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UGRD > COMSTU
Communication Studies
COMSTU 100 Introduction to Communication
Description:
This course is designed to provide an introductory survey of the study of communication. The course begins with a general history of the evolution of human communication, and goes on to examine such areas as definitions, models, and basic concepts in communication; the range of verbal and non-verbal codes, and their complex interrelations in the message systems of modern electronic media; and various communication contexts, with emphasis on the structure and function of interpersonal communication and mass communication, particularly broadcast and cable television. More Info
Offered in:COMSTU 105 Oral Communication
Description:
This course focuses on improvement of interpersonal, small group, and public communication skills. Through readings, journals, class discussions and activities, we explore the following: self-concept and perception, listening and responding, language and non-verbal behaviors, interviewing, problem-solving and decision-making, formal elements of speech-making, the evaluation of one's own and others' public messages. More Info
Offered in:COMSTU 200 The New Media Society
Description:
This course addresses the increasing globalization of mass communication and its impact on culture and ideology. Specific attention is given to the varying functions of media as a tool, an agent of change and as a weapon on international and domestic politics. The impact of globalization is discussed in terms of their impact of geopolitics, healthcare, education, and national identity. More Info
Offered in:COMSTU 205 Communication Research Methods
Description:
This course provides an overview of the various techniques used by communication researchers in designing, conduction, reporting, and evaluation research. These techniques include quantitative, qualitative empirical, and critical/cultural methodologies. Students will receive the preparation necessary for both research comprehension and writing in upper level electives within the major. They will also gain the skills necessary to become intelligent consumers of research in both academic and applied settings. More Info
Offered in:COMSTU 210 Using Internet Communication
Description:
Using Internet communications enhances students' theoretical understanding of electronic communication and their ability to communicate as professionals, scholars, and citizens using the Internet. Participants learn core communication theoretical models and principles, and apply them to electronic communication methodologies that enhance interpersonal, small group, and public interactions. These methodologies include electronic meetings, discussion forums, co-authoring tools, audio, and video. More Info
Offered in:COMSTU 220 Interpersonal Communication
Description:
This course focuses on theory and research concerning communication in everyday interactions. It addresses the sense of self as an influenced by others and one's own communication. The course will address basic aspects of message production and interpretation. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to evaluate their own communication practices and improve upon their own communication skills. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
COMSTU 225 Relational Communication
Description:
This course addresses theory and research on the role of communication in the establishment, maintenance, and dissolution of relationships. It examines varying types of relationships, including those with coworkers, romantic partners, and family members. The course gives additional consideration to the management of relationships through social media contexts, and to dysfunctional interpersonal dynamics in both live and mediated contexts. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
COMSTU 230 Intercultural Communication
Description:
This course examines human communication in numerous intercultural and international contexts. Readings, discussion, assignments, and projects are designed to help students achieve cross-cultural competence in mediated communication, interpersonal and group dynamics, and organizational climates. Students will learn how to better exchange meaningful and unambiguous information across cultural boundaries, in a manner that maximizes understanding and minimizes antagonism. More Info
Offered in:COMSTU 240 Organizational communication
Description:
This course explores the understanding of human communication within complex organizations. It addresses the study of messages, interactions, and meaning in the process of managing organizations. Topics include, but are not limited to, superior-subordinate communication, technology in the workplace, message flow and diffusion, the construction and maintenance of organizational culture, communication in diverse organizations, and negotiation and conflict. More Info
Offered in:COMSTU 250 Analyzing Media
Description:
Participants intensively examine mass media products, including print media, radio, television, and the visual and musical arts. They develop skills in deconstructing media products and evaluating them to arrive at a sophisticated understanding of how the various mass media are produced and how they interact with society and culture. The course makes use of both theoretical texts and the media products themselves. More Info
Offered in:COMSTU 260 Psychological Effects of Mass Media
Description:
This course examines the effects of mediated communication on individual cognition. Course topics include the psychological impact of media on attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. These individual level effects are evaluated as they relate to entertainment media, news, and marketing. The course devotes particular attention to variability in these responses across audiences from diverse sociological and psychological backgrounds. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
COMSTU 270 Campaign Design and Analysis
Description:
This course presents an introduction to strategic communication. It focuses on the strategic communication industry (including advertising and public relations), the role of new media technologies in strategic communication, components of strategic communication campaigns, international and intercultural considerations, and ethics and regulation of communication campaigns. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
COMSTU 280 Special Topics
COMSTU 300 Information Technology and Human Communication
Description:
This course examines the relationship between information technology and human communication. Readings, discussion, assignments and projects address IT's potential to enhance and constrain communication; its role in the promotion or dissolution of community; its implications for social policy; its place among other media; and many more issues for which IT, particularly cyber-technology, is a lightning rod. More Info
Offered in:COMSTU 320 Social Influence and Compliance Gaining
Description:
This course will examine research and theory on persuasion, compliance gaining, and social influence. Topics include message characteristics, credibility, compliance-gaining strategies, advertising, marketing, public health campaigns, decision-making, and motivational appeals. The course will also explore the applicability of research and theory to everyday practice. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
COMSTU 350 Political communication
Description:
This course will present an overview of the role of communication in the manipulation of political opinions. It explores research on a range of political communication and the cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral effects of this communication on the public and examines changes brought about by advances in communication media. It will alsoexplore research concerning the role of political communication ina n international context. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
COMSTU 365 News Media and Political Power
Description:
This course uses primary and secondary sources to track the news media's influence on the politician's ability to gather and exercise power, from Weimar Germany to the present day. Students observe how agenda setting switches back and forth between officials and journalists, analyze circumstances under which independent watchdog journalism can work, and hone their own writing and reporting capabilities. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
COMSTU 375L Indian Cinema
Description:
This course will provide an introduction to Indian cinema and to Indian culture and society through the study of films. The Indian film industry is the largest producer of feature films in the world. In this class we will examine the films as entertainment as well as cultural narratives and commentaries on society, exploring themes such as social change, the family and gender. The course will combine content analysis of film texts with study of the public culture of film reception. ASAMST 375L and COMSTU 375L and SOCIOL 375L are the same course. More Info
Offered in:COMSTU 478 Independent Study
COMSTU 479 Independent Study
COMSTU 480 Communication Seminar
Description:
A seminar on a particular problem, issue, or technique in the study of communication, approached from a variety of disciplines and perspectives. The topic of the seminar varies from offering to offering and reflects the research interests of the sponsoring faculty member. More Info
Offered in:COMSTU 490 Communication Internship
Description:
An independent project undertaken at an off-campus location under the guidance of a faculty advisor and an off-campus supervisor. A written proposal is required and must be approved by the faculty advisor and the director of the Communication Studies Program prior to accepting the internship. Students will submit a written final report and, at the discretion of the faculty advisor, an interim report. Details and an application form may be obtained from the program director. Grading is "Pass/Fail." More Info
Offered in:COMSTU 491 Communication Internship
Description:
An independent project undertaken at an off-campus location under the guidance of a faculty advisor and an off-campus supervisor. A written proposal is required and must be approved by the faculty advisor and the director of the Communication Studies Program prior to accepting the internship. Students will submit a written final report and, at the discretion of the faculty advisor, an interim report. Details and an application form may be obtained from the program director. Grading is "Pass/Fail." More Info
Offered in:- TBA
