Communication Studies (COMM)

COMM 500 ADVANCED QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS (3)

Study of qualitative research methodologies. This program-required course will explore theoretical paradigms, qualitative methods, and practical applications for qualitative research in Communication Studies.

COMM 501 ADVANCED COMMUNICATION THEORY (3)

An advanced understanding of communication as a discipline and its usefulness in different contexts. Students will be richly exposed to the discipline of communication studies as they learn theories of communication and the role communication plays in different contexts; relational, public, group, cultural, and organizational, with a focus on critical cultural and organizational communication theories.

COMM 520 COMMUNICATION IN THE LEGAL PROCESS (3)

Focus on communication questions and skills by lawyers, judges, litigants and jurors in criminal and civil justice. Survey of research related to verbal and nonverbal aspects of communication as they apply to the legal concerns of interview, negotiation and litigation. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

COMM 600 INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION AND ADVOCACY (3)

Offers a broad introduction to the field of communication in terms of communication-based theories and research. Throughout the course of the semester, students will learn about communication principles that hold particular importance to the understanding of communication and advocacy.

COMM 603 INSTRUCTIONAL COMMUNICATION (3)

Prepares, develops, enhances and provides instructional expertise of culturally relevant knowledge of communication pedagogy. Students will explore mixed theories, methods, and strategies to prompt development of current and future instructors’ philosophical foundations as well as approaches to teaching.

COMM 670 SPECIAL TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES (3)

An in-depth examination of a communication studies. Course content varies by topic. May be repeated for credit if a different topic is covered.

COMM 700 ADVANCED ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION (3)

Lays the foundations for an advanced exploration of the complex and dynamic communication processes in creating and sustaining organizational life. Emphasis is placed on globalization of organizational approaches and processes. Prerequisites: COMM 500 and COMM 501.

COMM 701 ORGANIZATIONAL ADVOCACY (3)

Using a combination of concepts from rhetorical criticism, organizational communication and management studies, analyzes how organizations use symbols to influence organizational impressions, advocate for particular positions and develop and sustain organizational culture. Students will also be better prepared to responsibly and effectively analyze and create these messages. Prerequisite: COMM 700.

COMM 703 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION AND GLOBALIZATION (3)

Introduces students to a comprehensive global perspective on organizational communication. This course will examine the role of communication in creating and sustaining organizational life. Students will learn about the multidisciplinarity of organizational communication theories and concepts, highlighting global and multicultural concerns. The course will also provide analysis of contemporary organizational life by engaging with material that stimulates imaginative ways of thinking about work and organizing. Prerequisite: COMM 700.

COMM 705 GLOBAL LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATION (3)

Provides a practical review of leadership communication theories and concepts, as well as strategies for evaluating and understanding the dynamics of leadership in a global context. The emphasis is on using interpretive and critical perspectives to examine the role of communication in producing global leadership competencies. Students will increase their own leadership capabilities through feedback, reflection and practice. Prerequisite: COMM 700.

COMM 751 CRITICAL/CULTURAL STUDIES (3)

Explores the convergence of critical/cultural communication (CCC) studies, a convergence that has earned status as a distinct line of scholarly inquiry. Students will gain experience in reading, discussing, critiquing, and writing work which falls under the umbrella of critical/cultural communication studies. Prerequisites: COMM 500 and COMM 501.

COMM 752 CULTURAL RHETORICS (3)

Critical and cultural approaches to rhetorical meaning-making and criticism with an emphasis on theories of power, fragment/conjunctural analysis, and theory as method. Prerequisite: COMM 751.

COMM 753 ADVOCACY AND PERFORMANCE (3)

Emphasizes foundational ideas, practices, and traditions of performance and communication studies in order to explore how to do advocacy work via performance traditions. Students will gain experience in reading, discussing, critiquing, writing, and producing performance work. Prerequisite: COMM 751.

COMM 754 ADVANCED INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION (3)

An advanced understanding of the intersections of communication and culture at different levels (individual, community, and societal). In this course, students will be richly exposed to, and engage in different intercultural communication topics, theories, and concepts at both micro and macro levels of culture. Beyond understanding what differences may exist within and between cultures, students will be trained in understanding the principles of communicating with cultural awareness and sensitivity. Prerequisite: COMM 751.

COMM 795 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES (1-6)

Directed study through readings, projects, papers or seminars. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: 15 units of graduate-level courses or consent of department.

COMM 801 INTERNSHIP (1-6)

Experience designed to combine the theory, research, and content of communication and advocacy with work in local community projects, organizations, K-12 schools, or similar sites. Internship is 40 hours per credit. To engage in member-checking a final white paper will be presented to committee and community partner. No more than 6 units to be earned with any one agency. Graded S/U.

COMM 897 COMMUNICATION STUDIES THESIS (6)

Original investigation using an acceptable research method and design conducted under the direction of a faculty member. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: consent of department.

COMM 898 COMMUNICATION STUDIES THESIS (3)

Original investigation using an acceptable research method and design conducted under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: consent of department.

COMM 899 THESIS CONTINUUM (1)

Continuation of thesis work. Graded S/U based on making satisfactory progress on thesis.