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2012-2013 Academic Catalog and Handbook

Communication Arts (COMM) Courses

COMM 100 Introduction to Communication
3 hours. An introduction to the study of human communication. Application of communication principles to interpersonal, group, and public contexts. Particular emphasis on the practice of public speaking. Students will prepare and deliver several oral presentations.

COMM 200 Persuasive Communication
3 hours. A presentation of key principles of persuasion as they are reflected in typical organizational communication contexts. Focus on developing a planning sequence that will function as a practical guide for designing, executing, and evaluating communication events. Students will be expected to develop a "real world" communication event, e.g., publicity campaign, speech, newsletter. (Identical to JOUR 200)
Prerequisite: COMM 100 Introduction to Communication or equivalent.

COMM 210 Interpersonal Communication
3 hours. Theoretical and reflective study and guided experience in dyadic and small-group communication, with attention given to interpersonal communication, listening behavior, nonverbal communication, and conflict resolution.
Prerequisite: COMM 100 Introduction to Communication or equivalent.

COMM 220 Intercultural Communication
3 hours. Communication as it affects and is affected by language and culture. Contextualized use of communication within speech communities. Intercultural effectiveness. Cultural communication theory. Competent intercultural experiences in co-cultures (ethnic, gender, intergenerational, deaf, and so on) and global cultural groups.

COMM 230 Mass Media and Popular Culture
3 hours. Survey of the historical development of newspapers, magazines, broadcast media, and cinema. Analysis of the role(s) of mass media in shaping and altering opinion and values in contemporary culture.

COMM 270 Introduction to Organizational Communication
3 hours. An examination of organizations from a communication vantage point. Combines study of theoretical perspectives with skill development. Students will build organizational communication competencies through understanding the nature of communication in the organizational context and by practicing effective communication skills. Possible topics include communication networks and climates, superior-subordinate relationships, computer-mediated communication, organizational identification, communication audits, group and team communication, interviewing, meetings, and presentations.

COMM 275 Field Experience
1-10 hours. Experience in supervised field situations, generally off campus, involving extensive communication activity. Admission to course and amount of credit determined by the faculty supervisor. Pass/No Pass.

COMM 285 Selected Topics
3 hours. A variety of topics may be offered that reflect the interests of faculty, visiting professors, and students.

COMM 300 Communication Theory and Research
3 hours. A study of the major sources of communication theory (e.g., meaning theory, humanistic psychology, symbolic interactionism, relational theory, information processing) together with specific contemporary exemplifications of each approach. Special focus is on the nature and progress of scientific inquiry in communication theory.
Prerequisite: 6 hours of communication arts or media communication courses, including COMM 100 Introduction to Communication.

COMM 305 Professional Communication Activities
1-3 hours. Offered each term. Structured to give students experience in "real world" communication events, generally on campus. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours total. Pass/No Pass.

COMM 310 Conflict Resolution
3 hours. A study of communication principles found useful in managing conflict productively. Focus is given to conflict occurring in institutional and organizational settings between individuals and groups. Attention also is given to conflict in social, national, and international settings. (Identical to PSCI 310.)

COMM 315 Forensics
1-3 hours. This course prepares students to create competitive speeches and debates in regional intercollegiate tournaments. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours total.

COMM 320 Introduction to Public Relations
3 hours. A course designed to introduce and develop a clear concept of public relations as a communication profession. Topics to be covered include the function of public relations in both public and private enterprises; the process of planning and implementing a public relations communication campaign; techniques for communicating with various publics; and the laws and ethics governing the practice of public relations. (Identical to JOUR 320)
Prerequisite: one course in business or communication arts.

COMM 324 Argumentation and Critical Thinking
3 hours. A course in practical reason. Includes a survey of theories of argumentation, analysis of public arguments, and several speeches, including a debate.
Prerequisite: COMM 100 Introduction to Communication or instructor's permission.

COMM 340 General and Cultural Linguistics
3 hours. A study of the nature of verbal symbols as they function in communication. The course will include phonetic transcription, semantics, modern grammatical theories, history of the English language, and modern English dialects.

COMM 343 Second Language Acquisition
3 hours. This course familiarizes students with linguistic, psychological, cognitive, and socio-cultural aspects of second (or additional) language acquisition and related language acquisition theories. Students reflect on their own language learning and acquisition experiences in light of these theories and consider implications for the teaching and learning of additional languages. Offered every other year.

COMM 350 Introduction to TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
3 hours. An introduction to the theory and practice of teaching English (or any language) to non-native speakers. Topics include principles of language teaching, communicative and interactive approaches, teaching methods and techniques for improving different language skills, lesson planning, materials selection and adaptation, testing, cultural issues, teaching English as Christian witness, and working with English-as-a-second-language students in a mainstream class. Students relate theory to practice in a school- or community-based practicum.

COMM 360 Nonverbal Communication
3 hours. A study of the nonverbal dimensions of interpersonal communication. Includes a consideration of physical behavior, facial expression, eye behavior, personal appearance, personal space, clothing, touch, voice, and use of objects as means of communication and in relation to verbal communication. Involves participation in nonverbal simulations and exercises.
Prerequisite: one communication arts course.

COMM 380 Leadership Communication
3 hours. An introduction to the study and practice of leadership from a communication perspective. Particular focus on the relationship between communicating and leading. Examination of leadership concepts and theories in organizational, group, and public contexts. Students will analyze their personal leadership styles and develop leadership communication skills through team projects and classroom exercises.
Prerequisite: sophomore standing or above.

COMM 390 Small Group Communication
3 hours. A course that examines and applies theories of small-group structures, climate, roles, leadership, motivation, and conflict management.
Prerequisite: Comm 100 Introduction to Communication.

COMM 399 Cross-Cultural Study
3 hours. This course offers in-depth discipline specific cross-cultural study designed to enhance the intercultural emphasis of various academic majors. The course includes class meetings followed by travel to various locations throughout the world. Students will use core disciplinary knowledge to serve, learn and interact with other cultures. (Offered in May Term. Students must meet eligibility requirements.) Additional course fee is required.

COMM 400 Critical Approaches to Communication
3 hours. Methods of rhetorical criticism as applied to public communication of the past and present, including but not limited to speeches, broadcasts, films, and campaigns. Analysis of current trends in rhetorical criticism.
Prerequisite: COMM 300 Communication Theory and Research or instructor's permission.

COMM 410 Gender Communication Across Cultures
3 hours. A course designed to introduce students to the nature and function of gender differences in communication on a cross-cultural basis. Examines biological, cultural, linguistic, and power theories that attempt to explain these differences. Focus given to verbal (spoken and written) language as well as nonverbal communication codes. Counts toward globalization requirement.

COMM 420 Intercultural Communication
3 hours. Communication as it affects and is affected by language and culture. Contextualized use of communication within speech communities. Intercultural effectiveness. Cultural communication theory. Competent intercultural experiences in co-cultures (ethnic, gender, intergenerational, deaf, and so on) and global cultural groups.

COMM 465 TESOL Field Experience
1-3 hours. Supervised teaching experience in a school or community program for learners of English as a second language.
Prerequisite: COMM 350 Introduction to TESOL.

COMM 475 Field Experience
1-10 hours. Experience in supervised field situations, generally off campus, involving extensive communication activity. Admission to course and amount of credit determined by the faculty supervisor. Pass/No Pass.

COMM 480 Senior Capstone: Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions of Communication
3 hours. Designed to integrate skills and concepts from communication course work with ethical and spiritual principles through readings, written assignments, and assessment instruments. Students will complete portfolios that will include work samples and department exit exams along with a statement of what it means to be a Christian communicator. A service component may be included as part of the course. (Identical to JOUR 480)

COMM 485 Selected Topics
3 hours. A variety of topics may be offered that reflect the interests of faculty, visiting professors, and students.

COMM 495 Special Study
1-3 hours. Individualized study related to the student's needs and interests. Open to exceptional students at the discretion of a faculty member.

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