Communication

Communication, by its very nature, is interdisciplinary, requiring a broad understanding of human behavior; an awareness of the vast diversity, as well as the strong similarities, among humans and human cultures; the global nature of how humans are connected to each other; and the critical need to communicate accurately and ethically.

The goal of the USAO communication program is to teach students how to increase shared understanding, whether interpersonally, in small groups, in a public forum, or among millions through electronic media.  Humans communicate through spoken language, visual images, and nonverbal messages.  The focus is on how, why, and with what effects humans communicate.

The curriculum emphasizes research and ethical application of theory in real-world situations.  Courses such as public speaking, discussion and argument, mass media, journalism, and public relations prepare students for careers in virtually any arena or further study on the graduate level.  In addition to the core communication courses that are required of all communication majors, the department also offers special topics and workshops that are generated by the interests of both students and instructor, such as broadcast production, television programming, and humor in communication.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

Required Communication Core (36 hours):

Course	Title	Hours Required
COMM 1123	Voice and Diction	3
COMM 2103	Oral Interpretation & Reader's Theatre	3
COMM 2133	Public Speaking & Persuasion	3
COMM 2343	Foundations of Communication Theory	3
COMM 2483	Mass Communication	3
COMM 3133	Discussion & Small Group Dynamics	3
COMM 3273	Seminar in Communication Theory	3
	(strongly recommended: Public Relations)	3
COMM 4103	Technical Writing	3
COMM 4133	Argumentation & Debate	3
COMM 4433	Advanced Seminar in Communication Theory	3
+Required Communication Electives (choose 6 hours):
COMM 2553	Journalistic Methods*	3
COMM 2880	Special Topics	1-4
COMM 2990	Tutorial	1-4
COMM 3330	Newspaper and Special Publication*	2-6
COMM 4503	Internship	1-3
COMM 4880	Special Topics	1-4
COMM 4900	Workshop for Groups	1-9
COMM 4990	Tutorial	1-9

*Strongly recommended

Recommended non-communication electives:

PHOT 1023	Beginning Photography I	3
ART 3113	Commercial Design & Composition Studio	3

Minor in Communication

18 hours to be selected in consultation with minor advisor.

COURSE LISTINGS in COMMUNICATION

1123 VOICE AND DICTION
Intensive personal and group experiences to improve normal vocal usage, including articulation and pronunciation for platform, stage, or mass media. 3 hours.

2103 ORAL INTERPRETATION AND READERS THEATRE
The study and practice of oral performance of literature, with emphasis on the reader's selection of material, intellectual and emotional perceptions of material, and interpretive skills -- voice, facial expression, gesture -- that communicate those perceptions to listeners. 3 hours.

2133 PUBLIC SPEAKING AND PERSUASION
Study and practice of persuasive principles that influence and modify the belief and action of an audience. 3 hours.

2343 FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNICATION THEORY
The basic course for communication majors but open to any student: overview of how communication works within individuals, interpersonally, small and large groups in various arenas, and mass audiences; assignments typically include several classroom speeches and a team project. 3 hours.

2483 MASS COMMUNICATION
Overview of print and electronic media, with some attention to public relations, advertising, and the music & film industries, including career possibilities and specific job requirements. 3 hours.

2553 JOURNALISTIC METHODS
Developing journalistic style generating story ideas, gathering information, interviewing techniques, beat reporting, writing to deadlines for both print and electronic media, basic editing. Good command of grammar and spelling necessary. AP Stylebook. 3 hours. Prerequisites: Grade of B in Writing I and II (or satisfactory grade on English Proficiency Test); computer literacy (course is Mac-based).

2880 SPECIAL TOPICS
Special topics in communication. 1-4 hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours).

2900 SPEECH ACTIVITIES WORKSHOP
Guided study in communication under faculty supervision; various topics and methods of instruction. 1-6 hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours with change in topic and title).

2990 TUTORIAL
Independent study in communication under faculty supervision. 1- 4 hours (may be repeated for total of 9 hours with change in title and content).

3133 DISCUSSION AND SMALL GROUP DYNAMICS
Theory and application of group discussion and group communication. 3 hours.

3273 SEMINAR IN COMMUNICATION THEORY
In-depth study of specific area of communication, such as public relations, interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, or semantics. 3 hours (may be repeated for total of 9 hours with change in content). 

3330 NEWSPAPER AND SPECIAL PUBLICATION
Work-intensive practicum in news writing and print production. 2 hours (may be repeated for maximum of 6 hours). Prerequisite: COMM 2553, concurrent enrollment in COMM 2553, or consent of instructor.

4103 TECHNICAL WRITING
Principles of various types of research, including scholarly and journalistic, and writing of resumes, memos, informal and formal reports, and proposals. 3 hours.

4133 ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE
Study and practice of basic principles of informal and formal argument in individual and group situations; emphasizes informal debate style. 3 hours.

4433 ADVANCED SEMINAR IN COMMUNICATION THEORY
Capstone course in written, visual, and/or oral communication for communication majors through independent study and public presentation of a Senior Communication Project. 3 hours. Prerequisite: senior classification and all major work completed or being taken concurrently, or permission of instructor.

4503 INTERNSHIP
Practicum in professional communication. 1-3 hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours with change in topic and title). Prerequisites: consent of instructor before enrollment, 60+ hours, GPA 3.50.

4880 SPECIAL TOPICS
Special topics in communication. 1-4 hours (may be repeated for a total of 6 hours).

4900 WORKSHOP FOR GROUPS
Independent group study (under faculty supervision) in communication topics and problems. 1-4 hours (may be repeated for total of 9 hours with change in title and content.

4990 TUTORIAL
Independent study in communication under faculty supervision. 1-9 hours (may be repeated for total of 9 hours with change in title and content). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.