Courses of Instruction

COMMUNICATION (COM-Arts and Science)

Note: Courses are offered in three areas: speech communication, strategic communication, and mass communication.

Note: COM 143 is a prerequisite for all mass communication courses; COM 146 is a prerequisite for all production and writing courses.

132 Forensics (1-2; maximum 6)

Practical experience in intercollegiate forensics; requires travel to intercollegiate forensics tournaments; may not be counted for credit toward major in communication. Course may be repeated for up to six hours. Permission of instructor is required.

MPF 134 Intro to Speech Communication (3)

Introduction to major theories and issues of communication, with emphasis on how communication functions in a variety of contexts. Credit not granted to students who have earned credit in COM 136. IIC.

MPF, MPT 135 Public Expression and Critical Inquiry (3)

Develops fundamentals of analyzing, organizing, adapting, and delivering ideas effectively in public contexts. Special emphasis placed upon informative and persuasive discourse. IIB. CAS-B.

MPF, MPT 136 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication (3)

Introduction to major theories and empirical research regarding the role of interpersonal communication and related personal, contextual, and cultural variables in the development of various types of dyadic relationships. IIC. CAS-C. (Non-majors only. Does not count toward any communication degree.) Credit not granted to students who have earned credit in COM 134.

MPF, MPT 143 Introduction to Mass Communication (3)

Introduction to major mass communication theories as a context to examining some major issues surrounding mass media in American society. IIC. CAS-C.

146 Media Aesthetics (3)

This course is an introduction to media aesthetics. Students will develop an awareness of the artistic choices necessary for good media production and will be introduced to design elements and techniques available for use. Prerequisite: majors or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with FST 146.

167 Practicum in Electronic Media Production (1)

Practicum experience to expose students considering a major in mass communication to the production process. Student participates in a minimum number of productions of media materials and must attend the pre- and postproduction discussion sessions. Prerequisite: written permission of the instructor. Offered only credit/no-credit. Students who must enroll for credit should petition the assistant chair for mass communication.

177 Independent Study (1-5 per semester; no more than 10 per year)

Must be approved by instructor, area approvals committee, and department chair.

MPT 205 American Film as Communication (3)

Introduction to the study of communication via American motion pictures. Focuses on analysis of technical and narrative elements found in motion pictures. Screening of films provides backdrop for discussing visual impact of motion pictures as significant form of mass communication. Cross-listed with FST 205.

MPF 206 Diversity and Culture in American Film (3)

Analysis of the representation of diversity and culture as portrayed in American motion pictures. Cross-listed with FST 206 and IDS 206. IIIA.

MPT 211 Introduction to Electronic Media Production (4)

Introduction to electronic media production. Students become acquainted with fundamentals and techniques of sound production and elements involved in the design and production of video messages. Prerequisite: COM 146, major status, or permission of instructor.

MPT 215 Electronic Media History (3)

Survey of electronic media history. Beginning with early experiments in electromagnetism, students examine development and impact of electronic media in the United States and international settings. Prerequisite: major status or permission of instructor.

231 Small Group Communication (3)

Theoretical issues that affect communication between members of work teams, discussion groups, and decision-making bodies. Students study these theories and related research studies and work as members of student teams to analyze critically both the theoretical and practical implications of the theories and research studies.

234 Fundamentals of Interviewing (3)

Theory and techniques pertinent to the interview examined with emphasis on skills associated with such contexts as information-gathering, employment, appraisal, and persuasive interviews. Offered infrequently.

MPT 239 Theories of Communication (3)

Introduction to communication and rhetorical theories. Students completing this course should be able to demonstrate competence in understanding the various theories discussed and see how they fit in the field of communication.

247 Rhetoric of Disability Rights (3)

Students identify the Disability Rights Movement, investigate movement rhetoric and theory, practice criticism of popular texts that influence ableism, and engage controversial issues debated by disability rights activists.

257 Scriptwriting for Electronic Media (3)

Basic course in writing for radio and television, and new media, with emphasis on scriptwriting for feature film and narrative for television; treatment of documentary subjects; introduction to narrative forms in new media. Prerequisite: COM 146, or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with ENG 257.

258 Copywriting for Electronic Media (3)

Basic course in writing for radio and television, and new media with emphasis on commercial, noncommercial, and promotional copywriting. Prerequisite: COM 146, or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with ENG 258.

259 Introduction to Strategic Communication and Public Relations (3)

Introduction to the use of communication to influence societal issues and the field of public relations. Focuses on the history and development of the discipline and analyzes the influence of strategic communication on society. Covers theory and research foundations as well as broad contexts of application such as social activists, corporate stakeholders, media, community, and political groups.

262 Introduction to Quantitative Communication Research (3)

Examination and application of concepts and contexts of contemporary communication research and methods of research that facilitate investigation of human communication processes. Emphasizes experience in data collection and using the computer as a research tool. Prerequisite: DSC 205 or STA 261 or STA 301.

267 Practicum in Electronic Media Production II (1-3)

Practicum experience designed to expose students majoring in mass communication to the production process. Student participates in a minimum number of productions and must attend pre- and post-production sessions. Offered credit/no-credit only. Prerequisite: COM 211, major status, or written permission of instructor.

MPF 281 Mediated Sexualities: Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgendered Persons and the Electronic Media (3)

Examines both the treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons by the mass media and the voices of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons as producers of media messages and as activists who influence media messages. The Kinsey Report, the Stonewall Riots, and the AIDS epidemic serve as major culture milestones for tracing the evolving portrayals of diverse sexualities. IIB, IIIA. Cross-listed with FST 281.

282 Sexualities and Film (3)

An exploration of film representations of diverse sexualities (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered) from the silent era to the present. Cross-listed with FST 282.

301 Journalism Law and Ethics (3)

Focuses on statutory and common law limitations on freedom of the press in America, and the legislative and judicial rationales for them. Considers ethical theories and their application to situations that journalists commonly encounter. Cross-listed with JRN 301.

311 Television Production and Direction: Field Production (3)

Experience in production and direction of television formats with emphasis on applied media aesthetics. Field production theories and exercises. Prerequisite: COM 211, major status, or permission of instructor.

312 Television Production and Direction: Studio Production (3)

Experience in the production and direction of television formats with emphasis on applied media aesthetics. Studio production theories and exercises. Prerequisite: COM 211, major status, or permission of instructor.

313 Advanced Electronic Journalism: Audio (3)

Applies audio production theories and techniques to gathering, editing, and presenting long-form and short-form news stories. Prerequisite: COM 211 and JRN 202, major status, or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with JRN 313.

314 Advanced Electronic Journalism: Video (3)

Emphasizes application of video to all phases of the journalistic process, including news gathering, writing, and presentation. Prerequisite: COM 211 and JRN 202, major status, or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with JRN 314.

MPT 332 Argumentation and Debate (3)

Study of the theory and practice of constructing, analyzing, and evaluating arguments. Consideration given to various debate formats as models of argumentation.

MPT 335 Public Discourse in Western Thought (3)

Examines traditional public discourse from political, social, and legal spheres as well as social movements and minority rhetoric. Focuses on the interplay of ideas contributing to social stability and change.

MPT 336 Advanced Interpersonal Communication (3)

In-depth examination of interpersonal communication theories and research. Particular emphasis placed on the role of communication through the life cycle of relationships, from their initiation and maintenance to their deterioration or escalation. Prerequisite: COM 134 or COM 136 or permission of instructor. CAS-C.

339 Introduction to Organizational Communication (3)

Focuses on how communication affects organizational systems and performance. Introduces theories and issues central to the study of organizational communication. Emphasis given to the interrelationship of task performance, human interaction, and the improvement of communication within organizations.

340 Internship (1-16) Applied experience in communication for qualified students meeting departmental and area requirements. See departmental area of major program for specific application information.

341 Methods of Rhetorical Criticism (3)

Examination of various methods related to the description, analysis, and interpretation of communicative acts. Rhetorical approaches treated include neo-Aristotelian, dramatistic, fantasy theme, generic, and narrative methods. Prerequisite: COM 239 or permission of instructor.

343 Practicum in Advanced Sound Production (2)

Experience in production of various radio program formats including dramatic documentary, cultural affairs, and public affairs programming. Prerequisite: COM 211, major status, or permission of instructor.

353 Mass Media Audience Analysis (3)

Introduction to audience analysis including review of services provided by media research organizations and procedures of applied survey research for the media. Prerequisite major status or permission of instructor.
MPT 354 Media and Society (3) Survey of the place of electronic media in society. Topics covered include media and culture; media economics, industries, and institutions; politics of media content; media and social representation. Prerequisite: major status or permission of instructor.

355 Media Technology (3)

Focuses on the relationships among technology, society, and communications (mass media and information systems), exploring key historical, cultural, and political/economic issues raised by new communication technologies. Prerequisite: major status or permission of instructor. Offered infrequently.

359 Strategic Communication Planning (3)

Introduction to the study of public relations and its influence on society. Analysis of the communication functions, theories, and processes of public relations and the publics involved in societal, political, business, and nonprofit contexts. Prerequisite: COM 259.

367 Practicum in Electronic Media Production III (1-3)

Practicum experience designed to expose students majoring in mass communication to the production process. The student participates in a minimum number of productions and must attend the pre- and post-production sessions. Offered credit/no-credit only. Prerequisite: COM 311 or 312, major status, or written permission of instructor.

377 Independent Study (1-5 per semester; no more than 10 per year)

Must be approved by instructor, Area Approvals Committee, and department chair. Prerequisite: major status.

MPT 389 Great Issues in American History: Rhetoric and Reality (3)

Examines historical evolution of enduring issues in the development of the U.S., primarily by examining the way these issues have been argued at various times in our national history. Issues treated include the nature of American government, rights of blacks, rights of women, and warmaking rights. Cross-listed with HST 389H.

MPC 411 Interactive Media Studies Practicum (4)

Examines the tools and methodologies involved in creating and managing the production of new media. Students will study different development models in a real-world setting and work with a client in business or industry to consultatively produce an interactive solution. This course particularly focuses on two aspects of the client project: (1) the management of new media development, and (2) the processes that best develop the synergy of an interdisciplinary team working toward a shared goal and the tools of development. It will also emphasize project planning and management. While it may be the case that programmers need to know coding and graphic designers need to know vector graphics, the successful manager will know something about all of these tools, about how they work together, and about how to specialize in one of them. Cross-listed with IMS 440.

MPC 414 Senior Project in Communication (4; maximum 8)

In-depth personal investigation of a specific aspect of communication. This may be performing original research, comprehensive review of extant literature, internship, and/or operating as a teaching or research assistant in communication. Students work closely with a faculty adviser/mentor and meet with other students to discuss progress, problems, issues, and integrate ideas. Students develop a written report of the results of their investigation and give an oral presentation in a public forum. Prerequisite: senior standing, appropriate course work in communication (at least nine hours, to include a Thematic Sequence in the area) and/or other relevant areas of study, and permission of the faculty adviser/mentor.

MPC 415 Practicum in Television Journalism (4)

Practicum experience in which students write, report, and produce a regularly scheduled television newscast aired on Oxford's cable television system. Participate in and evaluate all aspects of television news gathering and reporting process. Prerequisite: COM 211, JRN 202, and either COM 314 or applied journalism experience. Cross-listed with JRN 415.

417 Methods of Teaching Speech Communication (3)

Methods of managing competitive debate and individual events programs. Covers theories and techniques of coaching debate and individual events, tournament administration, and professional responsibilities of the forensic educator.

421 Advanced Creative Writing: Screenwriting Workshop (3)

Advanced workshop in feature film screenwriting. Analysis of examples of contemporary screenplays, with emphasis on the craft of writing screenplays. Class discussion and sharing of student-written screenplays. Cross-listed with ENG 422. Prerequisite(s): Two of the following: COM 257, ENG 320, ENG 420.

426 Inside Washington (8)

Intensive study of the contemporary Washington community - government institutions, public officials, journalists, consultants, staff, and interest groups - through reading, lecture, on-site observations, expert presentations, discussion, research, writing, and internships. Program conducted in Washington, DC. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Cross-listed with JRN 426 and POL 426.

MPT 428 Communication in Conflict Management (3)

Examination of the role of communication in the management of conflict in various contexts. Stresses relevant theories and research as a basis for analyzing and understanding diverse types of conflict.

431 Persuasion Theory and Research (3)

Examines the formation, change, and functions of attitudes and the link between attitudes and behavior. Emphasis placed on understanding relevant theory and research.

MPT 434 Nonverbal Communication (3)

Examination of theories and research regarding the nature and functions of nonverbal communication. Emphasizes the roles of context, individual and cultural differences, and accompanying verbal messages in interpreting nonverbal behavior.

436 Intercultural Communication (3)

Examines similarities and differences among cultures and subcultures with regard to norms, values, and practices in verbal and nonverbal communication. Barriers, such as prejudice and ethnocentrism, to effective intercultural communication addressed.

MPC 437 Advocacy in Contemporary America (3)

Analyzes post-World War II public persuasion, including messages from a broad variety of media contexts.

MPT 438 Political Communication (3)

Study of communication methods used in political campaigns. Special consideration of such aspects of political communication as analyzing audiences, structuring messages, developing stock speeches, political debating, selecting media, and interpersonal communication in political campaigns.

MPC 439 Advanced Organizational Communication (3)

Interpersonal, small group, and public communication are discussed within organizational context. The effects of personal and organizational values and behavior on communication and organizational activity are linked to the broader community. Course includes class discussion, team work, student presentations, and writing projects. Prerequisite: COM 339 or permission of instructor.

MPC 440 Practicum: Mass Media Advertising and Public Relations (4)

Students are divided into three competing, interdisciplinary teams and work for a semester on an actual client's current promotional problem. Team campaign solutions include primary research and market analysis, campaign strategy development, budget, and media plans, fully produced electronic media and graphic design for print advertising and other sales support materials. Program incorporates contemporary technology and industry standard materials and research. Each campaign is formally presented to the client at the end of the semester. Prerequisite: major status in communication, COM 258; either COM 211 or COM 359; and permission of instructor.

441/541 Rhetoric of Religion (3)

Examines the persuasive symbolic functions surrounding religion. American religious practices are the primary focus of study though ramifications in the international sphere are included. The unique interactions of religion within America's public sphere are the primary area of focus and include religions such as Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Native American Religion.

443 Seminar in Mass Media Management (3)

Intensive study of the management process as applied to mass media industries. Prerequisite major status or permission of instructor.

MPC 445 Seminar in Mass Communication Law (3)

Study of development and implementation of federal and state law and regulations and their effect on American mass media. Emphasis on regulatory process, judicial review, and political process as they affect the Federal Communications Commission and other government agencies. Prerequisite: major status or permission of instructor.

446 Global Media (3)

Survey of international communication systems, with emphasis on comparative analysis based on current typologies, and economic, social, political, and regulatory variables. Prerequisite: major status or permission of instructor.

MPT 447 Mass Media Criticism (3)

Examination of the performance of mass media, especially television, in current social settings. Topics include news and entertainment programming and relationship between media industry and its products. Prerequisite: major status or permission of instructor.

450 Topics in Communication (3; maximum 9 if content changes)

Study or research of issues and problems associated with communication under the guidance of a faculty member of the department. Prerequisite: major status or permission of instructor.

MPC 459 Advanced Public Relations (3)

This seminar course emphasizes public relations case study analysis. Students critically analyze issues drawn from social, political, business, and nonprofit cases. Student teams apply principles learned in this course and prior courses to work with clients using research and strategic analysis to create solutions to public relations challenges. Course format involves discussion, team work, and extensive written work. Prerequisite: COM 359 and 431 or 437, or permission of instructor.

MPT 461 Gender and Media (3)

Examines how media help to shape notions of gender in society, how gender ideologies influence mass media perspectives and practices, and how mediated representations may reinforce or challenge social hierarchies based in differences of gender, race, ethnicity, class and sexual orientation. Cross-listed with WMS 461.

467 Practicum in Electronic Media Production IV (4)

Practicum experience in which students research topics for productions, prepare and present treatments and scripts and produce and direct original media work, including drama and documentary. Prerequisite(s): COM 211 and 311 or permission of instructor.

469 Public Relations Practicum (1-2; maximum 8)

Practical experience in public relations work. Cannot count for credit toward major in communication. Prerequisite: PRSSA membership and permission of instructor.

477 Independent Study (1-5 per semester; no more than 10 per year)

Must be approved by instructor, area approvals committee, and department chair. Prerequisite: major status.

MPC 494 Disability in Global and Local Contexts (3)

Examines contemporary disability issues and policies and the lived experiences of persons with disabilities in international and local contexts, with emphasis on understanding disability within particular communities- both locally and in other countries- and on learning multiple research methods. Cross-listed with ENG/SPA/DST/ SOC 494 and EDP 489. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.

615 Historical and Critical Methods of Research in Public Address (3)

Examination of critical methodologies for evaluating rhetorical artifacts. Methods for evaluating textural accuracy, effectiveness, social significance, reasoning, and style. Practice in rhetorical criticism.

616 Empirical Methods of Research in Communication (3)

Examination of contemporary research designs in communication with emphasis on the social scientific process of hypothesis derivation and testing.

619 Organizational Communication Theory and Research (3)

Survey of theoretical and empirical literature dealing with human communication behavior in complex organizations. Emphasis placed on development of a conceptual framework for analyzing message systems. Prerequisite: COM 439 or permission of instructor.

632 Seminar in Advocacy in Contemporary America (3)

Analyzes post-World War II public persuasion, including messages from a broad variety of media contexts.

633 Persuasion Theory and Research (3)

Analysis of persuasion process through examination of relevant theory and empirical research. Devotes attention to experimental speech communication research in persuasion and culminates in a critical appraisal of current research trends.

634 Interpersonal Communication Theory and Research (3)

Focuses on concepts, theories, and research regarding the communication behavior of people (primarily in dyads) in various relational contexts.

635 Seminar in Communication Theory (3)

Theories developed in speech communication, theories from other disciplines that have influenced the development of theory in speech communication, and samples of research generated by these theories are read and discussed. Selected theories generated within the traditional, human action systems, and critical perspectives are examined.

636 Rhetorical Seminar (3; maximum 6)

Provides advanced, in-depth study of topics within rhetorical theory and criticism. Topics vary. Prior course work in rhetoric recommended.

637 Contemporary Theories of Rhetoric (3)

Survey of forces and ideas shaping rhetorical theory after 1965. May include scholarship of Burke, Foucault, Habermas, and Grassi.

638 Small Group Communication Theory and Research (3)

Focuses on theory, research, and methods involved in the study of group communication. (Speech communication)

639 Organizational Communication: Diagnosis and Intervention (3)

Seminar on theoretical and applied approaches to communication consulting in complex organizations. Emphasis placed on developing intervention strategies for making organizational communication systems more effective. Prerequisite: COM 619.

643 Mass Communication Theory (3)

Introduction to scholars and works shaping contemporary mass communication theory.

650 Topics in Communication (1-3; maximum 6)

Intensive study of a selected topic in communication. Emphasis on in-depth research, analysis, and application. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

653 Seminar: Issues in Media Management and Economics (3)

Examines newspapers, magazines, film, radio, television, cable, and emerging electronic media as business organizations. Basic principles of economics, leadership, and management reviewed and applied to various media industries and structures. Issues such as media gigantism, corporate downsizing, mergers and acquisitions, labor organization, job satisfaction, and the economic impact of regulation explored, with particular attention to the social impact of media business dynamics.

655 Seminar in Free Speech and Press (3)

Examination of theoretical and applied issues implicit in the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of the press. Consideration of the legal and ethical aspects of areas including defamation, invasion of privacy, media coverage of the judicial system, national security and the press, and obscenity.

656 Seminar in Global Media (3)

In-depth study of international mass media systems, the international law and regulation that affects them, and major issues that shape the international flow of information.

657 Seminar in Mass Media Criticism (3)

Introduction to critical communication perspectives and approaches for application in the analysis of mass media texts.

658 Colloquium in Mass Communication (1; maximum 4)

Discussion of current research in mass communication being conducted by faculty, graduate students, and guest presenters.

659 Public Relations: Theory and Research (3)

Survey of theoretical and research-based literature dealing with public relations and central issues in the field. Emphasis placed on exploring how organizations use communication to negotiate their relationship with key publics and their role in society.

660 Independent Project (1-4; maximum 8)

May be repeated.

681 Seminar: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered Persons & The Media (3)

Examines both the treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons by the mass media and the voices of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons as producers of media messages and as activists who influence media messages.

682 Feminist Media Theory and Practice (3)

Offers an overview of feminist theories of the media and feminist media practices over the past three decades, but focuses on recent developments including transnational feminist approaches to media and feminist approaches to new information technologies.

696 Teaching Practicum: Topics (1 to 2)

Provides training and practical experience in a variety of communication education areas. Specific topics vary by section and can include a range of topics such as forensics coaching, public relations practicums, and other educational topics. Credit does not count toward speech communication graduate degree.

697 Teaching Essentials of Speech Communication (2; maximum 8)

Deals with practical problems and challenges of teaching basic speech communication courses. Required of all graduate teaching assistants teaching the basic course. Credit does not count toward a graduate degree.

698 Introduction to Communication (2)

Theoretical foundations and practical applications for instruction at college level. Prerequisite for teaching COM 135 with graduate assistantship. Credit does not count toward a graduate degree. Summer only.

700 Research for Masters Thesis (1 to 12)

Students pursuing the thesis option may register for these hours while working on a thesis; however, these hours are taken typically during the second year of the program.

700M Mass Communication
700S Speech Communication

711 Research (1-12; minimum 6, maximum 12) May be repeated.

711M Mass Communication
711S Speech Communication

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