Academics
Department of Communication > Course Descriptions
120 Introduction to Journalism
A course in news reporting and writing for newspapers, magazines, and broadcast media.
135 Rhetoric and Speech
Preparation and criticism of both formal and informal public speeches, including exposition, narration, description, argumentation, and persuasion.
250 Classical Rhetorical Tradition
A historical survey of theorizing about the role of public discourse in human affairs in ancient Greece and Rome. (Cross-listed as Classical Studies 250.)
251 History of Public Address
A historical survey of rhetorical artifacts focusing on how interested parties use discourse to establish, maintain or revive power.
253 Argumentation and Advocacy
Focuses on building skills in researching, constructing, organizing, and presenting arguments on disputed subjects.
255 Rhetorical Criticism
The analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of persuasive discourse. A writing-intensive course.
275 Introduction to Film Studies
Cinema technique, production, language, style, genres, movements, and criticism, through the analysis of particularly important and representative films and directors. (Cross-listed as American Studies 275.)
281 Theories of Mass Communication
A survey of 20th and 21st century theories and research perspectives on mass communication.
283 Media and Culture
Television, film, audio, and broadcast media have pervasive influence on how we experience and understand the world. This course will offer tools with which to analyze overt, subtle and hidden messages about culture, races, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, social class, age, and ability, as presented to us through the media. We will move beyond viewing TV, film, and other media into analysis of the values implicit in each genre, participating in projects within the wider community, and examination of personal, cultural, and racial identity.
285 Modern Media History
An introduction to the history of media of communication. Focus on the media in Western society from the 19th through 21st centuries.
301 Communication Research Methods
Qualitative and quantitative methods for doing research involving communication in scholarly and professional contexts.
321 Advanced Journalism
In-depth instruction and further practice in news reporting and writing for newspapers, magazines, and broadcast media. Comm 120 required for entry to course.
350 Topics in Communication
Intensive study of selected subjects within the field of communications. Topics vary by semester. (Meets GEC Cultural Diversity Requirement, depending on topic.)
381 History and Theory of Freedom of Expression
Applies philosophies of communication to specific debates within the topic of freedom of expression, including debates concerning indecency, obscenity, slander, sedition, violence, and hate speech.
382 Women’s Rhetoric and the Feminist Critique
How gender affects communication and how communication affects gender (Cross-listed as Women’s and Gender Studies 382. Meets GEC Cultural Diversity Requirement.)
383 New Media and Society
Theoretical perspectives on the internet and other new media with a particular focus on perceived cultural meanings.
384 The Rhetorical Presidency
Examines the rhetorical nature of the office of the President of the United States. (Cross-listed as American Studies 384.)
385 Public Sphere
In this course we take up the issue of the "public sphere" to consider its value and operation in modern society. In the 18th century, most public debate took place in small coffeehouses where locals would meet to discuss the issues of the day. Now, public debate takes on all forms--in the media, entertainment, theater, music, art, schools, etc.
Because this is an upper-level course, the expectations are high. You will be expected to describe the contemporary public sphere, but to critically evaluate the public sphere using theories from established scholars and your own research efforts. Key questions for this class include: What count as "public" and "private"? What is the role of the public? What is the "public sphere" and how has it changed over time? What voices are excluded in the public sphere? What are the best ways to be public? What role do photography, film, literature, sports, etc., have in a public sphere? Is face-to-face interaction crucial for public life?
386 Reading Popular Culture
Focusing on how culturally we are both producers and products of our popular culture we will try to answer the question: “are we, as a culture, using the potential of television wisely”? (Cross-listed as American Studies 386.)
390 Internship
Off-campus professional work experience. One credit acceptable, but two credit internships preferred.
420 Senior Seminar
Focus of seminar changes frequently. Recent topics include Black Cinema, Lincoln and Public Memory, and Journalism, Culture and Society.