Communication (COM)

COM 101 Introduction to Communication (3)

Introduction to major forms of communication. Activities for students to learn effective communication skills for two-person, small groups and public situations. Examinations and application of basic principles of message development for personal and public speech. Offered each semester.

COM 190 Communication Seminar (1)

This course introduces students to the communication field. It explores careers in professional communication emphasis on responsibilities, demands and opportunities in various occupational areas. Students will gain exposure to ethical issues as well as technical dimensions of the various branches of the field. Offered fall semester.

COM 200 Introduction to Mass Communication (3)

Survey of the history and purpose of mass communication. Examination of the various career areas (advertising, broadcasting, journalism and public relations) is done through practical, cross-media projects. Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: COM 101 and EN 102

COM 250/L Introduction to Video Production (3/1)

Study of the basic skills of performance and single camera field production in broadcasting. Students learn to operate video camera and introduced to video and audio editing techniques. They work individually and in groups throughout the semester to create short videos. Concurrent enrollment in COM 250 and COM 250L is required. Offered fall semester. Prerequisite: COM 101.

COM 274 Writing for Mass Communication (3)

Developing and practicing writing skills for advertising, broadcasting, journalism and public relations. Introduction to the study and practice of law and ethics in determining news values, gathering information and communicating clearly and accurately for mass audiences. Grammar and mechanics and Associated Press style are emphasized. Offered fall semester.

English 102 Communication 101 are prerequisites for all upper division courses.

COM 310 Intercultural Communication (3)

Major concepts in the study of communication with people from different cultural backgrounds. Values, beliefs, expectations, customs and attitudes of various ethnic groups are studied to facilitate communication across cultural boundaries. Offered each semester. Fulfils Global Awareness course requirement.

COM 320 Professional Presentations (3)

Theory and practice in the more advanced forms of informative and persuasive speaking. Incorporation of visual communication aids and presentation graphics. Critical analysis of principal speakers and speeches. Offered each semester.

COM 325 Photography for Social Change (3)

Study the basics of still photography technology, the elements of good composition and visual storytelling. Students apply their learned skills to facilitate social change, by documenting need or working groups to teach others photo skills. Offered every semester. Service-Learning.

COM 330/L Intermediate Video Production (3/1)

Fundamentals of scripting, single camera field production, use of professional equipment, and editing are developed through a series of practical exercises. Concurrent enrolment in COM 330 and COM 330L is required. Offered spring semester. Prerequisite: COM 250/COM 250L

COM 340 Interpersonal Relations (3)

Practical approach to understanding theories of communication in face-to-face encounters. Attention to conflict resolution and the overall motivations and effects of interpersonal interaction. Offered each semester.

COM 350/L Studio Video Production (3/1)

Fundamentals of serving as a member of a multi-camera studio production crew are developed through a series of practical exercises. Each student will learn and practice a variety of roles and responsibilities. Concurrent enrolment in COM 350 and COM 350L is required. Offered spring semester. Prerequisite: COM 250/COM 250L.

COM 360 Social Media Communication (3)

Social Media Communication explores the theories behind this type of communication and provides practical knowledge in the use of social media tools. Students learn how to strengthen their online presence, and improve their communication and presentation skills on the web. Topics include LinkedIn, Facebook, Google search techniques, Tumblr blogs, Cloud Storage, Twitter, Prezi and the newest trends in social media services. Offered each semester.

COM 370 News Writing (3)

Study and practice of principles in interviewing, news writing and journalistic reporting. Focuses on the careful research and objective writing required for print and online media. Concurrent enrollment in COM 371 recommended. Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: COM 200 and COM 274.

COM 371/L Communication Practicum (3/1)

Practical experience in newspaper production, including writing, editing and photo journalism. Course includes peer mentoring and supervision opportunities. Concurrent enrollment in COM 371 and COM 371L is required. Offered each semester. Prerequisites: COM 274 or instructor consent.

COM 375 Public Relations (3)

Study of the principles and scope of public relations. Practice in techniques used with special attention to publicity writing image projection and public relations campaigns. Service-Learning. Offered fall semester. Prerequisite: COM 200 and COM 274.

COM 378 Graphic and Publication Design (3)

Emphasizes the visual aspects of communication by focusing on the creative process of using art and technology through computer-assisted page design and layout. Offered each semester. Prerequisites: COM 200.

COM 380 Special Topics (3)

Selected topics in communication offered periodically. Prerequisites vary according to topic.

COM 387 Communication Internship (1 to 3)

Internships in communication fields: advertising, broadcasting, journalism or public relations. Three semester hours may be used to fulfil major requirements in Communication; nine semester hours only in any combination of practica and internships may be used to fulfil the total number needed for graduation. Offered every semester. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing and approval of advisor.

COM 425 Advanced Photography for Social Change (3)

Advanced study of still photography technology, further perfecting the elements of good composition and visual storytelling. Students apply their learned skills to facilitate social change, by documenting need or working in groups to teach others photo skills. Offered every semester. Service-Learning. Prerequisite: COM 325 or instructor approval.

COM 430/L Advanced Video Production (3/1)

Students work independently with service oriented clients to develop a Service-Learning product that uses technical skill in video, advanced camera and editing theory & operation. They also critique and analyze use of professional media. Concurrent enrolment in COM 430 and COM 430L is required. Offered spring semester. Prerequisite: COM 330/L.

COM 431 Integrated Marketing Communication (3)

Public relations and advertising promotions are integrated marketing communications. Topics include theory, budgeting, communication, media forms, creativity, coordination and evaluation of campaigns. Cross-listed with MKT 431. Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: COM 200, COM 375, BU 200 and MKT 301 or permission of instructor.

COM 433 Media Law and Ethics (3)

Examines the secular and religious perspectives of law and ethics in the media communication fields. Study includes First Amendment issues, prior restraint, defamation, privacy and copyright. Perspectives on personal and social meaning and moral judgement within contemporary writers in philosophy and theology of communication. Fulfills interdisciplinary course requirements. Cross-listed with RE 433. Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: COM 200 and RE 103 or RE 205 or permission of instructor.

COM 437/L Consumer Research (3/1)

Students learn the purpose of consumer research and how to implement a market research project. The class explores traditional types of research designs, as well as newer ethno-graphic approaches for both quantitative and qualitative. Ethical issues related to the practice of consumer research are also covered. Concurrent enrolment in COM 437 and COM 437L is required. Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: MKT 301.

COM 440 Marketing Strategy (3)

This course addresses the organization and coordination of the total marketing program, including the marketing mix elements, market research, market segmentation, and positioning in a case analysis format. Students will understand the interrelationships among all elements of marketing critical to strategic decision-making. Students develop a strategic marketing plan for a real organization, providing hands-on experience with the process. Cross-listed with MKT 440. Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: MKT 301, COM 437/COM 437L and senior standing.

COM 450/L Studio Video Production II (3/1)

Students develop ability to supervise a video production and group collaboration in a television studio environment. They also design and set up an appropriate studio operation and direct on-air talent from studio floor and control room for a video news/magazine show. Concurrent registration in COM 450 and COM 450L is required. Offered spring semester. Prerequisite: COM 350/COM 350L.

COM 471/L Communication Practicum II (3/1)

Students learn to budget content for a news publication, use standard editing marks to edit and rewrite stories and captions using industry standard graphic design software to deliver print ready files to a publisher. They also supervise each step of the design process from concept development to production, and completion of an actual published newspaper. Typical work includes selecting photos, cropping and design of photo page layouts. Concurrent registration in COM 471 and COM 471L is required. Offered each semester. Prerequisite: COM 371.

COM 476/L Integrated Campaigns (3/1)

Study, development and application of advertising, marketing and public relations strategies. Emphasis on business management and media relations as effective tactics on mass audiences. Participation in competitive campaigns or Service- Learning projects provides opportunities for hands-on experience. Concurrent registration in COM 476 and COM 476L is required. Offered spring semester. Prerequisites: COM 431 or permission of instructor.

COM 480 Special Topics (3)

Directed study of selected topics in communication may include: Advanced Studio Production, Advanced Broadcast Performance, Advanced News Writing, Advanced Graphic Design, Advanced Multi-Media, and opportunities for hands-on experience. Prerequisites: permission of instructor.