Minor in Communication Studies

College of Arts and Sciences

Minor in Communication Studies Curriculum

A minor in communication studies provides students with invaluable skills to succeed in the workplace. A flexible program encourages students to take classes of interest that might expose them to communication within interpersonal, intercultural and organizational settings. Courses also deal with race, gender and inequity and provide students with a critical lens to navigate the complex issues of our times.

Required Courses (9 Credits)

  • Study of self-concept, perception, language, listening, emotions, and conflict as they relate to person-to-person communication. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENG 111.

  • This course provides an overview of the human communication discipline. Students will be introduced to various topics within Communication, including the rudiments of communication theory and a survey of communication contexts (e.g., interpersonal, small group, organizational, public, mass, and intercultural).

  • An introduction to the factors which influence communication among individuals of different subcultures. Both theoretical and practical problems of intercultural communication are analyzed. Prerequisites: Eligible for ENG 111 and SPE 101 or COM 104.

Electives (12 Credits)

  • This course provides an overview of the role of communication in the construction of gender. Students will be introduced to various theories, including standpoint theory, grounded theory, queer theory, and performance theory, as they explore the process of identity formation from a communication perspective. Prerequisite: COM 201 or Instructor’s Permission.

  • This course explores the history and constructs of race and ethnicity from interpersonal and intercultural communication points of view and examines the intersections of race and ethnicity within the contexts of globalization, media, and popular culture.

  • This course takes a critical approach toward understanding the role of communication and communication technologies in the creation and dissemination of health messages in international development contexts. Pre-requisite: COM 201 or Instructor’s Permission.

  • This course introduces students to the field of conflict analysis, resolution, and transformation by examining the nature of conflict in interpersonal, group, organizational, and international situations. A focus of the class is on fundamental principles and communication skills needed for resolving conflict with respect, fairness, and empowerment of others.

  • This course focuses on the establishment of identity at the intersection of physical and virtual community dynamics. Students will examine contemporary theories that relate to the key aspects of this establishment, including the distinction between public and private spheres, performativity, and phenomenological principles of being and embodiment. Students will apply the key concepts of the course to specific ethical, cultural and social variables at play in the digital arena, such as simulation, cyber bullying, privacy, virtual relationships, and issues related to race, ethnicity and gender. Prerequisites: COM 104 and COM 201 or Instructor’s Permission.

  • This course focuses 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. Prerequisites: Com 201 and Junior or Senior standing.

  • Beginning with Aristotle, this course provides an historical perspective on how persuasion has evolved to modern times. Emphasis on factors such as attention, perception, needs, values, and credibility. Practice in presentation of persuasive oral and written communication. Emphasis given to persuasive campaigns. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.

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