300

Introduces students to quantitative research methods used to study human communication. Designed to develop students’ ability to understand research ethics, develop research ideas, evaluate and critique others’ research, and conduct original research.

Provides students theory and analysis necessary to understand mass media processes and messages as they shape personal, cultural, political, economic and civic life. History and contemporary development of media forms and processes are investigated.

Students attain advanced public speaking abilities through study of pertinent rhetorical theories and advanced practice of persuasive speaking.

Introduces students to rhetorical theories and analysis vital to understanding and evaluating key public messages. Students analyze cultural persuasion created in ever-changing forms of mediated messages.

This course examines how to scrutinize, assess and create arguments. Students will learn the nature, uses and limits of argumentation and study arguments in political, religious and social rhetorical contexts, exploring fallacies in argument, the nature of causal reasoning, formal argument analysis and argumentative chains and clusters. Attention is given to cultural standards of reasoning, evidence and refutation.

Introduces students to qualitative research methods used to study human communication. Prepares students to design and implement qualitative research projects.

The course teaches small group theory and improves skills of collaboration and consensus-based decision making.  Students are prepared to lead and facilitate groups, especially groups that interact intra and/or inter-organizationally.  Students learn how and when to use and share power among diverse group members.

In an organizational simulation, students design and develop oral and written communication skills. Critical thinking, web page design, job descriptions, mission statements, employment and performance appraisal interviews, group decision-making and a variety of business writing formats are developed.

Study of effective communication of visual messages in the mass media. Students will learn design, concept, and composition strategies for visual media by learning and using visual crafting and formatting software.

Instruction in news gathering, evaluating news, and writing typical news stories. Includes a variety of assignments such as hard news, cultural events, speeches, sports, and interviews. Practice work includes covering local assignments and preparing copy.

Study of theory and practice of creating ad messages as an advertising creative. Course includes case studies and work on a dynamic set of projects replicating ad industry creative practices. Key focus of course is also on advertising ethics and a cultural critique of advertising.

Survey course provides understanding of the role of public relations in the profit-making and non-profit sectors, and specific working knowledge of the various facets of the public relations process, including social media. Planning and implementing public campaigns will be discussed.

Credit arranged.