Communication and Theatre
Students in Communication and Theatre study the process by which messages are devised and disseminated. Attention is given to the various roles and stages in the communication process. The contexts of communication, including rhetoric, interpersonal communication, media, and theatre, are analyzed and distinguished. As a crossroads discipline, communication is studied from the humanities, artistic, and social science perspectives. The study of communication is built around a framework that allows for an understanding of theory, opportunity for criticism of messages and practice and research in the discipline. Students study a wide range of communication areas, including rhetoric, interpersonal communication, media and theatre. Communication students can apply their understanding of this vital process in a variety of fields, such as corporate communication, public relations, personnel, advertising, marketing, law, mass media, sales, public service and the performing arts. Most communication students participate in co-curricular activities, such as debate, theatre (DePauw Theatre) and student mass media (WGRE-FM radio and D3TV cable access television). Two majors and three minors are offered in Communication and Theatre.
Requirements for a major
Communication
| Total courses required | Nine |
|---|---|
| Core courses | COMM 200 |
| Other required courses | Students majoring in communication must take coursework in the three areas of the department (rhetoric and interpersonal communication, media studies and theatre). To meet the theatre coursework requirement students must take one of the following: COMM 111, COMM 117, COMM 210, COMM 211, COMM 213, COMM 214, COMM 215, COMM 311, COMM 314, or COMM 315. To meet the media studies coursework requirement students must take one of the following: COMM 233, COMM 235, COMM 237, COMM 334, COMM 335, or COMM 337. To meet the rhetoric and interpersonal coursework requirement students must take one of the following: COMM 223, COMM 225, COMM 227, COMM 322, COMM 323, COMM 325, COMM 326, COMM 327 or COMM 328. Substitution of a departmental topics course for one of these other required courses may be approved by the department chair. |
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | Four |
| Senior requirement and capstone experience | The senior capstone experience in Communication and Theatre is where majors intentionally integrate, interpret, and create knowledge in their chosen area of focus through scholarly or artistic exploration and expression. This is both the challenge and the reward of their years spent in the intellectual life of the department and discipline. Capstone experiences also prepare students for the intellectual, ethical, interpersonal, and professional challenges that lie ahead after graduation, whether or not they go on to formal graduate study. These capstone experience options are described in detail below. Most seniors will complete their capstone experience through a department Senior Seminar experience. In Communication and Theatre the Senior Seminar is the culmination of students' discipline-specific studies. The seminar challenges majors to integrate their learning in and understanding of the diverse sub-divisions of Communication and Theatre even as they may complete a very specialized and discrete thesis or artistic project. Seminar's ultimate goal is to challenge majors to produce a substantial scholarly or artistic work that reflects their learning in the major as supported by their broad liberal arts coursework. Seniors who meet the stated academic eligibility requirements may apply for the opportunity to conduct a departmental or interdisciplinary independent senior capstone thesis or artistic project by contacting a department faculty member of their choice and completing the necessary application materials. Details of the requirements and proposal procedure and application forms are located on the Communication and Theatre Department website. In preparation for these options, all students are required to take one of the following 300-level courses prior to enrolling in senior seminar: COMM 314 Theatrical Theory and Criticism, COMM 315 Topics in Theatre History and Criticism, COMM 322 Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, COMM 323 History of Public Discourse, COMM 326 Communication in Organizations, COMM 327 Communication and Cultural Identity, COMM 334 Media Criticism, COMM 335 Media Law, COMM 337 International Media, or COMM 350 Research Methods. Priority for placement in a fall seminar is determined in three ways: 1. Completion of all other required courses in the major; 2. Completion of at least two of the required 300 level courses with priority given to those students who've completed one of the required seminar preparation courses within the major; 3. The existing university registration sequence. Coursework completed in meeting the senior requirement can be applied toward meeting the 300-400 level course requirement. Majors will fulfill this Senior Capstone requirement through the successful completion of a department Senior Seminar course or through an independent Senior Capstone Thesis or Artistic Project with a minimum grade of C- (1.67). |
| Recent changes in major | Effective for Fall 2011, COMM 100, Foundations of Communication, was renumbered COMM 200. COMM 125, Interpersonal Communication, was renumbered COMM 225. COMM 100 and COMM 291, Communication Theory, will satisfy the core requirement for COMM 200. Many courses were added to those that satisfy the area requirements in the Communication major.The number of 300-400 level courses required was increased from 3 to 4. Effective Fall 2013, the number of required 300 level or above courses to complete the major was increased from three to four. Provision was made for the opportunity to complete an Independent Senior Capstone Experience Thesis or Artistic Project. All majors are now required to take one of the specifically listed 300 level courses prior to registering for a Senior Seminar. The list of 300 level courses that count as one of the required courses majors must take prior to Senior Seminar has been increased. The minimum grade required for satisfactory completion of the Senior Seminar or an Independent Senior Capstone Experience Thesis or Artistic Project is now a C- (1.67). |
| Writing in the Major | The writing requirement for the majors in Communication and Theatre can be satisfied in the following courses offered in the major. All majors are required to take at least one of these courses.
Additionally, the following courses specifically include writing components designed as preparation for the kind of writing majors are expected to do in the senior capstone experience.
In each of these writing intensive courses in the major, students will participate in discussions about writing in the major and writing as a process. Students will also submit substantial written work for evaluation. These courses promote improvement in students' writing though a variety of methods including peer reviews, sequenced assignments, multiple drafts, and/or writing conferences. Students will be expected to revise written work in response to feedback received from peers and their instructor. The department strives to teach majors how to write as a media studies scholar, a rhetoric scholar, an interpersonal communication scholar, or a theatre scholar. Specific writing assignments will encourage students to develop their skills in summarizing, synthesis, analysis, criticism, and proper attribution of both primary and secondary sources. Majors are required to pass at least one of the writing in the major courses with a grade of C (2.0) or above to fulfill the primary writing in the major requirement. Majors are also required to submit a substantial written project of original research or creative expression as part of their senior capstone experience to fulfill the remainder of the writing in the major requirement. |
Theatre
| Total courses required | Ten |
|---|---|
| Core courses | COMM 200, COMM 111 or 211, COMM 117, COMM 314, COMM 001 (0 credit) |
| Other required courses | One course in the rhetoric/interpersonal area from the following: COMM 223, COMM 225, COMM 227, COMM 322, COMM 323, COMM 325, COMM 326, COMM 327 or COMM 328. One course in the media studies area: either COMM 233, COMM 235, COMM 237, COMM 334, COMM 335, or COMM 337. One of the following theatre history courses: COMM 213, COMM 214 or COMM 215 Two additional 300-level courses from the following: COMM 310, COMM 311, COMM 315, COMM 316, COMM 317, COMM 319 or a 300-level communication course or a 300-level course in a related department with permission of the department chair. |
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | Four |
| Senior requirement and capstone experience | The senior capstone experience in Communication and Theatre is where majors intentionally integrate, interpret, and create knowledge in their chosen area of focus through scholarly or artistic exploration and expression. This is both the challenge and the reward of their years spent in the intellectual life of the department and discipline. Capstone experiences also prepare students for the intellectual, ethical, interpersonal, and professional challenges that lie ahead after graduation, whether or not they go on to formal graduate study. These capstone experience options are described in detail below. Most seniors will complete their capstone experience through a department Senior Seminar experience. In Communication and Theatre the Senior Seminar is the culmination of students' discipline-specific studies. The seminar challenges majors to integrate their learning in and understanding of the diverse sub-divisions of Communication and Theatre even as they may complete a very specialized and discrete thesis or artistic project. Seminar's ultimate goal is to challenge majors to produce a substantial scholarly or artistic work that reflects their learning in the major as supported by their broad liberal arts coursework. Seniors who meet the stated academic eligibility requirements may apply for the opportunity to conduct a departmental or interdisciplinary independent senior capstone thesis or artistic project by contacting a department faculty member of their choice and completing the necessary application materials. Details of the requirements and proposal procedure and application forms are located on the Communication and Theatre Department website. In preparation for these options, all students are required to take a 300-level course designed to prepare students for senior seminar prior to enrolling in senior seminar. All Theatre majors are required to complete COMM 314 Theatrical Theory and Criticism as a requirement for the major, but a student may complete preparation for the seminar in any of the following courses: COMM 314 Theatrical Theory and Criticism, COMM 315 Topics in Theatre History and Criticism, COMM 322 Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, COMM 323 History of Public Discourse, COMM 326 Communication in Organizations, COMM 327 Communication and Cultural Identity, COMM 334 Media Criticism, COMM 335 Media Law, COMM 337 International Media, or COMM 350 Research Methods. Priority for placement in a fall seminar is determined in three ways: 1. Completion of all other required courses in the major; 2. Completion of at least two of the required 300 level courses with priority given to those students who've completed one of the required seminar preparation courses within the major; 3. The existing university registration sequence. Coursework completed in meeting the senior requirement can be applied toward meeting the 300-400 level course requirement. Majors will fulfill this Senior Capstone requirement through the successful completion of a department Senior Seminar course or through an independent Senior Capstone Thesis or Artistic Project with a minimum grade of C- (1.67). |
| Recent changes in major | Effective Fall 2011, COMM 100, Foundations of Communication, has been renumbered to COMM 200. COMM 100 and COMM 291, Communication Theory, will continue to apply to the core courses. The lists of course that can count toward various areas has been expanded. There is a new description of the senior capstone. The number of 300-400 level courses has been increased from 3 to 4. Effective Fall 2013, the number of required 300 level or above courses to complete the major was increased from three to four. Provision was made for the opportunity to complete an Independent Senior Capstone Experience Thesis or Artistic Project. All majors are now required to take one of the specifically listed 300 level courses prior to registering for a Senior Seminar. The list of 300 level courses that count as one of the required courses majors must take prior to Senior Seminar has been increased. The minimum grade required for satisfactory completion of the Senior Seminar or an Independent Senior Capstone Experience Thesis or Artistic Project is now a C- (1.67). |
| Writing in the Major | See Writing in the Major requirement for Communication. |
Requirements for a minor
Media Studies
| Total courses required | Four |
|---|---|
| Core courses | COMM 233 |
| Other required courses | Three courses selected from COMM 235, COMM 236, COMM 237, COMM 332, COMM 334, COMM 335, COMM 337. |
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | One |
Rhetoric and Interpersonal Communication
| Total courses required | Four |
|---|---|
| Core courses | |
| Other required courses | Four courses selected from COMM 123, COMM 223, COMM 225 (formerly COMM 125), COMM 227, COMM 322, COMM 323, COMM 325, COMM 326, COMM 327, COMM 328. |
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | One |
Theatre
| Total courses required | Four |
|---|---|
| Core courses | COMM 117 |
| Other required courses |
|
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | One |
Courses in Communication and Theatre
COMM 001Co-Curricular Activities
A. DePauw Theatre; B. Debates; C. WGRE-FM; D. D3TV.; E.Social Media.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 0 credit |
COMM 101
Theatre Practicum
This course enables students to apply theoretical concepts from performance and design theory to a live production for an audience. Performers, designers, stage managers, choreographers, composers, and others collaborate as an ensemble to take a production from page to stage. This course is a P/F course, repeatable up to 1.0 credit, and is exempt from tuition overload fees. No prerequisites.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 course |
COMM 102
Debate Practicum
COMM 102 (Debate Practicum) enables students to apply theoretical concepts from debate and argumentation theory to participate in live debates for various audiences including lay, argument, and topic specialists. Students collaborate as a team and work with partners to research and construct arguments for competitive debate on and off-campus. This course is a P/F course, repeatable up to 1.0 credit, and is exempt from tuition overload fees. No prerequisites.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| None | 1/4 course |
COMM 110
Introduction to Theatre
This course offers an overview and introduction to the understanding and appreciation of theatre arts by examining foundations of drama as a communicative act. The course also addresses dramatic theory and literature, collaborative theatre artists, and basic production techniques. Students will gain insight into the imaginative and creative process that makes up the art of theatre.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 111
Acting I
Grounding in American acting technique, paying particular attention to objective, obstacle, playable action, character analysis, improvisation, and understanding and development of the vocal and physical instruments.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | 1 course |
COMM 117
Costume, Lighting, and Scenery Craft
The theory and practice of technical production for live performance, including: scenery construction, lighting, properties, costume construction and make-up. Laboratory work on University productions.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 118
Costume, Lighting, and Scenery Design
The theory and practice of technical design for live performance, including: scenery construction, lighting, properties, costume construction and make-up. Laboratory work on University productions.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 123
Public Speaking
This course examines the attitudes, methods, and techniques used in effective public speaking. Effective performance required in a variety of speaking situations.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 183
Off-Campus Extended Studies Course
Winter or May Term off-campus study project on a theme related to communications and theatre.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| variable |
COMM 184
On-Campus Extended Studies Course
An on-campus course offered during the Winter or May term. May be offered for .5 course credits or as a co-curricular (0 credit). Counts toward satisfying the Extended Studies requirement.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Variable |
COMM 197
First-Year Seminar
A seminar focused on a theme related to the study of communication. Open only to first-year students.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 200
Foundations of Communication Studies
This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of communication studies. Drawing on primary and secondary source material, the course encourages students to explore a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of human communication. Emphasizing the department's commitment to an integrated program of study, this course provides students with the foundational concepts and skills necessary for successful completion of majors in Communication and Theatre through the study of primary and secondary source material.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 210
Performance Studies I
Performance Studies seeks to broaden the definition of performance and the texts upon which they are based. This course investigates literature, discourse, image, gesture and the body through analytical and artistic applications.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 211
Voice and Movement
The use and training of the human voice and body. Developing and deepening flexibility and responsiveness of vocal and physical instruments for performance and public presentation.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 213
History of the Theatre I: PreHistory to Early 18th Century
Historiographic, cultural and theoretical investigations of theatre and drama from the earliest human records to the early eighteenth century.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | 1 course |
COMM 214
History of the Theatre II: Early 18th Century to Present
Historiographic, cultural and theoretical investigations of theatre and drama from the early eighteenth century to the present.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | 1 course |
COMM 215
Theatre, Culture and Society
Theatre, Culture and Society explores representations of social identity, culture, and ideology in live performance and film with special emphasis on issues of race, gender, class, and sexual identity. Live performances and historical performance descriptions are considered as texts to be 'read' within cultural contexts, alongside mediated events, such as film, television, or novels, with special focus on performance traditions of non-dominant social groups from cultural, critical, historical, and theoretical perspectives. The course also explores the role of the audience, historical performance, and strategies for recognizing, reinforcing, or subverting conventional depictions of power and ideology.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities-or-Privilege, Power And Diversity | 1 course |
COMM 217
Entertainment Design
Applications of stagecraft technology and design in specific areas of entertainment design. Concentration on design process into production, including drafting and rendering. Repeatable for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: COMM 117 or 118 or one Studio Art course or permission of Instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 117 or 118 or one Studio Art course or permission of instructor | 1 course |
COMM 222
Argumentation and Debate
This course is designed as an intensive study of one particular arena of argumentation: the engaging world of academic and public debate. The course will study the theory of debate, the component parts of arguments, significant debates in history, and political and legal argumentation. We will apply what we have learned in multiple practical exercises including a policy debate, several parliamentary debates, and an advocacy assignment. This course will require significant out of class work, including research, practice, and preparation. The culminating experience of the course will be attending and participating in an actual debate tournament.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | 1 course |
COMM 223
Public Communication and Controversy
An exploration of the nature and methods of persuasive communication, including motivational theories, attention, logical argument, audience analysis and the role of personality, integrated with practice in public speaking.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | 1 course |
COMM 225
Interpersonal Communication
An introduction to the theories and skills involved in two-person interactions. Attention will also be given to the development of competencies and skills relevant to various interpersonal contexts.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Social Science | 1 course |
COMM 226
Business and Professional Communication
This course is an introduction to business and professional communication at individual, group, and organization levels. Topics will include principles of business communication, professional and ethical communication in the workplace, working in teams, and different methods of professional presentations. This course is appropriate for students with a variety of majors, including those in the School of Business and Leadership.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 227
Intercultural Communication
A consideration of the influence of such cultural variables as language values, institutions, traditions, customs and nonverbal behavior on the communication process.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 228
Foundations of Leadership
This course establishes a conceptual foundation for the study of leadership. From this foundation, students will be equipped to further build their knowledge of leadership through both coursework and applied experience. Students will examine case studies, engage with guest speakers, and study the key theoretical concepts of modern leadership study. Conceptual areas covered include inclusive leadership, leader member exchange theory, transformational leadership, authentic leadership, servant leadership, adaptive leadership, and team leadership. Contexts considered cross disciplinary boundaries and will include corporate, community, political, and education leadership.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Social Science | 1 course |
COMM 233
Media, Culture, and Society
A basic orientation to the history, theory and process of media. Particular emphasis is given to the relationships among the various media and their audiences,free speech and ethics, media law and other regulatory controls, news and information, media effects, emerging communication technologies and future trends.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 235
Electronic Journalism
Critical analysis of the role of electronic news gathering and dissemination in modern society, including ethics and responsibilities. Study and practice in preparation, reporting and disseminating of news emphasizing documentary production, news analysis and public affairs reporting.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 236
Television Production and Televisual Literacy
An introduction to the basic concepts and processes of television production. Emphasis is placed on the creation and analysis of ideas communicated through the medium of television, including aesthetic, ethical and technical influences on message construction. Students learn studio and field production: basic scripting, lighting, audio, camera/picturization, editing, directing, etc. Televisual literacy is developed, and assignments apply the critical skills needed to interpret and analyze visual imagery and television programming.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 237
Film and Culture
This course is a critical examination of motion pictures as a medium of communication. In addition to looking at the films as texts to be "read," this course considers the institutional contexts in which films are produced, as well as the various reception contexts in which audiences see films. As a course in communication, we begin from the perspective that motion pictures are an important and meaningful part of the way we produce and re-produce our culture. Importantly, the course is not only concerned with how film texts communicate, but also how we communicate about films, as both fans and critics.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 291
Inquiries into Communication
Designated topics in communication and theatre are explored. May be repeated with different topics.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 292
Project in Communication
A. Interpersonal Project, B. Interpersonal Course Teaching Assistant, C. Theatre Project, D. Theatre Course Teaching Assistant, E. Media Studies Project, F. Media Studies Course Teaching Assistant, G. Rhetoric Project, H. Rhetoric Course Teaching Assistant, J. Communication Course Teaching Assistant. Prerequisite: permission of department. No more than two course credits may be taken as projects. Not open for Pass/Fail credit.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 - 1 course |
COMM 299
Internship in Communication
A. Media Studies; B. Rhetoric and Interpersonal Communication; C. Theatre. An experiential course for those students who will intern with an agency outside the University. This course does not satisfy departmental distribution requirements.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4-1/2-1 course |
COMM 310
Performance Studies II
Application of Performance Studies approach (see COMM 210) to a specific area of study or artistic expression. Prerequisite: COMM 111, COMM 210 or COMM 211, or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 111, COMM 210 or COMM 211, or permission of instructor. | 1 course |
COMM 311
Acting II
Monologue, scene work and audition preparation concentrating on objective, obstacle, playable action, character analysis, improvisation and understanding and development of the vocal and physical instruments. Prerequisite: COMM 111 or COMM 211 or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 111 or COMM 211 or permission of instructor. . | 1 course |
COMM 314
History of Theatrical Theory and Criticism
The principles of dramatic criticism from Aristotle to the present, utilizing theories of dramaturgy and techniques for the production of historical plays. Prerequisite: COMM 213, COMM 214, or COMM 215 or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 213, COMM 214, or COMM 215 or permission of instructor | 1 course |
COMM 315
Topics in Theatre History and Criticism
While refining students' analytical and interpretive skills, this course offers intensive examination of specific issues in theatre history and performance theory, often those at the center of current critical interest. Recent sections have focused on Women and Theatre, Gender and Theatre, and African-Atlantic Theatre. Repeatable for credit with different topics.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 316
Stage Directing
The theories of techniques and styles of acting and directing, including laboratory practice in selecting, casting, acting and directing. Prerequisite: COMM 111 or COMM 211, COMM 117 or COMM 118, and COMM 213 or COMM 214, or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 111 or COMM 211, COMM 117 or COMM 118, and COMM 213 or COMM 214, or permission of instructor. | 1 course |
COMM 317
Advanced Entertainment Design
More complex applications of theater technology and design in specific areas of entertainment design. Concentration on design process into production, including drafting and rendering. Repeatable for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: COMM 117 or 118 or 217 or one Studio Art course or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 117 or 118 or 217 or one Studio Art course or permission of instructor | 1 course |
COMM 318
Business of the Performing Arts
The course will investigate different models of arts organizations, including union-based models, alternate structures (other than unions), leadership in the arts, entrepreneurship, startups, world markets for arts, grants and fundraising, and the very broad variety of graduate programs that are possible. The work will culminate with a final project which will connect these ideas with the real world of the arts: complete design portfolio, budgeting and planning for a guest artist or event here on campus, a fleshed out marketing or development plan, full audition plus resume/headshot, etc. We will consider theaters, symphonies, dance companies, art galleries, museums, corporate applications, and newer models that ignore these boundaries. A primary goal of the course is to highlight intersections of ideas and practices from the 'real worlds' of art, music, dance, writing, and theater, for mutual benefit.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 319
Writing for Stage, Screen and TV
A workshop approach to creative story making in the three forms of media. Emphasis is on the relationship between form and content, dramatic structure and critical response. Students are expected to complete a full length stage play, screenplay or teleplay. Prerequisite: Any theatre or film class or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Any theatre or film class or permission of instructor | 1 course |
COMM 322
Rhetorical Theory and Criticism
The development of rhetorical theory, with an introduction to speech criticism, based on readings from classical, medieval, and contemporary rhetorical theorists. Prerequisite: 223 or 233 or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 223 or 233 or permission of instructor | 1 course |
COMM 323
History of Public Discourse
Analysis of selected speakers and their speeches, with reference to the social, political, and intellectual milieu within which they have appeared. Prerequisite: 123 or 223 or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 123 or 223 or permission of instructor | 1 course |
COMM 325
Topics in Advanced Interpersonal Communication
While refining students' analytical and critical skills, this course offers intensive examination of specific issues in interpersonal communication theory. Possible topics may include relational communication, family communication, health communication, communication across the lifespan, friendship, communication in the workforce, and communication and aging. Repeatable for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: 225; 225 or 223 or 233 or GLH101 for Health Comm section or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 225; 225 or 223 or 233 or GLH101 for Health Comm section or permission of instructor | 1 course |
COMM 326
Communication in Organizations
An examination of the role of communication in coordinating, integrating and regulating human activity in organizations. This course examines and applies methods of doing research in organizational contexts.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 327
Communication and Cultural Identity
This course examines the ways in which communication shapes, and is shaped by culture, ethnicity, gender, class and/or race. Topics include how language empowers and oppresses, how social institutions and media influence issues of cultural identity and the ways various social identities are constructed through communication.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Privilege, Power And Diversity | 1 course |
COMM 328
Topics in Conflict Communication
While refining students' analytical and critical skills, this course offers intensive examination of specific issues related to conflict and communication at interpersonal, social, and cultural levels. Possible topics may include environmental communication, alternative dispute resolution, civil rights and communication, and political communication. Repeatable for credit with different topics.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 332
Strategic Communication
Theoretical and practical application of communication tools and techniques used to design and deliver clear, effective and engaging messages to specific publics in a variety of contexts. Topics include advertising, marketing, public relations, brand management, crisis communication, social change and advocacy campaigns. Prerequisites: COMM 223 or COMM 233 or permission of the instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Social Science | COMM 223 or COMM 233 or permission of the instructor. | 1 course |
COMM 332
Strategic Communication
Theoretical and practical application of communication tools and techniques used to design and deliver clear, effective and engaging messages to specific publics in a variety of contexts. Topics include advertising, marketing, public relations, brand management, crisis communication, social change and advocacy campaigns. Prerequisites: COMM 223 or COMM 233 or permission of the instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Social Science | COMM 223 or COMM 233 or permission of the instructor. | 1 course |
COMM 334
Media Criticism
Justification and application of various approaches to critiquing and analyzing media messages. Insight into the ethical burdens, social and moral, of the media and its institutions. Topics may vary. Prerequisite: COMM 233 or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 233 or permission of instructor | 1 course |
COMM 335
Media Law
Inquiry into media law, including responsibility and free speech issues, libel, privacy, fair trial, copyright, obscenity, the FCC, shield laws, censorship, management and operating regulations, newsperson privileges, political communication and advertising regulation. An analysis of the political and economic forces affecting the development of media law. Prerequisite: COMM 233 or 237 or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 233 or COMM 237 or permission of instructor | 1 course |
COMM 337
Global Media
This course explores global flows of media texts, industries, and reception practices as elements of complex transnational structures. The course may focus on one or more of a wide array of media forms, including print, radio, podcasting, popular music, television, film, and social media. Prerequisites: 233 or 237 or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Global Learning | 233 or 237 or permission of instructor | 1 course |
COMM 339
Adv Topics in Media Studies
This course offers an intensive examination of specific critical issues across a wide range of topics within media studies. Recent topics include: Advertising and Consumer Culture, Film Theory, and Cross-Cultural Journalism. Repeatable for credit with different topics.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 350
Communication Research Methods
A course in methods of research (quantitative and qualitative). Covers problem statement construction, strategies of research design, literature review, methods of observation, questionnaires, content analysis and interpretation of data (statistical and humanistic). Not open for pass/fail credit.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 401
Special Topics in Communication
Recent topics have included Public Relations, Conflict Resolution, American Theatre and the Vietnam War, Human Communication Theory, American Film and Culture and Writing for Stage, Screen and TV. This course number may be repeated for credit with different topics.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2-1 course |
COMM 450
Senior Seminar
The integrated conclusion of the departmental curriculum with emphasis on research methodology and writing. Prerequisite: permission of the department. Not open for pass/fail credit.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Permission of department | 1 course |
COMM 491
Projects in Communication
A. Interpersonal Project, C. Theatre Project, E. Media Studies Project, G. Rhetoric Project, K. Co-Curricular Project, M. Senior Capstone Thesis or Project. Prerequisite: permission of department. No more than two course credits may be taken as projects. Not open for Pass/Fail credit.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Permission of department | 1/4-1 course |