Required fundamentals course in general education. An introductory study of the principles of public speaking with particular emphasis upon the selection and organization of information for persuasive purposes. Satisfies competency requirement.

Required fundamentals course in general education. An introductory study of the principles of public speaking with particular emphasis upon the selection and organization of information for persuasive purposes. Satisfies competency requirement.

Focuses on the role of communication in everyday life. Emphasis on how communication shapes the construction of meaning, the maintenance of community and relationships, and various means of interconnection. Offered in fall, spring.

Audio and video production fundamentals, techniques and uses. Includes study of the production process and hands-on production assignments in both audio and video. Laboratory work required. Offered in fall, winter, spring.

Experimental

Focuses on the different approaches to the study of communication as a discipline. Emphasis on both historical and current scholarship in the field through diverse means of inquiry. Prereq: C- or better in COMM 100 and COMM 101

Emphasis on the theory and practice of small group communication and problem solving. Group formation, teamwork, leadership, decision making in groups, group conflict, digital collaboration, and other concepts will be explored. A collaborative group service learning project and course activities will reinforce course concepts. Offered periodically. Prereq: ENGL 110.

The legal parameters of freedom of expression under the U.S. legal system. Students explore legal and ethical issues related to media systems, organizational communication, public relations and theatre. Offered in fall or spring.

Combines theory and experiential application of interpersonal communication in face-to-face and digital contexts. Provide students with a means to analyze interpersonal relationships and skills to integrate more effective communication strategies in their lives both online and offline. Offered periodically. Prereq: COMM 100.

A review of media in America and discussion of the historical, social, cultural, and technological forces that shape them and an evaluation of media criticisms.

A survey of the major theoretical approaches to the field and applications to specific organizational issues. Explores the scope and history of organizational communication. Offered in fall. Prereq: COMM 201.

Explores the design, management and functioning of nonprofit/civil society organizations, with an emphasis on communication theories and processes. Highlights practices unique to these organizations, with an emphasis on enabling students to establish, run and support them. Offered periodically.

Focuses on the role of digital communication in understanding how commitment and participation, otherness and identity, conflict and cohesiveness intersect in social movement activism. This course surveys the major social movements of the 20th and 21st Century with special attention to their use of communication technologies. Students will research and/or participate in specific social movement organizations of their choosing.

Devoted to the cross-cultural study of the World Broadcasting Systems as an introduction to international electronic media. The course compares the ways in which the media are organized in other countries with that of the United States of America. Offered periodically. Prereq: ENGL 110; COMM majors; INTL majors, minors; or permission of instructor.

This first of a 4-course sequence covers the history, principles and current practices of public relations. Series must be taken sequentially. Offered in fall, spring.

Experimental

Coop/ Internship in Communication

A survey of research methods for the study of problems in communication. Students define a research problem, survey and critique relevant literature, and design a research strategy using various research paradigms. Majors should take this course in the junior year. Prereq: ENGL 110, COMM 201. COMM 201 and COMM 301 may be taken concurrently. However, if COMM 301 is taken after taking COMM 201, a grade of C- or higher is required in COMM 201.

H:Communction Research

Advanced principles of public speaking in a professional setting. Covers organization and adaptation of speech materials, effective presentation styles, forms of proof. Offered periodically. Prereq: COMM 100, ENGL 110 and junior status.

Explores the possibilities of communication between and among diverse cultures. Close study of cultural codes, symbolic interaction, nonverbal behavior and contexts of intercultural contact. Develops an understanding and appreciation of human diversity and competence in intercultural communication practices. Offered periodically. Prereq: COMM 100, ENGL 110 and junior standing.

Theory and production of various types of audio production using basic studio equipment. Laboratory work required. Offered in fall, spring. Prereq: COMM 121.

H:Radio Production

Theory and application of various phases of studio operation and editing in television production. Laboratory work required. Offered in fall, spring. Prereq: COMM 121.

Examination and analysis of the processes and products of various media industries, theories, methodologies, and aesthetics, with a focus on understanding and learning to critique the ways in which the media, their texts, and audiences exist within a set of increasingly complex relationships. Prereq: COMM 220, COMM 101, or JRNL 250 (formerly ENGL 250).

Producing For Digital Media is designed to provide career-ready digital media producing experiences, practicing the many facets of digital content creation for the converged environment including producing in the live television studio, shooting and editing on location, creating in the media production workspace, and publishing to the web. Prereqs: COMM 121 and COMM 321 or COMM 325.

Basic news writing and reporting, stressing electronic media. Offered in fall. Prereq: ENGL 110 or permission of instructor.

Emphasis on the writing of dramatic scripts with selective production. Offered in spring. Prereq: ENGL 110

The course focuses on the role of the media in the creation and reproduction of culture. It examines how gender, race and class are constructed in media texts, and how women in various social and cultural positions negotiate their own meanings in relation to media portrayals. Offered periodically. Prereq: junior status, COMM 100, ENGL 110.

Examines theoretical explanations for the social construction of gendered identity. Considers everyday communication practices and contexts to identify how gender, communication and culture intersect to form the complex matrix of meaning which impacts individuals and society. Prereq: COMM 100, ENGL 110 and junior standing.

This course focuses on the implications, for individuals and for society as a whole, of the most important new information and communication technologies. Students will acquire an understanding of the role technologies have played in their lives and the impact they have in their future careers.

Focuses on the history and theory of documentary films. Through readings, screenings, and discussions, the course will provide students with a historical and theoretical understanding of documentary filmmaking and prepare them for more advanced production courses. The students will also explore their own documentary ideas and develop an outline and treatment.

Hands-on practice in writing news releases for print and broadcast, brochure and newsletter copy, and pitching story ideas to trade editors. Offered in fall, spring. Prereq: COMM 251, ENGL 110.

This course examines communication challenges faced by public relations practitioners, public information officers, first responders, public health officials, business, government and community benefit leaders, as well as others involved in local, state, and national crisis, emergency, disaster and risk situations. With a focus on appropriate communication message/response strategies and effective use of various communication channels, the course covers theoretical foundations helpful for developing communication plans for pre-, current-, and post-event communication.

Experimental

Writing and design course focusing on construction of promotional messages for digital media. Students will complete several projects, including critique of publication and web designs; planning and production of print and electronic publications; website writing and layout. Offered in fall, spring. Prereq: ENGL 110 and junior standing.

This course emphasizes theory and practice in the strategic planning, writing, communication design, management and analysis of social media campaigns for mobile communications, social media, and online social networking. Prereg: ENGL 110, COMM 100, Junior status (60 credits earned)

Coop/ Internship in Communication

Honors Co-op/Internship in Communication

Reciprocal influences of communication on culture and culture on communication. Messages, meanings and culture are approached from several critical standpoints. Prereq: C- or higher in COMM 101, 201 and 301. C- or higher in COMM 401 to count toward fulfilling graduation requirements in the major.

Honors Critical-Cultural Studies in Communication

Persuasive speaking from both the modern and classical points of view. Introduces students to classic forms and elements of persuasion as well as the latest research in persuasive communication and social media influence, including such issues as digital communication and algorithmic persuasion, celebrity culture, and emotional labor. Examines the function of persuasion in a variety of contexts and analyzes a series of recent public communication events for both their persuasive efficacy and ethics. Offered in fall or spring. Prereq: COMM 301.

An advanced lecture-demonstration-laboratory application of the various phases of electronic field production, with special attention to directing and advanced editing techniques. Offered in spring. Prereq: COMM 321.

Provides students with a comprehensive background in all aspects of podcast production. Promotes critical thinking/listening skills and emphasizes advanced level storytelling mechanics. Analysis of best practices for distribution, marketing, monetization, and audience analytics. Lecture/lab course design. Offered periodically. Prereq: COMM 121

Style and other basics of radio and television news. Includes collecting data, writing stories, editing and producing video for campus cable TV station. Laboratory work required. Offered in fall. Prereq: COMM 321

Content varies. Selected communication perspectives on relevant academic and professional topics examined in depth. Potential topics include: sports communication, argumentation and debate, media entrepreneurship, international public relations, philosophies of communication, new media and culture, power, ideology and discourse. Prereq: Junior status or permission of instructor.

Focuses on the ways that bodies communicate other than verbally, and how this process of embodied communication plays an active role in our sense of belonging and difference as well as gives shape to the ongoing negotiations between culture and nature. Offered periodically. Prereq: COMM 100, ENGL 110 and junior standing.

This course focuses on the practical and technical aspects of documentary filmmaking. Students will produce their own documentaries that incorporate appropriate approaches ans styles as well as advanced storytelling techniques.

An introduction to the study and practice of leadership from a media perspective. Particular focus on the relationship between communicating and leading. Examination of leadership concepts and theories in organizational, group and public contexts. Students will analyze their personal leadership styles and develop leadership communication skills through team projects and classroom exercises. Offered periodically. Prereq: junior standing.

Contemporary American political rhetoric focusing on national politics. Content varies. During election years, content includes campaign rhetoric, advertising and debates. In other years, the focus is administrative rhetoric and the interaction of Congress with the President on domestic and foreign affairs. Offered periodically. Prereq: COMM 100, ENGL 110; junior status or permission of instructor.

Explores the communicative processes inherent in the development and management of conflict at various social levels. Highlights the various influences on how people manage conflicts at the interpersonal, intercultural, organizational and societal levels with face-to-face and mediated modes of communication. Focuses on specific approaches to managing and resolving conflict, including mediation, negotiation, arbitration, facilitation, and peacebuilding. Offered infrequently. Prereq: COMM 100, ENGL 110, junior standing.

Honors Communication and Conflict

Analysis of various organizations' public relations problems and communicative responses. Third in a 4-course sequence. Offered in fall, spring. Prereq: C or higher in COMM 301, COMM 351 or permission of instructor.

Hands-on practice in public relations problem solving. Involves work in student-run "agencies" to develop and implement a public relations campaign for a nonprofit organization. Capstone course in public relations. Offered in fall, spring. Prereq: COMM 451.

Focuses on the forms and functions of human interaction in a variety of health care settings, and on the ways that mediated messages promote and reinforce certain health values, beliefs, practices and products. Emphasizes the role of cultural context on the construction and interpretation of health-related messages. Offered periodically. Prereq: COMM 100, ENGL 110, junior standing.

Experimental

Advanced, innovative ore exploratory work in media production or a detailed investigation on a topic of current interest in digital media and broadcasting. Investigation of one or more topics that vary according to needs and interests of students and staff. Offered periodically. May be taken for credit more than once as the topics change. Prereq: COMM 121 and Junior Standing or Instructor Permission.

Honors Course

For the definition of independent study and student eligibility, refer to the Academic Policies section of this catalog.

Departmental Honors

Coop/ Internship in Communication

Experiential learning through production of entertainment and events. A practical course for live entertainment technicians and designers: Scenic/Carpentry, Costume/Wardrobe, Properties, Lighting/Electric, Sound/Audio, Video, and other entertainment technology areas. Open to all majors. 1, 2, and 3 credit sections offered regularly. Pre/Co-Req: THEA 120 – Stagecraft. Requires permission of instructor through application or interview.

An introduction to the process of designing lighting and sound for theatre and live entertainment; develops intermediate knowledge, skills, and abilities in related entertainment technologies/equipment through practice. Students are expected to already have a foundational knowledge of entertainment/theatre technology. Prerequisite: THEA 120 - Stagecraft

An introduction to the use of Vectorworks software for entertainment and theatre drafting/modeling, and design documentation.

Co-op/Internship Experience in Entertainment Technology

An advanced study of entertainment rigging, power/data distribution, and specialty systems in entertainment technology. Students develop an understanding of higher-level creative solutions to production in entertainment. Students are expected to have a strong knowledge of entertainment technology and technical theatre. Prerequisites: THEA 120 Stagecraft and THEA/ENTC 220 Lighting & Sound.

The study, exploration and practice of the materials and techniques of applying finishes, textures, decorative painting, and faux finishes as used in theatre, motion pictures, media, productions and architectural applications. Previous art experience is not required

Co-op/Internship Experience in Entertainment Technology

Honors course for Entertainment Technology

Advanced and Special Topics in Entertainment Technologies. Topics vary, course may be repeated up to four times under different titles.

Independent Study

Thesis in Entertainment Technology

Explores journalism’s role in American society by analyzing the problems facing journalists in the realms of politics, law, corporate power and ethics. Prereq: ENGL 110

Introduction to the craft of journalism and the nuts and bolts of news writing, including story structures, leads, nut graphs, kickers, finding sources and conducting interviews.

Building on journalism fundamentals, this course calls for students to tackle more in-depth and lengthier reporting projects. The class delves into a wider range of reporting “beats,” and places an emphasis on the importance of representation of diverse groups both in stories and in the newsroom.

Writing long-form features and enterprise stories, including photography, video and audio content to enhance story presentation on the internet. All original work. Prereq: ENGL 313 or JRNL 313

Covers ethics of print-media publication. Focuses on the development of ethics in writing and changes in journalistic standards. May include case-study analysis.

Data-driven journalism, looking at the collection of data, analysis in software such as SPSS and the writing of longer-form articles about research. Prereq: ENGL 313 or JRNL 313

An introduction to technical theatre. Topics include the construction and handling of scenery, scenic painting, stage lighting, and the proper, safe use of tools and equipment. Offered annually.

Training in the art and craft of acting. Emphasis on developing basic skills and exploring the creative process. Elementary scene and monologue work. Offered in fall.

Experimental

Experiential learning through performance and practice in a mainstage production. A practical course for student actors, performers, directors, choreographers, writers, and stage managers. Open to all majors. 1, 2, & 3 credit sections offered regularly. Pre-req: Permission of instructor through audition or interview.

A discussion of the theatre experience for the student with an interest in theatre, including audience perspective, historical influences, and contemporary performance and technical theatre practices. Offered in annually.

Further explores the purpose of acting and underlying principles, as well as training voice and body to project characterization. Offered biannually in spring. Prereq: THEA 130 or permission of instructor.

The techniques and methodology of script analysis with an emphasis on those aspects useful to the production staff in preparation of plays for production. Offered biannually in the spring.

Experimental

Co-Op Experience in Theatre

A survey of the process and techniques of designing and accomplishing costuming for theatre and other media. Script and character analysis, costume period styles, and basic construction techniques will be studied. The course is valuable for Actors and Directors as well as Designers and Technicians. Previous experience in art and sewing are not required.

Scenic, costume and lighting design aesthetics throughout history and as they apply to today’s theatre. Art experience is not required. Offered infrequently.

Practical experience in both directing and coaching actors. An overview of directing process and directing style. Offered biannually in spring. Prereq: THEA 130 or permission of instructor.

Theatre as it developed in London, England. The course, in conjunction with the London Metropolitan University, requires attendance at four contrasting professional theatre performances in London as well as backstage tours of the Globe Theatre, the National Theatre and the Royal Theatre Drury Lane. Offered in summer of even years. Prereq: junior status, COMM 100, ENGL 110.

Detailed study of development of all phases of theatre art and dramatic literature from its origin to 1850. Offered in rotation with THEA 341. Prereq: ENGL 110, COMM 100.

Survey of European and American drama from the time of Ibsen to the present, tracing development of dramatic literature from the rise of realism to contemporary experimentalism; emphasis on plays illustrating significant trends and movements. Offered in rotation with THEA 340. Prereq: ENGL 110, COMM 100.

Introductory survey of theatre management, which addresses concerns related to theatre. An overview of the theatre manager's role, focus on strategic planning, organizational design, economics and the theatre, unions; and financial concerns which affect the success of theatre organizations. Offered infrequently. Prereq: COMM 100 and ENGL 110.

Co-Op Ed Experience in Thea

Advanced work in the area of theatre production. May be taken more than one semester for credit as topic varies. Topics include stage management, costume and make-up, scenic painting, stage voice, careers in theatre. Offered annually with different topics. Prereq: THEA 120.

Experimental

For further information on independent study, see the Special Academic Opportunities section.

Departmental Honors

Co-Op Ed Experience in Thea