Plan of Study

Communication Studies: Bach Arts | Communication Studies Minor

Communication Studies: Bach Arts
Required Courses
COM 1050 Communication Concepts & Contexts	3 s.h.	Principles of communication applied to interpersonal, group, and public speaking situations. Emphasis on verbal and nonverbal communication, listening, persuasive techniques, delivery, and responding to messages. Opportunity to practice speaking skills.
COM 2120 Interpersonal Communication	3 s.h.	This course provides students with the opportunity to develop and refine communication skills to person and professional sucess. Examining the role of communication in interpersonal relationships from their inception through termination, specific areas of focus include: listening, empathy, assertiveness, non-verbal behavior, relationship development, and conflict resolution skills.
COM 2140 Argumentation & Persuasion	3 s.h.	The study of argument as a process of inquiry and advocacy and the communicative means to change attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, as well as motivate people to action. Practical experience in: evidence, analysis and reasoning; organization and case-building; refutation and cross-examination; and audience analysis. Students apply theory to a variety of topics and contexts.
COM 2350 Public Speaking: Theory & Practice	3 s.h.	Focus on the building of public speaking skills needed in education, personal life, and careers in order to effectively communicate thoughts and feelings. Students evaluate the communication efforts of others and increase their critical listening skills.
COM 3100 Small Group Communication	3 s.h.	An analysis of communication interaction in small groups. Addresses group formation, decision making strategies, roles and norms, leadership, and conflict management. Students participate in classroom groups and evaluate group performance.
COM 4950 Senior Seminar: Applied Communication Theory	3 s.h.	A capstone course for seniors. Analysis of several preeminent theories of human communication, with application to students' major areas of specialization within the field. Prerequisite: senior standing.
JRN 4010 Mass Communication (BCA/COM/JRN*)	3 s.h.	Theory of behavior in communications in general and the mass media in particular. The design and evaluation of public opinion studies and research topics in communications with emphasis on the effects that the various media have had on consumers. Required for students seeking teaching certification with a Journalism and Public Relations minor.
Choose One Concentration (15 s.h. to be chosen)
Oral Communication (15 s.h. to be chosen)
BCA 2810 Field Production and Editing I (BCA*/JRN)	3 s.h.	Introduction to basic concepts and practices of single camera field production, including directing theory, camera technique, sound, lighting, and editing. Preferred prerequisite or corequisite: BCA 2610 or permission of instructor.
BCA 3440 Talent & Performance for Television & Radio (BCA*/COM)	3 s.h.	Instruction and practice in performing for radio and television (as reporter, host, spokesperson, etc.), including voice, poise, and on-camera technique. Prerequisite or corequisite: BCA 2610 or BCA 2810 or permission of program director or course instructor.
COM 2330 Interviewing Techniques	3 s.h.	Addresses theoretical principles and communication skills essential for professional careers. Includes informative, persuasive, journalistic, health, and employment interviews.
COM 2550 Oral Interpretation of Literature (COM*/ENG)	3 s.h.	The skills of expressive reading to elicit listener response to the text, using vocal and physical expression. Prose, poetry, and drama analyzed for meaning and mood.
COM 3410 Acting Techniques I	4 s.h.	Basic forms and methods of expression, including voice projection and diction; development of individual talents in pantomime, improvisation, acting, and oral interpretation. Lecture and laboratory.
COM 4750 Topics in Communication	3 s.h.	A specialized course addressing a particular area of communication. May be repeated for credit with a new topic.
COM 4910 Cooperative Education in Communication	1 s.h. (Not To Exceed 3 s.h.)	On-campus or on-the-job experience in communication (paid). Prerequisite: departmental approval.
COM 4930 Communication Practicum	3 s.h.	On-campus or on-the-job experience in communication (unpaid). Prerequisite: departmental approval.
MUAP2610 Lyric Theater	1 s.h.	The study and performance of music for the stage, chosen from selected monologues and songs from the Broadway, cabaret, and light opera genres.
SW 2160 Empathy Listening Skills (SOC/SW*)	1 s.h.	Instruction and practice in the establishment of rapport with individuals through the use of empathic listening skills. The material is presented in the context of developing a helping relationship.
WRT 2050 Creative Writing	3 s.h.	Writing and study of poetry, fiction, and plays at an introductory level. Includes discussion, writers’ workshops, and regular conferences with the instructor. Students contribute to the production of a class electronic publication. Prerequisite: WRT 1020.
WRT 4000 Rhetorical Theory & Criticism COM/WRT*)	4 s.h.	Survey of Western rhetorical theory from Classical times to the present; analysis and criticism of major theoretical and philosophical concepts concerning persuasion in speaking and writing. The influence of rhetoric on political, social, and individual thought and action.
Public Advocacy (15 s.h. to be chosen)
GER 4140 Proposal Writing & Grant Administration (EM/GER*)	2 s.h.	The basic skills needed to develop and write a successful proposal to compete for funds from sources outside the control of the organization or agency. Topics include generating program ideas, researching funding sources, utilizing contacts, basic proposal format, self-funding, understanding the politics of grants, and the administration of and accounting for funds.
JRN 2050 Public Relations Writing	3 s.h.	Acquaints student with functions of public relations in our society and explains basic theories and principles in publicity writing and placement. Prerequisite: JRN 1320 or departmental approval.
SOC 1300 Introduction to Community Leadership	1 s.h.	Examination of various avenues to civic involvement and their importance in maintaining civil society, with an introduction to the communitarian philosophy and to principles and best practices in service learning. Designed to prepare students to get the most out of their community service experiences.
Public Advocacy Choice (3 s.h. to be chosen)
IDS 3000 Social Change and Challenges	3 s.h.	An interdisciplinary exploration of a topic or theme related to global, technological, or societal issues, focusing on the pervasive long-term implications this issue will have for the future as well as the human dilemmas that will emerge. Emphasis on developing critical thinking and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills, particularly in the context of information access and management. A writing intensive course.
RST 3100 Franciscan Values, Social Justice & Service	3 s.h.	A study of the life and legacy of Francis of Assisi, and its implication for current efforts aimed at building healthy communities. Contemporary dilemmas viewed through the lens of Franciscan thought and tradition (e.g., social justice, universal brotherhood, moral utilization of Earth’s resources, and concern for the needy). Focus upon the contemporary concept of “interrelatedness” and its parallels with Franciscan moral theology. Service learning based course.
SOC 2210 Social Problems	4 s.h.	Analysis of major social issues/problems in the US and globally from a sociological perspective. Consideration of national and international implications. Focus on issues of stratification (social class, race, gender), deviance, industrial conflict, warfare, environmental pollution, and consumption. Analyses of specific social movements that respond to political and economic contradictions. Focus areas may include: media and public opinion; social inequality and justice; social control and deviance; and belief, religion, and science. May include an academic service learning component.
Pub AdvocacyTheme Studies (6 s.h. to be chosen)
OrganizationCommunication (15 s.h. to be chosen)
COM 3520 Organizational Communication	3 s.h.	An introduction to the major theories of communication interaction in and between organizations. Specific topic areas include: communication networks, leadership, communication ethics, communication climate, organizational persuasion, organizational culture, communication and change, and conducting the communication audit.
RST 4080 Moral Issues in Business (PHL/RST*)	3 s.h.	Review traditional philosophical theories of ethics; examine principles of Christian morality, particularly those dealing with ethics from a Catholic perspective; investigate areas in the American marketplace that raise ethical concerns (e.g., injustices in the American economic system).
WRT 3260 Business & Professional Writing (BUS/WRT*)	3 s.h.	A study of the strategies and stylistic devices which lead to clear, concise, and complete business writing. Various types of business letters, memoranda, proposals, and reports are examined and developed. Prerequisite: ENG 1020.
Electives (6 s.h. to be chosen)
COM 4750 Topics in Communication	3 s.h.	A specialized course addressing a particular area of communication. May be repeated for credit with a new topic.
COM 4910 Cooperative Education in Communication	1 s.h. (Not To Exceed 3 s.h.)	On-campus or on-the-job experience in communication (paid). Prerequisite: departmental approval.
COM 4930 Communication Practicum	3 s.h.	On-campus or on-the-job experience in communication (unpaid). Prerequisite: departmental approval.
JRN 1320 News Reporting (JRN*/WRT)	3 s.h.	Organization of the modern newspaper; news values and news sources; structures of the news story; practical training in gathering and writing typical news stories.
JRN 2050 Public Relations Writing	3 s.h.	Acquaints student with functions of public relations in our society and explains basic theories and principles in publicity writing and placement. Prerequisite: JRN 1320 or departmental approval.
SW 2160 Empathy Listening Skills (SOC/SW*)	1 s.h.	Instruction and practice in the establishment of rapport with individuals through the use of empathic listening skills. The material is presented in the context of developing a helping relationship.
WRT 2440 Technical Writing	3 s.h.	Theory and application of technical writing principles. Topics include an introduction to the technical communication environment, ethical and legal considerations, the basics of writing and analyzing technical documents, collaborative writing, and design principles for documents and Web sites. Students create a variety of technical documents for inclusion in their final e-portfolios. Prerequisite: WRT 1020 or equivalent.
WRT 4000 Rhetorical Theory & Criticism COM/WRT*)	4 s.h.	Survey of Western rhetorical theory from Classical times to the present; analysis and criticism of major theoretical and philosophical concepts concerning persuasion in speaking and writing. The influence of rhetoric on political, social, and individual thought and action.
Communication Studies Minor
Required Courses
COM 1050 Communication Concepts & Contexts	3 s.h.	Principles of communication applied to interpersonal, group, and public speaking situations. Emphasis on verbal and nonverbal communication, listening, persuasive techniques, delivery, and responding to messages. Opportunity to practice speaking skills.
COM 2120 Interpersonal Communication	3 s.h.	This course provides students with the opportunity to develop and refine communication skills to person and professional sucess. Examining the role of communication in interpersonal relationships from their inception through termination, specific areas of focus include: listening, empathy, assertiveness, non-verbal behavior, relationship development, and conflict resolution skills.
COM 2140 Argumentation & Persuasion	3 s.h.	The study of argument as a process of inquiry and advocacy and the communicative means to change attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, as well as motivate people to action. Practical experience in: evidence, analysis and reasoning; organization and case-building; refutation and cross-examination; and audience analysis. Students apply theory to a variety of topics and contexts.
COM 2350 Public Speaking: Theory & Practice	3 s.h.	Focus on the building of public speaking skills needed in education, personal life, and careers in order to effectively communicate thoughts and feelings. Students evaluate the communication efforts of others and increase their critical listening skills.
COM 3100 Small Group Communication	3 s.h.	An analysis of communication interaction in small groups. Addresses group formation, decision making strategies, roles and norms, leadership, and conflict management. Students participate in classroom groups and evaluate group performance.
JRN 4010 Mass Communication (BCA/COM/JRN*)	3 s.h.	Theory of behavior in communications in general and the mass media in particular. The design and evaluation of public opinion studies and research topics in communications with emphasis on the effects that the various media have had on consumers. Required for students seeking teaching certification with a Journalism and Public Relations minor.
Electives (6 s.h. to be chosen)
COM 2550 Oral Interpretation of Literature (COM*/ENG)	3 s.h.	The skills of expressive reading to elicit listener response to the text, using vocal and physical expression. Prose, poetry, and drama analyzed for meaning and mood.
COM 3520 Organizational Communication	3 s.h.	An introduction to the major theories of communication interaction in and between organizations. Specific topic areas include: communication networks, leadership, communication ethics, communication climate, organizational persuasion, organizational culture, communication and change, and conducting the communication audit.
COM 4750 Topics in Communication	3 s.h.	A specialized course addressing a particular area of communication. May be repeated for credit with a new topic.
WRT 4000 Rhetorical Theory & Criticism COM/WRT*)	4 s.h.	Survey of Western rhetorical theory from Classical times to the present; analysis and criticism of major theoretical and philosophical concepts concerning persuasion in speaking and writing. The influence of rhetoric on political, social, and individual thought and action.