Communication Studies (COMM)

In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches.

In this course, students learn and apply foundational rhetorical theories and techniques of public speaking in a multicultural democratic society. Students discover, develop, and critically analyze ideas in public discourse through research, reasoning, organization, composition, delivery to a live audience, and evaluation of various types of speeches, including informative and persuasive speeches. This is an honors course.

Formerly SP 20. This course takes an experiential learning approach to understanding the process of communication at both the intrapersonal and interpersonal levels. Time will be devoted to the study of theories, practices and concepts within the field of communication studies including, but not limited to: exploring one's self-concept, the process of perception, language meaning and interpretation, types of nonverbal communication, listening styles and skills, conflict resolution strategies, and electronic and social mediated communication.

Formerly SP 25. This course is designed to study the relationship between communication and culture. Emphasis is placed on the development of intercultural competence through the examination and understanding of the following: cultural worldviews, cultural identities, dominant U.S. cultural patterns, diverse value orientations, cultural rules of interaction, verbal and nonverbal intercultural communication.

Formerly Speech Communication 30 (SP30). This course examines small group communication theories and principles. Students will learn to use problem-solving, critical thinking, and team-building strategies to achieve group goals in a variety of contexts. Students will develop their interpersonal and presentation skills to improve their performance as group members.

Formerly Speech Communication 31 (SP31), this course explores definitions, theories, and styles of leadership; purposes and functions of leaders in various settings; and provides opportunities for the practical application of the techniques of leadership toward understanding the role of leaders in organizational success.

This course surveys the discipline of communication studies with emphasis on multiple theoretical issues relevant to the systematic inquiry and pursuit of knowledge about human communication. This course explores the basic history, assumptions, principles, processes, variables, methods, and specializations of human communication as an academic field of study.

This course will examine historical and contemporary approaches to persuasive messages. Students will also focus on the presentation of persuasive appeals and learn to construct, deliver, and critique persuasive messages in various contexts.

Formerly SP 50. This course is designed to explore basic principles of oral communication through the performance of prose, poetry and dramatic literature.

Formerly Speech Communication 60 (SP 60). This course explores the nature, functions, forms, and contexts of argumentation and debate. Students will participate in formal and informal classroom debates and will examine the role of advocacy and reasoning in a free society.