COMA 101: Introduction to Communication
Introduces the study of communication. Surveys the contexts and applications of study in these disciplines. Introduces the use of rhetorical theory as a means of understanding communication behavior. (4)
COMA 102: Communication Ethics
Studies the basic principles of moral philosophy and explores
ethical issues involving those engaged in communication professions
such as journalism, public relations, broadcasting, and advertising.
Students use case studies to learn to recognize ethical dilemmas and
develop strategies for dealing with them. (2)
COMA 120: Media in the World - AR
Introduces the critical study of mass communication and its
influence on community and culture. The course will survey how the
technical, economic, and behavioral elements of media influence its
structure and content. (4)
COMA 210: Interviewing
Introduces basic concepts and techniques for unbiased, in-depth
interviewing. Topics include listening, neutral question phrasing,
sources of bias, developing question sequences and interview schedules.
(2)
COMA 211: Debate
This course introduces the practice of academic and political
debate. It introduces principles and theories of argument. Students
will have opportunities for in-class and public debates. (2)
COMA 212: Public Speaking
Introduces the basic techniques of public speaking. Students
complete several speeches and learn the basic skills of speechmaking,
including topic selections, research, organization, audience analysis,
and delivery. Required of all Design/Tech majors. (2)
COMA 213: Communication Writing
Examines principles of clear written expression that are needed for
communication coursework and in communication-related careers. Focus
is on writing mechanics, style, documentation formats, database
searching, making claims clearly, and supporting claims with evidence
in ways that are appropriate to context, purpose and audience. (2)
COMA 214: Group Communication
Studies how people interact in groups. Introduces theoretical constructs regarding the role of groups in organizational and social settings. Provides experience in analyzing and improving group performance and interaction. (2)
COMA 222: Video Production
Analysis and application of program design, writing and production tools and
techniques. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: Communication core or consent
of instructor.
COMA 223: Audio Production
Introduction to the techniques and technologies related to contemporary audio production as used in television and radio broadcasting, the recording industry, film, and other media applications. (2)
COMA 225: Practicum
One semester hour credit may be earned each semester, but only four semester hours may be used to meet university requirements. Students put classroom theory to practical application by individually completing a project relating to an aspect of communication. An instructor in the area of interest must approve the project and agree to provide guidance. (1)
COMA 230: Writing for Journalism
Expands on the skills developed in COMA 213.Introduces the process of newsgathering as well as production in various media platforms. Emphasizes ethical decision-making in gathering information from sources and data. Prerequisite: COMA 213. (2)
COMA 270: Professional Writing
Expands on the skills developed in COMA 213 and introduces the process of preparing
professional documents including press releases, memoranda, business letters,
and resumes. Prerequisite: COMA 213. (2)
COMA 301: Media & Cultural Criticism
This course examines the role of media in producing systems of meanings and artifacts that shape popular culture and ideology.Students learn to use critical perspectives as lenses for studying texts of popular culture and for writing cultural criticism for popular and specialized audiences. (4)
COMA 302: Media Ethics
Applies principles of moral philosophy to ethical issues involving those engaged within mass communication professions. Emphasis on encountering and resolving contemporary ethical issues in mass communication environments. Prerequisites:COMA 102 and 120. (2)
COMA303: Gender and Communication A
This course examines the relationship between gender and communication in human
interaction and media representations. Comparison and contrast of male and
female communication styles, language usage and speech practices. Role of media in shaping gender ideals and possibilities.Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102, 120 or consent of instructor. (4)
COMA 304: Intercultural Communication - C
Studies the nature of communication among people of diverse cultures. The
course examines contemporary theory and research and examines a variety of
cultural variables including: cultural backgrounds, perception, social
organization, language, and nonverbal aspects of messages. Prerequisites: COMA 101,
102, 120 or consent of instructor. (4)
COMA 305: Argument and Advocacy
Studies how people use reason giving in social decision-making. Analysis of genres, forms, and techniques of arguers. Focus is on methods of creating, understanding, and criticizing arguments. (4)
COMA 306: Persuasion
The study of persuasion as a means of personal and social influence through
rhetoric. Examines both rhetorical and social scientific traditions of study,
ethical and social implications of contemporary persuasion in political,
commercial and other contexts.
Opportunity for original research projects. Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102,
120, 213 or consent of instructor. (4)
COMA 311: Research Writing
Develops methods for gathering, interpreting, and evaluating data and then
presenting findings written form.
Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102, 120,
212, 213 or consent of instructor. (2)
COMA 312: Advanced Public Speaking
Focuses on improving skill in public speaking. Introduces theories and techniques for effectively participating in various speaking contexts. Provides experience through writing and delivering a range of different kinds of public speeches. Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102, 120, 212, 213 or consent of instructor. (2)
COMA 313: Dialog
Explores the process of using dialog as a way of facilitating conflict resolution. Focus is on creating supportive communication climates and methods for listening. Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102, 120, 212, 213 or consent of instructor (2)
COMA314 : Intercultural Workshop
Designed to acquaint students with the influence of cultural backgrounds,
perceptual systems, social organization, language, and nonverbal messages in
intercultural communication. Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102, 120,
212, 213 or consent of instructor. (2)
COMA 320: Media Narrative I
Introduces the study of narrative techniques and their application to the production of media content. Includes information gathering, writing to format, and production activities across print, web, radio and television. Requires integrative participation with campus media. Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102, 120, 222 or 223, and 230. (4)
COMA 321: The Book in Society
A critical study of the history of book culture and the role of books in modern society. Cross-listed with ENGL 311. (4)
COMA 322: Publishing Procedures
A workshop introduction to the world of book publishing, involving students in
decisions about what to publish and how to produce it. Cross-listed with ENGL
312. (4)
COMA 323: Copy Editing
Selection and editing of news copy and headline writing. Selection, sizing and cropping of photographs. Functions of layout. Principles of newspaper design and their practical applications. Prerequisites:COMA 101, 102, 120, 212, 213, 230 or consent of instructor. (2)
COMA 325: Photojournalism
Studio class in photography with practical application to journalistic
endeavors. Includes integrative
participation with campus media.
Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102, 120,
212, 213, 230 or consent of instructor (2)
COMA 327: Media Production
This course integrates various multimedia applications associated with video
production. Fundamentals of
scriptwriting, video camera techniques, and non-linear editing. Prerequisites:
COMA 222 or 223. (4)
COMA 329: Depth Reporting
Group reporting on a single issue for
mass distribution across media platforms. Focuses on public and investigative
journalism. Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102,
120, 212, 213, 230. (4)
COMA 340: Conflict and Communication
Studies the role of communication in the development and management of human
conflict. Use of the theories of prominent conflict and peace scholars and
significant case studies to develop a method for better understanding the
nature and resolution of conflict. Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102, 120, 212, 213 or consent of instructor. (4)
COMA 360: Public Relations Writing
Introduces principles and processes involved in writing for an
organization's diverse publics. Integrates persuasive techniques and
communication theory with writing and production practice. Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102, 120, 212, 213, 270 or consent of instructor. (4)
COMA 361: Public Relations Principles & Practices
Introduces the theories, methods, and practice of public relations.
Emphasizes technical and analytical skills. Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102, 120, 212, 213, 270 or consent of
instructor. (4)
COMA 362: Principles of Advertising
Introduces advertising theories and principles. Focuses on case studies and skills required in advertising
practice. Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102, 120, 212, 213, 270 or consent of
instructor (4)
COMA 387: Topics in Communication
Special topics in communication is intended for unique opportunities to
explore communication issues, methods, and viewpoints outside the normal
curriculum. (1-4)
COMA 388: Topics in Communication
Special topics in communication is intended for unique opportunities to
explore communication issues, methods, and viewpoints outside the normal
curriculum. (1-4)
COMA 389: Topics in Communication
Special topics in communication is intended for unique opportunities to
explore communication issues, methods, and viewpoints outside the normal
curriculum (1-4)
COMA 391: Communication Abroad
Exploration of communication systems and environments beyond the university
in international cultural contexts. (14)
COMA 392: Communication Abroad
Exploration of communication systems and environments beyond the university in
international cultural contexts. (14)
COMA 393: Communication Abroad
Exploration of communication systems and environments beyond the university in
international cultural contexts. (14)
COMA 401: Visual Culture
Examines the central role of visual representation in contemporary
culture and the ways in which we use, understand and are used by
images. Emphasis on photography, film, television, new media, and
commemorative art and architecture in the realms of advertising,
politics, news, public advocacy and popular culture. Students will
conduct research projects that analyze elements of visual culture. Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102, 120, 212, 213 or consent of instructor. (4)
COMA 420: Media Narrative II
Continues the study of narrative
writing and production techniques with practical application to media content. Requires
integrative participation with campus media. Prerequisites: COMA 320. (4)
COMA 421: Communication Law
Focuses on the principles of communication law and its application to
various communication practices. Examines court cases, federal and state statutes
and First Amendment theories.
Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102, 120,
212, 213 or consent of instructor. (4)
COMA 422: Media Management
Study of media organizations and management of media operations. Exploration of audience and marketplace
factors, ratings services, legal considerations, programming and promotion
strategies. Introduction to managing
careers, human resource development, and enhancing leadership skills.
Prerequisite: COMA 320 (4)
COMA 423: Broadcast Production
Newsgathering, reporting, writing, and producing specifically for live and
taped radio and television. Assignments
include extensive production activities with electronic equipment in the field
and the studio. Integrative
participation with campus media.
Prerequisite: COMA 320. (4)
COMA 424: Advanced Media Production
The production process for developing broadcast quality film-style shorts
using professional video equipment. The
course includes: script development, casting, location scouting, lighting
effects, sound design, shot structure, use of special effects, and editing
aesthetics. Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102, 120, 212, 213, and 321. (4)
COMA 425: Communication Practicum
One semester hour credit may be earned each semester, but only four semester hours
may be used to meet university requirements. Students put classroom theory to
practical application by individually completing a project relating to an
aspect of communication. An instructor in the area of interest must approve the
project and agree to provide guidance. (1)
COMA 430: Advocacy Writing
Research and writing of editorials, commentaries, personal opinion columns,
op-ed pieces and other materials used in social activism contexts.
Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102, 120, 212, 213
or consent of instructor. (4)
COMA 441: Conflict Management
Develops approaches for managing and resolving conflicts in different
contexts including interpersonal, organizational, and international. Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102, 120, 212, 213 or consent of instructor. (4)
COMA 461: Public Relations
Planning and Management
Examination of public relations issues such as campaign planning, issue
management, crisis communication, and global public relations. Integrates
theoretical foundations, and ethics. Focus on measurement and evaluation
techniques. Prerequisite: COMA 361. (4)
COMA 462: Digital Message Production
Studies the principles and processes
involved in preparing messages for print or online distribution. Integrates design concepts with technical
applications. Prerequisites: COMA 101, 102, 120, 212, 213, 270 or consent of
instructor (4)
COMA 487: Topics in Communication
Special topics in communication is intended for unique opportunities to
explore communication issues, methods, and viewpoints outside the normal
curriculum. (1-4)
COMA 488: Topics in Communication
Special topics in communication is intended for unique opportunities to
explore communication issues, methods, and viewpoints outside the normal
curriculum. (1-4)
COMA 489: Topics in Communication
Special topics in communication is intended for unique opportunities to
explore communication issues, methods, and viewpoints outside the normal
curriculum. (1-4)
COMA 491: Independent Studies
Investigations or research in area of special interest not covered by regular
courses; open to qualified junior or senior students. A student should not
begin registration for independent study until the specific area for
investigation has been approved by a departmental sponsor. (14)
COMA 492: Independent Studies
Investigations or research in area of special interest not covered by regular
courses; open to qualified junior or senior students. A student should not
begin registration for independent study until the specific area for
investigation has been approved by a departmental sponsor. (14)
COMA 493: Independent Studies
Investigations or research in area of special interest not covered by regular
courses; open to qualified junior or senior students. A student should not
begin registration for independent study until the specific area for
investigation has been approved by a departmental sponsor. (14)
COMA 543: Conflict and Negotiation
This course
examines the sources and development of conflict and develops
negotiation as a tool for managing conflict situations. Emphasis is on
understanding conflict interactions and reaching agreement through
negotiation. (3)
COMA 596: Research in Communication
For graduate students only. (14)
COMA 597: Research in Communication
For graduate students only. (14)
COMA 598: Research in Communication
For graduate students only. (14)
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