Communications Media
Foundation of Communication Studies
COMM 7011 3 cr.
In this course, students examine origins, nature, and consequences of communication in a variety of subfields. This course reviews the roles of theory in comprehension of communication practices. Furthermore, it introduces the link between communication theory and the methodologies of communication research, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches, with an emphasis on interpretive approaches that are relevant to organizational settings.
Administration of School Library Media Centers
COMM 8000 3 cr.
Presents topics dealing with library/media services, planning centers and program management, developing and presenting budgets, record keeping, selection and acquisition of equipment and materials, computerization, and other basic management considerations that align and organize themselves with the daily operation of school library/media centers.
Organization of Learning Resources
COMM 8010 3 cr.
Broad view of the organizational facet of the media center and varied patterns of organizing, arranging, cataloging and classifying learning resources (print and non-print). The use of printed aids and commercial services, the central cataloging center, acquisition, patterns of shelving and related problems of distribution are discussed.
Interpersonal Communication
COMM 8011 3 cr.
This course explores interpersonal communication theory and will provide the student with the tools to understand and think about the communication process, methods to research interpersonal communication and skills to call upon in situated human interaction. Students work through a range of theoretical, methodological, descriptive and interpretive critical readings to reach these goals.
Intercultural Communication
COMM 8012 3 cr.
This course examines intercultural communication through communication theory which differs from other social science disciplines. The course will equip the students with tools to understand and think about intercultural communication methods to call upon in future intercultural contacts. This course will show that people experience different ways of being human because of the communication they use.
Applied Rhetoric
COMM 8013 3 cr.
This course takes place at the intersection of rhetorical theory and rhetoric in actual practice. At the convergence of theory and practice, the student will learn the methodology of rhetorical analysis through discussions, instruction and examples. Students will examine the communication practices, artifacts and environments that to a large extent comprise our lived experience.
Technology, Media Centers and Libraries
COMM 8030 3 cr.
Students will explore new technologies and their impact on schools, media centers and libraries. The courses uses the latest cataloging and circulation programs, videodisc technology, on-line services, bulletin boards, CD-ROM and facsimile machines.
Advanced Studies in Childrens' and Adults' Literature
COMM 8250 3 cr.
This course is a survey of literature for children and young adults (print and non-print) including wide reading books and introduction to authors, illustrators and other media creators. It explores the nuanced ways in which language of a literary text is communicated. The course centers on a close analysis of literature, poetry, short stories and novels for children and young adults.
Writing Workshop IV
COMM 8400 3 cr.
These four courses (COMM 7000, COMM 7500, COMM 8300, COMM 8400) are individualized writing tutorials in which students work on their own projects under the direction of a writing instructor. Students, in discussion with the instructor, propose topics of interest and develop them to publishable form. Depending upon the student's interest, topics may focus on technical communication, science journalism, or appropriately related nonfiction (essays or books). Upon completion of the workshop sequence, students should have a suitable manuscript(s) ready for publication.
Philosophical and Rhetorical Issues
in Professional Writing
COMM 8500 3 cr.
This course examines critical philosophical issues inherent in technical and professional writing. Adopting a historical approach, the application of various philosophical stances to the roles of jargon, syllogism, enthymeme, objectivity/subjectivity, logical proof, deconstruction and error will be examined.
Selection and Evaluation of Instructional Materials
COMM 8600 3 cr.
Students will review types of learning resources (print and non-print) found in the library media center with relation to their use, tools and criteria for selection and evaluation. The course includes related background reading, developing a selection policy and planning and building a balanced collection.
Topics
COMM 9000 3 cr.
Course content varies from semester to semester, reflecting contemporary issues in the discipline and depending upon student and faculty interest.
Contemporary Issues in Communication
COMM 9010 3 cr.
This course assesses new technologies and potential applications within communications media and prepares students for long-range planning. Students examine the merging of machine and human intelligences within this century. The course examines the future of such developments with regard to new media technologies, interpersonal communication, and intrapersonal communication, the sense of self, and what it means to be human in the 21st century and beyond.
Media Communications Facilities Design
COMM 9020 3 cr.
This is a study of structural, technological, human and environmental parameters required for comprehensive design specifications for new or renovated facilities as applied to media production and/or utilization. Students become familiar with blueprint reading, power requirements, electrical distribution, low voltage networking, heating and air conditioning, lighting, ergonomic design, OSHA and other safety codes and requirements. Emphasis is placed on analyzing vendor proposals and contracts.
Instructional Design and Analysis
in Communications Media
COMM 9030 3 cr.
The course introduces the design of educational and training programs and prepares students to conduct needs and task analyses, write measurable objectives, select appropriate media and delivery systems and evaluate effectiveness of results.
Managing the Documentation Life Cycle, Part I
COMM 9071 3 cr.
This course is a study of internal communications problems associated with the design and development of information products. Students analyze documentation teams, DOC plans, corporate style guides, government and military standards, and interpersonal work style preferences for their impact on the documentation life cycle.
Persuasion in Context: Communications for Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations
COMM 9072 3 cr.
This course exposes students to the theories, strategies and techniques of designing managed communications campaigns for marketing, advertising, and public relations professions. Students will explore relevant communication theories of persuasion and past practices in professional persuasion contexts. Based on their developing understanding, students will form small entrepreneurial design teams to create and evaluate campaigns for clients of their choosing. Final designs will be presented formally in appropriate written and oral forms.
Managing the Documentation Life Cycle, Part II
COMM 9080 3 cr.
This course is a study of external communications problems associated with the design and development of information products. Students examine document design, document maintenance, editing and production problems, desktop publishing, online documentation, and interactive communications systems for their impact on the document life cycle.
Communication Research Methods
COMM 9110 3 cr.
Students examine the various research tools and methodologies used in the communications field to produce a viable thesis proposal. Students are familiarized with methods of content analysis, audience research, needs assessment, and the use of statistical procedures to quantify value and variable measurement. The value of research conducted by others is recognized as a tool in conducting one's own research.
Legal and Ethical Issues in Communication
COMM 9120 3 cr.
This course examines some of the large issues that face the communications field and considers how the law and one's ethical standards may address these issues. Rather than a review of the law, the course encourages students to think about how the law requires action or inaction and why. Various models for ethical and legal decision making are examined as well.
Organizational Communication
COMM 9130 3 cr.
This course provides a perspective on the internal politics, legal regulations and organizational strategies for communication within an organization. Issues such as corporate culture, change, cultural diversity and leadership are addressed. This course analyzes communication theory and how it effects behavior of the members of an organization. Communication is an essential aspect of organizational functioning and the majority of managerial problems are rooted in communication. This course examines the major theoretical and practical aspects of communication in organizations as they apply to business and governmental contexts.
Practicum in Communication
COMM 9200 6 cr.
This course is a practical experience in which students apply knowledge and skills in a real-life problem-solving situation. Students receive first-hand experience in identifying the problem, setting the parameters, planning for the application of human and technological resources, and evaluating the outcome. A mediated oral presentation of the project is made to the sponsoring organization and to the graduate advisor.
Prerequisites: COMM 9110 and permission of advisor.
Thesis in Communication
COMM 9980 6 cr.
This is an empirical study of a proposition stating the relationship between two or more concepts, phenomena or events. This critical analysis focuses on a current or potential problem or practice facing managers of business, industry, government, and health service media centers. The study includes a research procedure for the tabulation, statistical analysis and interpretation of numerical data.
Prerequisites: permission of advisor and COMM 9110.
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