Catalog Course Descriptions

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Courses

Graduate

500-Level Courses

600-Level Courses

COMM 600: Introduction to Graduate Studies (3 Credits)

Offers a broad introduction to the field of communication in terms of communication-based theories and research. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: Admission to graduate program in communication or permission of graduate program director.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Communication.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 602: Theories and Research of Mass Communication (3 Credits)

Explores theories that have guided development of mass media. Emphasizes major scientific and humanistic approaches to mass media effects. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 605: Intercultural Communication (3 Credits)

Analyzes communication variables related to communication across cultures. Topics include nonverbal communication, time conceptualizations, perceptions and attitudes, values, social organization patterns, cultural norms, language, ethics, conflict across cultures, and research in intercultural communication. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 615: Political Communication (3 Credits)

Analyzes how political communication messages and strategies shape the development of perceptions and behavior in US presidential elections. Examines the interactions between media content and political action in election campaigns. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 620: Health Communication (3 Credits)

Examines interpersonal communicative processes associated with health in consumer-provider, family, and health communication campaign contexts. Focus on understanding cultural differences in perceptions of/communication about health and disease. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 630: Theories of Public Relations (3 Credits)

Provides a survey of public relations theories and major ethical issues. Examines ways theories relate to organizations, mass and international communication research, rhetoric, persuasion, and social movements. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 632: Persuasion Theory (3 Credits)

Introduces students to the processes and effects of persuasive communication. Covers key theories of persuasion, behavior change, information processing, message effects, as well as important frameworks that guide the practice of persuasion in applied settings. Particular attention is paid to message features that generate predictable effects and how such effects may vary across different communicative situations. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 634: Theories of Interpersonal Communication (3 Credits)

Analyzes contemporary theories, concepts, and approaches to improving interpersonal communication. Examines interpersonal communication research. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: COMM 301 or permission of instructor.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 635: Organizational Communication (3 Credits)

Analyzes communication systems, processes in public and private organizations. Topics include conflict management, group decision making, interviewing, technical presentations, and using various channels for improving internal and external communication. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 636: Communication Consulting (3 Credits)

Investigates theories providing foundation for communication consulting. Provides theoretical information and mechanisms for application necessary to modify communicative behavior within organizations. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 637: Risk Communication (3 Credits)

Research on sharing information about physical hazards such as toxic waste, radiation, disease, injury, biohazards. Topics include communication concerning workplace safety, environmental problems, risk assessments, and scientific uncertainties. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 639: Science Communication (3 Credits)

Reviews research on best practices in science communication for scientists and communication professionals. Explores theory on conceptualizing science communication as disseminating knowledge, promoting informed decision making, involving citizens in scientific research (i.e., citizen science), promoting legislative and individual actions, or creating entertainment. Students practice communicating complex science and designing contexts for public engagement with scientific research. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 640: The Issues of Science and Politics (3 Credits)

Focuses on current and emerging issues in science and politics. Deals with selected advanced topics and provides students with opportunities to apply new skills and knowledge to projects related to their own interests. Spends considerable time exploring the causes and effects of science politicization and its impact on society. Consists of three modules, each representing a particular controversy. Offered by Communication. Limited to three attempts.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 641: Environmental Communication (3 Credits)

This course examines how “communication,” ranging from interpersonal to mass mediated, shapes our perceptions of “the environment” (i.e., what is is/is not) as well as environmental issues. It also explores the various ways communication can help address environmental threats and challenges. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 642: Science and the Public (3 Credits)

Examines the relationship between science and society, with a particular emphasis on the role of communication in shaping public opinion on issues related to science and technology. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 644: Analysis and Criticism of Science Journalism (3 Credits)

Examines media coverage of technically complex topics in science, social science, environment, health and medicine, and technology. Explores the influence of institutional media practices on news about science and technology. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 650: Intro to Research Methods in Communication (3 Credits)

Introduces various research methods used by communication professionals. Focus on achieving understanding and knowledge of social scientific research, qualitative and quantitative, and critical analysis through use and application. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Communication.

Enrollment limited to students in the LA-MA-COM, LA-MAIS-ISIN or LA-PHD-COM programs.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 653: Graduate Seminar in Instructional Communication (3 Credits)

Investigates theoretical and practical implications of instructional communication. Exposes graduate students to communication principles and practices of teaching college courses at upper and lower divisions. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 660: Climate Change and Sustainability Communication Campaigns (3 Credits)

Offers practical application, skill development, and theoretical basis of communication campaigns developed in response to global warming and other threats to sustainability. Focuses on purposive campaigns to promote changes in individual behavior and public policy. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Specialized Designation: Green Leaf Focused Course

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 670: Social Marketing (3 Credits)

Offers conceptual overview of social marketing: marketing methods designed to influence people to behave in ways that benefit society. Develops skills necessary to conduct a social marketing initiative and provides an opportunity for practical application of those skills. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Specialized Designation: Green Leaf Related Course

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 690: Special Topics in Communication (3 Credits)

Explores contemporary issues in communication theory, research, and practice. Notes: Topics vary. May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by Communication. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 15 credits.

Specialized Designation: Green Leaf Related Course, Topic Varies

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 694: Communication Internship (3 Credits)

Students work in approved, professional-level communication position, meeting regularly with internship supervisor from department. Requires paper, journal, minimum 60 hours work for each credit of enrollment. Students usually enroll in internships at end of program of study. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: 18 graduate credits and permission of department.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Internship

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Special scale.

COMM 696: Directed Readings and Research (1-3 Credits)

Reading and research on specific topic under direction of faculty member. Written report required; oral or written exam may be required. Offered by Communication. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies

Recommended Prerequisite: Permission of department.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Independent Study

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Special scale.

700-Level Courses

COMM 700: Building Social Science Theory (3 Credits)

Explores the process of developing and testing social science theories. Emphasizes the components and mechanisms of theory - such as variables and causality - in a manner intended to inform rigorous social science inquiry using quantitative or qualitative methods. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar

Grading:
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.

COMM 701: Communication Science Research Practicum (3 Credits)

Coordinates students into a research team to propose, test and report the findings of a two or three variable hypothesis. Conduct a research project that will make a publishable contribution to the communication science literature. May not be repeated for credit. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (COMM 650^B- or 650^XS) and (COMM 700^B- or 700^XS).
^B- Requires minimum grade of B-.
^XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate or Non-Degree.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.

COMM 705: Intercultural Health and Risk Communication (3 Credits)

Examines intercultural health and risk communication interventions; including health communication campaigns, public relations and advertising for health organizations, and how the media and Internet present health information. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 706: Strategic Communication (3 Credits)

Examines commonalities of strategic communication campaigns across fields (e.g., military, diplomacy, health, politics, marketing, public relations) in order to understand strategic communication, compare fields, and emphasize strategic and evaluative research across fields. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: COMM 630 or permission of instructor.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 716: Global Public Relations Strategy and Practice (3 Credits)

Provides a survey of global public relations strategies and practices with an emphasis in emerging issues such as globalization, lobbying, global policies, and a role of PR in the global, cross-cultural marketplace. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: COMM 706 or permission of instructor.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 720: Consumer-Provider Health Communication (3 Credits)

Explores relational health communication research and practice. Examines the role of interpersonal communication in health care delivery, health promotion, disease prevention, risk communication, and promoting personal and psychosocial well-being. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 721: E-Health Communication (3 Credits)

Explores the use of computer-mediated communication technologies in health care and health promotion, including examination of technology in health information dissemination, health education, health communication interventions, and the management of health care delivery. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 725: Qualitative Methods (3 Credits)

Examines qualitative research in communication. Emphasis is placed on techniques of naturalistic inquiry such as observation, interviewing, focus group methods, and ethnography, as well as tools for analyzing and reporting qualitative data. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 735: Crisis Communication (3 Credits)

Examines crisis communication contexts with a particular emphasis on the role of communication in a variety of crises and how the media and Internet present crisis information to the public. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 750: Quantitative Methods (3 Credits)

Extends basic research knowledge and skills learned in COMM 650 Intro to Research Methods in Communication. Students will be taught to analyze and synthesize literature, develop theoretical linkages, and construct measurement scales. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Recommended Prerequisite: COMM 650.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 775: Media Content Analysis (3 Credits)

Introduces content analysis, a research technique for making replicable and valid inferences about text in sources such as news articles, advertisements, and television programs. Students design and conduct research using content analysis techniques. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 798: Communication Studies Project (3 Credits)

Final research seminar for all MA in communication students. Students discuss practical and theoretical issues related to project or thesis. Includes readings related to underlying theoretical, methodological, and ethical issues facing contemporary communication researchers and practitioners. MA students must take 798 in the semester of graduation or w/ permission of the MA Director. No more than 3 credits can be applied to the degree. Offered by Communication. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.

Recommended Prerequisite: COMM 600 and COMM 650.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Thesis

Grading:
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.

COMM 799: Master's Thesis (1-6 Credits)

Original research endeavor related to student's concentration in communication under supervision of faculty committee. Offered by Communication. May be repeated within the degree.

Recommended Prerequisite: 24 graduate credits and approval of thesis proposal by faculty committee.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Thesis

Grading:
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.

800-Level Courses

COMM 820: Health Communication Campaigns (3 Credits)

Explores use of communication campaigns to promote health and reduce health risks; examines how health communication campaigns are designed, implemented, and evaluated; and describes the role of communication research throughout the campaign process. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 890: Special Topics in Communication (3 Credits)

Selected topics reflecting specialized areas in communication. Notes: Topics vary. May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by Communication. May be repeated within the degree.

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies

Recommended Prerequisite: PhD rank or permission of instructor.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Schedule Type: Lecture

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 896: Independent Study (1-3 Credits)

Independent reading on a topic agreed on by student and faculty member. Notes: Content varies. Offered by Communication. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits.

Specialized Designation: Topic Varies

Recommended Prerequisite: PhD rank or permission of instructor.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Schedule Type: Independent Study

Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

COMM 899: Comprehensive Exams (1-3 Credits)

This course is for COMM PhD students who are in the comprehensive exams phase and within two courses of completing their total coursework. Offered by Communication. May not be repeated for credit.

Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy or Graduate.

Schedule Type: Independent Study

Grading:
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.

Catalog Course Descriptions

Courses

Graduate

500-Level Courses

600-Level Courses

700-Level Courses

800-Level Courses

900-Level Courses

Topics Courses