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This is an archived copy of the 2013-2014 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, pleae visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

Communication Studies (COMST)

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Courses

Courses primarily for undergraduates:

COMST 101. Introduction to Communication Studies.

(3-0) Cr. 3.
An introduction to communication theory, the development and functions of communication, and a survey of interpersonal, small group, organizational, and intercultural communication.

COMST 102. Introduction to Interpersonal Communication.

(3-0) Cr. 3.
Application of communication principles, theory, and research to the process of interpersonal communication; includes verbal, nonverbal, listening, conflict management, and communication skills most relevant to a broad range of interpersonal settings.

COMST 203. Introduction to Communication Research Methods.

(3-0) Cr. 3.
An introduction to analyzing and conducting communication research. Provides an overview of quantitative and qualitative approaches to communication research.

COMST 214. Professional Communication.

(3-0) Cr. 3.
Communication theory and skill development in organizational settings. Emphasis on: interpersonal skill development, team and meeting facilitation, informational interviewing, and team presentations and self-assessment.

COMST 218. Conflict Management.

(3-0) Cr. 3.
Exploration of communication theories, principles and methods associated with effective conflict management.

COMST 301. Human Communication Theory.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: COMST 101
Examination of the major theories related to human communication; with particular emphasis on theories underlying interpersonal, small group, organizational, and intercultural communication.

COMST 310. Intercultural Communication.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: COMST 101, COMST 102, COMST 203, COMST 301
Examines the theories, principles and research on intercultural communication to enhance cultural sensitivity and to recognize, accept, and adapt to cultural diversity. Interactive assignments.

Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

COMST 311. Studies in Interpersonal Communication.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: COMST 101, COMST 102, COMST 203, COMST 301
This class focuses on studies of contemporary interpersonal communication concepts and theories. Emphasis on research that examines issues central to communication in interpersonal relationships.

COMST 313. Leadership Communication Theories.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: COMST 101, COMST 102, COMST 203, COMST 301
Investigation of theories, research and principles of leadership communication. Exploration of the contexts in which leadership and communication occurs, with emphasis on the connection between communication and leadership and the dyadic linkage of leader and follower.

COMST 314. Organizational Communication.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: COMST 101, COMST 102, COMST 203, COMST 301
Theory and research in organizational communication; strategies for assessing and improving individual and organizational communication effectiveness; an understanding of how organizational meaning is created and sustained through human communication.

COMST 317. Small Group Communication.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: COMST 101, COMST 102, COMST 203, COMST 301
Theory and research in small group communication; application to group decision-making and leadership. Includes communication analyses of groups and teams.

COMST 319. Communication Training and Development.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: COMST 101, COMST 102, COMST 203, COMST 301
Theories and approaches to communication training and development; includes adult learning theory. Emphasis on the design, presentation and assessment of communication skills in organizational contexts.

COMST 325. Nonverbal Communication.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: COMST 101, COMST 102, COMST 203, COMST 301
Approaches to studying nonverbal communication; nonverbal functions and aspects of social interaction such as facial affect, body language, touch, gaze, and use of space.

COMST 330. Computer Mediated Communication.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: COMST 101, COMST 102, COMST 203, COMST 301
Theories and approaches related to mediated communication in interpersonal and organizational settings. Focus on how new technology will impact human interaction with computers as well as between and among humans.

COMST 384. Applied Organizational Communication.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: COMST 101, COMST 102 or equivalent course.
Theory and research of micro-level organizational communication, including interpersonal and small group interactions taking place in a professional setting. Topics include interpersonal dynamics in such areas as conflict, generational communication, negotiation, superior/subordinate communication, external communication, and virtual organizations. Not available for major credit.

COMST 404. Research Seminar.

(Dual-listed with COMST 504). (3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. Prereq: COMST 301 plus 3 additional communication studies classes from the following list: COMST 310, COMST 311, COMST 314, COMST 317, COMST 319, COMST 325, or COMST 330.
Capstone communication studies course. Students develop an original research study linked to the study of communication. Data are collected and analyzed. Results are presented in a final research paper and a presentation.

COMST 490. Independent Study.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. Prereq: 9 credits in communication studies and junior classification
Application must be submitted for approval the semester prior to the independent study.

COMST 497. Professional Internship.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. Prereq: 12 hours in Communication Studies including COMST 203, COMST 301, and one other 300-level COMST class. Junior Classification. Application required.
100 hours of on-site professional work per credit hour plus completion of the academic requirement set by the internship committee. Application should be submitted in the term prior to the term in which the internship will be served. Internship cannot be used to meet degree requirement in Communication Studies.

Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:

COMST 504. Seminar in Communication Studies.

(Dual-listed with COMST 404). (3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. Prereq: Graduate standing and permission of instructor
Students develop an original research study linked to the study of communication. Data are collected and analyzed. Results are presented in a final research paper and a presentation.

COMST 590. Special Topics.

Cr. 1-4. Repeatable.
Application must be submitted for approval the semester prior to the independent study.