Department of Communication & Theatre Arts

This course is designed to introduce students to the study of communication in cultural contexts, the purpose of which is to prepare students to live and work within an increasingly multicultural world. This is accomplished by first defining and critically analyzing concepts of culture. Throughout the semester, the course will investigate theories of culture and communication that address the development of cultural identity, intercultural communication competence, the role of verbal and nonverbal communication across cultures, the cultural composition of the U.S., and finally ethical communication and challenges in a globalized era.

An overview of general and contextual theories of communication. Focus is on the nature of communication theory, the role of theory in communication inquiry, and the relationships among theory, research, and practice.

This course introduces students to the basic elements of public information as it pertains to assisting organizations avoid, mitigate and recover from crisis situations. Students will have the opportunity to both observe and participate in crisis communications situations.

This course introduces students to the multi-layered challenges associated with communication in the event of accidents, crises and natural disasters. In addition to incorporating basic elements of public relations as it pertains to assisting organizations avoid, mitigate and recover from external crisis situations, students will have the opportunity to both observe and participate in crafting multi-agency responses to these unplanned events.

The course examines the tensions between modernity and tradition in the context of Middle East culture. Cultural variables for study include myth and religion, family structures and the use of science and technology.

A survey of classic and contemporary theories and research of communication in personal and social relationships across the lifespan. Emphasizes communication as a means to facilitate conditions for development of positive relational outcomes.

Focus on theory and research of communication processes in conflict episodes across social and personal relational contexts. Applications of communication approaches to conflict management are emphasized.

The listening course introduces students to: 1) Practices for exploring and developing listening competencies, 2) Theoretical perspectives and models of listening, and 3) Research on listening. Practice, theory, and research are all integrated across the contexts of self, others, nature, and the divine.

Perspectives on nonviolent communication and peace are covered from the micro level (e.g., individual beliefs and worldviews) to interpersonal relationships (e.g., conflict management), groups (e.g., tribes, gangs), organizational systems (e.g., businesses, governments), and macro or global level (e.g., political relationships between nations).

This course investigates the history, types, characteristics, functions, and applications of love in everyday life, emphasizing the communication of altruistic/compassionate/agape love in four interrelated contexts: self, spirit, others, and creation. Theory, research, and applications of love will be explored within the spiritual, scientific, and dialogic (the conversation between science and spirit) perspectives.

A survey of classic and contemporary theories and research of communication in family units, family relationships, and family interfacings with society. The course emphasizes communication in the social construction of evolving "family" realities as well as communication as means to facilitate conditions for development of positive domestic outcomes.

A survey of theories and research of communication during childhood. Emphasis is on children as developing communicators, their relationships, and their interactions with media. Factors affecting optimal development of children's communication and development of applications to enhance children's communication development are emphasized.

In today's digital landscape, storytelling is a powerful tool for effective communication. This course explores the intersection of strategic communication and podcasting, equipping students with the skills to craft compelling narratives that engage audiences across various platforms. Through a combination of theoretical insights, practical exercises, and hands-on podcasting projects, students will learn how to develop, produce, and distribute podcasts strategically to achieve communication objectives.

This course explores the history, theory, industry, and practice of advertising as a communication discipline. This course explores the origins of advertising and its evolution into its contemporary, technologically-driven form while introducing students to skills and concepts necessary for work in the field.

A topical study of the major works of Spanish and Latin American film from Buneul to the present. The course explores many issues, including those related to gender, race, symbolism, and class struggle.

The first half of the 20th century was the most creative and destructive period in German and European history. Its rich cultural achievements included Viennese psychoanalytical theory of the turn of the century, Art Nouveau, German Expressionism, and the avant garde aesthetics of the Weimar Republic. Conversely, World War I and II exposed the cultural agony and human depravity of modern civilization. This course will trace these various aspects and developments in a variety of exemplary genres. Readings and discussions in German. (Cross-listed with WCS 445/WCS 545 and GER 445/GER 545)

A survey of the key methods used in critiquing various forms of human and mediated communication for the purpose of becoming more discerning consumers of public and mass mediated messages. Analysis will include films, television, and radio programs, advertisements, newspapers, public discourses, speeches, and conversations.

This course focuses on legal and policy issues related to modern media systems and technologies, with an emphasis on legal considerations of electronic media. Subjects include First Amendment issues concerning news, programming, and advertising; station licensing; and challenges to traditional legal thought brought about by new technologies.

An examination of the rise of broadcast technology and world flow of information and entertainment. Theory and policy issues of systems of broadcast ownership, access, regulation, programming, transborder, broadcasting and cultural imperialism and dominance of Western programming will be addressed.

A critical examination of the news industry as practiced in the printed press, network and cable television, magazines, the Internet, and alternative press. Class examines the political economy of journalism, the sociology of journalistic practice, international news flows, ideological/political control of news, and mythological narrative forms within news.

Focuses on theories, research and applications of the social influence function of communication in a variety of organizational contexts. Examines traditional and nontraditional social influence theories and research as applied to organizational change.

The foundation of any successful strategic communications, from marketing to public relations to advertising, is research. This course introduces students to secondary and primary research methods in an applied way, having students actually design and conduct full research studies for a client in the community. Students will discuss and conduct various forms of market research (situation, stakeholder, and competitor), explaining how it is integral to strategic thinking and responsible growth in order to directly prepare them for work in the field.

Social marketing, the process through which communications professionals attempt to introduce, reinforce, or augment social change through theories and practices of marketing, is a growing field with implications ranging from social entrepreneurship to international relations to community resiliency. This course will introduce the theories of social marketing, applying them through collaborations with a local organization or cause. Students will focus on a practical approach to constructing a brand through communication strategy and media tactics, and how those relate to constructing and maintaining the identity of a larger organization while also promoting social benefit.

A survey of sport media and communications. This course will expose students to the rapidly evolving sport media landscape, analyzing the communication processes involved in both strategic communication and journalism, through the mediums used to convey messages. The internal and external audiences involved in sport communication will be examined, both through an analysis of journalism’s impact on sport and an exploration of the strategic communication planning process.

An examination of world cinema as a technology, a business, an institution, and an art form from inception to the present. Emphasis is on the narrative fiction film, its technological and aesthetic development, economic organization, and socio-cultural context. Representative classic and contemporary works will be screened and analyzed.

This seminar investigates one or two particular emergent new media practices and theories. The topics will be chosen at the discretion of the instructor but may include issues such as 'mobile media,' 'micro media and audiences,' and 'social media.'

The role of television in the cultural, psychological, and economic life of America. The structure and design of television programs; and the history and function of television in reinforcing or altering public perceptions of ideas, events, and people. Major critical approaches are employed in examining television's social impact and global reach.

This course introduces students to the ways in which different media forms are used for advertising and marketing purposes. Emphasis is on electronic media, though other approaches, such as direct marketing techniques and the increasing use of new media technologies for marketing, are also examined.

An examination of American motion pictures as an art form, a business and an institution from inception to the present. Primary attention is accorded to the narrative fiction film, its technological and aesthetic development, economic organization and social impact. This course highlights the many connections between film history and American culture.

Discussion/presentation topics range from production field work to post-production editing. The final third of the semester will be devoted to compiling the rough footage in post production.

This course is designed to extend students' knowledge of the media elements of strategic communications, from graphics to images to video. Students will discuss how to ground creative production in strategy for a client, how to focus on content and storytelling for a specific stakeholder, and how to create an extended, coherent plan using both creative and organizational goals. This is not intended to make students 'creative' but instead to show students how to design, direct, and manage the work that a media production team might do.

This course is designed to examine the conventions and meanings of various film and television genres within their broader aesthetic, socio-historical, cultural, and political contexts. Each time the class is offered it will focus in depth on a different genre, such as the gangster, the Western, the musical, the comedy, science fiction, among others. Class may be repeated for credit as long as the genres are different.

This course offers students an opportunity to collaborate on a faculty led project beyond the scope of typical classroom projects. Students will execute an assigned duty for the duration of the semester.

This course is designed to give an overview of contemporary scholarship on phenomena within the scope of interpersonal health communication.

In this course, students gain hands-on experience working in an agency setting. They work directly with clients to create specific materials, and learn new tools and software suitable for each project. We emphasize building students' professional qualifications connected to their interests and the client's needs that bridge the gap between coursework and a career. Students will conduct situation analyses, choose audiences and strategy, and create professional-quality materials for clients. If they take the class for a second semester, students will have more senior roles, where they interface more extensively with the client and become team leaders with bigger projects.

This course will delve into activism and social change from a local and global perspective in order to enhance students' perspectives of social change as it manifests via popular media and community action.

The advanced study of selected topics designed to permit small groups of qualified students to work on subjects of mutual interest which, due to their specialized nature, may not be offered regularly. These courses will appear in the course schedule, and will be more fully described in information distributed to all academic advisors.

The advanced study of selected topics designed to permit small groups of qualified students to work on subjects of mutual interest which, due to their specialized nature, may not be offered regularly. These courses will appear in the course schedule, and will be more fully described in information distributed to all academic advisors.

Independent reading and study on a topic to be selected under the direction of an instructor. Conferences and papers as appropriate.

Topic to be selected under the direction of an instructor. Conferences and papers as appropriate.

Students begin with an overview and then cover (1) past intercultural communication research, (2) the philosophical underpinning and ethics behind intercultural communication research, and (3) current developments in intercultural communication theory. They then address the application of intercultural communication theory in specific intercultural communication contexts (e.g. business, education, health and international travel).

This course takes a developmental approach to the study of communication by exploring the culminating effects of communication as it evolves across our lifetime. It encompasses all phases of life (birth-death) across interactions within family, work, social, health, and spiritual contexts. The focus is on foundational and contemporary lifespan theories and research.

This class looks at emerging theories of new media and their transformative effects on industrial practices, news dissemination, cultural production, social interaction, and political engagement across the lifespan. Students engage in ongoing theoretical debates and participate in various online endeavors that offer real world research opportunities.

Examines the role of various communication systems in enacting social change involving commercial, governmental and not-for-profit contexts. Topics include persuasive techniques, community engagement, mobilizing large-scale social movements, and the political consequences of human and digital communication across the lifespan.

An overview of social scientific and qualitative methods used in lifespan development communication research. Includes survey, experiment, observations, content and conversation analyses with an emphasis on developmental methods. Approaches to studying communication of children, adolescents, and later life are included.

This class surveys the major methodological approaches available to critical communication researchers, such as semiology, structuralism, post-structuralism, neo-Marxism, and psychoanalysis, among others, within a cultural studies tradition. Special attention is paid to various digital communication technologies and how they are utilized throughout the lifespan.

This course will examine: (1) the nature-nurture controversy as reflected in current theories about gender as a significant factor in the transformation of physical bodies into social bodies, (2) cultural objects and institutions that shape our gender roles and expectations, and (3) nonverbal language and power and the status of the sexes.

This course explores theories and research of communication in everyday relationships across the lifespan from early childhood relationships until relationships at the end of life. Communication in personal and social relationships, within age cohorts (early childhood, adolescence, adulthood) are highlighted.

This course examines communication theories and research in light of the theories and research of positive psychology. Topics include: strengths-based communication theorizing, communication and happiness, positive communication functions, creative communication, and positive communication outcomes (health, wellness, peace, hope).

This course examines the intersections of communication, geography, and food from lifespan and global perspectives. Topics to be covered include communication and cooking; dinner table talk; food and folk culture; victual rituals; the portrayals of food in media (e.g., film, television, CMC, print); the roles of race, class, and gender in food production/consumption; the commercialization of food; fast food and slow food; globalization vs. the 'locavore' movement; visualization and symbolic communication about food and nutrition; and market and supermarket geographies.

This course conceptualizes the relationship established by the processes of human communication that are mediated by new media technologies. The course examines how such technologies affect social relationships, and how cultural values influence usage patterns of these technologies.

This course explores the theories, questions, claims and myths that have accompanied the rise of new communication technologies and electronically derived digital information that define the 'Electronic Revolution,' also known as the Information Society.

The seminar surveys the relationship between communication and religion with an emphasis on theory, research and applications. Topics may include the communication of religious beliefs/values via story, ritual, ceremony, worship, prayer and mediated communications.

A structured work experience providing both a conceptual understanding and on-the-job training in some aspect of lifespan and digital communication. A journal, a final paper, a log of hours, a portfolio of work, and a satisfactory evaluation by wok supervisor and cooperating faculty member are required.

This course examines the relationships among race, racial identity, and television. Multiple scholarly traditions are used to examine the interactions among television tests, audiences and institution, and historical and contemporary race relations.

A capstone seminar for non-thesis students in their final semester to synthesize the relationships between lifespan and digital communication. Students will develop and complete a research paper or a digital communication project that they will present to a COMM graduate committee.

This course is intended for students in the Master of Arts in Lifespan and Digital Communication program who choose the thesis option. Course topics include: developing a thesis proposal, thesis rules and regulations, the thesis committee, presenting and defending a thesis proposal, and acquiring the essential tools needed to write and successfully defend an MA thesis.

The study of selected topics designed to permit qualified students to work on subjects of mutual interest in a seminar format which, due to their specialized nature, may not be offered regularly.

Independent reading and study of a topic under the direction of an instructor. Conferences and papers as appropriate.

This course is intended for students in the Master of Arts in Lifespan and Digital Communication program who choose the thesis option. During the time a student is working on the MA thesis they must be enrolled in COMM 698, followed by COMM 699.

This course is intended for students in the Master of Arts in Lifespan and Digital Communication program who choose the thesis option. During the time a student is working on the MA thesis they must be enrolled in COMM 698 followed by COMM 699.

This course is designed to provide an overview of contemporary scholarship on phenomena within the scope of interpersonal health communication. Students will become familiar with fundamental communication processes that are involved in managing physical and mental health. Additionally, they will develop an awareness of how communication among friends, family members, professionals, and others influences people's well-being, and how, in turn, health and illness shape communication and relationship dynamics. Topics to be covered include patient identity and self-disclosure, social support, patient-provider communication, end-of-life care, and health education. Consistent with the goals of graduate education, students are expected to engage with the course content, exercise critical thinking skills, develop advanced reading and writing competencies, and develop a sense of practical applications of theory and research.

The advanced study of selected topics in communication studies will be covered in such a way as to permit small groups of qualified students to study subjects of mutual interest which, due to their specialized nature, may not be offered regularly.

Independent research directed by professors/faculty members examining communication topics.

The advanced study of selected topics in communication studies are covered in such a way as to permit small groups of qualified students to study subjects of mutual interest which, due to their specialized nature, may not be offered regularly.

Independent research directed by professors/faculty members examining communication topics.

This course is a pass/fail course for master's students in their final semester. It may be taken to fulfill the registration requirement necessary for graduation. All master's students are required to be registered for at least one graduate credit hour in the semester of their graduation.