COMM 103 Introduction to Communication Students develop an increased competency in communicating with precision and style, and also are given an opportunity to think critically and creatively about the process of communication. Principles of interpersonal communication, small group communication are covered as well as a focus on public speaking. NOTE: A grade of B- or higher is required in this course to be accepted as a Communication Studies major.
COMM 200 Interpersonal Communication A study of interpersonal communication theories and concepts. Focus on the role of communication in understanding and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships. Prerequisite: COMM 103
COMM 203 Small Group Communication A study of the process and theories of communication in small groups. The focus is on improving individual communication in groups. Prerequisite: COMM 103
COMM 210 Mass Communication: Past, Present & Future This course is designed to sensitize the student to the emergance , current status, and future direction of American media systems. Emphasis is placed on the political/economic pressures that shape media systems and how the media shape and influence mass culture. Prerequisite: COMM 103 or permission of instructor.
COMM 266 Introduction to New Media An introduction to the new visual technologies and basic concepts (mechanical, visual, and aesthetic) for their creative use in the visual arts. Those fields involved may include photography, film, video, computer imagery and holography and other contemporary media. Students will be introduced to these media through lectures, direct laboratory experiences, discussion sessions and creative problem-solving projects. No prerequisites: ART 103 desirable. (Also listed as ART 266.) Fee $40.
COMM 302 History and Criticism of Public Address A survey of the principles of human public communication. Topics include theories of public speaking, political and social movement communication, and beginning rhetorical criticism. Special attention is given to the communicative efforts of women in the public arena. Taught in the spring semester. Prerequisite: 12 hours of communication courses
COMM 303 Advertising in Society The study of the role of advertising in contemporary society. Topics include the history and sociology of advertising and the analysis of advertising and marketing efforts from a communication perspective. Prerequisite: COMM 103
COMM 304 Public Relations The course provides both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the skills and techniques that cover several closely associated areas: writing for public relations, copy dissemination, media use and media network design ranging across internal and external media, print, electronic and audiovisual media. Prerequisite: COMM 103.

COMM 307

 

 Organizational Communication This course examines communication processes that shape diverse oprganizational settings. Topics include the study of organizational culture, managerial communication, the construction of gender roles within organizational settings, and the role of communication in designeding progressive work environments. Prerequisite: COMM 103.

COMM 308

 
 Persuasion Assessment of research and theory as they illuminate persuasion in interpersonal, public and mediated communication contexts. Topics include motivation, attitude information and change, social and cultural influences, credibility and non-verbal aspects of communication. Special attention is given to persuasive appeals. Prerequisite: COMM 103 or permission of instructor.

COMM 312

 

 Argumentation The study of argumentation as applied to public and mediated discourse. Topics include: patterns of reasoning, identification and analysis of fallacies, types of supporting evidence, presentation and refutation of cases. Specific topics for analysis will be taken from contemporary discussions of political, social and economic issues. Prerequisite: COMM 103 or permission of instructor. Taught during the spring semester.

COMM 3l3

 

Journalism Techniques of newswriting, editing, copy editing, feature writing and newspaper makeup and publication. (Also listed as ENWR 313).

COMM 324

 

 Sign Language Introduction to basic sign language. American Sign Language syntax and vocabulary is emphasized as well as sign communication which focuses on the native language of the deaf. Appreciation and awareness of deaf culture is a major consideration within the course. (Also listed as EDU 324).

COMM 330

 

 Critical Issues in Mass Communication This course is designed to introduce students to: the political economy of media institutions in a global environment; the media effects research tradition; and ethical issues associated with mass communication in culture. Special attention is focused on information control in this age of convergence of media institutions, the impact of computer technology on social and community life, and privacy issues. Prerequisite: COMM 210. Taught during the spring semester.

COMM 333

 

 Magazine Writing The rich field of periodical publications is the object of this course, which offers students the opportunity to try their hands at subject matters and voices both suitable to different magazine readerships and reflective of their own interests and opinions (Also listed as ENWR333).

COMM 337

 
 Introduction to Communicative Disorders The causes, characteristics and treatment of speech, language and hearing disorders. Taught in the spring semester.
COMM 350
 
 Intercultural Communication This course introduces students to the role communication plays in shaping interactions between members of different cultural groups. Topics include the role of media as vehicles of cultural expression, tourism as a characteristic type of encounter between people, and the ways in which maps construct the identity of social groups. Prerequisite: COMM 103.

COMM 369

 

 Public Communication Investigation of the role of public speaking in society, pairing theoretical perspectives and experience with both extemporaneous and manuscripted speeches. Prerequisite: COMM 103 or permission of instructor.

COMM 383

 

 Art and Entertainment Law A study of intellectual property as it applies to art and entertainment. Topics include: moral and economic rights, contracts, copyright, unfair competition, privacy, publicity and censorship.

COMM 384

 

 Mass Communication Law Exploration of governmental regulations of electronic and print media in America. Historical and contemporary analysis of law in such areas as defamation, privacy, state secrets, obscenity, copyright, regulation of advertising, access to government information, free press/fair trail and regulation of broadcasting. Prerequisite: COMM 210 or permission of instructor. Taught during the fall semester.

COMM 385

 
 Research in Communication Introduction to modes of scholarly inquiry in communication, treatment of historical and critical approaches as well as quantitative scientific approaches. Prerequisites: 12 hours of communication courses. Taught in the Spring Semester

COMM 406

 

Marketing Communication This course surveys the field of marketing communications from the perspective of Integrated Marketing Communications. The course explores the principles of consumer behavior and mass communication as a theoretical basis as well as practical aspects of the field, such as strategies for media selection, message execution, and marketing mix tools. Prerequisities: COMM 303 or COMM 304.

COMM 454

 
 Communication Ethics Survey of ethical theories focusing on their application to communication. Interpersonal, small group, persuasion and mass media situations will be considered. Prerequisites: 12 hours of communication courses.

COMM 486

 

 Practicum/Production This course allows students to gain hands-on experience with contemporary video and multimedia technology. Students produce individual or group projects that require them to designed and create video or multimedia content. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

COMM 490

 

 Special Topics Topics of special interest in communication not covered in the regular department offerings. Recent offerings include Web pagedesign, Multimedia Production, and Introduction to Videography.

COMM 495

 
 Seminar in Rhetoric and Criticism A seminar critically examining both written and oral rhetoric. Topics include the varieties of rhetorical critical methods and frames. The major component of this course is the design, execution, and presentation of a critical essay. This course satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite: COMM 302. Taught in the Fall Semester

COMM 496

 
 Seminar in Advanced Research Methods A seminar to facilitate the design, execution and critique of an individual research project. This course satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite: COMM 385. Taught in the Fall Semester

COMM 497

 
 Independent Study Research for the advanced student. Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours of credit.

COMM 499

 
 Internship Placement of the advanced student in internship opportunities, generally off-campus and within the local community. Designed specifically for the speech and/or mass communication major, a typical internship might be at a television or radio station, advertising or public relations firms, or in the marketing or public communication division of an area business. Prerequisites: 20 hours of Communication Studies course work. Offered each semester. May be repeated.
   
DANC 144 Modern Dance Technique: Beginning

An introduction to movement concepts of modern dance. Designed for students with no previous movement training. May be repeated.

 
DANC 145 Improvisation Movement exploration in response to given problems or ideas. Emphasis on individual movement. May be repeated.
DANC 148 Jazz Technique: Beginning and Intermediate A practical course in contemporary jazz technique with application to musical theatre. May be repeated.
DANC 240 Introduction to Dance A survey of dance as an art form presented in both lecture and studio format. This course includes a brief history of dance and dance theatre, a survey of dance in relation to other fine art forms and a basic introduction to the creative choreographic process. Movement analysis, evaluation and criticism will be explored through kinetic and literary exercises. the practical experience of this course is intended to develop the student's personal aesthetic and appreciation of dance. This course satisfies the fine arts requirement.
DANC 241 20th Century Dance History and Aesthetics This course addresses contemporary issues in the ballet and modern dance idioms in the 20th century. through the study of history and aesthetics, major works and choreographers will be analyzed through film, video, criticism and creative exploration. This course satisfies the fine arts requirement.
DANC 242 Dance Composition & Improvisation An exploration of the creative choreographic process incorporating elements of composition. Improvisation will be used as a tool for forming ideas, developing movement vocabulary and creative problem solving. Solo and group choreography will be explored.
DANC 243 Repertory & Performance Workshop Variable credit offered for performance and production. Student must be concurrently enrolled in a technique class. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours. By audition only.
DANC 244 Modern Dance Technique: Intermediate A course exploring various approaches to technique, with emphasis on the concepts of weight, space, time and flow. Prerequisite: DANC 144 or consent of the instructor. May be repeated.
DANC 245 Ballet Technique: Intermediate A technique course with an emphasis on correct alignment and proper execution of barre and center exercise. Prerequisite: DANC 145 or consent of the instructor. May be repeated.
DANC 248 Jazz Technique: Intermediate & Advanced Jazz technique at a more advanced level with emphasis on performance and styles. Prerequisite: DANC 148 or consent of the instructor. (Elective) May be repeated.
DANC 344 Modern Dance Technique: Advanced A more advanced technique course with an emphasis on execution and expression. Prerequisite: DANC 244 or consent of the instructor. May be repeated.
DANC 345 Ballet Technique: Advanced A continuation of ballet technique with an emphasis on accuracy, style, intricate combinations, strength, endurance and more complete vocabulary. Prerequisite: DANC 245 or consent of the instructor. May be repeated.
DANC 347 Pointe Technique A course for the advanced ballet student in the technique of pointe work. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. May be repeated.
DANC 397 Independent Study Research for the advanced student. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
   
THTR 135 Introduction to Theatre A broad and comprehensive view of theatre and how it communicates. Fulfills the fine arts requirements. Offered every semester.
THTR 205 Introduction to Acting Exploration of the elements of a realistic acting technique. Emphasis upon the application of these techniques to two-character scenes. Fulfills the fine arts requirement. Offered every semester.
THTR 245 Stagecraft An introduction to the techniques of the backstage world. Areas of study include scenic and property construction, scenic painting, stage lighting, theatre safety and special effects.
 THTR 265 Play Analysis for the Theatre Reading and analyzing play texts from theatrical and literary perspectives. Fulfills the fine arts requirement. Offered once every year.
THTR 305 Characterization Exploration of the process of characterization with emphasis on techniques of physical transformation and psychological realism. Prerequisite: THTR 205
THTR 355 Voice and Movement Development of techniques based on understanding and integration of body/mind. Areas of study include body image, body awareness, alignment, relaxation, stage combat, voice production and vocal work on literature.
THTR 375 Rehearsal and Performance Rehearsal and performance of a faculty-directed production. Participation as an assistant director, stage manager or actor in a 5-6 week rehearsal/performance period. May be repeated for up to a maximum of 9 hours of credit. Prerequisite: Audition, consent of the instructor.
THTR 377 Playwriting I Principles of writing for the stage. Emphasis on dramatic structure, character development, plot management, dialogue and critical analysis.
THTR 378 Contemporary Drama An examination of the texts and movements which comprise contemporary theatre in England and America.
 THTR 380 History of Theatre A study of the development of theatrical art, including the physical theatre, production practices and cultural contexts, from the beginnings in primitive rituals through contemporary time.
THTR 405 Playing Shakespeare A technique to equip the contemporary actor to deal more comfortably with the textual and stylistic problems of acting Shakespeare. Prerequisite: THTR 205.
THTR 410 Advanced Topics in Acting Courses for advanced actors. Possible topics: improvisation, Restoration and 18th-century styles, Greek style, musical theatre, and audition techniques.
THTR 430 Theatre Management The principles and practice of producing for the commercial stock, resident college, and community theatre.
THTR 445 Scene Design An in-depth introduction to scenic, costume and light design for the stage from concept to rendering.
THTR 455 Costume Design The theory and practice of costume design, including design projects. Prerequisite: THTR 272 or permission of the instructor.
THTR 475 Stage Directing Emphasis on techniques and styles of directing for the stage. Readings, exercises, and directing project.
THTR 477 Playwriting II Principles of dramatic writing focusing on the full-length form. Experiments with a variety of techniques of composition including improvisation, historical research and oral history. Prerequisite: THTR 377
THTR 480 Production Projects Planning and execution of a large-scale project. Students may design for a faculty-directed show or choose to direct a project themselves. Students taking their comprehensive in theatre will sign up for this course, select, analyze, design, direct and produce a one-act play during their senior year of study.
THTR 488 Practicum Individual practical projects for the advanced student. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated for up to six hours of credit.
THTR 490 Special Topics in Theatre Studies Seminars in theatre. Sample topics: production theory, women and the stage, theories of acting, American playwrights. May be repeated for credit.
THTR 497 Independent study Research for the advanced student. Permission required.