Courses of Instruction
COM 1013 Mass Communications
An overview of broadcasting, print, advertising, and film in society. Emphasis on contemporary issues, processes, interrelationships, and impact of the mass media. (Fall)
COM 1023 Fundamentals of Speech
Performance-oriented training and experience in informative, entertaining, visual aids, and persuasive speaking. (Every Semester)
COM 2013 Oral Interpretation (same as THR 2013)
Performance oriented development of skills in oral reading of dramatic literature, prose, and poetry. (On demand)
COM 2073 Introduction to Journalism
An introduction to the news media, especially news writing, news gathering and preparation for print. While the class will help students in journalistic writing and newspaper production, it emphasizes the elements of accuracy, clarity, and ethics in reporting. Prerequisite: ENG 1013 or instructor approval. (Fall)
COM 2083 Investigative Reporting
Objectives include training and opportunity to write lengthy, in-depth investigative news stories which require research and analysis. Prerequisite: COM 2073 or instructor approval. (Spring)
COM 2103 Parliamentary Procedure
The essentials of formal meetings, officers, class and rank of motions, constitutions and bylaws, voting procedures, committees, reports, public courtesies and ceremonies. (On demand)
COM 3023 Introduction to Public Relations
Overview of the history of public relations in American society. Study of theories and methods involved in successful communication between organizations and their publics. (Alternate Years - Spring)
COM 3073 Editing and Design
Advanced training in features, column, and editorial writing, and an in-depth news reporting and interviewing techniques. Prerequisite: COM 2083 (Fall)
COM 3083 Advanced Editing
Advanced training in design, layout, photography, and advertising sales and design. Prerequisite: COM 2083 or instructor approval. (Spring)
COM 3501,2,3 Directed Study in Communications
This course offers the student the opportunity to explore topics of interest under the direction of a faculty member. Variable credit.
COM 4003 Media Law
An examination of the issues involved in freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Topics covered include the history, social custom, and legal philosophy of communication law with the focus being on the practical application of current legal principles. The course has as its aim the instilling of a greater appreciation for the issues behind freedom of expression, the providing of an overview of the diverse field of communication law, and the imparting of a functional understanding of the legal rules and principles that are generally most relevant to communication professionals. (Alternate Years - Fall)
COM 4013 Media Ethics
An examination of the process involved in developing a meaningful understanding of the ethics of the professions of journalism and mass communications. The course seeks to help the student develop a framework for making ethical judgements using a systematic approach to moral reasoning that combines ethical theory with the practice of ethics as encountered by medial professionals. (Alternate Years - Spring)
COM 4023 Managing a Media Organization
This course allows students the opportunity to engage in hands-on management of a college media operation - either the student newspaper or the campus radio station. It will address the specific and unique needs of managing a media organization; in particular those writing skills needed to organize an ongoing operation and to manage a large staff. Prerequisite: instructor’s approval. (On demand)
COM 4033 Seminar in Communications
An in-depth examination of current issues, practices, and policies in today's journalism industry. Specific topics may vary as circumstances and current events dictate. (On Demand)
COM 4043 Senior Project
The student will engage in class instruction, research, and analysis of specific topics with a view to providing a more in depth knowledge and understanding of such areas of concern. Also, senior project required of each major. Prerequisite: Jr/Sr standing (On Demand)
COM 4503 Special Topics in Communication
The student will engage in class instruction, research, and writing projects to develop expertise in a specialized area of communications. (On Demand)
COM 4603 Internships
On and off-campus work experience with newspaper, radio, television, ad agencies, or other media-related organizations. Requires periodic meetings with instructor and a critique of the experience including skills assessment and diary. See Internships section in Academics portion of catalog.
