Communication

COMM 501. Theoretical Perspectives in Communication. 3 Credits.

Course provides a conceptual and historical overview of Communication Studies, paying special attention to questions of epistemology. F.

COMM 505. Concepts in Quantitative Communication Research. 3 Credits.

In the two-part 505/506 course, students focus on honing their understanding of the quantitative/qualitative paradigm in Communication research. While this course section focuses on the various methods that fall under the labels of quantitative, both portions of the course seek to identify possible points of connection and resistance across the spectrum of methodological choices and require participation in Communication Program colloquium series. F, odd years.

COMM 506. Concepts in Qualitative Communication Research. 3 Credits.

In the two-part 505/506 course, students focus on honing their understanding of the quantitative/qualitative paradigm in Communication research. While this course section focuses on the various methods that fall under the labels of qualitative, both portions of the course seek to identify possible points of connection and resistance across the spectrum of methodological choices and require participation in Communication Program colloquium series. F, even years.

COMM 515. International and Intercultural Narrative Communication. 3 Credits.

This course examines narration or narrative communication within and between cultures and nations. Narration and communication theory and practice are explored for content and used as method. Assessing narrative communication in terms of international and intercultural comprehension and acceptance is addressed. On demand.

COMM 516. Principles of Professional Communication. 3 Credits.

The course will provide a conceptual and historical overview of the scholarly discipline of Communication, coupled with an introduction to Theories of Communication and discussions of how these relate to professional environments. Topics addressed will include Theories of Communication applicable specifically to communication professionals with related case studies, communicative patterns, and outcomes. F.

COMM 517. Research Methodology for Communication Professionals. 3 Credits.

This course provides students with the opportunity to enrich their knowledge of communication and hone their analytic, research, and writing skills. Students will create content that are relevant to their desired professions or career paths and test its effectiveness by conducting appropriate research. F.

COMM 518. Professional Project in Communication. 3 Credits.

This class is designed for students who are enrolled in the Online MA in Communication program and have completed at least 15 graduate credits. This course allows students to demonstrate their cumulative communication skills and knowledge. Students complete a professional portfolio or scholarly project that demonstrates the synthesis and application of knowledge acquired through coursework. Prerequisite: Must have completed 15 credits in the online MA track in Communication. S.

COMM 522. Data Mining & Analytics for Communication Professionals. 3 Credits.

This course introduces you to the emerging study of data mining as it applies to communication-related questions. The goal of the course is to introduce you to state-of-the-art techniques to extract useful information from large amounts of data and communicate findings and implications to diverse audiences in plain language. F.

COMM 523. Social Network Analysis & Visualization. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce you to the theory, methods, and procedures of network analysis with emphasis on applications to communication and social behavior. The goal of the course is to provide a working knowledge of the concepts and methods used to describe and analyze social networks so that you can apply it to important questions in your profession. S.

COMM 524. International/Intercultural Communication for Professionals. 3 Credits.

The course will provide an overview of the study of international and intercultural communication specifically from a professional communication perspective. Topics addressed will include Communication Theories that relate to international and intercultural communication patterns and outcomes. Students will share experiences and learn from a variety of assigned materials including specific examples and case studies focused on international/intercultural communication in environments specific to each student's particular area of professional communicative engagement. SS.

COMM 525. Interpersonal Relations and Communication. 3 Credits.

Face-to-face and mediated transactions between two people or people in small groups in diverse settings. Deals with inquiry, conflict management, interpersonal sensitivity, individuality, and conformity.

COMM 527. Persuasion & Persuasive Communication. 3 Credits.

Participants in this class will explore contemporary communication research on the persuasive process. Research featuring social influence in professional and contexts will receive special emphasis. This graduate class invites its participants to engage in dialog directed toward both (1) understanding the issues raised in contemporary persuasion research and (2) exploring potential solutions and ideas for future application. S.

COMM 528. Intercultural Global Conflict. 3 Credits.

Communication patterns and processes can both facilitate conflict and terrorism as well as reduce discord and violence. Communication and conflict theory and research are examined in a global context with implications for terrorism, insurgency, and violence. Intergroup communication as well as communication strategies for mitigating discord and enhancing violence reduction are considered. On demand.

COMM 529. Science Communication. 3 Credits.

This combines findings from research into information processing with best practices in media production to build student competency in communicating about science, scientific discoveries and the scientific process to general audiences through various media, as well as more specific audiences, such as funding organizations and policymakers. SS.

COMM 530. Communication, Society, & Diversity. 3 Credits.

An examination of how people from similar and different cultural, ethnic, national, racial, religious, and/or sexual backgrounds interact with each other, institutions, and society. The course covers issues of representation, identity, and difference. On demand.

COMM 535. Intercultural Communication. 3 Credits.

This course incorporates critical conceptualizations of identity, "the Other", and multiculturalism. It explores theoretical reflections of the symbolic systems of unfamiliar cultures, and the emergence of mutual understanding.

COMM 540. Communication and Organizations. 3 Credits.

Examines the general communication processes and dynamics within and among organizations and explores the dynamics in network organizations, with a particular focus on communication in interpersonal groups and inter-organizational working teams. Theories of power and politics in and among organizations, as well as of decision-making, conflict management, and strategic communication are explored.

COMM 549. Information Communication Technologies. 3 Credits.

This course examines how technological changes in communication and media influence how information is generated, distributed, and communicated. The course addresses the interaction of communication technologies with individuals, communities, economies, and cultures. It focuses on aspects of technological change, new patterns of global connectedness, and their implications for the new global media environment. On demand.

COMM 550. International and Global Communication. 3 Credits.

An analysis of international media, comparative telecommunications systems and globalization. Covers issues such as transnational communication, global journalism, satellite broadcasting and communication in diplomacy and international affairs.

COMM 570. Seminar in Communication. 3 Credits.

In-depth studies in specific communication areas such as relational communication, rhetoric and public discourse, intercultural/international communication. May be repeated for credit with change of topic (up to 15 hours). Repeatable to 15.00 credits.

COMM 591. Individual Readings and Research. 3 Credits.

Directed readings and research in speech communication and mass communication topics and issues. May be repeated to a total of 12 credits. 3 credit limit per semester. Repeatable to 12.00 credits.

COMM 996. Continuing Enrollment. 1-12 Credits.

Repeatable. S/U grading.

COMM 997. Independent Study. 1-9 Credits.

Independent Study. Repeatable to 9.00 credits. On demand.

COMM 998. Thesis. 1-4 Credits.

4 credits required for thesis option. Repeatable to 9.00 credits.

COMM 999. Dissertation. 1-15 Credits.

Repeatable to a maximum of 15 credits. Repeatable to 15.00 credits.