COMMS 101 SPEECH 3 cr
A fundamentals course that focuses on public speaking with some attention to group presentation. The course emphasizes communication theory and ethical practice as to how to organize an argument for effective persuasion and expression. The goal of the course is to help the students find their own voices in order to better use their public speaking skills. (F/S/SS)

COMMS 201 COMMUNICATION AND CIVILIZATION 3 cr
Provides students with the history of the discipline and the importance of communication in the development of civilization. The class covers the contributions of rhetoric and communications theory from early Greek times to the present, and offers vital insight to past and future contributions of communication studies.

COMMS 218A-D INTERCOLLEGIATE & ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES 1-2 cr
Participation in one of the following activities: debate, conference participation, speech or drama events or department sponsored event on campus or community-based. May be repeated up to 4 credits.

COMMS 219A-B APPLIED MASS COMMUNICATION 2-3 cr
A practicum course providing guided experience in mediated mass communication. (F/W/S/SS)

COMMS 220 PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE 2 cr
Introduction to the rules and forms of parliamentary procedure, their rationales, and practical application.

COMMS 226 FILM CRITICISM 3 cr
Study of cinema and its cultural implications. Introduction of basic film techniques and aesthetics. Strongly recommended for majors. (F/S)

COMMS 228 TELEVISION CRITICISM 3 cr
Historical background, techniques of production, and critical analysis of a specific television area selected from news, sports, soaps, variety, drama, documentary or children's programming or mass communication.

COMMS 240 INTRODUCTION TO INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION 3 cr
Helps students develop a strong theoretical base needed to become an expert in communication. By surveying a wide variety of communication concepts, theories, and research concerning communication in interpersonal contexts, students learn to build positive, productive relationships.

COMMS 241 INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION 3 cr
Explores the communication that originates from and within profit and non-profit organizations. A survey of concepts, theories, and research helps the student to apply communication knowledge to the professional environment and prepare for a successful career.

COMMS 243 INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA STUDIES 3 cr
Explores the structure, history, functions, potentials, and impact of technologically based communication. (F/SS)

COMMS 245 SPEECH FOR TEACHERS 3 cr
Practical study of oral communications problems and methods especially adapted to the teacher's situation. Emphasis on modes of classroom presentation, counseling, interviewing, and self-evaluation.

COMMS 250 RELATIONAL COMMUNICATION 3 cr
Theory and practice of relational communication, with emphasis on strategic and ethical uses of communication to build relationships interpersonally, in families, and in groups.

COMMS 260 WRITING FOR MEDIA 3 cr

COMMS 310 ADVANCED COMMUNICATION THEORY 3 cr
In depth study of the genesis and development of key issues in contemporary communication theory and research

COMMS 311 QUALITATIVE COMMUNICATION RESEARCH METHODS 3 cr
A qualitative approach for evaluating and criticizing communication from rhetorical, ethical, and aesthetic perspectives. The goal of this course is to help the student become a decisive scholar and intelligent critic of communication research and human expression.

COMMS 312 ARGUMENT AND CONTROVERSY 3 cr
Winning arguments and settling controversy. The course teaches argumentation theory with practical application to analyzing issues of discussion, creating effective forms of proof and evidence, and the responsibilities of advocating an argument. (Offered in Fall of alternate years.)

COMMS 313 QUANTITATIVE COMM RESEARCH METHODS 3 cr
Provides the student with the tools to better comprehend quantitative social science and organizational communication research. The class covers the basics of scientific inquiry, how to collect/analyze data for communication research and use SPSS statistical analysis software for creating their own communication research projects. (S)

COMMS 314 PERSUASION, PROMOTION & ADVERTISING 3 cr
Mass communication theory with special attention given to the nature and role of persuasion in the media, and in advertising and promotion. Topics include analysis of public and mass audience, types and development of campaigns, influence of the media, and the ethics of mass communication. (S)

COMMS 316 MASS MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION 3 cr
Provides comparative and historical analysis of the power of mass communication and the media. Topics include societal, economical, political, legal and ethical impacts of mass communication and the role of the media. Special attention is given to the influence of the mass media on cultural diversity and information distribution.

COMMS 317 AINTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION 3 cr
The benefits and challenges of living and working in an ethnically diverse society and global community. The class seeks to build a diverse knowledge base of cultural customs and unique communicative perspectives, and helps students better manage attitudes and stereotypes that often impede their communication ability in intercultural interactions.

COMMS 318 ADVANCED ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION 3 cr
Gives students hands on experience in analyzing and auditing the communication within and disseminating from organizations. Beyond increasing students' research theory-based knowledge of how to best organize and deliver effective communication essential for organizational success, efforts will be made to assess the communication of local organizations.

COMMS 319 MASS COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS 3 cr
Helps students develop the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to plan, design, and carry out a mass-media-based communication campaign. Students obtain hands-on experience by developing and implementing a campaign for a real-world client. (Prerequisite: COMMS 243 or consent of the instructor)

COMMS 320 GROUP DISCUSSION & TEAM LEADERSHIP 3 cr
Theory and practice of effective participation in and leadership of groups, committees, and public discussion; application to problem solving, information sharing and team leadership.

COMMS 325 GENDER, CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION 3 cr
How gender is communicated within cultural and institutional settings (how we come to know what it is to be a woman or a man), the multiple ways humans communicate within and across gender lines (how we express ourselves as gendered individuals and why we do it many different ways), and the relationship of the two. We will also look at how feminists theories illuminate gender issues in communication. (S)

COMMS 329 INTRODUCTION TO RADIO BROADCASTING/STUDIES 3 cr
Study of radio production and its impact on culture and mass media. Group and individual projects focus on radio history, genres, news writing, marketing, advertising, and the fundamentals of writing and speaking for specific radio audiences. Students will acquire strategies for organizing, gathering, and evaluating information that is accessible and appeal to audiences. Final project requires production of a 30 minute radio program. (S)

COMMS 330 INTRODUCTION TO VIDEO PRODUCTION 3 cr
Students learn to conceptualize, develop, produce and edit in basic television genre. Students are required to produce at least one short segment with TV content. Prerequisite: Membership in WYOU Community TV and completion of camera recording and editing workshops.

COMMS 332 ADVANCED VIDEO PRODUCTION 3 cr
Complex story production and editing of segments exploring ethical and journalistic issues in depth.

COMMS 334 DOCUMENTARY VIDEO PRODUCTION 3 cr
Basic documentary production styles and issues; how to conceptualize and create journalistically sound documentaries. Students will produce a 30 minute video documentary. (Prerequisites: COMMS 318 and 332) (S)

COMMS 378 COMMUNICATION TEACHING PRACTICUM 2-3 cr
Gives the student an opportunity to experience the classroom from the other side of the desk. Duties include assisting with teaching, grading, and student support. (Prerequisite: student must have earned a grade of 'A' in the course in which they will assist) (F/S)

COMMS 379 INDEPENDENT STUDY - COMM STUDIES 1-3 cr
Independent Study of selected topics in Communication Arts developed by the student with the approval and direction of the instructor. (Prerequisite: consent of instructor)

COMMS 430 SPECIAL TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES 3 cr
A variable topics seminar that treats specialized areas of communications study, e.g., health communications, communication, communication and the environment, persuasion, and marginalized communities. (S)

COMMS 430B AFRO-AMERICAN COMMUNITIES 3 cr
This course explores African-American language, culture and communication with in-depth and critical interpretations within a social and historical context. (S) Crosslisted with ETHS 430B.

COMMS 430C GENDER AND COMMUNICATION ISSUES: HOME, WORK AND PUBLIC 3 cr
Study of differences and similarities in gender communication with regard to the family, the workplace, and public settings. Issues in gender communication will be approached from a variety of scholarly perspectives; the seminar will focus on conversational analysis from a pragmatic perspective. (S)

COMMS 440 SENIOR CAPSTONE 3 cr
Seeks to prepare graduating students for career and graduate study opportunities.

COMMS 450 COMMUNICATION INTERNSHIP 3-4 cr
Required of Communication Studies majors. The Program will make efforts to locate internships for students; however, it cannot guarantee availability. Internship experience should be relevant to the student's area of emphasis and career goals.