Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
An introduction to communication theory, the development and functions of communication, and a survey of verbal, nonverbal, interpersonal, small group, organizational, and intercultural communication.
Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.
Prereq: Major in Communication Studies
Orientation to Communication Studies discipline, program requirements and career opportunities. Required of communication studies majors. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Introduction to the role of diversity in communication. Developing competent communication with diverse social groups within interpersonal and organizational contexts in the United States. Topics may include structured reflection of one's role in diverse communication experiences, cultural variations in communication mores, impacts of racial/ethnic/gender identities on communication, workplace policies regarding cultural diversity, the intersection of communication and cultural privilege, communication practices that can reduce prejudice/discrimination, and communication characteristics of advocates for diversity. Meets U.S. Cultures and Communities Requirement. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Apply interpersonal communication theory and concepts to daily interactions. Develop knowledge and skills such as listening and responding, conversation management, using and interpreting nonverbals, conflict resolution, among others. Build skills leading to effective interactions in friendships, romances, families, and the workplace. .
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Develop verbal and nonverbal communication competence in organizational settings, with a particular emphasis on interpersonal skills, salary negotiation, team and meeting facilitation, informational interviewing, and team presentations. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Interactive discussion and application of interpersonal conflict with an understanding of the theories and practices associated with effective conflict management. Major topics include conflict climate, power dynamics, negotiation, mediation, creativity, forgiveness, reconciliation, and workplace conflict. .
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: COMST 1010
Examination and application of several major theories in the Communication discipline, with particular emphasis on theories underlying interpersonal, small group, organizational, gender, and intercultural communication.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: COMST 1010; 3 additional credits in COMST
An introduction to evaluating, analyzing, and conducting communication research. Provides an overview of quantitative and qualitative approaches to communication research that are beneficial to learn communication concepts and solve communication issues.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: COMST 1010
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.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: COMST 1010
Examines foundational and contemporary interpersonal communication theories and research on initiating, developing, maintaining, and dissolving close relationships. .
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: COMST 1010
Exploration of the role that communication plays in the leadership process, by using theories of leadership and communication. Key topics include impact of communication on leadership results and the communication dynamics of the leader-follower dyad. Special focus on leaders who are recognized as innovators and/or entrepreneurs in their respective fields, including leaders from the U.S. as well as other nations.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: COMST 1010
Explores the centrality of communication in organizational successes and failures. Provides strategies for assessing and improving individual and organizational communication effectiveness. Addresses issues such as leadership, technology, diversity, work-life negotiation, conflict, emotion, conflict, socialization, and organizational culture. .
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: COMST 1010
Apply communication theories and concepts to enhance small group and team functioning. Provides insights into how to improve individual and group communication dynamics. Explores topics such as teamwork, group formation, leadership, group member roles, cohesion, and decision-making.
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: COMST 1010
Application of adult learning and communication theories to training and development of communication skills and concepts. Focus on: developing expertise in communication skills; designing and presenting face-to-face, synchronous, and asynchronous training sessions; and preparing training assessments. .
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: COMST 1010
Examination of the way nonverbal behavior influences communication processes. Development of observation, analysis, and interpretation skills related to nonverbal communication. Emphasis on both theory and practical application.
(Cross-listed with PSYCH 3270).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Examination of theories and research in persuasive communication, including attitudes and social influence. Emphasis on persuasive communication strategies in everyday social settings that influence changes in attitudes and actions. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: COMST 1010
Examines historical backgrounds and current discussions/research regarding digital communication platforms such as email, texting, social media, video conferencing, and newer technologies such as AI and virtual reality. Students apply theories related to online communication to current, real-life situations and gain understandings of the use and impact of communication technologies in relationships and organizations. .
(Dual-listed with COMST 5040).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: (COMST 3010 AND COMST 3030) AND 3 courses in COMST 3100, COMST 3110, COMST 3130, COMST 3140, COMST 3170, COMST 3190, COMST 3250, COMST 3300, COMST 4500, or SP CM 3230
Capstone course for Communication Studies majors. Students examine communication concepts within an organization of their choice. Students collect and analyze survey, interview, observation, and/or textual data and present their results in a final paper and presentation.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
(Dual-listed with COMST 5110X/ HDFS 5110X).
(Cross-listed with HDFS 4110X).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: COMST 1010 or HDFS 2700
Examine theory and research on communication dynamics across a variety of family relationships and structures. Topics include storytelling, affection, conflict, privacy, socialization, stress, and resilience. Students will gain an understanding of the communication behaviors that improve (or detract from) family functioning.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
(Dual-listed with COMST 5120).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Junior standing or Permission of Instructor
Examines health communication theories and concepts, with an emphasis on how messages from interpersonal, organizational, cultural, and health informatics sources affect health beliefs and behaviors. Major topics include social interactions in health care settings; emergent communication issues in the management of health care organizations; the relationships among health informatics, ehealth, and the individuals who use them; and the design and evaluation of effective messages in public health promotion campaigns. .
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Repeatable.
Prereq: Junior standing or Permission of Instructor
Research and theory related to special topics and issues in communication studies. Offered irregularly.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
Credits: 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: 9 credits in COMST; Junior classification; Permission of Instructor
Application must be submitted for approval the semester prior to the independent study.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-30. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: COMST 2030; COMST 3010; Permission of Instructor
Providing research assistance on projects conducted by Communication Studies faculty.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Credits: 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: COMST 2030; COMST 3010; 1 additional 3000-level COMST course; Junior classification; Department Permission
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.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
(Dual-listed with COMST 4040).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Capstone course for Communication Studies majors. Students examine communication concepts within an organization of their choice. Students collect and analyze survey, interview, observation, and/or textual data and present their results in a final paper and presentation.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)
(Dual-listed with COMST 4110X/HDFS 4110X).
(Cross-listed with HDFS 5110X).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Examine theory and research on communication dynamics across a variety of family relationships and structures. Topics include storytelling, affection, conflict, privacy, socialization, stress, and resilience. Students will gain an understanding of the communication behaviors that improve (or detract from) family functioning. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
(Dual-listed with COMST 4120).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.
Prereq: Graduate Standing or Permission of Instructor
Examines health communication theories and concepts, with an emphasis on how messages from interpersonal, organizational, cultural, and health informatics sources affect health beliefs and behaviors. Major topics include social interactions in health care settings; emergent communication issues in the management of health care organizations; the relationships among health informatics, ehealth, and the individuals who use them; and the design and evaluation of effective messages in public health promotion campaigns. .
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)
Credits: 1-4. Repeatable.
Prereq: Instructor Permission for Course
Application must be submitted for approval the semester prior to the independent study.
(Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)