Course Descriptions

COM 507 Communication Theory (3)
Graduate study of the theoretical orientations in the field of human communication. Focus on 20th Century theorists and schools of thought.

COM 508 Relational Communication (3)
Focus on the nature and functions of communication within relationships. The purpose of this course is to provide a survey of some of the major theoretical perspectives and historical and contemporary research on relational communication. Topics include relationship stages, attraction, dating, relational communication dysfunction, and family communication.

COM 509 Organizational Communication (3)
Focus on the nature and functions of communication in organizational settings. The course seeks to provide students with an understanding of the concepts and methods needed to assess and improve the nature of communication processes in organizations.

COM 512 Persuasion (3)
Examines major theories of persuasion. Emphasis on factors such as attention, perception, needs, values, and credibility. Development of persuasive campaigns.

COM 514 Audio and Video Production (3)
Theory and practice of audio and video production; hands-on experience in basic production for radio and television. This course may be waived if the student has an undergraduate degree in broadcasting or work experience with video equipment. Note: COM 514 does not apply towards either of the M.A. and M.S. degrees in Communication.

COM 518 Broadcast News (3)
Development of skills needed for position of news producer. Includes news writing, analysis of news stories and their relative merit, and production considerations in assembling a newscast. Prerequisite: COM 514, 605, or permission of instructor and Chair.

COM 546 Screenwriting (3)
An advanced writing course designed for students interested in learning how to write scripts for film and television. Students learn the various forms, genres, techniques, and styles of writing for film and television. The course will require students to write both a teleplay and a full-length screenplay. Same as ENG 546.

COM 590 Public Relations Principles and Case Studies (3)
Analysis of public relations principles and techniques through case studies and application of those principles and techniques to a public relations campaign.

COM 591 Television Directing (3)
Integration of television studio facilities, scripting, and production techniques into directing of basic television formats. Directing exercises and individual projects including planning, producing, directing, and crew work. Prerequisite: COM 514 or permission of instructor and Department Chair.

COM 595 Communication Law (3)
Studies current laws governing mass media. Role of the FCC, libel, privacy, and First Amendment issues.

COM 597 Media Management (3)
Problems and concerns in management of the media, including Radio/TV stations. Practical experience in resolving business problems, promotion, sales, advertising, financing, and regulation. Major project required.

COM 598 Broadcast Journalism (3)
Principles of journalism applied to the electronic media. Advanced experience in writing news copy.

COM 605 Advanced Television Production (3)
Advanced television editing techniques. Emphasis on writing, producing, and electronic editing. Prerequisite: COM 514 or equivalent.

COM 613 Leadership and Decision Making (3)
Survey and critical evaluation of theory and research in small group communication, leadership and decision making. Includes applications to selected contexts (e.g., business and industry, health care, community service agencies).

COM 616 Communication and Conflict Management (3)
This course surveys a variety of processes associated with conflict and communication (e.g., conflict management and resolution, negotiation/bargaining, arbitration, mediation). The contexts in which these processes occur receive attention. By the end of the course, students should have an understanding of the key theoretical and methodological issues associated with communication and conflict management.

COM 621 Communication and Technology (3)
Introduction to contemporary communication technologies. This course enables students to understand concepts and develop the skills needed to understand the complex process underlying the development and production of computer-mediated communication. Topics may include: communication with structured online dialogs, an information- processing approach to participation in small groups, and an examination of the interactivity model of communication processes, partner assessments, and the quality of collaborative work.

COM 622 Corporate Video (3)
An overview of non-broadcast video applications especially suitable for use in both industry and schools. Emphasizes development of training materials, interactive video, and teleconferencing.

COM 626 Media Programming (3)
Overview of programming categories, network and local formats, research and programming strategies.

COM 628 Management Issues in Communication (3)
Examination of key management theories. The role of management in the planning, operation, and evaluation of systems.

COM 634 Writing Fiction for the Media (3)
Study of the elements of drama in particular relation to the visual image. Development of characterization and plot structure consistent with the media.

COM 637 Communication Research (3)
Study of the methods, standards, practices, and expectations for the conduct of graduate study and research. Analysis of research in communication.
638 Strategic Issues and Crisis Management (3)
Study of emerging trends facing organizations and implementation of techniques in resolving them. Prerequisite: COM 590.

COM 639 Theories of Interpersonal Communication (3)
The purpose of this course is to provide a survey of some of the major theoretical perspectives and contemporary research on interpersonal communication. Topics include coordinated management of meaning, uncertainty reduction, dialectical contradictions, compliance-gaining, conversational management, interpersonal bonding, and interpersonal competence.

COM 647 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
An introduction to qualitative research methods and techniques and their application to qualitative research design. Emphasis will be on types of qualitative information, methods of data collection, analysis and presentation of results, and the appropriateness of qualitative designs. Students will learn the different approaches to qualitative methods as well as design, conduct, and analyze an actual research study of their own.

COM 650 Graduate Project (3)
A creative project which synthesizes the student’s program of study.

COM 651 Advanced Seminar in Intercultural Communication (3)
An in-depth analysis of theory and practice in intercultural communication. The course covers intercultural communication between dominant and nondominant groups, and between individuals and groups from different linguistic and national backgrounds.

COM 690 Public Relations Campaigns (3)
Application of theories and practices of public relations by presenting major public relations campaigns (local, state, and national) concerning the pressing issues facing organizations and in societies.

COM 694 Graduate Internship (3-6)
On-site practical experience in communication setting; CR/NCR grade; unpaid internships only. Prerequisite: completion of 24 graduate credit hours, and permission of advisor and instructor.

COM 697 Special Topics (3)
Identification and examination of selected topics in communication. May be repeated under different topic titles.

COM 699 Master’s Thesis (3-6)
Individual research supervised by a member of the graduate faculty.

COM 701 Independent Study (1-6)
Individual or small group tutorials. Content is developed for specific interests and needs of student(s). May be repeated. Permission of advisor and instructor.

COM 729 Continuous Registration
This is a continuous registration for Departments/Schools offering graduate programs; CR/NCR grade only.