Communications (COMU)

COMU 101 Public Speaking I

The primary goal of COMU 101 is to provide students with the opportunity to improve their public speaking skills in the areas of preparation and delivery. The method of speaking emphasized is extemporaneous. Though public speaking is the primary focus of the course, other issues of communication, such as written, interpersonal and group, are also discussed. In addition, students will learn to be more critical consumers of communication. 3 credits.

COMU 300 Communications and Media: Challenges and Opportunities

This course serves as the gateway for the communications and media program. Students examine mediated communication and begin to analyze the relationship between culture, media, and technology. They consider the role of storytelling in multimedia and explore a variety of topics affecting and influenced by mass communication and media. This course provides a solid foundation to prepare students to create solutions in media environments upon completion of the communications and media program. 3 credits.

COMU 301 Advanced Public Speaking

Designed to provide a more in-depth study of classical and contemporary principles of rhetoric and rhetorical criticism, this course provides concentrated work in speech structure, delivery, and criticism. 3 credits.

COMU 315 Intercultural Communication

This course explores the communications process from a variety of interfacing cultures and subcultures. Special emphasis is given to each culture's worldview and its impact on intercultural communications, through utilizations of traditional and new media. Students will apply communication theory through case studies and consider the value-added aspects of expanding diversity, equity and inclusion. 3 credits.

COMU 329 Experimental Topics in Communication

An examination of selected topics in communication relevant to evolving areas of importance to the field. Syllabi must be approved by the Dean and announced to the Curriculum and Academic Committee prior to being offered. May be repeated for credit provided the course content is different. 3 credits.

COMU 330 History of Communication and Technological Revolutions

Prerequisite: COMU 300.

In this course, students will explain the historical context of communication and technological revolutions. They will explore topics such as technological trends, the foundation of mass media, modes of communication, theoretical context, and perceptions of media and how they have shaped communications. Ultimately, students will be able to draw parallels between past and contemporary communication methods. 3 credits.

COMU 360 Methods and Techniques of Persuasion

This course explores the methods, theories, techniques, and concepts of persuasive communication. Students will address scientific, humanistic, and behavioral aspects of persuasion. Content will include interpersonal persuasion, advertising, political campaigning, and use of persuasion techniques in mediated environments. 3 credits.

COMU 365 Multimedia Journalism

Prerequisite: COMU 300.

In this course, students will apply multimedia techniques to storytelling in the context of journalism. They will analyze diverse audiences and determine how that analysis influences story creation. Additionally, students will select the most appropriate medium for disseminating information. Students will complete a project that requires effective research and journalistic writing. 3 credits.

COMU 370 Principles of Public Relations

This course provides a thorough examination of the theories, practices, effects, and principles of public relations. Students will explore the roles and responsibilities of public relations, such as media relations, ethical considerations, and dissemination of information via technology and social media.They will engage in storytelling that achieves specific strategies and serves intended audiences. Additionally, they will address the role of public relations in civic, community, governmental and global contexts. 3 credits.

COMU 375 Media Ethics

In this course, students will address ethical issues in the context of media and communication. They will identify the historical foundations of ethics. They will also apply various approaches to case studies and dilemmas that may occur in a media-related environment. Students will consider how to balance the relationship between personal beliefs and professional behavior. 3 credits.

COMU 410 Organizational Communication

This course is a comprehensive review of effective written and oral communication in academic and professional settings. Students build knowledge and skills in the process of researching and writing reports and preparing presentations that clearly communicate the intended message. 3 credits.

COMU 420 Strategic Social Media

In this course, students will explore how organizations apply social media strategies to achieve their goals. They will seek out and evaluate case studies in social media that include best practices and blunders. Topics include social media content development and platforms as well as managing the rapid growth and change in this medium. Students will create a social media strategy for an organization or product. 3 credits.

COMU 485 Communications and Media Capstone

Prerequisites: COMU 365, COMU 370, COMU 420, SSCU 380.

As the capstone for the B.A. in Communications and Media, COMU 485 provides students with the opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills gained throughout the program. Students will identify a real world challenge and apply their understanding of culture, media, ethics, and technology as well as their skills in data analytics, presentation, and media creation to propose solutions to this challenge. 3 credits.

COMU 499 Independent Study

Prerequisite: Instructor's approval and approval of petition.

Directed reading and/or research designed to meet specific need of superior upper-division students. 1-3 credits.