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.

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.

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

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.

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

Introduces students to the study of the persuasive process. Examines basic theories of persuasion, research on persuasive communicating, and the formation of social and political attitudes. Topics include the dynamics of attitude change, interpersonal persuasion, brainwashing, subliminal persuasion, and media information campaigns.

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 communication in the workplace. Topics include listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, communication technology, interpersonal, group, and team communication.

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.

Study of and practice in 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 with various speech types with specific focus placed on learning the persuasive form as used in professional contexts.

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.

Readings in and detailed study of the theories of principal rhetoricians from ancient to modern times and how to apply this understanding to various contexts.

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

Survey of film, theatre, and journalism. Students explore the history of and recent trends in the field of communication as well as the development of technology in the media.

Survey of theatre history, theory and criticism, dramatic literature, and dramaturgy. Students explore and practice several forms of drama as well as investigate the various disciplines involved in presenting plays and interpreting performance. Requirements include reading, viewing and/or attendance of plays.

Students learn and practice skills in dealing with a specific problem or issue as it relates to communication studies. Topics vary and are announced in advance. This course may be taken again for credit. Lecture, seminar, and/or team study.

Exploration of television, film, radio, print media and the Internet as distinctive forms of communication. The course introduces students to fundamentals of human communication and emphasizes the development and function of current mass communication technologies. Students focus on ethical, socio-cultural, aesthetic, economic, legal, and political contexts and effects of these mass media systems.

Study of the nature and role of public relations in a democratic society and worldwide, along with the activities of public relations professionals, major influences that affect organizational behavior, ethics, and the professional development of practitioners in the private and public sectors. Emphasis is placed on management functions and effective public relations strategies. Students learn how to meet the demands of the marketplace for persuasive, professional writing skills in the field of public relations.

Preparation in and analysis of visual communications of all types. Visual communication refers to communication across a range of visually based forms which includes, but is not limited to, graphic design, web design, film and video production design, broadcast identity design, new media, communication design, print and publication design, information design, and exhibition design. Students gain knowledge of visual communication design while focusing on media of their own selection. Course emphasizes creativity, innovation, and communication in the analysis and visualization of ideas and information through print, screen, and interactive multi-media technologies.

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.

A study of methodologies for communication research, including qualitative, quantitative, and historical aspects. Topics include focus groups, ethnography, historical/critical, survey analysis, content analysis, experimental design, and an introduction to statistics and statistical software (SPSS).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Students identify, discuss, and apply as advocates the principles and practices of effective, efficient, and ethical argumentation and debate in appropriate settings.