COMMUNICATION COURSES - COMM

NOTE: A maximum of 9 credit hours total from the following courses may be counted for the Communication major, while a maximum of 3 credit hours from these courses may be counted for either the Communication minor or the BIS Concentration in Communication: COMM 2210, COMM 2730, COMM 2890, COMM 3890a, COMM 3890b, COMM 3890c, COMM 3890d, COMM 4210, and COMM 4800.

COMM HU1020. Principles of Public Speaking (3)

Introduces theories and principles of effective speaking with emphasis on: audience analysis and adaptation, listening, organization, content development, use of language, and extemporaneous delivery. Designed to improve the student's ability to research, organize, develop and make presentations.

COMM 1040. Convocations (1)

Features distinguished speakers and artists in broad fields of humanities, sciences, technology, education, national and world affairs, and specialized artists in the fine arts from specialties such as music, theatre, interpretation, ballet and art. May be repeated for maximum of six credits.

COMM TD/HU1115. Humanities on the Internet: Culture, Content and Access (3)

An introductory course integrating Humanities content with technology and information skills. Students will learn core information literacy skills and use the library and the Internet to understand, access and critically evaluate Humanities topics and information. Strong emphasis will be placed on active learning including student writing, group discussion, and oral presentations. Students will complete a research project on a Humanities topic and publish it on the World Wide Web. Students are expected to attend exhibits and performances outside of regularly scheduled class time. Completion of this course meets part D of the WSU Computer and Information Literacy requirement. Cross listed in ART, ENGL, FL, LIBS, & THEA.

COMM 1130. Media Writing (3)

Beginning instruction in information-gathering techniques and media writing styles that inform, entertain and/or persuade. Approach recognizes that new technology is blurring the distinctions among various media and that writers must have a broad base of knowledge and skills. Prerequisite: Proficiency in word processing.

COMM 1500. Introduction to Mass Communication (3)

Examines mass media development and impact upon society. Considers newspapers, magazines, film, radio, TV and multimedia. The role of media in providing information, opinion, entertainment and advertising support are considered along with the social political-economic controls which affect the media. (Also available via correspondence.)

COMM 1560. Audio Production & Performance (3)

An introductory course in audio production and performance. Training in audio console operation, use of recorders and microphones, and audio editing. Class includes basic announcing and formatting for radio stations. Course emphasizes hands-on projects.

COMM HU2010. Mass Media & Society (3)

Media literacy course which examines the non-legal, but ethical and social problems of mass media. Discusses current media issues and explores constructive steps to improve media relationships. (Also available via correspondence).

COMM HU2110. Interpersonal & Small Group Communication (3)

Explores the dynamics of verbal and nonverbal communication in personal relationships and small groups. The emphasis is on practical application of course content to enhance interpersonal relationships and to achieve competence as group members.

COMM 2200. In-studio Video Production and Performance (3)

An introductory course in all aspects of in-studio video production. Skills include performing for video as well as the use of cameras, switching, lighting, electronic graphics and audio equipment. In-class projects emphasize directing, writing and performing for video. Four classroom hours per week.

COMM 2210. Intercollegiate Debate (1)

Preparation and competition on the national debate resolutions and participation in individual events. Course may be repeated for credit four times. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

COMM 2270. Argumentation & Debate (3)

An examination of the theory and practice of argumentation with emphasis on parliamentary and policy debate formats. Emphasis also placed on making claims and inferences, research and the use of evidence, cross-examination, case construction, rebuttals and style of presentation.

COMM 2350. Communication Graphic Design (3)

An introduction into the design of communication projects with special emphasis on creative typography, paper, computer-assisted layout and design as well as publication techniques. Working familiarity with desktop publishing required. Prerequisite: COMM 1130.

COMM 2730. Radio Production Workshop (1)

Students meet once a week and work as contributors to the Weber State student radio station, KWCR. Work may include such things as station management, announcing, production, news, sales or engineering. At least one shift of 4 hours per week is required. Specific hours to be arranged. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credit hours. Prerequisite: COMM 1560 or permission of instructor.

COMM 2751. Field Video Production & Performance (3)

Remote video production and performance. Skills include performance, program planning and writing, use of field cameras and post-production. May be taken in same semester as COMM 2200.

COMM 2890. Cooperative Work Experience for The Signpost (1)

Newspaper lab experience at The Signpost for all majors in the Journalism and the Public Relations & Advertising concentrations. Journalism students should register for 1 credit for three consecutive semesters. Public Relations & Advertising students should register for 1 credit for two consecutive semesters. Students will learn facets of producing a print and/or on-line publication. Skills include news reporting and writing, advertising, design and photography. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credit hours. A maximum of 3 credit hours may be counted for the major. Prerequisite: COMM 1130.

COMM 2920. Short Courses, Workshops, Institutes and Special Programs (1-6)

Consult the class schedule for the current offering under this number. The specific title and credit authorized will appear on the student transcript.

COMM 3000. Communication Theory (3)

This course is intended to provide students with an overview of communication theory. It will give students a working knowledge of theories used to explain a wide range of communication phenomena, enabling them to build upon selected theories in other upper-division courses in their chosen communication major concentration. Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: advanced standing.

NOTE: For Communication majors, minors or BIS students, COMM 3000 is a pre-requisite or co-requisite for all upper-division Communication courses. Majors, minors, and BIS students may be authorized to take an upper-division course concurrently with COMM 3000; however, COMM 3000 and COMM 3150 must have been successfully completed before students (majors only) may enroll in COMM 4990–Senior Seminar. Non-Communication students with advanced standing may enroll in upper-division Communication courses. Enrollment in COMM 4890 and 4990 is limited to Communication majors only.

COMM 3050. Theory and Literature of Interpersonal Communication (3)

Explores selected theories and perspectives of interpersonal communication through the study of relevant literature. Possible issues addressed include the interpersonal implications of race, gender, class and affectional preference. Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: advanced standing.

COMM 3060. Listening Theory (3)

Study of listening theory and literature in various contexts including public, interpersonal and intercultural settings. Student exploration and application of listening theories.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: advanced standing.

COMM 3070. Performance Studies (3)

Study of aesthetic texts through performance featuring the view of text or literature as communicative event and textual meaning as response in readers and audience. A primary emphasis will be placed on the relationship between performative choices and textual understanding.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: advanced standing.

COMM DV3080. Intercultural Communication (3)

Explores theoretical perspectives in intercultural communication. Through analysis of various intercultural theories, students will become aware of cultural influences on communication in both international and domestic cultures.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: advanced standing.

COMM 3085. Family Communication (3)

No activity is more fundamental to emotional need fulfillment, overall personal satisfaction, and the maintenance of community/social systems than family communication. It is in the recursive cycle of family communication that we learn how to relate to others. This course examines current studies in family communication research and its implications. Students will add to the scholarship of family communication by completing a research project in conjunction with this course. COMM 2110, CHF 1400, and CHF 2400; Pre/Co-Requisite: COMM 3000.

COMM DV3090. Gender and Communication (3)

This course is designed to help students understand the influence that communication has upon the shaping of gender and the influence that gender has in shaping communication interactions. Students become aware of, sensitive to, and more experienced in the issues, implications and skills necessary to successfully and meaningfully communicate with males and females, and about males and females, in a wide range of communication contexts. Cross listed in Women’s Studies.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: advanced standing.

COMM 3100. Small Group Facilitation & Leadership (3)

Theories and practical communication processes are examined and applied to develop fundamental attitudes and skills for facilitating and leading effective groups.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: permission of instructor.

COMM 3120. Advanced Public Speaking (3)

Study and application of the elements of rhetorical style to manuscript speaking. A close examination of figures of speech and thought applied to speech writing.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-communication students: advanced standing.

COMM 3130. News Reporting and Writing (3)

Develops journalism skills relevant to newspapers and online news services. Emphasizes news gathering, interviewing and news writing.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-communication students: COMM 1130 or permission of instructor.

COMM SI3150. Communication Research Methods (3)

Explores methods of gathering, analyzing and interpreting data. Topics include: asking questions, observing and measuring communication variables; designing valid and reliable research; research ethics, experimental design and survey research. Emphasis is also placed on how to present research and how to read scholarly journal articles.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisites for non-communication students: quantitative literacy and advanced standing.

COMM 3220. Editing (3)

Develops editing knowledge and skills for print and online publications. Covers copy editing, content editing and page editing. Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: advanced standing.

COMM 3230. Health Communication (3)

A broad examination of communication theory, application, and research in health care delivery and management. Examines many different levels and channels of communication including the development and application of interpersonal communication, small group communication and teamwork, organizational communication, communication ethics, leadership, and motivation skills in dealing with health care providers, staff, and consumers in a variety of health care environments. Cross-listed with HAS 3230.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: advanced standing.

COMM 3400. Public Relations (3)

Philosophy and practice of public relations in business, government, education and non profit organizations. Case studies will be selected from a wide range of actual public relations concerns to foster decision-making skills and a mature understanding of public relations management.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: permission of instructor.

COMM 3440. Public Relations Writing (3)

Explores principles and practices of a variety of public relations writing formats ranging from news releases to websites.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, 3400, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: COMM 1130 or permission of instructor.

COMM 3550. Organizational Communication (3)

Study of communication in organizations from various theoretical perspectives with an emphasis on the organizational culture perspective. Includes topics such as communicating with external audiences, decision-making, conflict resolution, and power relationships.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: advanced standing.

COMM 3650. Communication Law (3)

First Amendment origins, interpretations and philosophy underlying regulation of the mass media.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: advanced standing.

COMM 3730. Media Programming and Audiences (3)

This course focuses on principles, strategies and approaches for creating and scheduling content for radio, television and the World Wide Web. The course also provides an analytical framework for understanding industry trends in media programming, and how those trends are influenced by audience research. Students create and schedule programs, apply programming strategies and philosophies, and learn relevant terminology and audience measurement techniques.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: COMM 1500 or permission of instructor.

COMM 3740. Copy Writing for Audio and Video (3)

Specialized concepts and techniques required to write effectively for radio, television, advertising, and other new media technologies. Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: COMM 1130 or permission of instructor.

COMM 3780. Broadcast News Writing & Production (3)

Classroom instruction and practical experience in writing, reporting, performing, producing, and editing for television news. Students will produce newscasts for a local cable channel.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: COMM 1130 or permission of instructor.

COMM 3810. Persuasive Communication (3)

Study of theories and principles of persuasion from classical to modern times. Examines persuasion as a means of influence in interpersonal communication, public speaking, public relations, advertising, politics, and other contexts.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: advanced standing.

COMM 3850. Advertising (3)

A practical and theoretical study of advertising. Course is designed for students planning careers in advertising, as well as for those who are simply lifelong consumers of advertising and want to understand its role in the economic system.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: permission of instructor.

(A maximum of 6 credit hours total from COMM 3890a, COMM 3890b, COMM 3890c and COMM 3890d may be counted for the major.)

COMM 3890a. Advanced Cooperative Work Experience - Signpost (1-3)

Open to students who are Signpost editors and managers. Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: permission of instructor.

COMM 3890b. Advanced Cooperative Work Experience with KWCR (1-3)

Open to students who are KWCR senior staff.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: permission of instructor.

COMM 3890c. Advanced Cooperative Work Experience with Public Relations (1-3)

Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: permission of instructor.

COMM 3890d. Advanced Cooperative Work Experience with Television Broadcasting (1-3)

Open to students who are members of Weber State News' crew or staff and/or crew members of other student produced television programs.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: permission of instructor.

COMM 4130. In-depth and Investigative Journalism (3)

Emphasizes finding and writing news stories that move from explanations of what happened to how and why something happened. Examines research techniques and discusses ways to use the law to access information.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: COMM 1130 or permission of instructor.

COMM 4150. Classical Rhetorical Theory and Criticism (3)

Studies the origins of rhetorical theory in Greece and Rome in the works of Corax, Isocrates, Plato, Protagoras, Aristotle, Cicero and Quintilian. Tensions between rhetoric and philosophy. Study and application of neo-classical standards of rhetorical criticism.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: COMM 3810.

COMM 4160. Contemporary Rhetorical and Communication Theories (3)

Study of contemporary rhetorical and communication theories.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: permission of instructor.

COMM 4210. Intercollegiate Debate (1)

Preparation and competition on the national debate resolutions and participation in individual events. Course may be repeated for credit four times. Prerequisite: COMM 2210 or equivalent.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: permission of instructor.

COMM 4400. Public Relations Media and Campaigns (3)

Apply communication principles to internal and external publics; research, plan and evaluate social interrelationships; study of the controlled and uncontrolled media and their role in public relations; prepare a major public relations campaign for a selected client.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: permission of instructor.

COMM 4500. Topics in Communication (3) variable title

The study and application of Communication in contemporary society is dynamic and ever changing. This course will provide students with opportunities to explore specialized topics in contemporary journalism, electronic mediated communication, human communication studies, and public relations in a seminar format. This course may be taken more than once with different designations.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: advanced standing.

COMM 4750. Advanced Audio and Video Production (3)

Capstone course for audio and video production. Emphasis is placed on combining production types to produce longer and more complex programs.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: permission of instructor.

COMM 4760. Electronic Media Management (3)

Analysis of complex systems necessary to manage media companies such as radio stations, television stations and cable outlets. Students will develop a master plan for a new media company.  Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. Prerequisite for non-Communication students: permission of instructor.

COMM 4800. Special Study and Individual Projects (1-3)

Work with an assigned faculty member on a project of special interest. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours. A maximum of 3 credit hours may be counted for the major. Prerequisites for Communication majors, minors and BIS students: COMM 1020, 1130, 2110, 3000, 3150, acceptance in program, and permission of instructor.

COMM 4840. Teaching Journalism and Advising Student Media in the Secondary School (3)

Prepares students to be teachers of journalism and advisors of student media in secondary schools. Designed to confront problems involved in organizing a staff, gathering material and publishing a newspaper, yearbook and literary magazine. For Communication teaching majors or minors: advanced standing and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. For other Communication majors and minors: acceptance in program, pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000; permission of instructor.

COMM 4850. Teaching Speech and Directing Speech Activities in the Secondary School (3)

Methods and techniques for teaching speech communication in secondary schools. Techniques and practices for coaching and supervising high school speech activities such as individual events, legislative forum, and debate. For Communication teaching majors or minors: advanced standing and acceptance in program; pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000. For other Communication majors and minors: acceptance in program, pre/co-requisite, COMM 3000; permission of instructor.

COMM 4890. Communication Internship (1-3)

An opportunity for students to receive academic credit for faculty approved on-the job learning experiences within certain communication areas of emphasis. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours. A maximum of 3 credit hours may be counted for the major. C/NC only. Prerequisites: COMM Major with Junior or Senior standing. Pre/co-requisite: COMM 3000.

COMM 4920. Short Courses, Workshops, Institutes and Special Programs (1-3)

Consult the class schedule for the current offering under this number. The specific title and credit authorized will appear on the student transcript.

COMM 4990. Senior Seminar (3)

A capstone course that prepares students to do a senior project and a portfolio to be used in job interviews or application to graduate school. Prerequisites: Communication major, COMM 3000, COMM SI3150, and senior-level standing.

 

Weber State University 2009-2010 Catalog