Communication Department
Course Descriptions

CMS 142 Communications Practicum 1-4 Hrs
Student works a minimum of two hours each week with the college newspaper. Course may be repeated for a total of 4 credit hours.

COM 101 Introduction to Communication 3 Hrs
An introduction to the process of communication as a critical element in human interaction and in society. Designed to enhance effective communication and informed use of the mass media.
Components: Lecture
Attributes: Social Interaction

COM 181 Basic Public Speaking 3 Hrs
A course designed to give the student platform experience in the fundamentals of effective speaking.
Components: Lecture
Attributes: Oral Communication

COM 249 Mass Media and Mass Culture 3 Hrs
An interplay between the technology and the content of the mass communications media and culture.
Components: Lecture
Attributes: Social Interaction

COM 252 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication 3 Hrs
Examines basic verbal and nonverbal elements affecting communication between individuals in family, peer group, and work contexts. Course requires participation in activities to develop interpersonal skills. Topics include strategy development, relationship and conversation management, effective listening, conflict management, defensive communication, communication anxiety, cultural/ sex differences in communication style.
Components: Lecture
Attributes: Oral Communication

COM 254 Introduction to Intercultural Communication 3Hrs
An introduction to the topics of intercultural communication with an emphasis on the relationships between culture and communication, social/psychological variables, verbal/nonverbal language systems, intercultural communication perceptions, and conflict resolution.  Contemporary issues in cross-cultural interaction, media.
Components: Lecture
Attributes: Social Interaction

COM 281 Communication in Small Group 3 Hrs
A study of communication processes in small group situations. Topics include conflict, leadership, and decision making. Students will participate in group discussion and develop skills in analyzing group performance.
Components: Lecture
Attributes: Oral Communication

COM 287 Persuasive Speaking 3 Hrs
A study of the processes involved in attitude change, with emphasis on the preparation and delivery of persuasive messages.
Components: Lecture

COM 288 Oral Interpretation 3 Hrs
An analysis of prose and poetry for oral interpretation. Helpful to those who plan to teach literature.
Components: Lecture

COM 299 Special Topics in Communication 3 Hrs
A sophomore level study of a selected topic in communication.
Prerequisites: COM 181 or COM 252 or consent of instructor.
Components: Lecture

JAT 241 Communications Practicum 1-4 Hrs
Supervised laboratory work in the media of mass communication, with meetings for evaluation of work, study of techniques, analyses of problems, and reports. May be repeated to a maximum of four credits.
Components: Laboratory

JOURNALISM COURSES

JOU 101 Introduction to Journalism 3 Hrs
The course surveys the history and social theories of journalism and introduces students to contemporary journalistic practice. Area covered include print, electronic and on-line news media, press freedom and controls, media ethics, global communications, advertising, public relations, and telecommunications.
Components: Lecture

JOU 204 Writing for the Mass Media 3 Hrs
An introduction to the concepts and techniques of media writing. This course offers hands-on instruction in information gathering, organization, and writing for print, broadcast and on-line media.
Components: Laboratory, Lecture