Introduction to the principles and practice of effective oral communication. Through formal and informal speaking activities, students develop skills at framing and articulating ideas through speech. Students learn strategies for speaking extemporaneously, preparing and delivering presentations, formulating persuasive arguments, refining critical clarity of thought, and enhancing general facility and confidence at oral expression. Students gain practice in various speech types—including expositive and informative forms.

Historical development of the field of communication leading to current issues, emerging technologies and potential trends. Considers the cultural, aesthetic, and moral consequences of different modes of communication, as well as the human implications of emerging technologies.

Students develop communication skills in the dyadic setting as they investigate essential preconditions, conflict management, interpersonal relationships, non-verbal behavior, and creative supportive climates.

Survey of scientific and interpretative approaches to the study, analysis, and explanation of communication within a variety of contexts.

The creative process from the identification of big ideas and narrative concepts through the crafting of compelling storylines with the subsequent development of production scripts.

The various modes for packaging and presenting communication content for public relations, advertising, social media and interactive marketing with a targeted audience. Integrates cross-cultural communication strategies.

A study of the skills necessary (problem-solving, creative thinking, decision-making) for effective communication in the small group. Course draws on readings and provides group activities such as round-table discussions, lecture forums, symposia, and panels.

Students examine and develop proficiency in the skills necessary to communicate effectively within organizations as well as between organizations and their constituencies. Topics include conflict resolution, developing trust, clear presentation of organizational image, and decision-making in organizations.

A study of various Christian and other ethical perspectives as well as their application to the communication field, professions, and media. Students deepen their understanding of a Biblical basis for the study of communication and communication ethics.

Investigates the nature of nonverbal communication as part of the human message system. Students discuss research on the types of cues that are part of the nonverbal system, review some communicative functions allowed by nonverbal cues (e.g., emotional expressions, relational messages, deception, coordination, or interaction), and tie nonverbal communication to language.

Integrates the major disciplines in communication and affords the student direction and advisement in proposing, designing, and executing a senior research paper or project.

Prerequisites:Senior standing, COMM 245

Introduction to the principles and procedures of competent interpersonal communication in the context of ethnicity and culture. Attention is given to people as bearers of culture and to the application of theory and research to real-life communication situations.

An approved independent study option, supervised by faculty, in a directed area of scholarship. Study is administered according to a learning contract between a designated faculty member and the student.

Intensive examination of a selected area of study in the field of communication studies. Topics vary and are announced in advance. This course may be repeated for credit. Lecture, seminar, and/or team study.

Approved internship in a field of the student's specialty. This guided learning experience is a culminating experience in which the student applies the principles and skills learned, demonstrating competency under the guidance of a specialist in the field of communication.

Study of the levels of communication (interpersonal, small group, organization, public and mass); the nature of verbal and nonverbal communication; the effects of personal identity, culture and perception on communication; and the use of effective listening skills.

Principles and practices of effective, efficient, and ethical argumentation and debate from their classical origins, including theories of persuasion, research on persuasive communication, and the formation of social and political attitudes.

Students learn and apply principles of aesthetical criticism, rhetorical criticism, ethical criticism, and perceptual criticism to all modes of human communication, practicing communication criticism in various contexts.

The key role of producer in developing news, information, and entertainment for mediated communication audiences, through interactive marketing, public relations, social networks, and mobile media.

Advanced study and practice of the researching, writing, editing, and packaging of news, information and entertainment for a global audience.

Creation of marketing campaigns from initial audience assessments to trust building to delivery and follow up, including assessment of strategies and modes of delivery.