COMMUNICATION
Vanessa Heeman (2017), Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication
B.A., Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania;
M.A., Ph.D., Kent State University
Academic Interests: interpersonal communication, family communication, health communication
David M. Strukel (2016), Assistant Professor of Communication
B.A., Bowling Green State University;
M.Ed., Kent State University;
Ph.D. Bowling Green State University
Academic Interests: adolescent media usage, teenage pregnancy and the media, sports journalism
Xinlu Yu (2002), Associate Professor of Communication
B.A., Beijing Foreign Studies University;
M.S., Ph.D., The E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University
Academic Interests: intercultural communication, international communication, media and multiculturalism, media in China
Department web address: www.hiram.edu/academics/majors-minors/communication/
Contributing Faculty:
Betsy Bauman, Paul Gaffney, James Laux, and Molly Taggart
Emerita Faculty:
Gail C. Ambuske
Mary Ann Brockett
General Description of Communication Program
The communication major prepares students for careers in a range of industries and roles, such as health and human services, public relations, sports communication, social media, journalism, advocacy, web and digital media, organizational communication, and advertising. In accordance with the Liberal Arts tradition, the communication curriculum emphasizes a rigorous theoretical base in the discipline and requisite skills including writing, speaking, critical thinking, and ethical problem-solving in every course. These skills make our graduates highly competitive for positions in a wide variety of contemporary organizations.
All majors complete a required apprenticeship experience, either on or off campus, allowing students to test and refine their communication knowledge and skills in a supervised setting.
The Capstone in the major encourages students to focus their career goals, network with alumni, prepare for job search, and engage in academic dialog around contemporary issues for communicators in the marketplace.
Hiram Connect gives majors unique opportunities to extend their communication competencies by completing an extended off-campus internship, study abroad, and/or guided research experience with a faculty member.
Requirements for Majors
The Communication Program offers a major requiring ten courses and one correlative course defined below. All four core courses are required and must be completed in sequential order. Students must earn a C- or better in COMM 10100 and COMM 30000 and maintain a minimum grade-point average of 2.0 for all communication courses to progress in the major.
Communication Pathway
I. The core courses are:
10100: Foundations of Public Communication
30000: Human Communication Theory
40100: Research Development
48000: Senior Seminar
The senior sequence of the two 40000-level courses constitutes the capstone sequence, which encourages students to explore critical issues in the discipline and further refine their communication skills in the context of a senior seminar.
II. Elective courses in the major: Students are to choose a minimum of four courses from one of the following three areas of concentration (i.e., health communication, public relations, or sports communication) and a minimum of two additional COMM courses outside their concentration. Of the four courses required for each concentration, only one course can be from another program outside of communication. Students also have the option to build their own concentration in consultation with a communication faculty member.
Health Communication Concentration
Required Course:
2xxxx Introduction to Health Communication
Elective Courses (Choose 3)
22000 Interpersonal Communication [CA]
22100 Group Interaction Processes
22200 Organizational Communication
22300 Family Communication [CA]
22500 Nonverbal Communication [CA]
23000 Argumentation and Advocacy
25000 Communication Between Cultures [EW]
32400 Gender Communication [CA]
32600 Persuasion & Attitude Change
35400 Intercultural Health Care Communication [UD]
PUBH 10100 Introduction to Public Health
Public Relations Concentration
Required Course:
24500 Principles of Public Relations
Elective Courses (Choose 3)
23000 Argumentation and Advocacy
23700 Media Law and Ethics [ES]
24000 Survey of Journalism
24900 Principles of Advertising
26000 Desktop Publishing [CM]
26200 Web Design
28000 Social Media Communication
32600 Persuasion & Attitude Change
MGMT 25500 Principles of Marketing
EVST 28000 Environmental Conflict Resolution
Sports Communication Concentration
Required Course:
24600 Sports Journalism
Elective Courses (Choose 3)
23700 Media Law and Ethics [ES]
24000 Survey of Journalism
24100 Mass Media and Society
26000 Desktop Publishing [CM]
26200 Web Design
28000 Social Media Communication
ART 12000 Fundamentals of Digital Photography
IES 21000 Fitness & Health Promotion & Management
PSYC28000 Sports & Exercise Psychology
General Elective Courses
22400 Oral Interpretation [CM]
24800 Media & Multiculturalism [UD]
III. Correlative courses: Students are required to complete one writing course beyond the First-Year Seminar level.
Requirements for Minors
A minor in communication consists of five courses: COMM 10100, COMM 30000, and a minimum of 3 additional COMM courses (selected from any area of concentration and/or from the list of general electives for the major). These additional courses must be chosen in consultation with a communication faculty member to ensure they represent a coherent study of communication. Students minoring in communication must complete COMM 10100 and COMM 30000 in sequential order.
Apprenticeship in Communication
The Apprenticeship in Communication is designed to create practical experiences for communication majors to further develop their oral and written skills in a non-threatening environment of professional experience that goes beyond the traditional classroom assignments. The apprenticeship can be fulfilled through a variety of options, both on or off campus.
The most traditional manner of fulfilling the practicum off campus is through either internships (Comm. 49800) or field experiences (COMM 29800); please refer to the course descriptions of each. On-campus opportunities include working with Student Senate, Kennedy Center Programming Board (KCPB), Intercultural Forum, or campus jobs with the Alumni, Development, Career or College Relations Offices.
Each student is required to demonstrate a development of communication skills through these experiences. It is possible to complete this requirement without having course credit attached to the experience. The Apprenticeship Program is required for all students who are majoring in communication and is strongly encouraged for those who are minoring.
Communication Major Grade Point Average
The Communication Program calculates the grade point average by considering all courses taken that are used for the major, but not the correlative. Students must attain a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 in courses for the communication major and have a C- or better in COMM 10100 and 30000.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
COMM 10100: FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 4 hour(s)
This course is an exploration of the multiple publics and communicative contexts that inform message creation. Students will be challenged to recognize the obligations and opportunities that exist for public communication as it occurs in their personal, professional, and civic lives. Students will analyze case studies and create audience-centered messages designed to influence publics in a variety of communicative contexts.
COMM 18000: WORKSHOP 1 hour(s)
This workshop will provide the opportunity for students to examine a special topic in Communication. Through readings, discussions and written assignments there will be opportunities to evaluate the topic at issue.
Workshops may be taken Pass/No Credit only.
Students may take no more than nine workshops for credit toward graduation.
Workshops can be used as elective credit only.
(For PGS students only.)
COMM 20500: STYLE AND GRAMMAR FOR WRITERS (MEDIATED TRACK):CM 3 hour(s)
This course will address matters of style and grammar closely and meticulously. It is not a course in developmental grammar, but one designed for serious writers interested in polishing error from their prose and experimenting with their writing styles. The class will be devoted to providing high polish to the individual line and expose students to stylistic patterns and options they may not have seen or noticed before. It will encourage writers to take risks with language, to consider the nuance of punctuation, to think about effect, to make language exact and precise, to develop voice, to distinguish between local advice and general principles in the understanding of "rules," and to gain fuller knowledge and control of individual style.
Also listed as Writing (205 or 20500).
This course fulfills the Creative Methods requirement.
COMM 22000: INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (RELATIONAL TRACK):CA 3 hour(s)
The course explores the complex process of communication between persons seeking meaningful and satisfying relationships. Emphasis is on perception, self concept, verbal and nonverbal messages, conflict resolution, relationships, decision-making as each relates to the communication process. Experiential learning is central to the format of the course.
This course fulfills the Social and Cultural Analysis requirement.
COMM 22100: GROUP INTERACTION PROCESSES (RELATIONAL TRACK) 3 hour(s)
This course examines the complex dynamics of small group life within the context of organizational systems. Small group theory as it applies to perception, membership, leadership, norms, communication, problem-solving and decision making is explored. The focus of the course is to develop individual competence in group settings. Through a laboratory approach students are provided with opportunities to experiment with new behaviors and to improve group effectiveness. Students experience the development of a group through predictable stages and engage in critical analysis of the experiment. A group project is required.
Also listed as Management (221 or 22100).
COMM 22200: ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (RELATIONAL TRACK) 4 hour(s)
The course involves the study of communication theory as it relates to organizations. Topics include communication systems analysis, intergroup communication, team building, goal setting, meetings, and organizational change. The course requires a field research project during which students work with actual organizations to diagnose communication systems. The course contains a significant writing component. Students will develop skill in writing proposals, letters, memos, agendas, progress reports, final reports, and executive summaries as they progress through the field research project.
Also listed as Management (222 or 22200).
Prerequisite: Management (218 or 21800) or Communication (220 or 22000).
COMM 22300: FAMILY COMMUNICATION (RELATIONAL TRACK):CA 4 hour(s)
Family Communication is a course dedicated to applying a wide range of communication theories and practices to an experience shared by all persons-family life. Few relationships are more important to people's well-being than their family relationships. And while these relationships are often defined by genes and marriages, they are built, maintained, and destroyed by communication. No two people have the same familial experience, and this course offers students the opportunity to examine how diverse families function and how their specific members interact with each other. Patterns of intimacy, rituals, roles, decision-making, and conflict are included as significant issues forming family patterns. Historical and other cultural familial relationships are also included to open perspectives beyond the students' immediate experiences. Classroom discussions, experiential activities, and field projects are designed to help students gain insight into the people with whom they share their lives, as well as the workings of well-functioning or "normal" family.
This course fulfills the Social and Cultural Analysis requirement.
COMM 22400: ORAL INTERPRETATION OF LITERATURE (RHETORICAL TRACK):CM 4 hour(s)
Critical approaches to literature to discover meaning and to appreciate the emotional effect of the work is the focal point of this course. Students will use various forms of literature for interpretation and study. Emphasis is placed on principles of reading a work aloud to communicate its intellectual and emotional meaning. Presentations will possibly be an integrated or adjunct aspect of this course.
A version of this course for three (3) credit hours is listed as Communication 22410.
Also listed as Theatre 22400.
This course fulfills the Creative Methods requirement.
COMM 22410: ORAL INTERPRETATION OF LITERATURE:CM (RHETORICAL TRACK) 3 hour(s)
Critical approaches to literature to discover meaning and to appreciate the emotional effect of the work is the focal point of this course. Students will use various forms of literature for interpretation and study. Emphasis is placed on principles of reading a work aloud to communicate its intellectual and emotional meaning. Presentations will possibly be an integrated or adjunct aspect of this course.
A version of this course for four (4) credit hours is listed as Communication 22400.
Also listed as Theatre 22410.
This course fulfills the Creative Methods requirement.
COMM 22500: NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION (RELATIONAL TRACK):CA 3 hour(s)
This course is devoted to the study of nonverbal communication in our intimate, social, and working relationships. Nonverbal cues found in (a) the communication context, (b) the communicator's physical characteristics, and (c) his/her body movement and position (gestures, posture, touching, facial expressions, eye and vocal behavior) are explored alone and in conjunction with the total communication system to better understand how nonverbal behavior helps accomplish various communication goals (for example, closeness, identity, and deception). Students will be introduced to contemporary research studies as well as key works from the past to develop a theoretical perspective of the subject. Field experiments, observational studies, and classroom exercises are an integral part of the course and give students an opportunity to increase their sensitivity to messages communicated via nonverbal channels in a variety of natural settings.
This course fulfills the Social and Cultural Analysis requirement.
COMM 23000: ARGUMENTATION AND ADVOCACY (RHETORICAL TRACK) 4 hour(s)
Argumentation and advocacy are examined as reasoned discourse in formal and informal decision-making situations. This includes an examination and evaluation of proofs, types and tests of evidence, proposition analysis, and their uses in the advocacy process. Students will assume the role of advocates in informal and formal contexts.
COMM 23200: PRESIDENTIAL RHETORIC (RHETORICAL TRACK) 3 hour(s)
This course examines presidential discourse as reflected in speeches, interviews, letters, and press conferences. Students will learn a critical framework for analyzing this genre of discourse, and they will write a critical paper on a selected presidential rhetoric.
COMM 23700: MEDIA LAW AND ETHICS (MEDIATED TRACK):ES 3 hour(s)
The challenges of our times require civic engagement and careful, thoughtful judgment of our information sources. The agenda-setting and watchdog functions of the media define our experience with the United States capitalist and democratic system. Through intense research and class discussion, we will explore legal and ethical issues in the media. We will read and discuss popular press, peer-reviewed journal articles, and legal documents, to improve media literacy and explore the symbiotic relationship between what is legal and what is ethical. We will cover a variety of legal issues including First Amendment struggles, libel, slander, and invasion of privacy. We will also explore ethical dilemmas in mainstream media including current ethical issues. Course components include: in-class and out-of-class assigned readings, in-class viewing of related videos and films, ongoing class discussion, and in-class and out-of-class group and individual projects.
This course fulfills the Meaning, Ethics, and Social Responsibility requirement.
COMM 24000: SURVEY OF JOURNALISM (MEDIATED TRACK) 4 hour(s)
This course examines the contemporary professional journalistic field, particularly the areas of writing for media, design, layout, public relations and advertising. It provides students with practical experience and also an understanding of ethical and legal problems facing contemporary journalism. By examining the way First Amendment principles have translated in different political and social arenas, it also addresses how effectively journalism serves its various constituencies.
Also listed as Writing (240 or 24000).
COMM 24100: MASS MEDIA AND SOCIETY (MEDIATED TRACK) 3 hour(s)
Discussions covering the evolution of print and electronic media systems in general and their impact on different kinds of societies are the central focus of the course. Audience insights will be an important part of this exercise. Press freedom, a key component of many political systems, will also be evaluated. Students will be required to analyze media content and audience responses in research papers that address these issues. Some discussion of research methodology will therefore be conducted.
COMM 24500: PUBLIC RELATIONS (MEDIATED TRACK) 4 hour(s)
This course will introduce students to how public relations function in corporations, government, nonprofit organizations, and other institutions and provide an overview of many facets of public relations: its history, development, ethics, practice, and application. We will look at the process of public relations, including research, planning, implementation, and evaluation of public relations campaigns, survey techniques, strategies and tactics used by public relations practitioners, and how to practice public relations effectively and ethically in today's global society. Analysis of case studies gives students the opportunity to apply public relations concepts to a realistic situation and to begin to understand the actual, creative challenges available in the public relations profession.
COMM 24600: SPORTS JOURNALISM (MEDIATED TRACK) 4 hour(s)
This course is an overview of sports journalism and includes the study of story development from a single idea to a published story in the field of sport. This course examines the various elements necessary to bring a sporting event from the playing field to the public through the print media. Topics include types of print media, the role of sports department personnel, coverage of the sporting event, developing contracts, gaining access to sports figures, interviewing, and story development. The course focuses on developing effective writing skills by approaching sports writing as a process.
Also listed as Writing (246 or 24600).
COMM 24800: MEDIA AND MULTICULTURALISM (MEDIATED OR INTERCULTURAL TRACK):UD 4 hour(s)
In a world pervaded by communication technologies, many of our perceptions about current affairs, others, and social realities are based on the types of information provided to us by the media. One result of this situation is that we witness the rise of different trends in and out of group consciousness. For the first time in the history of humankind, groups and individuals began to see themselves from outside as well as from inside. This course will initiate a critical exploration of representations and misrepresentations in the media of African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, women, gays and lesbians, and other traditionally under-represented groups, and prepare students to critically evaluate information they receive from the media about these groups.
This course fulfills the Understanding Diversity in the USA requirement.
COMM 24900: PRINCIPLES OF ADVERTISING (MEDIATED TRACK) 3 hour(s)
This course is designed to introduce students to the theory and application of creativity in advertising. Based on the idea that good advertising always starts with an understanding of people and an awareness of their needs, this course moves through the creative process step by step, focusing first on the creative person, then on strategy and problem solving. It covers a range of topics including the nature of creative strategy to various media. Students will also learn how advertising is evolved and regulated and learn about key social issues and consumer problems with advertising. The emphasis throughout the course is on developing good advertising based on solid strategic thinking, and students will be required to write, design and present original advertisements and critique various advertisements.
COMM 25000: COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CULTURES (INTERCULTURAL TRACK):EW 3 hour(s)
Communication channels carry our symbolic universe, create our perceptions of reality, and act as sources of influence. This course will include an examination of international and national, as well as private and public channels of communication. The emphasis will be on the effects of changing communication patterns and strategies on family structures, institutional structures, personal identity, belief systems, and cultural values. The course will examine the reciprocal nature of communication and will stress the interplay between individuals and their cultures. Different countries and cultures will be the focus in different years the course will be offered.
This course fulfills the Experiencing the World requirement.
COMM 25200: THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE: A LINGUISTIC INTRODUCTION (RHETORICAL TRACK) 3 hour(s)
This course traces the historical development of the English language from its Indo-European origins down to present day U.S. speech, with a special emphasis on the various contemporary American dialects. In studying this long evolution of our native tongue, students will be introduced to modern linguistic techniques and terminology. Some fieldwork in local dialects will be required.
A revised version of this course is offered for four (4) credit hours as Communication 25400.
A student may receive credit for only one of these courses.
Also listed as English (252 or 25200).
COMM 25400: THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE: A LINGUISTIC INTRODUCTION (RHETORICAL TRACK) 4 hour(s)
This course traces the historical development of the English language from its Indo-European origins down to present day U.S. speech, with a special emphasis on the various contemporary American dialects. In studying this long evolution of our native tongue, students will be introduced to modern linguistic techniques and terminology. Some fieldwork in local dialects will be required.
A revised version of this course is offered for three (3) credit hours as Communication 25200.
A student may receive credit for only one of these courses.
Also listed as English (254 or 25400).
COMM 26000: DESKTOP PUBLISHING (MEDIATED TRACK):CM 4 hour(s)
The increasing emphasis on a multimedia environment has forced journalism organizations to generate reader interest in its paper forms, particularly under the demand of traditional revenue models. We will examine the state of desktop publishing in news media as well how to integrate current trends in the creation of professional and academic documents. Thus, a firm understanding of media literacy as it relates to content production is imperative. This course focuses/teaches uses of current software for various types of document design. Students will learn how to integrate text, graphics, and photographs to create a variety of professional quality documents for journalistic and general professional use. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to combine their understanding of mass communication theoretical perspectives with common techniques for getting and maintaining a media consumer's attention.
This course fulfills the Creative Methods requirement.
COMM 26200: WEB DESIGN (MEDIATED TRACK) 4 hour(s)
This course presents topics related to basic Web design principles. We will explore Web usability, changes in the online information landscape, as well as issues confronting Web designers. We will learn the Macintosh operating system, Web design standards, Dreamweaver current software and its components, and learn to develop unique, basic Web pages.
COMM 26500: SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNICATION 4 hour(s)
In this class, we will examine social media communication and its uses and functions, proper and improper, from personal and business standpoint. This course takes a hands-on approach to learning the content which will include designing a social media marketing campaign for a local business. A variety of social media platforms will be examined. There are no prerequisites for this class.
COMM 28000: SEMINAR 4 hour(s)
COMM 28100: INDEPENDENT STUDY 1 - 4 hour(s)
COMM 29800: FIELD EXPERIENCE 1 - 4 hour(s)
Field Experience allows a student the opportunity to examine one or more professional communication fields through observation, interview, shadowing. This may entail some professional work on behalf of the student, but is determined by the cooperating organization and the faculty supervisor. This is designed for career exploration. Generally, a student would complete 40 hours of professional commitment for each hour of academic credit, along with an analysis paper.
COMM 30000: HUMAN COMMUNICATION THEORY 4 hour(s)
In this class, we will examine the major body of theories that claim to explain and account for the process of human communication. The course focuses on theories of communication that help you understand the issues affecting the field today and people's daily interactions in various contexts. It emphasizes the application of the theories to your experiences outside the classroom as well as the ethical issues and implications of each theory. A variety of materials including film clips, case studies, application logs, discussion, collaboration, and lecture will be utilized to sustain interest and motivate learning. This is a required course for the Communication major and minor.
Prerequisite: Communication (101 or 10100).
COMM 32000: PROFESSIONAL EDITING (MEDIATED TRACK) 3 hour(s)
This course is designed to teach students to be professional copyeditors as well as to explore other editorial positions in a publishing house. In order to make the experience of editing real, there will always be a project associated with this class: often a collection (essays, stories, poems, commemorate pieces) of student work. The first time this course was run (2006), a collection of twenty-nine essays written about Hiram, Ohio, U.S.A., over the past ten years, was shepherded toward production by a group of fifteen students. Students will learn not only how to line edit, but also how to assemble a book, making important aesthetic decisions about use of photographs, front and back matter, cover design, layout, etc. The vocabulary, technique, and art of publishing and editing will all be addressed and employed.
Also listed as Writing (320 or 32000).
Prerequisite: Writing (221 or 22100) or permission.
COMM 32400: GENDER COMMUNICATION (RELATIONAL OR INTERCULTURAL TRACK):CA 3 hour(s)
This course is concerned with the communication "about" and "between" men and women. "About" involves how the sexes are discussed, referred to, or depicted both verbally and nonverbally. "Between" is the interpersonal dimension. More specific topics include the social construction of gender and the influence of gender on: self-perceptions, self-disclosure, language usage, nonverbal communication, mass media, intimacy, friendship, and professional relationships.
Counts toward the Gender Studies Minor.
This course fulfills the Social and Cultural Analysis requirement.
COMM 32600: PERSUASION AND ATTITUDE CHANGE (RELATIONAL TRACK) 4 hour(s)
This course focuses on the interaction of attitudes and verbal communication process emphasizing recent experimental studies dealing with source, message, receiver and environmental variables. Additionally, specific persuasive situations such as bargaining, negotiations, trial processes, marketing and political campaigns are examined. A research paper on an aspect of persuasion theory and recent experiments is required.
Also listed as Management (326 or 32600).
COMM 33200: GLOBAL RHETORICAL TRADITIONS:EW (RHETORICAL TRACK) 4 hour(s)
An examination of the nature of rhetoric as it has developed as a human problem-solving process from the 5th Century B.C. to the present. Students will explore the contributions of major rhetorical figures from the Classical Period through the 20th Century with an emphasis on rhetoric as a cultural artifact that evolves from the political, philosophical, and social background of the times. The ethical dimension of rhetoric is stressed throughout. Applications will be made to contemporary examples. Students will engage in experiential learning through the re-enactment of a Roman banquet.
This course fulfills the Experiencing the World requirement.
COMM 33300: RHETORICAL CRITICISM (RHETORICAL TRACK):IM 4 hour(s)
An examination of the nature and practice of rhetorical criticism as theory and methodology for understanding and critiquing contemporary discourse. The tools of rhetorical criticism, different methodological approaches, and the values of analyzing human discourse are explored. Students will do critiques from a broad variety of contemporary discourse such as speeches, essays, letters, editorials, theater, television, film, and other symbolic contexts of their choosing.
Also listed as Writing (333 or 33300).
Prerequisite: English (206 or 20600) or Writing (221 or 22100) or Communication (101 or 10100) or permission.
This course fulfills the Interpretive Methods requirement.
COMM 33400: THE RHETORIC OF SOCIAL MOVEMENTS (RHETORICAL TRACK):UD 4 hour(s)
The role of rhetoric in the political context is studied as it has been demonstrated in the major social movements of the 20th Century. Students will examine movement stages, movement organization, movement leadership, and movement use of communication channels as expressed through different kinds of rhetorical messages. Students will research a social movement of their choosing.
This course fulfills the Understanding Diversity in the USA requirement.
COMM 34900: MEDIATED & RELATIONAL COMMUNICATION (RELATIONAL OR MEDIATED TRACK):CA 3 hour(s)
Relational and media scholars have long debated whether the need to communicate can be fulfilled by connecting to others through mediated channels. Some argue the media cannot be a substitute for face-to-face interaction while others describe media as a "functional alternative". Others view media as a device for social learning or a way to meet others one might not encounter. In this course, we will follow debates in the scholarly literature, and draw upon the seminal works of scholars to better understand and discuss these findings in the context of our own lives. The course shall analyze both interpersonal and media theories and apply these to current interface issues (e.g., social networking, Mean World Syndrome, media portrayals and stereotypes).
This course is also offered in a 4 credit hour format as COMM (350 or 35000) .
This course fulfills the Social and Cultural Analysis requirement.
COMM 35400: INTERCULTURAL HEALTH CARE COMMUNICATION (RELATIONAL OR INTERCULTURAL TRACK):UD 4 hour(s)
Cultural beliefs about disease and health are closely intertwined with beliefs about religion, life and death, and even gender and child rearing. The intersection between cultural belief systems and communication is the focus of this course. As the United States becomes more culturally diverse, the need for knowledge and sensitivity about different cultures in health care settings becomes more crucial. Whether it is a Muslim woman who refuses to let a male doctor examine her in an emergency room or a Native American who is suspicious of the “white man’s” medicine, health care providers are presented with daily challenges. Students will learn culture general and culture specific concepts to achieve the goal of greater knowledge, awareness, and understanding of intercultural health care. Students will examine readings and engage in experiential learning to increase their understanding of the impact of culture on communication and its application to the health care context.
This course fulfills the Understanding Diversity in the USA requirement.
COMM 38000: SEMINAR 1 - 4 hour(s)
COMM 38100: SPECIAL TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION 1 - 4 hour(s)
Special topics focusing on specific areas within the broad realm of human communication will be offered each year. Topics will vary depending upon the currency of the subject matter and expertise of the faculty. Offered on a rotating basis, topics in Rhetoric, Communication, and Mass Media will provide an opportunity for students to examine contemporary issues and research methods.
A prerequisite and/or permission may be required for some topics.
COMM 39310: CHINA: TRADITION AND CHANGE: BACKGROUND 1 hour(s)
As a prerequisite for INTD 39300 and Study Away trip to China in the subsequent semester, the course will introduce students to China's history, geography, philosophies, religious traditions, and cultural values. The course will also address issues associated with the process of cultural transition and practical considerations for preparation for the trip abroad. The course will provide the broader context for understanding the readings, sites, and interactions when the students travel to China.
COMM 40100: RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT 1 hour(s)
Students in this course will research and develop communication topics in preparation for the Senior Seminar course. Students will also examine recent and historical communication research to become better acquainted with research writing in communication. The course also provides students with opportunities for career exploration, with special attention to resume and cover letter writing. Prerequisite: C- or higher in both Comm 10100 and Comm 30000.
COMM 48000: SENIOR RESEARCH 4 hour(s)
A comprehensive examination of the discipline's recent significant or historical exemplary research is undertaken to acquaint all majors with important aspects of each field within the discipline. Major areas include interpersonal, group, organizational, nonverbal communication, rhetoric, public address, mass media and journalism. Ethical issues of the discipline will also be considered, particularly a discussion of the significance of choice, moral obligations, truth, and honesty in communication. During this course, each student will also revise his or her research proposal, and prepare a poster presentation describing his or her research plan.
Prerequisite: Communication (470 or 47000).
COMM 48100: INDEPENDENT RESEARCH 1 - 4 hour(s)
COMM 49800: INTERNSHIP 4 hour(s)
An internship can bring a specific focus to the study of communication that is not available in the traditional educational environment of a classroom or library. Students with a junior or senior status and with completion of six courses in communication may apply for an internship at a cooperating communication-related business for professional field-work experience and directed research or project. The student's study-employment is jointly supervised by a faculty member and the employer. Internships can be arranged in professions such as journalism, public relations, and mass media. For each hour of academic credit, 40 hours of professional work experience must be completed. Additional requirements include a daily log of professional activities, a research paper connecting the theoretical learning to the practical work experience, and a written evaluation by the cooperating professional supervisor in the communication field.
COMM 62000: RADIO BROADCAST TECHNIQUES 1 hour(s)
Students will be involved with WHRM, the campus' carrier current station. Credit for this experiential learning is gained by completing the following tasks: (1) passing a FCC rule test; (2) producing a 3 hour program for 8 weeks, which means 20-30 hours of work experience; (3) completing two of three options: (a) making an audition tape of 5 minutes, (b) creating a public service announcement or commercial, (c) doing four newscasts.
Pass/No credit only.
COMM 62100: RADIO STATION MANAGEMENT 1 hour(s)
Students will be involved with WHRM, the campus' carrier current station. Credit for this experiential learning is gained by completing the following tasks: (1) working 20-30 hours; and (2) demonstrating mastery of one major area of station responsibility, such as music, news, sports, special events, public affairs.
Prerequisite: Communication (620 or 62000).
Pass/No credit only.
COMM 63000: NEWSPAPER TECHNIQUES 1 hour(s)
Students will be involved with the Advance, the campus' student-produced news outlet. Credit for this experiential learning is gained by completing the following tasks: (1) passing a test on A.P. style and editing marks; (2) working 20-30 hours; (3) completing one of three options: (a) writing and submitting three articles, (b) submitting three photographs of three events, (c) serving as the newspaper's liaison to a campus organization for one term.
Pass/No credit only.
COMM 63200: PRINT MEDIA MANAGEMENT 1 hour(s)
Students will be involved with the Advance, the campus' student-produced news outlet, or the Vision, the campus' student yearbook. Credit for this experiential learning is gained by completing the following tasks: (1) working 20-30 hours; and (2) demonstrating mastery of one major area of print media responsibility, such as editing, layout, advertising, or photography.
Prerequisite: Communication (630 or 63000) or COMM (631 or 63100).
Pass/No credit only.