Mar 28, 2024  
Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog 2014-2015 
    
Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog 2014-2015 [ARCHIVED CATALOG] See drop-down menu above to access other catalogs.

Course Descriptions


Note: See Catalog Web Addenda at www.bridgew.edu/catalog/addenda as that information supersedes the published version of this catalog.

The course descriptions include all courses that are taught for academic credit at the university. They are arranged in alpha-numerical sequence by course subject code. At present, the majority of the 500-600 level courses are offered in the evening hours. Students should be aware that not all courses are offered in the evening or every semester.

Students who are only able to enroll in classes 4 pm or after should consult the appropriate department chairperson for information about the availability of evening sections of courses required in a specific major, concentration and/or minor. Students are urged to consult “Available Course Sections” through the InfoBear link each semester to determine when specific courses are offered.

Click here to view  how to read course descriptions.

 

 

Communication Disorders

  
  • COMD 393 - Aural Rehabilitation

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMD 351
    Habilitation and rehabilitation for the hard of hearing including assessment and therapy procedures related to auditory training, speech reading, language therapy and hearing aid training will be covered in this course. Educational management and counseling strategies will also be addressed. Offered fall semester.

  
  • COMD 451 - Clinical Strategies in Communication

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMD 312 and COMD 313 and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the major and consent of the instructor
    The objective of this course is to introduce the student to intervention strategies and skills used in assessment of children and adults with communication disorders. It will be taken in the fall semester of the senior year by all students who elect the practicum track. Offered fall semester. May be taken for graduate-level credit.

  
  • COMD 452 - Speech-Language Therapy Techniques

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisites: COMD 312 and COMD 313 and COMD 351 and COMD 480
    This course is designed to familiarize students with the process of intervention. Basic principles of therapy will be discussed and specific techniques used in the treatment of a variety of communication disorders will be introduced. Areas addressed include speech therapy programming, the effects of culture on clinical interactions, behavior modification, session design, data collection, documentation, accountability and use of the supervisory process. This course is recommended for students who have not elected the practicum track.

  
  • COMD 480 - Clinical Procedures: An Overview

    (3 credits)
    In this course, professional behavior, responsibilities and ethics will be presented followed by an introduction to the clinical process. The need for consideration of cultural diversity and treatment throughout the lifespan will be emphasized. Through completion of 25 observation hours, the students will have the opportunity to demonstrate integration of concepts presented throughout the communication disorders curriculum. Offered either semester. May be taken for graduate-level credit.

  
  • COMD 485 - Honors Thesis

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of the instructor
    In this course, one-hour weekly meetings with the thesis director will culminate in an honors thesis. With the consent of the Departmental Honors Committee and the thesis director, this course may be extended into a second semester for three additional credits depending upon the scope of the project. Whether the final version of the thesis qualifies the student to graduate with honors will be determined by the Departmental Honors Committee. This course may be taken twice for a maximum of six credits.

  
  • COMD 490 - Clinical Practicum: Speech Pathology

    (3 or 6 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMD 312 and COMD 313 and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, a minimum GPA of 2.75 in communication disorders courses, and consent of the instructor
    This course is a clinical experience in speech pathology. Clinical hours can be credited towards A.S.H.A. hours. Activities will be determined by student need, experience and academic preparation. Initially the student will register for three credits to be taken concurrently with COMD 451. May be repeated once for a total of six or nine credits.

  
  • COMD 498 - Internship in Communication Disorders

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMD 290; consent of communication disorders faculty; formal application required
    This course provides off-campus experiences in areas related to expanding the student’s background in communication disorders. Experiences include but not limited to: audiology clinics and educational programs for children with autism, children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, or children or older individuals with other special needs with a focus on speech, language, communication and prevention. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credits.

  
  • COMD 499 - Directed Study in Communication Disorders

    (1-3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Consent of the department; formal application required
    Directed study is open to juniors and seniors who have demonstrated critical and analytical abilities in their studies and who wish to pursue a project independently. This course may be taken twice for a maximum of six credits. Offered either semester.

  
  • COMD 559 - Study Tour: Multicultural Perspectives in Special Education and Communication Disorders

    (3 credits) Cross Listed with SPED 559
    Prerequisite: Dependent on itinerary
    This is a faculty led study tour to investigate how individuals with special needs and/or communication disorders are treated educationally and socially in cultures outside the United States. This course may be repeated for different itineraries.


Communication Disorders: Other Approved Courses

  
  • COMD 339 - Honors Tutorial

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth and Departmental Honors students and consent of the department
    Special topics in communication disorders will be covered in this course. Three hourly meetings weekly. Offered spring semester.

  
  • COMD 440 - Clinical Practicum: Audiology

    (1-3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMD 352, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, a minimum GPA of 2.75 in communication disorders courses, and consent of the communication disorders faculty
    This course provides clinical experience in audiology. Clinical hours obtained can be credited toward A.S.H.A. hours. Activities will include hearing screening and diagnostic testing in various settings. The course may be repeated once. Offered either semester. May be taken for graduate-level credit.

  
  • COMD 502 - Research

    (1-6 credits)
    Prerequisite: Consent of the department; formal application required
    Original research is undertaken by the graduate student in his or her field. For details, consult the paragraph titled “Directed or Independent Study” in the “College of Graduate Studies” section of this catalog. This course may be repeated for a maximum of nine credits.

  
  • COMD 503 - Directed Study

    (1-6 credits)
    Prerequisite: Consent of the department; formal application required
    Directed study is designed for the graduate student who desires to study selected topics in a specific field. For details, consult the paragraph titled “Directed or Independent Study” in the “College of Graduate Studies” section of this catalog. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credits.


Communication Studies

  
  • COMM 102 - Introduction to Public Speaking

    (3 credits)
    This course is an introduction to the practical skill of public speaking. It will emphasize the basic principles of research, organization, and delivery in the construction of effective public presentations. Civic aspects of public speaking will also be addressed with attention to critical listening and evaluation of public communication. (CSPK)

  
  • COMM 110 - Forensics Practicum

    (1 credit)
    Credit is given for 60 or more hours of intercollegiate debate and competitive speaking at intercollegiate tournaments. A maximum of three credit hours can be used toward a major or minor in Communication Studies. This course may be repeated. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis. Offered either semester.

  
  • COMM 130 - Human Communication Skills

    (3 credits)
    This course is designed to foster competence and improve performance in all areas of communication. Through participative learning, the student will demonstrate those skills necessary to communicate effectively in interpersonal, group and public communication situations. Offered either semester. (CSPK)

  
  • COMM 135 - Freshman Honors Colloquium

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of the instructor
    Freshman Honors Colloquia in communication studies allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project, which provides the major part of the grade. Topics vary from semester to semester. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Offered fall semester.

  
  • COMM 136 - Freshman Honors Colloquium

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of the instructor
    Freshman Honors Colloquia in communication studies allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project, which provides the major part of the grade. The minimum enrollment is two and the maximum is 12. Topics vary from semester to semester. Offered spring semester.

  
  • COMM 150 - Practicum in Communication Media

    (1 credit)
    This course provides students with a faculty-supervised, applied-learning experience in connection with electronic media on campus. A minimum of 60 clock hours of work is required. This course may be taken no more than two times for credit within the major. This course may be repeated. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis. Offered either semester.

  
  • COMM 199 - First Year Seminar

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Open to all freshmen with a writing placement score of 3 or above or a SAT score of 500 or above or who have completed ENGL 101. Students with 24 or more transfer credits will have this requirement waived.
    First Year Seminars (FYS) are writing-intensive, topic courses that introduce students to academic thought, discourse and practices. FYS courses prepare and orient students toward productive and fulfilling college careers by actively engaging them in a specific academic area of interest. Students will improve their writing, reading, research and basic information and technology skills while learning to work both collaboratively and independently. These courses will fulfill the First Year Seminar requirement and may fulfill other requirements for the core curriculum. Each course may fulfill different requirements and topics may change each semester. Only one FYS course may be taken for credit. (CFYS)

  
  • COMM 214 - Radio Production

    (3 credits)
    Audio theory, programming and production, station management, and relation of radio to record industry, as well as working as a member of a production team in writing, producing and editing on-air production are included in this course.

  
  • COMM 215 - Television Studio Production (Television Production I)

    (3 credits)
    Students will learn the equipment, direct live or live on tape, edit, cue audio and video in this course. Team production of news and talk shows are also included.

  
  • COMM 221 - Foundations of Communication

    (3 credits)
    This course provides students with a well-rounded foundation of communication as an academic discipline. It also surveys communication study from Aristotle’s time to the 21st  century, including an examination of the emergence of mass media and its impact on human communication.

  
  • COMM 222 - Communication Studies Theory

    (3 credits)
    This course introduces students to the study and analysis of various theoretical perspectives in communication: interpersonal, group and public, mass and intercultural communication. We ask questions about the nature and effects of human communication in terms of theory building in major approaches to communication studies. Our goal is to clarify and understand both the history of the academic discipline of communication as well as recognize the significant contributions in the development of communication within a variety of its fields of study.

  
  • COMM 224 - Communication Research and Writing

    (3 credits)
    This course provides an introduction to communication research and writing. Students learn about different components of academic research and practice these skills through academic writing assignments, including the production of a literature review.

  
  • COMM 225 - Film as Communication

    (3 credits)
    This course is a survey of the development of the motion picture as a medium of communication, with an emphasis on films and practices of the popular American cinema. The course introduces students to ways in which to understand and analyze film as a form of communication. The course instructs students to analyze mise en scène elements (e.g., script construction, staging, lighting, sound and music, framing, editing techniques, special effects and the impact of digital technologies) and how these impact narrative framing, and viewer understandings and responses.

  
  • COMM 226 - Introduction to Public Relations

    (3 credits)
    This course provides the student with a knowledge of the history, goals, objectives and skills associated with public relations. It offers students an opportunity to utilize acquired communication skills in a specific career area as well as giving students the opportunity to acquire writing, reasoning, listening, speaking and other skills required in public relations work. Case study analysis and hands-on applications are primary teaching/learning methodologies. Offered either semester. (Formerly COMM 301)

  
  • COMM 227 - Multimedia Applications for Public Relations

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 226
    This course is designed to introduce students to publishing software important in public relations work. Focus includes page layout, text and image, and final printed output. Students write copy for and produce brochures, newsletters and specialty publications.

  
  • COMM 228 - Introduction to Communication and Culture

    (3 credits)
    This foundation course examines the productive relationship between communication and culture. It introduces students to the everyday intersections of social relations, cultural practices, and the construction of meaning. Attention is paid to the relationships between communication, culture, ideology, social order, and identity.

  
  • COMM 229 - Foundations of Media Studies

    (3 credits)
    The primary objective of this course is to foster a broad understanding of the field, hone critical skills and increase understanding of the theoretical and philosophical discussions taking place in media studies. The course considers questions such as the interrelationships between production and consumption, the notion of what constitutes a “text,” and the ways in which social power shapes how we understand and experience media.

  
  • COMM 239 - Multimedia Storytelling

    (3 credits)
    This course explores creative and critical thinking about storytelling and narrative across a range of media platforms. After considering the ways in which media industries are continually strategizing how narrative (from news stories to film franchises) might work simultaneously via numerous mediated channels of communication, the primary focus will be on crafting student stories via audio, video, and web-based media.

  
  • COMM 240 - Introduction to Journalism

    (3 credits)
    Introduction to Journalism is designed to acquaint students with news decision-making newsroom operations, reporting, writing, editing and Associated Press style guidelines. The course is laboratory-based and has substantial reporting, writing and editing assignments.

  
  • COMM 250 - Public Speaking

    (3 credits)
    This course introduces students to the study, evaluation and practice of public presentation. Emphasis is placed on the development of skills as students gain competence in public speaking in a variety of contexts. Offered either semester. (CSPK)

  
  • COMM 260 - Group Communication and Decision Making

    (3 credits)
    This course extends theoretical knowledge of small-group behavior. Stress will be placed on implementation of theories in such areas as leadership, roles of group members, conflict management, reasoning, argument and problem solving. Offered either semester. (CSPI)

  
  • COMM 270 - Interpersonal Communication

    (3 credits)
    Students study communication between people who have ongoing and meaningful relationships. The course examines the skills, concepts, theories and values associated with the development and maintenance of such relationships. An emphasis is placed on the influence of such variables as gender and culture. Offered either semester.

  
  • COMM 286 - Sophomore Honors Colloquium

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of the instructor
    Sophomore Honors Colloquia in communication studies allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project, which provides the major part of the grade. The minimum enrollment is two and the maximum is 12. Topics vary from semester to semester. Offered fall semester.

  
  • COMM 287 - Sophomore Honors Colloquium

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of the instructor
    Sophomore Honors Colloquia in communication studies allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project, which provides the major part of the grade. The minimum enrollment is two and the maximum is 12. Topics vary from semester to semester. Offered spring semester.

  
  • COMM 288 - Communication Colloquium

    (1 credit)
    This course offers an introduction to a communication studies topic. Topics vary from semester to semester. This course is repeatable for different topics up to three credits.

  
  • COMM 290 - Beginning Videography

    (3 credits)
    This course is a study of the styles and techniques of video production. Students work with the different elements of video production such as camera, sound, editing and script. Offered once a year.

  
  • COMM 291 - Video Editing

    (3 credits)
    This course teaches video editing, focusing on postproduction skills and techniques, specifically how to shoot video with attention to the process, rhythm and continuity, target audience and how to input meaning through production codes. Students will learn to edit on analogue and digital systems, to cut existing video, and to organize video they have shot according to a variety of editing styles.

  
  • COMM 298 - Second Year Seminar (Speaking Intensive)

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: _ _ _ _ 199; Open to all sophomores and juniors who have completed ENGL 101, and the speaking skills requirement. Students with 54 or more transfer credits will have this requirement waived. Cannot be taken if _ _ _ _ 298 or _ _ _ _ 299 are taken for credit.
    Second Year Seminars (SYS) are speaking-intensive, topic courses that build on the academic skills and habits introduced in the First Year Seminar. SYS courses engage students in a specific academic area of interest and provide them with the opportunity to reinforce, share and interpret knowledge. Students will improve their speaking, reading, research and basic information and technology skills while building the connections between scholarship and action that are required for lifelong learning. These courses will fulfill the Second Year Seminar requirement and may fulfill other requirements for the core curriculum. Each course may fulfill different requirements and topics may change each semester. Only one SYS course may be taken for credit. (CSYS)

  
  • COMM 299 - Second Year Seminar (Writing Intensive)

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: _ _ _ _ 199; Open to all sophomores and juniors who have completed ENGL 101 and ENGL 102. Students with 54 or more transfer credits will have this requirement waived. Cannot be taken if _ _ _ _ 298 or _ _ _ _ 299 are taken for credit.
    Second Year Seminars (SYS) are writing-intensive, topic courses that build on the academic skills and habits introduced in the First Year Seminar. SYS courses engage students in a specific academic area of interest and provide them with the opportunity to reinforce, share and interpret knowledge. Students will improve their writing, reading, research and basic information and technology skills while building the connections between scholarship and action that are required for lifelong learning. These courses will fulfill the Second Year Seminar requirement and may fulfill other requirements for the core curriculum. Each course may fulfill different requirements and topics may change each semester. Only one SYS course may be taken for credit. (CSYS)

  
  • COMM 300 - Media and Multiculturalism

    (3 credits)
    This course explores the network of relationships between media processes (e.g., production, consumption, representation) and a range of multicultural identities (e.g., race, class, gender), paying particular attention to the role of power and privilege in shaping human conditions. Offered once a year.

  
  • COMM 303 - Introduction to Organizational Communication

    (3 credits)
    This course includes the analysis of communication problems in modern complex organizations, theory and practice. Offered spring semester.

  
  • COMM 305 - Advanced Forensics Laboratory

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 110 or consent of instructor
    After advanced individual work in speech composition and delivery, the student will be required to prepare a variety of speech types for intercollegiate competition in this course. Offered fall semester.

  
  • COMM 310 - Film History

    (3 credits)
    This survey course explores the history of cinema through a range of lenses (e.g., aesthetic, technological, economic and social film history). Regular screenings supplement lecture, group discussion and regular written assignments. Offered once yearly.

  
  • COMM 311 - Media Literacy

    (3 credits)
    This course offers both a cultural contextualization of mass-, computer-, and electronically-mediated communication and the tools by which students can access, analyze, evaluate, use and create media forms and content. An emphasis is placed on fostering the critical analysis and interpretation skills that contribute to the development of well-informed, independent-thinking citizens.

  
  • COMM 312 - Strategic Writing

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 226
    This course will offer the student writing experience in various forms of public relations including writing assignments that would be typical in both nonprofit and business organizations. Included in this course are press releases, brochures, newsletters, feature stories and speeches. The computer is the essential technology for this course. Offered either semester.

  
  • COMM 313 - Media Law and Ethics

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 229
    This course will introduce students to the study of legal and ethical issues in the media industry and organizations. Students will be exposed to the applications of these issues and the ability to analyze the important legal and ethical aspects involved with the mass media network and the industry. Philosophical theories that deal with morals and ethics will be explored.

  
  • COMM 325 - Broadcast News Writing

    (3 credits)
    This course offers instruction in the writing of news and public affairs copy for radio and television. News gathering and writing assignments will be given weekly.

  
  • COMM 330 - Business and Professional Communication

    (3 credits)
    This course increases the students’ levels of competence in negotiating, interviewing, evaluating, leading and presentational skills. This course stresses abilities needed to attain cooperation and exert influence in corporate and public sector work environments. Offered either semester.

  
  • COMM 334 - Film, Video and Media Studies in Theory and Research

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 224 and COMM 229
    This course explores media theory and research both analytically and empirically through readings, screenings, class discussion and a range of graded assignments, including original research. In addition to an overview of various theoretical paradigms and research strategies, students also read works of scholars that put these ideas into practice. This strategy allows students to engage the literature not just as critical readers, but also as critical writers.

  
  • COMM 335 - News and Politics

    (3 credits)
    In this course, students will develop an understanding of political, social and cultural events as they affect print and electronic journalism. Offered once a year.

  
  • COMM 336 - Communication and Culture Theory and Research

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 224 and COMM 228
    Students examine the foundations of communication criticism, explore current methods of communication analysis, and apply these methods in the analysis of a variety of cultural discourses, practices and texts.

  
  • COMM 337 - Strategic Communication Theory and Research

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 224 and COMM 226
    This course examines strategic communication theory and research. Students will explore some of the academic research literature that reflects and guides theory development in the field. Students will also gain insight into the quantitative and qualitative methods of applied, basic and evaluative research used in developing and managing strategic communication programs.

  
  • COMM 340 - Communication in the Family

    (3 credits)
    This course examines family interaction patterns and ways in which family members communicate, make decisions and settle conflict. Students examine portrayals of families in media and film in order to compare these images to scholarly research in communication studies. Course work focuses on an analysis of communication behaviors and activities of family members as these contribute to the development and maintenance of family relationships and systems.

  
  • COMM 341 - Public Relations Case Studies

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 226
    This course addresses crucial dimensions of strategic planning and implementation of public relation programs and campaigns. Focus will be on managerial decision-making roles, strategies of communication selected, and the evaluation of the PR campaigns. Cases will be from business, government and the non-profit sector. Offered every other semester.

  
  • COMM 342 - Visual Culture and Communication

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 221
    This course explores the practices and experiences of visual communication in everyday life, focusing on a variety of different forms (such as photographs, graphic design, and art). In particular, this course examines the ways in which visual communication creates and communicates identity, as well a how people use visual communication to relate to and understand the world around them. Students will gain an appreciation for the variety of ways we communicate visually as well as the cultural history of these forms of communication. Offered either semester.

  
  • COMM 345 - Writing for Radio and Television

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 214 or COMM 215
    Course content includes sports, documentaries, interviews, commercials, PSAs and/or comedy. This course requires knowledge of production elements used in radio and television.

  
  • COMM 349 - Perspectives on the Holocaust

    (3 credits) Cross Listed with INTD/PSYC 349
    Prerequisite: COMM 130 and PSYC 100
    This course introduces students to the study of the Holocaust. It examines the atmosphere and events that allowed the systematic extermination of 11 million non-combatants, including six million Jews. Multidisciplinary in approach, the course draws principally upon psychology and communication studies. Additionally, a variety of social science perspectives are utilized. This course is recommended for juniors and seniors. Offered once each year.

  
  • COMM 350 - Documentary Film

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 225 or ENGL 270
    The course will examine the varying ways in which documentary film can illuminate the human condition or explore critical cultural issues facing society. Students will view several different styles of documentary and analyze the effectiveness of filmmakers’ techniques and choices. Films studied may include works by Flaherty, Grierson, Lorentz, Riefenstahl and Wiseman.

  
  • COMM 353 - Corporate Communications and Social Responsibility

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 226 or COMM 303
    This course introduces students to the study of the ethics in decision-making concerning various communication practices within public relations and organizational communication. It introduces questions about the ethics and values of human communication in terms of the outcomes for the individual, the organization and greater society.

  
  • COMM 355 - Images of Gender in Media

    (3 credits)
    This course considers images of men and women in contemporary media forms, including film, television and magazines. Students will learn to think about media images as products of social values and as consumer commodities, analyzing how gender is socially constructed via body type, social roles, subcultures and consumer values, among other things. Students will also consider how images affect the way we construct ourselves and our lives.

  
  • COMM 356 - International Study in Communication

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Application through the International Programs Office
    This short-term international study course offers students first-hand exposure and interaction with foreign culture, customs and patterns of communication. Each faculty-led course includes pre-departure orientation sessions, lessons and activities at an international destination. Instruction will be in English. Course destinations and topics will vary. Contact the Department of Communication Studies or the International Programs Office for current study course details. Students may enroll more than once for different destinations and topics.

  
  • COMM 357 - Meaning and Consumption

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: At least two COMM courses at the 200-level or higher
    This course will allow students to explore issues of consumption as a meaningful and communicatively rich practice as it relates to identity, cultural values, politics and markets. A variety of topics are covered including identity and consumption, global and local processes of consumption, taste, class, conspicuous consumption and consumer activism. Offered either semester.

  
  • COMM 359 - Strategic Communication for Non-Profits

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 226
    This course covers concepts and skills that help students use communication in a strategic way as it relates to non-profit sectors. Students learn how to build community commitment to non-profit organizations’ missions, strategic initiatives and fund raising activities. Students will become familiar with a variety of strategic communication techniques and outlets, and propose a strategic communication plan for an organization of their choice. Offered either semester.

  
  • COMM 360 - Argumentation and Advocacy

    (3 credits)
    The theory and practice of argument in various fields, including debate, public address and interpersonal communication, will be explored in this course.

  
  • COMM 361 - Gender Communication

    (3 credits)
    This course investigates gender communication and its impact on the development of our gender identities as well as on the choices we make as communicators in our personal and public communications settings. An exploration of the concept of genderlect will be provided by reviewing its theoretical under-pinnings, research and the practical applications which can be used to enhance communication effectiveness between genders.

  
  • COMM 362 - American Public Discourse

    (3 credits)
    This course introduces students to how American public discourse has shaped the development of the United States. Students obtain a broad knowledge of how different speakers and speeches have shaped various issues, movements and controversies within American history.

  
  • COMM 364 - Political Communication

    (3 credits) Cross Listed with POLI 364
    Prerequisite: Restricted to juniors or above or consent of the instructor
    This course is a survey of the role and functions of communication within politics, paying particular attention to political campaigns. Students gain a broad knowledge of how political communication shapes expectations and interpretations of current events, issues, political actors, and the political process.

  
  • COMM 365 - Introduction to Intercultural Communication

    (3 credits)
    Introduction to Intercultural Communication is a course designed to acquaint students with the factors which affect interpersonal relationships among people of differing cultural backgrounds. Foreign as well as native-born persons are encouraged to take the course. Course objectives are to enable students to become more sensitive to and tolerant of values and ideas expressed by others. Offered spring semester. (CMCL; CSOC)

  
  • COMM 366 - Advanced Audio Production

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 214
    This course is an advanced examination of creating, writing, and producing audio materials for radio programming, television and film production, and for podcast and Webcast. It also includes an in-depth analysis of the medium, including commercials, news, features, documentaries and special programs.

  
  • COMM 370 - Screenwriting

    (3 credits)
    This course introduces students to the theory, craft and the business of film writing. Using a mixture of screenwriting texts, video and Internet assignments, and individual and group activities, students will become familiar with key screenwriting concepts such as character development and three-act structure. No prior screenwriting experience is required, but a desire to think creatively and learn a craft through writing and revision is a must. Offered every other year.

  
  • COMM 371 - Global Cinema

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 225 or ENGL 270
    This course surveys the breadth of cinema around the globe, investigating a range of international films, movements and traditions.

  
  • COMM 373 - Strategic Visual Communication

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 226
    Students will gain insight into how visual components contribute to effective strategic communication by investigating the roles visuals play in reaching audiences and building corporate identity. Through course readings, case studies, and assignments, students will learn about the communication functions served by visual components like images, color choices, and graphic design. Offered either semester.

  
  • COMM 390 - Television Direction (Documentary)

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 215
    This course will work with elements of television direction including script writing, storyboard, composition, framing, lighting, camera movement, music audio and sound effects, working with talent, format and genres of documentary video. Offered fall semester.

  
  • COMM 391 - Public Relations Practicum

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 226 and COMM 312
    This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to integrate their communication skills through supervised application of these skills in a public relations setting. Using a 30-hour required field experience as a focal point, students will utilize research organizational thinking, writing and speaking skills throughout the semester. Offered either semester.

  
  • COMM 392 - Public Relations Campaigns

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 312; and COMM 337 or COMM 341
    This advanced course incorporates progressive public relations theory with practice. Students research, develop and implement a strategic “real-life” campaign for a community-based client, serving as consultants, and by developing portfolio-worthy deliverables that bring value to the client’s communication plan. The service-learning course includes guidance to learn necessary content and skills in such topics as fundraising, creative messaging and efficient integrated communication strategies.

  
  • COMM 397 - Cyber Culture and Digital Media

    (3 credits)
    This course examines the Internet and related digital and new-media technologies as communication within a range of economic, political and cultural contexts. The core of this investigation focuses on the ways in which digital media offer innovative channels for humans to share messages and make meaning, with emphasis on the interrelated issues of access (digital divide) and the increasingly global nature of digital communication (globalization). Through a variety of online and in-class individual and group exercises, students will learn and use basic Internet and new-media skills, and develop critical-thinking skills while exploring new-media environments.

  
  • COMM 399 - Topical Studies

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Dependent on topic
    Variable contemporary topics in communication will be discussed in this course. This course may be repeated for different topics. Offered either semester.

  
  • COMM 401 - Film Theory and Criticism

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 225 or ENGL 270 or consent of instructor
    This course develops an advanced understanding of film as a complex cultural medium through the discussion of key theoretical and critical approaches. Theoretical and critical approaches discussed may include the following: realist theory, genre criticism, auteur theory, structuralism, feminist theory and journalistic criticism. The course combines weekly feature-length viewings with lectures, group discussions and written assignments.

  
  • COMM 415 - Advanced Television Production (Features)

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 290 or COMM 291
    This course will give students television production experience. Topics will include scripting, budgeting, pre- and post-production protocols, copyright and legal issues, studio and field production considerations, aesthetic issues and editing. The course will culminate in a 25-30 minute television project produced and directed by the student for his/her portfolio. May be taken for graduate-level credit.

  
  • COMM 430 - Topics in Film

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 225 or ENGL 270 or consent of instructor
    This course offers the basics of film study and analysis in dominant and avant garde cinema. It exposes students to a diverse range of subject matter to provide a familiarity with aspects of a particular film style, movement, culture, media and/or film technology. Topics include, but are not limited to, various international directors, postmodernism, Francophone, Soviet, Swedish and Scandinavian, satire and parody, film noir and other genres and auteur. The course may be repeated for different topics.

  
  • COMM 463 - Popular Culture and Communication

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 226 or COMM 228 or COMM 229
    This course explores the origins and development of popular culture in the mid-twentieth and early twenty-first century, examining a range of theoretical approaches to understanding, analyzing and participating in popular culture. The course primarily takes up television, film, advertising, popular music, and computer cyberculture, investigating how ethnicity, race, gender, class, age, religion, and sexuality both shape and are shaped by popular culture. Offered either semester.

  
  • COMM 485 - Honors Thesis

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth and Departmental Honors students
    One-hour weekly meetings with the thesis director will culminate in an honors thesis. With the consent of the Departmental Honors Committee and the thesis director, this course may be extended into a second semester for three additional credits depending upon the scope of the project. Whether the final version of the thesis qualifies the student to graduate with honors will be determined by the Departmental Honors Committee. Offered either semester.

  
  • COMM 492 - Seminar in Strategic Communication

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 102 or COMM 130 or COMM 250; and COMM 222 or COMM 337; and COMM 224 and COMM 226
    This seminar will pursue, in depth, selected themes and topics in the area of strategic communication. (CWRM)

  
  • COMM 493 - Seminar in Communication and Culture

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 102 or COMM 130 or COMM 250; and COMM 222 or COMM 336; and COMM 224 and COMM 228
    This seminar will pursue, in depth, selected themes and topics in the area of communication and culture. (CWRM)

  
  • COMM 495 - Communication Studies Seminar

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 102 or COMM 130 or COMM 250; and COMM 221 or COMM 226 or COMM 228 or COMM 229; and COMM 222 or COMM 334 or COMM 336 or COMM 337; and COMM 224
    This seminar will pursue, in depth, certain themes and topics in the area of the communication studies. Offered either semester. (CWRM)

  
  • COMM 496 - Seminar in Film, Video, and Media Studies

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: COMM 102 or COMM 130 or COMM 250; and COMM 222 or COMM 334; and COMM 224 and COMM 229
    This seminar will pursue, in depth, selected themes and topics in the area of film, video, and media studies. Offered either semester. May be taken for graduate-level credit. (CWRM)

  
  • COMM 498 - Internship in Communication

    (3-12 credits)
    Prerequisite: Consent of the department, formal application required
    This non-classroom experience is designed for a limited number of junior and senior majors to complement their academic preparation. Limited to 3-12 credits unless special circumstances at the work site require more involvement. Only three credits may be applied to the major elective requirement. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 15 credits. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis. Offered either semester.

  
  • COMM 499 - Directed Study in Communication

    (1-3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Consent of the department, formal application required
    Directed study is open to juniors and seniors who have demonstrated critical and analytical abilities in their studies and who wish to pursue a project independently. This course may be taken twice for a maximum of six credits. Offered either semester.


Communication Studies: Other Approved Courses

  
  • COMM 338 - Honors Tutorial

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth and Departmental Honors students, consent of the department
    Special topics in speech communication will be discussed in this course. Three hourly meetings weekly. Offered fall semester.

  
  • COMM 339 - Honors Tutorial

    (3 credits)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth and Departmental Honors students, consent of the department
    Special topics in speech communication will be discussed in this course. Three hourly meetings weekly. Offered spring semester.

  
  • COMM 343 - Nonverbal Communication

    (3 credits)
    This course is designed to provide the student with theoretical knowledge and practical analytical application of the field of nonverbal communication and its importance in the field of communication.


Computer Science

  
  • COMP 105 - Computers and Their Applications: An Introduction

    (3 credits)
    The goal of this course is to provide a student with no previous computer experience the opportunity to become computer literate. The course consists of equal parts of textbook/lecture learning and hands-on experience with software such as an operating system, a spreadsheet, a word processor, presentation graphics and Internet services including electronic mail. The course is especially recommended for the new PC user but does not fulfill any requirements of the computer science major.

  
  • COMP 111 - Elementary Visual Programming

    (3 credits)
    This course provides an introduction to computer programming for non-computer science majors who have no previous programming experience. Topics include simple data types, control structure, and introduction to array and string data structure and algorithms, history of computer science, computer systems and environments. The course emphasizes object-oriented design and programming using the Alice programming system. Using Alice, students will write programs that produce 3-D computer animations. (CLOR)

  
  • COMP 135 - Freshman Honors Colloquium

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of the instructor
    Freshman Honors Colloquia in computer science allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project, which provides the major part of the grade. Topics vary from semester to semester. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Offered fall semester.

  
  • COMP 136 - Freshman Honors Colloquium

    (1 credit)
    Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of the instructor
    Freshman Honors Colloquia in computer science allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project, which provides the major part of the grade. Topics vary from semester to semester. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Offered spring semester.

  
  • COMP 143 - Introduction to Computer Science: Peer Assisted Learning

    (1 credit)
    Corequisite: Must be taken concurrently with COMP 151
    Under faculty supervision, students acquire strategies of problem solving, and particularly programming skills to help them succeed in computer science. Students in this course will attend a weekly tutorial session led by a peer learning assistant (PAL), in which they will engage in inquiry-based and small-group problem solving. This course will be graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.

  
  • COMP 151 - Computer Science I

    (3 credits)
    Corequisite: Must be taken concurrently with COMP 143
    This is a beginning course in programming, which introduces concepts of computer organization. Problem-solving methods and algorithmic development stressing good programming style and documentation including top down and modular design will be covered. This course emphasizes problem solving with programming exercises run on the computer. Offered either semester. (Formerly COMP 101)

 

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