Concordia College

Communication Studies Department Courses

COM 139 R, E – Appreciating Film, 4 credits. E. A study of major motion picture directors, their most influential work, and the development of the film director’s art through the cinematic language. The course examines the evolution of directorial style and the techniques of filmmakers from the silent era to contemporary times. Creative approaches to the cinematic medium are explored in depth, and students will gain a basic understanding of film grammar through their participation as members of a critical audience.

COM 201 B, S – Introduction to Communication Studies, 4 credits. E. A research-oriented survey of communication principles. Students are introduced to models of the communication process, methods of scholarly inquiry typically employed, classical and contemporary theory, and a selection of topics currently being investigated by scholars. Students test their learning through examinations and papers that require them to read current representative research. Prerequisite: IOC 100 – Inquiry: Oral Communication and sophomore level status. Freshmen only by permission of the department

COM 202 – Communication Criticism, 4 credits. A2 (2009-2010). An introductory course on the critical analysis of communication. The course focuses on learning basic methods of criticism, and on applying those methods to a variety of communicative texts. Students examine popular culture and mediated materials (television, music, film) as well as other types of public discourse (speeches, debates). Included are units on narrative approaches, dramatistic criticism, feminist and cultural analysis, media criticism, as well as traditional/classical analytical models of communication. Course requirements include quizzes and frequent written and oral critiques.

COM 203 – Argumentation, 4 credits. E1 or E2. Emphasis is placed on argumentation skills, including argument construction and criticism. Students will both research and present arguments. A significant portion of the course is spent critiquing arguments presented to the class. The course is relevant to Pre-law students or any students who want to improve their critical-thinking skills and will help them develop writing abilities and expertise in applied persuasion. Prerequisite: IOC 100 – Inquiry: Oral Communication

COM 205 – Advanced Public Speaking, 4 credits. E1 or E2. An examination of the theories and methods of oral presentation, especially suited to teachers, business persons and professionals. It is designed to enhance the abilities of the student to deal with communication in contemporary settings. Emphasis is placed upon student presentations and evaluations in order to provide practical applications of theoretical material. Prerequisite: IOC 100 – Inquiry: Oral Communication

COM 207 – Oral Interpretation, 4 credits. E1 or E2. The course is intended to help students gain confidence and proficiency in oral performance of written material. Students will gain experience in analysis and performance of literature. Evaluation will include examinations, analytical papers, research, and critique of vocal development and gestural communication skills. Prerequisite: IOC 100 – Inquiry: Oral Communication

COM 214 – Nonverbal Communication, 4 credits. E1. An examination of major findings in the relationship of verbal and nonverbal behaviors, coupled with observations enabling the student to recognize these displays when they occur. Lectures address questions of theory development, the prevailing methods of observation and the features of the dominant display systems. Students participate in personal as well as research-related observations.

COM 231 – Introduction to Telecommunications, 4 credits. E2. An examination of the variety of elements that make up the field of telecommunications. These areas include radio and television broadcasting, cable and satellite communications, motion picture production, distribution, and exhibition, and electronic media and the World Wide Web. Students who take the class are also expected to participate in hands-on media experience. Suggested for sophomores and juniors interested in mass media.

COM 236, ART 236 – Introduction to the Photographic Process, 4 credits. D. The study of basic photographic procedures, including camera and darkroom techniques. Approaching photography as both an art form and a communication medium, the course will introduce students to the specific techniques used in such fields as architectural photography, photojournalism and photography for advertising. Open to majors in art, communication, theatre art, and print journalism.

COM 250 – Pre-May Seminar: International Communication and Pre-May Seminar: World Media, 2 credits. D. International Communication is an examination of the role of communication in the lives of citizens from ancient to modern times. Emphasis is placed on the role of cultural values in shaping communication and the effects on daily life. The function of international organizations in the development of communication policies will be featured. Specific organizations studied will vary depending on the particular itinerary in any given year. This course is the pre-seminar course for COM 300 – International Communication.

COM 300 – May Seminar: International Communication and May Seminar: Exploring International Media, 4 credits. MS. This seminar will broadly explore the roles of communication in culture from ancient to modern, from rural to urban and from everyday to unusual. It will trace the development of communication from the Greek and Roman models for speaking and citizenship to the enlightened models of free speech and individual rights supported by contemporary international organizations. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the cultural variables that affected these developments and on the people that lived or are living with them. To promote this understanding there will be a mixture of lectures, site visits, museum exhibits, cultural tours and structured observations. Prerequisites: COM 250 – International Communication and COM 316 – Intercultural Communication

COM 312 – Interpersonal Communication, 4 credits. E. An exploration of the nature and importance of interpersonal communication. Readings, class discussions and lectures about communication theory help students’ understanding of interactions in friendships, families and work relationships. Although not a skills-oriented course, this class is designed to increase students’ understanding of the effects of their own communication styles. Prerequisite: COM 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies or consent of instructor

COM 313 – Persuasive Communication, 4 credits. E. An examination of the theories and research about persuasion that emerge from rhetoric, communication theory and media studies in contexts including interpersonal communication, group communication and mass communication. Ethical issues that arise whenever persuasion occurs are considered from the perspective of both the persuader and the persuadee. Readings, exercises, class discussions, and papers enable students to understand and apply theoretical concepts. Prerequisite: COM 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies

COM 314 – Group Communication, 4 credits. E. Emphasis is on examining research about group dynamics and communication, as well as group communication theory and its application to groups and teams in various contexts. Topics include: team building, leadership, problem solving and decision-making, cohesiveness, conflict, power, norms, roles and cultural effects and diversity. The course includes assigned reading, journaling, experiential exercises, group projects and exams. Prerequisites: COM 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies or consent of instructor

COM 315 – Interviewing, 4 credits. E1 or E2. Lectures, class exercises, discussions, tests and projects will be used to evaluate student understanding of and practice in interviewing theories and skills. Some of the interview settings to be considered are journalism, employment, survey, counseling and performance appraisal. The emphasis of each will concern the nature of the interview as an information-gathering skill. Prerequisites: IOC 100 – Inquiry: Oral Communication and COM 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies

COM 316 G – Intercultural Communication, 4 credits. E. This course examines the interaction of cultural and communicative processes. Readings, lectures and discussion will focus on the differences in communication rules and practices that emerge when participants are from different cultures. Topics studied include interpersonal interaction, perception, information control, free speech rights, immigration and refugee issues, organizational communication, and nonverbal messages. Exercises, tests, and papers form the basis for evaluation.

COM 317 – Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, 4 credits. A1. Course focuses upon an understanding of rhetorical theory and the application of various methods of criticism to oral discourse. Emphasis upon a historical development of theory and criticism including readings of classical and contemporary theorists. This course includes assigned readings, papers and discussion. Prerequisite: COM 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies or consent of instructor

COM 331 X – Mass Media, 4 credits. E. An introduction to mass communication history, theory and practice. Emphasis will be placed on the student as media consumer. Class discussion topics will relate to major issues affecting the contemporary media. Objective and essay exams, in-class discussion, writing, and a major project will serve as modes of evaluation.

COM 332 – Media Production I: Video, 4 credits. E1. Provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in the technical elements of television equipment use and production technique. The course takes a start-to-finish approach to planning and preparing video productions. Individual and group projects feature contemporary understandings of how video is used in television production, film production, and other multimedia contexts. Additionally, the course provides an introduction to computer-based, digital, nonlinear postproduction.

COM 333 – Media Production II: Audio, 2 credits. E2. Building on a variety of skills acquired in COM 332 – Media Production I: Video, this class focuses its attention on a variety of projects using sound design as the primary element. Students will produce major projects employing digital audio and video media, and may extend their work to include projects incorporating radio, multimedia, television, and film applications. Students will also gain experience working with their own original scripts, live interviews, sound effects, music, and other facets of audio. Additionally, students learn how to record and use their own voices in class and individual projects.

COM 334 – Broadcast Performance, 2 credits. E2. This course will focus on the theories and techniques of radio and television performing. Project assignments and classroom critique sessions apply the theories to practical situations. Input from guest professionals and evaluation sessions of professional performers will provide additional insight for the student.

COM 368, ART 368 – Digital Photography, 4 credits. E1. Digital Photography is the study of basic digital photographic procedures, including digital camera and processing techniques. Approaching digital photography as an art form and as a communicative medium, the course will introduce students to the specific techniques used in such fields as fine art photography, photojournalism and photography for advertising. By permission of instructor

COM 380 – Special Topics, 4 credits. D. Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.

COM 382 X – Analyzing Film, 4 credits. E2. A challenging upper-level course that applies a variety of film theories to a series of American and international feature films from classic and contemporary periods. With an emphasis on the communicative nature of cinema, students will actively engage in the practices of film analysis and criticism, as well as study issues of film aesthetics. Integrating theoretical, historical, social and literary perspectives, this course helps students gain an understanding of the unique properties of cinema.

COM 390 – Cooperative Education, 1 to 8 credits. E. 

COM 403 – Public Relations, 4 credits. E. An examination of the history, practice, and foundations of public relations. Emphasis is placed on understanding public relations as a management function that establishes and maintains mutually beneficial relationships between an organization and its publics. In addition to lecture and discussions, students prepare communication campaign strategies and materials. Prerequisites: COM 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies and COM 313 – Persuasion: Influencing Human Behavior

COM 413 – Advertising, 4 credits. E2. An examination of advertising theory, content and practice. The analysis of advertising messages is undertaken both from the perspective of the creator of advertising and from the perspective of the consumer of the messages. Readings, exercises, class discussions, lectures, projects and testing form the basis for evaluation. Prerequisites: COM 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies and COM 313 – Persuasion: Influencing Human Behavior

COM 414 – Organizational Communication, 4 credits. E. A course especially appropriate for management-bound students. This course in organizational behavior deals with a variety of organizational dynamics, the coordinating functions of communication, as well as the pragmatics through which individuals interact with groups and others in the organizational context. It examines concepts including: organizational assimilation, organizational culture, motivation, power, decision-making, leadership, learning styles, conflict management, nonverbal communication, organizational ethics, change management and diversity. Emphasis is upon a theoretical understanding of organizational behavior and communication within organizations. The course includes assigned readings, experiential exercises, case studies, exams and papers. Prerequisites: COM 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies. Junior standing is recommended.

COM 417 – Applied Research Methods in Communication, 4 credits. E1. A course in scientific inquiry methods in communication, including the study of methods of research design, data collection and analysis. Topics include the ethical application of research methods in various contexts, and the development of applied research methods available to effectively collect and analyze communication data. Prerequisites: COM 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies

COM 419, ENG 419 – Mass Communications Law, 2 credits. A2. This course immerses students in the basics of the legal system in the areas of mass media, journalism, and public relations. Students will be exposed to the workings of the legal system, the rationale behind the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of expression, and relevant legal vocabulary. The course will cover the basic areas and cases of mass communication law including such topics as prior restraint, defamation, corporate and commercial speech, privacy, access to information and the media, and intellectual property. Focus will be on the case method and students will be involved in writing and presenting briefs and other exercises.

COM 420, ENG 420 – Mass Communications Ethics, 2 credits. A2. This course engages students in a wide-ranging examination of contemporary issues in mass communication ethics. The course will cover topics and situations in the fields of mass media, journalism, and public relations including truth in communication, privacy, confidentiality, conflicts of interests, social responsibility, professional standards, etc. Analysis of these topics will be prefaced by an examination of the major theoretical approaches to ethical decision-making and by an examination of relevant codes of ethics.

COM 431 – Broadcast Newswriting and Reporting, 4 credits. D. This course focuses on the specialized style of journalistic writing used in the broadcast media. Class presentations and writing assignments are designed to provide enhancement of students’ skills in writing for oral presentations. Specific content areas covered include: principles of broadcast journalistic form, story construction, language usage, news judgment and application of ethical standards in the broadcast news situation. Limited enrollment. Prerequisites: COM 201 – Introduction to Communication Studies, COM 231 – Introduction to Telecommunications and demonstrated writing background, or permission of instructor

COM 432 – Electronic News Gathering, 4 credits. D. This course is designed to orient students to the structure and procedures of gathering news materials with the use of electronics. Emphasis will be placed on story construction, visual and aural communication patterns, ethical decision-making, and the relationship of electronic news gathering to the broadcast news program. Limited enrollment. Prerequisite: COM 332 – Media Production I: Video or consent of instructor

COM 480 – Independent Study, 1 to 4 credits. D. This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth research of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department or program chair for more information.