271 Individual Learning Project. (1-4)

276 January Term Topics. (0-4)

277 January Term Core Topics. (0-4)

286 Introduction to Film. (4)

301 Persuasion. (4)

303 Social Movements. (4)

304 Political Communication. (4)

305 Women's Voices Before 1920. (4)

306 Contemporary Women's Voices. (4)

307 Freedom of Speech. (4)

313 Media Law and Ethics. (4)

322 Forum Debate II. (0-1)

333 Rhetorical Criticism. (4)

335 Mass Media in Elections. (4)

345 Advanced Media Writing. (4)

349 Media Criticism. (4)

350 Intercultural Communication. (4)

351 Gender and Communication. (4)

355 Communication Theory. (4)

367 Organizational Communication. (4)

371 Individual Learning Project. (1-4)

375 Supervised Study. (0-4)

376 January Term Topics. (0-4)

377 January Term Core Topics. (0-4)

381 Special Topics in Rhetoric and Public Address. (4)

383 Special Topics in Mass Media. (4)

385 Special Topics in Communication Theory. (4)

392 Communication Practicum. (1)

397 Internship. (4-16)

398 Honors Thesis/Senior Thesis. (4)

Department Chair: Joan Steck  [Top]

Faculty: Terence Check, Rueyling Chuang, Jeanmarie Cook, Richard Ice, Katie Johnson, Diana Rehling, Joan Steck, Kristin Vonnegut

To study communication is to engage in one of the oldest of the liberal arts. The first Greek schools (6th century B.C.) were schools of rhetoric that taught students how to maintain truth against falsehood, how to discover what is most near the truth when faced with probabilities, how to cultivate the habits of seeing both sides, discovering fallacious reasoning and defending oneself with reason instead of relying on physical strength. From these ancient roots in public oratory and classical rhetorical theory to its modern inclusion of multiple communication contexts, the communication discipline has explored the human condition by examining how we communicate and how communication shapes the world. Courses in the department reflect the classical and the modern strands of the discipline by offering courses in three areas: Rhetoric and Public Address, Communication Theory and Media Studies.

Communication courses are designed to provide students with the communication theory and skills which are necessary for college work and for personal and professional development after graduation. These courses are especially recommended for students considering careers in teaching, management, government, law, medicine, public relations, newspaper and magazine writing, broadcasting and business; but a communication major can be an excellent foundation for any career.

1. At least two of the foundation courses (8 credits): 101, 103, 105. Note: The third foundation course may be taken to fulfill ONE of the area requirements described below in #2, #3 or #4.

2. At least one course (4 credits) from Area 1, Rhetoric and Public Address: 111, 225, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 333 or 381.

3. At least one course (4 credits) from Area 2, Communication Theory: 205, 250, 251,252, 253, 265, 350, 351, 355, 367 or 385.

4. At least one course (4 credits) from Area 3, Media Studies: 245, 286, 313, 335, 345, 349 or 383.

5. At least 16 credits of the major must be 300-level communication department courses.

6. Two of the courses (8 credits) for the major may be from: ART 217, ART 218, ART 317, ART 318, ENGL 286, ENGL 311, ENGL 315, ENGL 369, ENGL 386, ENGL 387, ENGL 388, PCST 346, PSYC 235, PSYC 347, SOCI 201, SOCI 302, or THEA 117.

7. Plus additional courses within the department to complete the required 40 credits.

1. At least one course (4 credits) from the following: 101, 103 or 105.

2. At least 20 additional credits:

a) 8 credits of which must be 300-level communication courses.

b) 4 credits of which may be from among the following: ART 217, ART 218. ART 317, ART 318, ENGL 286, ENGL 311, ENGL 315, ENGL 369, ENGL 386, ENGL 388, PCST 346, PSYC 235, PSYC 347, SOCI 201, SOCI 302, or THEA 117.

Special Requirements:

Note special restrictions marked with an asterisk (*) in the course descriptions below.

Suggestions:

COMM 245 is highly recommended for students interested in internships in public relations, broadcasting and journalism. COMM 302, COMM 333, or COMM 355 are recommended for students interested in pursuing graduate study in communication.

For the most current information about the department, consult our web site at: http://www.users.csbsju.edu/~commdept/

(COMM)

This course is an introduction to public persuasion, examining the mechanisms by which individuals, groups and institutions seek to reinforce or alter the beliefs, attitudes, values and behaviors of American audiences. The principle goal of this course is to make students more analytical and discriminating consumers of persuasive messages in society. Note: This is not a performance course.

103 Mass Communication and Society. (4)  [Top]

This course will explore the functions and effects of mass communication and mass media in society and on the individual. Students learn of the historical development of traditional print and non-print media in America, of the changes that are taking place in mass communication as a result of advancements in computer technology and new telecommunications laws, and of the role of mass communication in creating and dispersing knowledge. The course also introduces students to the theory needed to analyze mass media messages and provides the basic understanding of mass communication needed for advanced study in the mass media components of the department's curriculum.

105 Introduction to Human Communication. (4)  [Top]

This course provides students with a general overview of communication theory and research, particularly as it relates to their everyday interactions. Topics may include theories of communication on meaning, language, perception, nonverbal cues, gender, relationships, self-presentation, self-disclosure, conflict, listening, persuasion, groups and organizations.

111 Public Speaking. (4)  [Top]

Provides the theory and practice to equip students to prepare and deliver effective speeches. Offers students opportunities to present original and researched ideas to an audience as well as to analyze the speeches of others. Addresses rhetorical issues such as credibility, audience analysis and logical reasoning. Develops skills in organization, outlining, critical thinking and speech criticism. A-F grading only.

176 January Term Topics. (0-4)   [Top]

Study at the introductory level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

177 January Term Core Topics. (0-4)  [Top]

Study at the introductory level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill core disciplinary requirement. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

200 Public Speaking Basics. (2)   [Top]

This course is intended for education majors who need to fulfill the state requirements in oral communication. It is also appropriate for any students seeking to develop or improve their public speaking abilities. Communication majors or minors should take COMM 111 - Introduction to Public Speaking, rather than this class. Through the study of theory and through applications, students will learn to understand the basic concepts of practical public speaking situations, including the development and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches.

205 Interpersonal Communication. (4)  [Top]

Introduces students to basic principles and theories of interpersonal communication. Readings, discussion and exercises facilitate understanding of interpersonal communication processes. Topics include perception, self-concept, language, listening, conflict, nonverbal cues, gender roles, culture and stages of relationships.

222 Forum Debate I. (0-1)  [Top]

This course will prepare Forum members on the topics to be debated each semester, provide training and experience in public argument and debate, and develop skills in listening to and evaluating debates. All CSB/SJU Forum members are expected to register for 222 (if first-year or sophomore standing) or for 322 (if junior or senior standing). A student may register for 0 credit and S/U grading or for 1 credit and A-F grading. This course may be repeated for a total of 3 credits.

225 Argumentation and Advocacy. (4)  [Top]

Provides the theory and practice necessary for students to analyze and construct effective arguments. By developing skills as critics of argument, students will be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses in claims. Examines how advocates use and misuse statistics to bolster arguments. Skills in research, organization, argument anticipation and refutation are developed through participation in debates. Note: No previous debate experience is required. Prerequisite: 101 or 111 or permission of instructor.

245 Introduction to Media Writing. (4)  [Top]

A course in the methods of gathering information for the purposes of maintaining an informed public. Studies the reporting and writing of news stories and the writing style used in the news and public relations professions. Includes learning word processing, Internet and e-mail skills and programs, conducting interviews, and reporting and writing news articles. This course is heavily centered on learning journalism as it has developed into an American institution. Prerequisite: Completion of First-year Symposium or the equivalent and basic typing skills.

Introduces students to basic principles and theories of listening. Approaches listening as a critical component in the communication process. Readings, discussion and exercises facilitate understanding of effective listening and development of individual listening skills. Topics include discriminative, comprehensive, critical, therapeutic and appreciative listening.

251 Communication and Conflict. (4)

Introduces students to principles and theories of conflict. Examines a variety of approaches to managing conflict. Emphasizes conflict in interpersonal or intercultural contexts.

252 Listening Basics. (2)  [Top]

Focuses upon the central role of listening in the communication process. Introduces students to the basic principles and various purposes of listening. Uses readings, discussion and exercises to heighten awareness of barriers to effective listening and to develop students' listening skills. Topics include cultural attitudes toward listening, costs of ineffective listening, listening in various contexts, and ethical responsibilities of listening. This course is intended primarily for secondary and elementary education students seeking to teach in the communication/language arts.

253 Non-Verbal Communication. (2)   [Top]

This course focuses upon non-language aspects of communication. Topics include: distance, touch, body posture and orientation, expression of the eyes and face, movement, vocal characteristics, clothing and artifacts, physical environment and time. We will consider characteristics of non-verbal communication, the relationship between verbal and non-verbal communication and some of the difficulties in interpreting non-verbal messages, as well as the relationships between discussion and observation to enhance students' understanding of non-verbal communication.

265 Group Communication. (4)  [Top]

Examines the theory and practice of group communication. Includes such topics as group dynamics, decision making, power, norms and roles, conflict, groupthink and communication theory.

Supervised reading or research at the lower-division level. Permission of department chair required. Consult department for applicability toward major or minor requirements. Not available to first-year students.

276 January Term Topics. (0-4)   [Top]

Study of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Consult department for applicability toward major or minor requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

277 January Term Core Topics. (0-4)  [Top] 

Study of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill core disciplinary requirement. Consult department for applicability toward major or minor requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

286 Introduction to Film. (4)   [Top]

Study of films illustrative of movements in the history of the art. The vocabulary of cinematography. Cross listed with ENGL 286.

301 Persuasion. (4)  [Top]

This is an applied persuasion course in which an analysis and review of the theories and methods of persuasion are used to conduct a persuasive campaign on or off campus. The class may integrate basic principles and practice of videography to complete persuasive video projects. Prerequisite: 101 or permission of the instructor.

302 Public Address. (4)  [Top]

A critical and historical study of public discourse in a variety of forms including artistic, public and private. The specific focus of the course may change from year to year. Prerequisite: 111 or 101.

303 Social Movements. (4)   [Top]

Examines how social movements influence social change. Students employ social movements theory to critically analyze the persuasive appeals of movement agitation techniques and establishment control measures. A variety of historical and contemporary movements are studied. Prerequisite: 101.

304 Political Communication. (4)   [Top]

Examines how political symbols mobilize society, stimulate social action and create national identity. Explores how political language reinforces, interprets, challenges and manipulates popular beliefs, attitudes and values. Topics may include presidential rhetoric, campaign discourse and legislative appeals.

305 Women's Voices Before 1920. (4)  [Top]

A critical and historical study of rhetorical discourse from a variety of women in North America prior to 1920. Women from diverse cultures (Native American, Mexican American, Asian American, European American and African American) as well as movements (abolition, women's rights, moral reform, progressivism, anarchism and labor) will be studied and their rhetorical efforts critically discussed.

306 Contemporary Women's Voices. (4)   [Top]

This course focuses on a range of issues confronting women from 1920 to the present including: sexuality, civil rights, reproductive rights and sexual violence. Students will analyze the rhetorical acts of women from diverse cultural backgrounds and study their involvement in a variety of movements such as Civil Rights, feminist, La Raza, Red Power and others. The course will examine existing rhetorical theories to uncover how and why women's voices have been silenced.

307 Freedom of Speech. (4)   [Top]

This course will explore the controversies surrounding freedom of speech. The course will survey the historical and legal development of free speech in the United States.

313 Media Law and Ethics. (4)   [Top]

Legal and ethical questions regarding the mass media. Prerequisite: 103. Offered infrequently.

322 Forum Debate II. (0-1)  [Top]

See description under 222. Forum members with junior or senior standing should register for this course. This course may be repeated for a total of 3 credits.

333 Rhetorical Criticism. (4)   [Top]

An examination of the criticism of rhetorical texts from a variety of perspectives including neo-Aristotelian, generic and feminist approaches. Questions of judgment based on ethical, aesthetic and effects criteria will be addressed. Critical methods will be studied and applied to contemporary and/or historical rhetorical texts. Prerequisite: 101 or 111.

335 Mass Media in Elections. (4)   [Top]

An examination of how the mass media influences the behavior of candidates and voters, and vice versa, in political campaigns. Specific areas of study may include news reporting, press editorials, campaign advertising, polls, cartoons, talk shows, speeches, debates and press conferences. The impact of issues, image, race, gender and third parties may also be discussed. Students will research presidential or state elections and may engage in volunteer work for a political campaign. Cross-listed with POLS 335.

345 Advanced Media Writing. (4)   [Top]

This course continues to develop writing and reporting techniques and methods introduced in COMM 245, focusing on investigative and feature writing. Students study in more depth the role of the journalist in transmitting information from "news makers" to "news consumers," from those who make social decisions to those whom the decisions affect - the general public. Students explore theories of access to information, journalistic responsibility, the history and sociology of modern American journalism, and media law and ethics. Prerequisite: 245.

349 Media Criticism. (4)  [Top]

A study of one or more critical methods such as effects, content analysis, feminist, semiotic, psychoanalytic, rhetorical and neo-Marxist, and the application of such methods to print or non-print media. Prerequisite: 103.

350 Intercultural Communication. (4)  [Top]

An examination of the relationship between communication and culture. Communication theory is used to identify and explore barriers and opportunities in communicating with individuals from different cultures and co-cultures. Skills necessary for communication across cultures are identified and developed.

351 Gender and Communication. (4)   [Top]

Examines the impact of socialization on gender roles and the influence of gender roles on communication. Looks at the communication behaviors of women and men in same sex or gender and mixed sex or gender contexts. Introduces students to current theories of gender communication. Examines the function of communication in gender role development. Topics may include language, perception, nonverbal cues, communicative style, gender in intimate contexts, gender in public contexts and gender in the media.

355 Communication Theory. (4)   [Top]

An in-depth examination of contemporary communication theories and research as well as research methods appropriate for the study of communication. This course is especially recommended for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in communication. Prerequisite: 105 or permission of the instructor.

367 Organizational Communication. (4)  [Top]

Theories and concepts of organizational communication are discussed. Includes such topics as organizational theory, communication theory, power, corporate culture, conflict, organizational metaphors, management styles and organizational change. Prerequisite: 105.

371 Individual Learning Project. (1-4)  [Top]

Supervised reading or research at the upper-division level. Permission of department chair and completion of 12 credits within the department required. Four credits maximum will count toward the major. Not available to first-year students.

375 Supervised Study. (0-4)  [Top]

Full-time learning experience during the January Term done under the direction of a faculty moderator, often in conjunction with an off-campus supervisor. Requires permission of instructor. Not available to first-year students.

376 January Term Topics. (0-4)   [Top]

Study at the upper-division level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Consult department for applicability toward major or minor requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

377 January Term Core Topics. (0-4)  [Top]

Study at the upper-division level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill core disciplinary requirement. Consult department for applicability toward major or minor requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

381 Special Topics in Rhetoric and Public Address. (4)  [Top]

An advanced course focusing on a specific topic in rhetorical theory, rhetorical criticism or public address. Topics might include rhetorical theory, environmental rhetoric, etc. May be repeated as the topic changes. Prerequisites vary with the topic. See descriptions in the registration bulletin.

383 Special Topics in Mass Media. (4)  [Top]

A study of a special topic not ordinarily treated in standard courses. Examples: studies in film, media history, media coverage of environmental issues, culture and the construction of news, criticism of a particular genre. May be repeated as the topic changes. Prerequisites vary according to the topic. See descriptions in the registration bulletin.

385 Special Topics in Communication Theory. (4)  [Top]

An advanced course focusing on a specific topic in communication theory. Examples: gender, language and culture; qualitative or quantitative research methods in communication, health communication, family communication. May be repeated as the topic changes. Prerequisites vary according to the topic. See descriptions in the registration bulletin.

392 Communication Practicum. (1)   [Top]

Under the supervision of an approved instructor, students who participate in one of the following may receive credit: KJNB radio, KSJR-FM, KNSR-FM or student publications. With an instructor's approval, students may also design appropriate practical projects. Evidence of work completed (e.g. portfolio, videotape, etc.), conferences with moderator, a structured self-evaluation; and, where appropriate, written evaluations by other faculty or professional supervisors are required. Permission of department faculty moderator required before the student registers for the course. Course is repeatable for total of 4 credits. Fall and spring.

397 Internship. (4-16)  [Top]

Practical off-campus experience for juniors and seniors in the areas of broadcasting, journalism, public relations, public speaking, advertising, human resources management, etc. Experience is arranged by the student with the advice and approval of the internship director prior to registering for the course. Departmental moderator supervises and evaluates the experience. Fall and spring. A maximum of 4 internship credits may be applied toward completion of the major or minor. Prerequisite: pre-internship seminar. See department chair for a copy of specific department policies.

398 Honors Thesis/Senior Thesis. (4)  [Top]