the 40-hour rule. See College Academic Regulations.
Writing Requirement: The college writing requirement may be satisfied by a research paper achieving a grade of “C” or better submitted for an upper-division communication class and approved by the chair of the department.
Communication B.A.
Eight-Semester Degree Program
Students wishing to follow the eight-semester degree plan should see the Eight-Semester Degree Policy in the Academic Regulations chapter for university requirements of the program. Core requirement hours may vary by individual, based on placement and previous credit granted. Once all core requirements are met, students may substitute a three-hour (or more) general elective in place of a core area.
| First Year | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | |
| ENGL 1013 Composition I (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1013) | 3 | |
| MATH 1313 Quantitative Reasoning (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 1113) or MATH 1203 College Algebra (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 1103) | 3 | |
Or select one of the following (if pre-requisites are met): 1 | ||
MATH 2053 Finite Mathematics | ||
MATH 2183 Mathematical Reasoning in a Quantitative World | ||
STAT 2303 Principles of Statistics (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2103) | ||
| COMM 1023 Communication in a Diverse World | 3 | |
or State Minimum Core—Social Science | ||
| COMM 1233 Media, Community and Citizenship | 3 | |
or State Minimum Core—Humanities | ||
| US History university/state core requirement | 3 | |
| ENGL 1023 Composition II (ACTS Equivalency = ENGL 1023) | 3 | |
| Higher level math course, as required1 | 3 | |
MATH 2053 Finite Mathematics | ||
MATH 2183 Mathematical Reasoning in a Quantitative World1 | ||
STAT 2303 Principles of Statistics (ACTS Equivalency = MATH 2103)1 | ||
| COMM 1003 Film Lecture (Sp, Fa, Su) or core Fine Arts course | 3 | |
| COMM 1313 Public Speaking (ACTS Equivalency = SPCH 1003) | 3 | |
| World language course 1013 or higher (if qualified) or world culture course | 3 | |
| Year Total: | 15 | 15 |
| Second Year | Units | |
| Fall | Spring | |
| COMM 2333 Introduction to Communication Research (Sp, Fa) or choose one COMM introductory course: COMM 2323, 2343, 2353, 2813 | 3 | |
| Choose one COMM introductory course: COMM 2323, 2343, 2353, 2813 | 3 | |
| Science university/state core lecture with corequisite lab requirement | 4 | |
| Social Science university/state core requirement | 3 | |
| World language course 2003 (or world culture course) | 3 | |
| COMM 2333 Introduction to Communication Research (Sp, Fa) or choose one COMM introductory course: COMM 2323, 2343, 2353, 2813 | 3 | |
| COMM Elective (2000 or above)1 | 3 | |
| Social Science university/state core requirement | 3 | |
| Science university/state core lecture with corequisite lab requirement | 4 | |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Year Total: | 16 | 16 |
| Third Year | Units | |
| Fall | Spring | |
| 3000 or 4000-level COMM elective1,2 | 3 | |
| 3000 or 4000-level COMM elective1,2 | 3 | |
| Advanced Level Elective1 | 3 | |
| General Elective | 6 | |
| 3000 or 4000-level COMM elective1,2 | 3 | |
| 3000 or 4000-level COMM elective1,2 | 3 | |
| Advanced Level Elective1 | 3 | |
| General Electives | 6 | |
| Year Total: | 15 | 15 |
| Fourth Year | Units | |
| Fall | Spring | |
| 3000 or 4000-level COMM elective1,2 | 3 | |
| 3000 or 4000-level COMM elective1,2 | 3 | |
| 3000 or 4000-level elective1 | 3 | |
| Advanced Level Elective1 | 3 | |
| Advanced Level Elective (as needed)1 | 3 | |
| 3000 or 4000-level COMM elective1,2 | 3 | |
| 3000 or 4000-level COMM elective or General Elective1,2 | 3 | |
| 3000 or 4000-level Fulbright College elective1,2 | 3 | |
| Advanced Level Elective (as needed) or General Elective1 | 3 | |
| General Elective | 1 | |
| Year Total: | 15 | 13 |
| Total Units in Sequence: | 120 | |
- 1
Meets 40-hour advanced credit hour requirement. See College Academic Regulations.
- 2
Meets 24-hour rule (24 hours of 3000-4000 level courses in Fulbright College), in addition to meeting the 40-hour rule. See College Academic Regulations.
Requirements for a Minor in Communication: 21 hours including at least 12 hours must be numbered 3000 or above. A student should consult with an adviser in the department for appropriate courses.
Requirements for Honors in the Department of Communication: The Honors Program in communication gives an opportunity for a student to achieve an additional level of intellectual growth and a satisfaction of accomplishment. A student engages in independent research and writing, under the supervision of a member of the communication faculty, and participates in special honors classes, seminars, and colloquia.
Faculty recognize outstanding achievement by a student by recommending that the bachelor’s degree in communication be awarded with the distinction “Communication Scholar Cum Laude.” Higher distinctions may be awarded to truly outstanding students based upon the whole of their academic program and quality of honors research.
To enter the Honors Program, a student must possess a 3.5 minimum grade-point average on all academic work and receive the recommendation of a faculty member in communication to the Honors Council of Fulbright College. A student may pursue an independent research program of a historical, critical, descriptive, or experimental nature, within any of the areas of rhetorical or communication theory, history of public address, interpersonal, small-group, or organizational communication, persuasion, argumentation, political communication, freedom of speech, communication education, or in any closely related areas of inquiry. A student interested in mass communications, broadcasting, or film may choose to pursue either a research project or a creative study. In addition to satisfying the general college and departmental requirements for a bachelor’s degree, a student must satisfy departmental honors requirements, which include the following:
- Become an honors candidate no later than the junior year of study. Students are encouraged to establish honors candidacy as early as possible.
- Enroll in COMM 3991H no later than the junior year of study.
- Enroll in COMM 499VH a minimum of one hour of credit each semester after the completion of COMM 3991H and until completion of the honors thesis,
- Achieve a 3.5 minimum grade-point average in communication,
- Complete 12 hours (which may include 6 hours of thesis) in Honors Studies, and
- Write and successfully defend before a faculty examining committee a thesis based on the investigative or creative project undertaken in COMM 499VH.
For a full description of the Honors Program and its requirements, consult with the Undergraduate Director in the Department of Communication.
Communication (B.A.) Drama/Speech Teacher Licensure Requirements: Please refer to the Secondary Education Requirements for Fulbright College Students in the "Other Programs" section of the page.
Faculty
Aloia, Lindsey S., Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State University), M.A. (University of Delaware), B.A. (College of New Jersey), Associate Professor, 2015.
Amason, Trish, Ph.D. (Purdue University), M.A. (University of Kentucky), B.S.E. (University of Arkansas), Associate Professor, 1994, 2000.
Bradley, Amy, M.A.T. (John Brown University), M.A. (University of Arkansas), B.B.A. (Northeastern State University), Instructor, 2020.
Brady, Laurie, M.A., B.A. (University of Arkansas), Instructor, 1995.
Brady, Robert M., Ph.D. (University of Michigan-Ann Arbor), M.A. (Western Kentucky University), B.S. (Murray State University), Associate Professor, 1979.
Branton, Scott, Ph.D. (University of Missouri), M.A. (Western Kentucky University), M.S.W., B.S.W. (Florida State University), Assistant Professor, 2023.
Butcher, Margaret, Ph.D. (University of Missouri), M.A., B.S. (Arkansas State University), Teaching Assistant Professor, 2016.
Catron-Ping, Peggy Lee, Ed.D. (University of Arkansas), M.T.S. (Phillips Theological Seminary), M.A. (Missouri State University), B.A. (Central Bible College), Instructor, 2004.
Corrigan, Lisa, Ph.D., M.A. (University of Maryland-College Park), B.A. (University of Pittsburgh), Professor, 2007, 2019.
Denison, Sarah, M.A. (University of Arkansas), B.S. (University of Texas at Tyler), Instructor, 2007.
Dionne, Terrell Jake, Ph.D. (University of Colorado), M.A. (Syracuse University), B.A. (University of North Texas), Assistant Professor, 2020.
Ekhalid, Amnee, Ph.D. (University of Missouri), M.S. (University of North Texas), B.A. (University of North Texas), Assistant Professor, 2023.
Gliszinski, Ryan, M.A., B.A. (University of Arkansas), Instructor, 2018.
Hatfield, Joe, Ph.D. (University of Colorado), M.A. (Syracuse University), B.A. University of North Texas), Assistant Professor, 2020.
Jennings, Freddie, Ph.D. (University of Missouri), M.A., B.A. University of Arkansas), Teaching Assistant Professor, 2018.
Jones, Ringo, M.F.A. (Miami University), B.A. (Northern Kentucky University), Assistant Professor, 2020.
Khan, Abraham, Ph.D. (University of Minnesota), M.A., B.A (Florida State University), Assistant Professor, 2022.
Knies, Cambry, M.A., B.A. (University of Arkansas), Instructor, 2020.
Lambert, Lauren, M.A., B.A. (Missouri State University), Instructor, 2020.
Leach, Rebecca, Ph.D. (Arizona State University), M.S. (Texas Christian University), B.A. (University of Montevallo), Assistant Professor, 2022.
Lee, Joomi, Ph.D. (Michigan State University), M.A. (Indiana University), B.A. (The Catholic University of Korea), Assistant Professor, 2023.
Liles, Alex, M.A., B.A. (University of Arkansas), Instructor, 2014.
Mensah, Angela, Ph.D. (Bowling Green State University), M.A. (Western Michigan University), B.A. (Ferris State University), Teaching Assistant Professor, 2022.
Mobley, Veronica, M.A., B.A. (University of Arkansas), Instructor, 2021.
Morris, John, M.A. (University of Arkansas), B.A. (University of Central Arkansas), Instructor, 2021.
Neville-Shepard, Meredith D., Ph.D. (University of Kansas), M.A. (University of Kansas), B.A. (Furman University), Assistant Professor, 2016.
Neville-Shepard, Ryan M., Ph.D. (University of Kansas), M.A. (University of Kansas), B.A. (Bates College), Associate Professor, 2016.
Scheide, Frank Milo, Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin-Madison), M.A. (New York University), B.S. (University of Wisconsin-River Falls), Professor, 1977, 2008.
Schulte, Stephanie Ricker, Ph.D., M.A. (George Washington University), B.A. (University of Arkansas), Professor, 2008.
Spialek, Matthew L., Ph.D. (University of Missouri), M.S., B.S. (Illinois State University), Associate Professor, 2016.
Suggs, Hannah Gant, M.A., B.A. (University of Arkansas), Instructor, 2018.
Walker, Kasey, Ph.D., M.A. (Purdue University), B.S. (Trinity University), Teaching Assistant Professor, 2006.
Warren, Ron, Ph.D. (Indiana University), M.A. (Colorado State University), B.A. (Michigan State University), Associate Professor, 1997, 2003.
Wicks, Robert Howard, Ph.D. (Michigan State University), M.A. (University of Missouri-Columbia), B.A. (American University), Professor, 1994, 2006.
Courses
COMM 1003. Basic Course in the Arts: Film Lecture. 3 Hours.
Introduction to film as entertainment and art. How to look at film through a study of composition, lighting, editing, sound and acting. Lectures and viewing time. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)
COMM 1003H. Honors Basic Course in the Arts: Film Lecture. 3 Hours.
Introduction of film as entertainment and art. How to look at a film through a study of composition, lighting, editing, sound and acting. Lectures and viewing time. Corequisite: Drill component. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is equivalent to COMM 1003.
COMM 1023. Communication in a Diverse World. 3 Hours.
Introductory course that focuses on the skills and understandings associated with competent communication in a diverse society within interpersonal, group, organizational and intercultural communication contexts. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
COMM 1023H. Honors Communication in a Diverse World. 3 Hours.
Introductory course that focuses on the skills and understandings associated with competent communication in a diverse society within interpersonal, group, organizational and intercultural communication contexts. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is equivalent to COMM 1023.
COMM 1233. Media, Community and Citizenship. 3 Hours.
Examines theory and research on how messages are processed, meanings constructed, communities formed and maintained through interaction with the media. Focus is on critical citizenship and media literacy in the context of the cognitive, social, cultural, political, and economic consequences of increasingly networked media systems. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
COMM 1233H. Honors Media, Community and Citizenship. 3 Hours.
Examines theory and research on how messages are processed, meanings constructed, communities formed and maintained through interaction with the media. Focus is on critical citizenship and media literacy in the context of the cognitive, social, cultural, political, and economic consequences of increasingly networked media systems. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is equivalent to COMM 1233.
COMM 1313. Public Speaking (ACTS Equivalency = SPCH 1003). 3 Hours.
Application of the communication techniques needed to organize and deliver oral messages in a public setting. Emphasis given to theory and practice of message strategies and preparation, audience analysis, presentational skills including multimedia support, speech criticism, and the listening process. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)
COMM 1313H. Honors Public Speaking. 3 Hours.
Application of the communication techniques needed to organize and deliver oral messages in a public setting. Emphasis given to theory and practice of message strategies and preparation, audience analysis, presentational skills including multimedia support, speech criticism, and the listening process. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)
This course is equivalent to COMM 1313.
COMM 2103. Interviewing. 3 Hours.
A study in the theory and practice of methods in selected interview settings, with an emphasis on interviewing through research, journalism, employment, and historical perspectives. (Typically offered: Fall)
COMM 2303. Advanced Public Speaking. 3 Hours.
Continuing study of the invention and adaptation or oral discourse to the needs of listeners. Consideration of the problems of communication in platform presentation. Prerequisite: COMM 1313. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)
COMM 2323. Interpersonal Communication. 3 Hours.
Personal and interpersonal factors affecting communication in everyday life. Emphasis upon ways in which interpersonal perception, physical environment, semantic choices, and nonverbal cues affect communication primarily in the context of work, family, and other personal experiences. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)
COMM 2333. Introduction to Communication Research. 3 Hours.
Introduction to the basic assumptions underlying communication inquiry; resources for and methods of data collection in communication research; and techniques for organization, interpretation, reporting, and evaluation of communication research. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
COMM 2343. Introduction to Small-Group Communication. 3 Hours.
An introduction to procedures used in exchanging information, solving problems, determining policies, and resolving differences in committees and other small groups. Prerequisite: COMM 1313. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)
COMM 2353. Argumentation and Advocacy. 3 Hours.
An introduction to argumentation theory and practice, with concern for analyzing and producing logical, effective, and ethical public discourse. Examines contemporary models for analyzing argument, covers the common types of arguments and ways to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and introduces ways to test arguments for validity and fallacies. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
COMM 2613. Nonverbal Communication. 3 Hours.
Creates an understanding of the functions of nonverbal cues operating in human communication processes and develops familiarity with recent research in the field of nonverbal communication. (Typically offered: Irregular)
COMM 2813. Introduction to Mediated Communication. 3 Hours.
Introduction to media and media industries, particularly the social and cultural impact of their economic and regulatory structures. Emphasis on the historical development of media, business practices of media organizations, critical analysis of media messages, and cultural functions of the media. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
COMM 298V. Topics in Communication. 1-3 Hour.
Topics in communication not represented in other lower division courses. Prerequisite: Completion of at least 3 hours of COMM coursework. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 9 hours of degree credit.
COMM 3153. Visual Communication. 3 Hours.
An examination of visual communication with emphasis on the understanding, manipulation, and effects of these messages on individuals and society. Explores visual messages in contexts such as film, television, advertising, social media, and the Internet by incorporating humanistic and social science theory and research. Prerequisite: COMM 2813. (Typically offered: Spring)
COMM 3173. Introduction to Linguistics. 3 Hours.
Introduction to language study with stress upon modern linguistic theory and analysis. Data drawn from various languages reveal linguistic universals as well as phonological, syntactic, and semantic systems of individual languages. Related topics: language history, dialectology, language and its relation to culture and society, and the history of linguistic scholarship. Prerequisite: Junior standing, COMM 1313 and COMM 2333. (Typically offered: Irregular)
This course is cross-listed with ENGL 3173, WLLC 3173.
COMM 3253. The Latinx Image in Media. 3 Hours.
Exploration of the image and experience(s) of Latinx populations in the United States as represented in visual and print media, including film, television, news journalism, and art. Topics related to US Latinx history, culture, politics, and socioeconomics will be examined in the analyses of these mediated depictions. Prerequisite: COMM 1003. (Typically offered: Irregular)
This course is equivalent to ENGL 3253.
COMM 3263. African Americans in Film. 3 Hours.
A survey of the history of images of African Americans in film, especially as these images are examined in the context of stereotypical renditions and/or realistic representations of African American experiences. Issues of African American history, culture, and socio-political context will be addressed in the analyses of these films. Prerequisite: COMM 1003. (Typically offered: Irregular)
This course is cross-listed with AAST 3263, ENGL 3263, JOUR 3263.
COMM 3273. African Americans in Documentary Film. 3 Hours.
Exploration of the African-American image and experience in the context of time, historical record and varying production viewpoints from diverse documentarians. African-American history, culture and socio-political context are addressed in the analyses of these documentary films from the perspectives of mainstream media, independent filmmakers and minority documentarians Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is cross-listed with JOUR 3273, AAST 3273.
COMM 3283. U.S. Latinos and Latinas through Film. 3 Hours.
This course will examine the portrayal of U.S. Latinos and Latinas in Hollywood films and how those images have changed over time. While coverage will extend to the early years of the twentieth century, the chosen films will place particular emphasis on the century's second half, from the Cold War to the modern day. (Typically offered: Spring)
This course is cross-listed with HIST 3283, LALS 3283.
COMM 3343. Contemporary Communication Theory. 3 Hours.
Study of the nature of the communication process as it is reflected in the individual, in interpersonal settings, in one-to-many situations, and in the mass media. Prerequisite: COMM 2323. (Typically offered: Spring)
COMM 3373. Leadership Communication. 3 Hours.
An analysis of leadership as a discursive process, focusing on how leadership emerges and is enacted on a daily basis through communication-related behaviors. Prerequisite: COMM 2343 or permission of instructor. (Typically offered: Irregular)
COMM 3383. Persuasion. 3 Hours.
Introduction to theories of persuasion with emphasis on application and effect. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 and COMM 2333, or instructor permission. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)
COMM 3423. Science Fiction Film. 3 Hours.
This class concentrates on how science fiction in various communication media influences and is, in turn, influenced by broad features of cultural life. The class considers the impact of science fiction on science fact, the military, space travel, religion, race, gender, social class, education, politics, technology, and fashion styles. Prerequisite: COMM 1003. (Typically offered: Fall)
COMM 3433. Family Communication. 3 Hours.
Study of the nature, functions, and management of communication patterns in the family. Focus is on understanding routine interpersonal interactions, conflict patterns, authority structures, and decision-making processes within the context of the contemporary family. Prerequisite: COMM 2323. (Typically offered: Fall)
COMM 3443. Introduction to Rhetorical Theory. 3 Hours.
Interpretive-critical study of rhetoric in public contexts. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 2353. (Typically offered: Fall)
COMM 3503. Popular Communication and Culture. 3 Hours.
This course is an introduction to basic theories and topics of Popular Communication and Culture studies. The course will emphasize understanding popular media communication forms. Prerequisite: COMM 2813. (Typically offered: Summer)
COMM 3673. Mediated Communication. 3 Hours.
Focuses on media messages and their social/cultural effects. Includes a critical examination of media institutions and the ways they vie for audiences. Other topics include the ways people construct meaning from messages, media's influence on attitudes, media's role in cultural life, and audiences as critical consumers of media. Prerequisite: COMM 2813. (Typically offered: Fall)
COMM 3703. Organizational Communication. 3 Hours.
An introduction to the theory, processes, and management of communication in organizations, with opportunities for simulated application. Prerequisite: COMM 2343. (Typically offered: Fall)
COMM 3763. Health Communication. 3 Hours.
Examines communication within health care organizations and teams. Issues may include patient-provider communication, communication among health care professionals, negative consequences of poor communication in health care delivery, and the use of technology in health-related information dissemination and campaigns. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 and COMM 2333. (Typically offered: Fall)
COMM 3803. Survey of Social Media. 3 Hours.
Surveys research on social media, focusing on the potential cognitive, social, cultural, political, and/or economic consequences of social media and on strategies for engaging with and through social media to promote personal, social and civic goals. Pre- or Corequisite: COMM 2813. (Typically offered: Spring)
COMM 3883. Rhetoric of Social Movements. 3 Hours.
Study of the functions of rhetoric as it appears in the context of social movements such as American independence, women's equality, civil rights, populism, and new conservatism. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 2353. (Typically offered: Irregular)
COMM 3923H. Honors Colloquium. 3 Hours.
Treats a special topic or issue, offered as part of the honors program. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy (not restricted to candidacy in communication). (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.
COMM 3933. Special Topics in Film Studies. 3 Hours.
Topics in film studies which are not usually presented in depth in regular courses. Prerequisite: COMM 1003. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.
COMM 3943. Special Topics in Interpersonal Communication. 3 Hours.
Topics in interpersonal communication which are not usually presented in depth in regular courses. Prerequisite: COMM 2323. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.
COMM 3953. Special Topics in Mediated Communication. 3 Hours.
Topics in mediated communication which are not usually presented in depth in regular courses. Prerequisite: COMM 2813. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.
COMM 3963. Special Topics in Organizational Communication. 3 Hours.
Topics in organizational communication which are not usually presented in depth in regular courses. Prerequisite: COMM 2343. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.
COMM 3973. Special Topics in Rhetoric and Public Communication. 3 Hours.
Topics in rhetoric and public communication which are not usually presented in depth in regular courses. Prerequisite: COMM 2353. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.
COMM 3983. Special Topics. 3 Hours.
Communication topics which are not usually presented in depth in regular courses. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 and COMM 2333. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for degree credit.
COMM 3983H. Honors Special Topics. 3 Hours.
Communication topics which are not usually presented in depth in regular courses. Prerequisite: COMM 1313, COMM 2333 and honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for degree credit.
This course is equivalent to COMM 3983.
COMM 3991H. Honors Course in Communication Research. 1 Hour.
The Honors Course in Communication is the student's first step toward developing an honors thesis project. The course is designed to facilitate the exploration of potential thesis topics, selection of a viable study for the thesis, and the conceptualization of that study. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
COMM 4103. Communicating Body Image. 3 Hours.
This course examines the hidden assumptions about body image as it relates to the intersections of race, class, gender, and other major identity markers. This course is designed a) to facilitate the acquisition of systematic knowledge by applying theories to critically analyze media images and messages, b) to stimulate student interest in feminist media studies as an academic discipline, and c) to promote body neutrality of self and diverse others in a media-saturated society. Prerequisite: COMM 2813. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is cross-listed with AAST 4103.
COMM 4113. Legal Communication. 3 Hours.
Examines communication processes in the legal environment and focuses on communication skills and behaviors among judges, attorneys, litigants, and jurors. Particular attention will be given to verbal strategies and nonverbal messages related to interviews, negotiation, mediation, and litigation and to the rhetorical functions of legal pleadings and judicial opinions. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 2353. (Typically offered: Irregular)
COMM 4143. American Film Survey. 3 Hours.
A survey of major American film genres, major directors and films that have influenced the development of motion pictures. Prerequisite: COMM 1003 or permission of instructor. (Typically offered: Fall)
This course is cross-listed with ENGL 4143.
COMM 4283. Communication in Contemporary Society. 3 Hours.
An examination of research and theory on the process and effects of communication in modern society. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 and COMM 2333 or permission of instructor. (Typically offered: Irregular)
COMM 4323. Communication and Conflict. 3 Hours.
Study of the processes, effects, and managements of communicative conflict, including a consideration of conflict styles, power, goals, tactics, assessment, self-intervention and third-party intervention. Prerequisite: COMM 2323 or permission of instructor. (Typically offered: Fall)
COMM 4333. Communication and Gender. 3 Hours.
Study of the nature, construction, functions, and effects of gender and gender-role stereotypes related to verbal and nonverbal communication, small-group and organizational interaction, and mass mediated images in contemporary culture. Prerequisite: COMM 2323 or permission of instructor. (Typically offered: Fall)
COMM 4343. Intercultural Communication. 3 Hours.
Study of intercultural communication skills, intercultural issues and their impact at home and abroad, and cross-cultural comparisons of communication phenomena from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Prerequisite: COMM 2323. (Typically offered: Spring)
COMM 4353. American Public Address. 3 Hours.
Historical and critical study of the leading American speakers, their speeches, the issues with which they were identified. Lectures, discussion, reports, and critical papers. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 2353 or instructor permission. (Typically offered: Irregular)
COMM 4363. Gender, Race and Power. 3 Hours.
Examines how communication shapes gender, race, sexuality, and power. Rather than focusing exclusively on interpersonal communication, this course looks at theories of power that shape institutional macro communication. Prerequisite: COMM 2353. (Typically offered: Irregular)
This course is cross-listed with AAST 4863.
COMM 4373. Political Communication. 3 Hours.
Study of the nature and function of the communication process as it operates in the political environment. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 and COMM 2333. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)
This course is cross-listed with PLSC 4373.
COMM 4383. Rhetoric of the Modern American Presidency. 3 Hours.
A study of the increasing reliance of contemporary presidents on public persuasion through rhetorical discourse. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 2353. (Typically offered: Irregular)
COMM 4393. Freedom of Speech: Cases & Issues. 3 Hours.
Study of philosophy, cases, and issues relevant to the first amendment right to the free expression, with focus on issues relevant to internal security, obscenity, pornography, slander, and the regulation of communication. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 and COMM 2333. (Typically offered: Irregular)
COMM 4423. Disaster and Risk Communication. 3 Hours.
Examines the role of public communication efforts across all phases of a disaster with an emphasis on the use of risk communication theory to inform disaster preparedness campaign message design and response to media inquiries immediately following disasters. Prerequisite: COMM 2343 or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
COMM 4433. Community Resilience. 3 Hours.
Explores communication systems, community relationships, and strategic communication processes that constitute community resilience. Introduces various methodological approaches to assessing community resilience in order to develop communication-based interventions that promote belonging, transformative potential, and social capital. Prerequisite: COMM 2343 or instructor permission. (Typically offered: Fall)
COMM 4613. Rhetoric of American Women. 3 Hours.
Examines the social and cultural assumptions that have limited the role of women in public communication. Focus is on the rhetorical biographies of selected women and their arguments on important social and political issues. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 or COMM 2353. (Typically offered: Irregular)
COMM 4633. History and Development of International Film I. 3 Hours.
A critical survey of international film as a distinctive art form and as a medium of expression and communication with attention given to films and cinema from its origins to 1975. Prerequisite: COMM 1003. (Typically offered: Irregular)
COMM 4643. Environmental Communication. 3 Hours.
Explores how communication is used by individuals, corporations, and governments to shape public debates about environmental issues. Topics include rhetorical strategies, the publics' right to information and input, dispute resolution techniques, advocacy campaigns, and green marketing. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 and COMM 2333 or permission of instructor. (Typically offered: Spring)
COMM 4653. International Film II. 3 Hours.
A critical survey of international film as a distinctive art form as a medium of expression and communication with attention given to films and cinema from 1976 to the present. Prerequisite: COMM 1003. (Typically offered: Irregular)
COMM 4683. Documentary Film. 3 Hours.
A study and analysis of the documentary film as a discrete film form and as an important contribution to the international cinematic scene. Prerequisite: Advanced standing. Prerequisite: COMM 1003. (Typically offered: Fall)
COMM 4733. Reel Women. 3 Hours.
An examination of films made for, about, and/or by women with the aim of better understanding and centralizing issues pertinent to women's daily lives. Prerequisite: COMM 1003. (Typically offered: Fall)
COMM 4743. Representational Issues in Film. 3 Hours.
An examination of the varying ways that race and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, class, (dis)ability, and age are represented in and by film - both historically and culturally. Prerequisite: COMM 1003. (Typically offered: Spring)
COMM 4763. Health Communication Campaigns. 3 Hours.
Canvasses the theoretical frameworks used in the conceptualization of communication campaigns focused on health information dissemination and the purposes these campaigns serve. Students participate in a service learning project by defining campaign goals; identifying, segmenting, and assessing target audiences; and designing messages for multi-mediated health campaigns. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)
COMM 4773. Treatment of Native Americans in Film. 3 Hours.
This course compares the treatment of Native Americans in film with how representatives of this group identify themselves. Particular attention is paid to how motion pictures focusing on Native Americans produced by indigenous filmmakers compare to treatments of this people produced by Hollywood and others. Prerequisite: COMM 1003 or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Irregular)
COMM 4803. Seminar in Social Media. 3 Hours.
This class encourages in depth examination of contemporary theory and research on the potential effects of social media on cognitive, social, cultural, political, affective, and economic structures. Focus is on critical thinking and contextualization of social media. Pre- or Corequisite: COMM 2813. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)
COMM 4823. Children and Media. 3 Hours.
An in-depth examination of children's use of media and the effects of media content on child and adolescent development. Topics may include violence and sex in media, commercialism, and new media. Prerequisite: COMM 2813. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)
COMM 4843. Computer-Mediated Communication. 3 Hours.
Provides an in depth consideration of the nature of computer-mediated communication by examining its use and effects in interpersonal, work, educational, and societal contexts. Prerequisite: COMM 2813 or instructor permission. (Typically offered: Spring)
COMM 4863. Seminar in Media. 3 Hours.
Research/discussion of contemporary issues in media. Emphasis on the economic and social impact of advertising, news, censorship, programs directed toward children, portrayals of women and minorities, future trends in media technologies, and analysis of the changing media landscape. Prerequisite: COMM 2813 or instructor permission. (Typically offered: Spring)
COMM 4873. International Communication and Globalization. 3 Hours.
Examines aspects of international communication and the impact of globalization on the production, dissemination, and consumption of media technology and messages. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 and COMM 2333. (Typically offered: Irregular)
This course is cross-listed with INST 4873.
COMM 4883. Television and American Culture. 3 Hours.
Historical and critical study of how television shapes American culture and is shaped by it. Attention will be given to the study of television history, programs and audiences; particularly how race and gender shape content and reception of programming. Prerequisite: COMM 2813. (Typically offered: Fall)
COMM 490V. Special Problems. 1-6 Hour.
Credit arranged. Prerequisite: COMM 2333 and at least 9 hours of COMM coursework. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.
COMM 4913. Internship in Communication. 3 Hours.
Internship in applied communication within public and private organizations. Prerequisite: COMM 1313 and COMM 2333. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.
COMM 499VH. Honors Thesis. 1-3 Hour.
Honors thesis under the direction of a faculty member in the Department of Communication. Pre- or Corequisite: COMM 3991H. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.
