Department of Communication and Journalism
Communication is concerned with the most distinct human characteristics: the use of spoken and written language and the use of media to communicate information, maintain social contact, and influence others. Journalism is the ethical collection, research, analysis, and distribution of information in the public interest. Combined, communication and journalism tell the stories that promote human relationships, shape society, sell products and services, analyze and interpret data, support healthy practices, guide leaders, create strategies, implement tactics, guide discussions, and manage conflicts in the complex and wonderful world we live in today!
The Department of Communication and Journalism offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Communication, Journalism, and Telecommunication Media Studies. Communication and Journalism offers these various undergraduate degrees, minors, and certificates along with optional study abroad trips and field trips, internships, and leadership opportunities that when combined to meet a student’s interests, provide unique approaches to acquiring the knowledge and the marketable skills needed to describe, interpret, evaluate, and transform the world around us through the use of communication and media.
Students may select a major in Communication, Journalism, or Telecommunication Media Studies and a minor from among any minor offered at Texas A&M University, in order to customize their choices of classes to their interests and goals. Other students may select to choose a major, a minor, and then pattern their courses to pursue a certificate. Honors students may participate in the the well-established and well-respected COMM-Honors program. Academic Advisors are on hand to assist students in refining their pathway to their future.
While some students choose advanced degrees in communication, law, business, or religion, many go straight into the work world to pursue careers in a vast array of areas. Typical choices include positions in strategic communication, public relations, marketing, advertising, promotions and sales, training and human resources, social media, journalism, digital communication, leadership and management, health fields related to communication, organizations and public policy, communication media, sports communication, entertainment and related areas of business, industry, government, and non-profit organizations.
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Master of Arts in Communication, 5-Year Degree Program
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Master of Arts in Communication, 5-Year Degree Program
- Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunication Media Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunication Media Studies and Master of Arts in Communication, 5-Year Degree Program
- Bachelor of Science in Communication
- Bachelor of Science in Communication and Master of Arts in Communication, 5-Year Degree Program
- Bachelor of Science in Journalism
- Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Master of Arts in Communication, 5-Year Degree Program
- Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication Media Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication Media Studies and Master of Arts in Communication, 5-Year Degree Program
Communication (COMM)
COMM 101 Introduction to Communication
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
(SPCH 1311) Introduction to Communication. Survey of communication topics, research, and contexts of communicative practice; overview of communication from both humanities and social science perspectives.
COMM 107 Introduction to the Health Humanities
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Introduction to the methods and approaches of the health humanities; exposure to key scholarship in this field as well as major methods and approaches; application of such skills to the analysis of cultural case studies such as illness narratives or contemporary debates in scientific bioethics. Cross Listing: ENGL 107, HHUM 107, and PHIL 107.
COMM 203 Public Speaking
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
(SPCH 1315) Public Speaking. Training in speeches of social and technical interest designed to teach students to develop and illustrate ideas and information and to inform, stimulate, and persuade their audiences; also taught at Galveston campus.
COMM 204 Public Speaking for Digital Platforms
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
. Training for composition, delivery, recording, and editing of speeches specifically designed for sharing and distribution on online platforms and social media.
COMM 205 Communication for Technical Professions
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Design and presentation of oral reports for technical professions; incorporation of visual and graphic materials into presentation required; written reports required; also taught at Galveston campus.
COMM 210 Group Communication and Discussion
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
(SPCH 2333) Group Communication and Discussion. Definition, structure, and functions of groups; group productivity, codes in verbal and nonverbal communication; problem-solving, role-playing, decision-making; leadership and organization; interview principles and techniques.
COMM 215/JOUR 215 Interviewing: Principles and Practice
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Theory and practice of methods in selected interview settings; emphasis on communication between two persons, questioning techniques, and the logical and psychological bases of interpersonal persuasion. Cross Listing: JOUR 215/COMM 215.
COMM 230/JOUR 230 Communication Technology Skills
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Introduction to interactive media and media literacy skills in the digital domain; survey of technology histories, standards, and markets for industries such as multichannel TV, digital radio, video games, steaming media, epublishing, teleconferencing, and social networking. Prerequisite: Enrollment in communication or telecommunication media studies majors, USLA-BA-JNS concentration, or JOUR minor. Cross Listing: JOUR 230/COMM 230.
COMM 240 Rhetorical Criticism
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Principles and practice of the analysis of speeches and other forms of public discourse; compares systems of rhetorical criticism, such as neo-classical analysis, mythic analysis, rhetorical genres and close textual analysis.
COMM 243 Argumentation and Debate
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
(SPCH 2335) Argumentation and Debate. Principles of argumentation and skills of debate, including reasoning, evidence, refutation, and briefing.
COMM 245 Difficult Dialogues on Power, Privilege, and Difference
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Introduction to the practice of difficult dialogues; skills development in the use of the dialogical tools of active listening, perspective-taking, deliberation, collaborative decision-making, teamwork and collective problem-solving in the context of bias, prejudice, discrimination, power, equity and privilege.
COMM 248/JOUR 248 Podcasting and Audio Storytelling
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Basic audio storytelling techniques required for podcast production within the journalism and public media context; principles of podcast development, scripting, audio recording and editing, and promotion. Cross Listing: JOUR 248/COMM 248.
COMM 250/JOUR 250 New Media and the Independent Voice
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of new media as independent voices for cultural and political movements; principles governing the design, presentation, and evaluation of blogs as a persuasive medium in society. Cross Listing: JOUR 250/COMM 250.
COMM 255/JOUR 255 Media Literacy in the Digital Age
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Criticism and analysis of the function, role, and responsibility of the mass media in contemporary society. Cross Listing: JOUR 255/COMM 255.
COMM 257/RELS 257 Communication, Religion and the Arts
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Introduction to artistic, religious communication; survey of communication art and media art practices across religious contexts; consideration of communication aesthetics that mediate religious experience. Cross Listing: RELS 257/COMM 257.
COMM 260 Introduction to Communication and Sports
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Introduction to the process of communicating sports to the public via television, blogging, online sites and print articles; evaluation of sportscasts; writing about sporting events; examination of the types of communication used within sporting teams.
COMM 265 Voices of Democracy - United States
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Survey of significant and diverse United States-American oratory pertaining to national identity; critical analysis of important speeches in their historical, political, social, and philosophical contexts.
COMM 275/JOUR 275 Introduction to Social Media
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Theoretical and practical approaches to social media; overview of social media, social media concepts and theories; social media applications and contexts. Cross Listing: JOUR 275/COMM 275.
COMM 280 Careers in Communication
Credit 1.
1 Lecture Hour.
Introduction to careers in communication; emphasis on strengths and personality in selecting a profession, application letters, information interviews, mock interviews; must be taken on satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisites: Sophomore classification or approval of instructor; COMM and TCMS majors.
COMM 285 Directed Studies
Credits 1 to 3.
1 to 3 Other Hours.
Individual supervision of readings or assigned projects in communication. May be taken two times for credit. Prerequisites: Approval of instructor and department head.
COMM 289 Special Topics in...
Credits 1 to 4.
1 to 4 Lecture Hours.
Selected topics in an identified area of communication. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.
COMM 291 Research
Credits 0 to 3.
0 to 3 Other Hours.
Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in the department of communication. May be repeated 3 times for credit. Prerequisites: GPA 2.5 or higher; freshman or sophomore classification and approval of instructor and department head.
COMM 301 Rhetoric in Western Thought
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Historical and critical evaluation of rhetorical theory from the classical era to the contemporary period--from Aristotle to Kenneth Burke; major theories of communication and persuasion developed in Europe and America. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
COMM 302 The Mass Media and Politics
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of mass media impact on politics and political behavior, and governmental impact on the mass media. Prerequisite: POLS 206 or approval of department head; junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: JOUR 302 and POLS 302.
COMM 303/JOUR 305 Communication Data Applications
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Overview of communication using big data; data management, extraction and visualization; message construction, message critique; uses and applications in the field of communication and media for evidence-based arguments, persuasion, education and digital storytelling. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: JOUR 305/COMM 303.
COMM 304/JOUR 306 Digital Communication Analytics and Metrics
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
. Digital communication analytics; extraction of information and knowledge from digital communication data; application of data-analytics to social media marketing, demographic analyses of web users, optimization and connection of results across digital tactics; applications of special interest to fields of strategic communication, public relations, advertising, integrated marketing communication, social media strategy and journalism. Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in COMM 275/JOUR 275, COMM 323, or JOUR 200; junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: JOUR 306/COMM 304.
COMM 305 Theories of Communication
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Theoretical approaches to human communication, including selected theories of language behavior, interpersonal, small group and organizational interaction, persuasion, technology and mass communication. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification, or approval of instructor.
COMM 307/JOUR 301 Communication Law and Policy
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Law and policy that create the context and consequences for communication via mass media, social media, organizational, group and interpersonal communication, free speech, free press, libel, privacy, copyright, cybersecurity, constitutional principles, international law and human rights, fairness, equity and diversity in communication. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification, or approval of instructor; COMM-307 also taught at Galveston campus. Cross Listing: JOUR 301/COMM 307.
COMM 308 Research Methods in Communication
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Survey of methods used in communication research including quantitative, interpretive and rhetorical methods; formulating research questions, determining the appropriate method, planning and designing the research, data collection, and data analysis and interpretation. Prerequisite: 6 hours of MATH 140, 142, 151, 152, PHIL 240, or STAT 201.
COMM 309 Research Method Projects
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Research methods in communication including experimental, survey, interpretive and critical methods; emphasis on research design, data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation; project based. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in COMM 308; STAT 201 or 303; junior or senior classification.
COMM 310 Communication Intervention
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Communication interventions for personal, organizational, and institutional change; survey of major communication intervention theories in contexts such as voting, purchasing, joining, or adopting; individual-level, interpersonal level, and community-level models of change; application of social science-based models to guide communication intervention strategies effectively. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
COMM 315 Interpersonal Communication
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Speech interaction in person-to-person settings; concepts of perception, attraction, self-disclosure, listening, and conflict management through communication; speech interaction patterns and stages in the development of interpersonal communication. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
COMM 316/PSYC 316 Media Psychology
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examine the role of media and its impact on human behavior, emotions and thoughts; topics include mass media, social media and how they influence individual and societal functioning across a range of important psychological topics; e.g., self-image, sexual behavior, mental health, violence. Prerequisites: PBSI 107. Cross Listing: PSYC 316.
COMM 317/JOUR 317 Social Media Law
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Laws and regulations applied to social media, including communication law applied to enduring issues in the social media context; legal problems unique to social media; free speech, commercial speech and employment law as they affect individual users of social media as well as groups and organizations promoting points of view or products via social media, and employers. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: JOUR 317/COMM 317.
COMM 320 Organizational Communication
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Speech communication behavior and networks within organizations; recent research on speech communication systems, communication climate, and communication barriers in organizational settings. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
COMM 321 Strategic Communication Case Studies
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Strategic communication practice; application of skills including communication research, media writing and advanced media writing, visual media and public speaking; service-learning as not-for-fee consultant to a community organization. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in COMM 323 and COMM 322; junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
COMM 322 Communication Tactics
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of strategic use of communication tactics; analysis of new and digital media in organizational and public communication; skill development in strategic use of communication tactics including writing for new media, researching, planning, integrating and evaluation effectiveness of traditional and new media tactics in strategic public communication. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in COMM 323, junior or senior classification.
COMM 323 Strategic Communication
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Application of strategic communication tools to create and influence policy, to improve profit and non-profit strategic communication planning. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
COMM 324 Communication Leadership and Conflict Management
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Communication perspective of leadership, of conflict, of management of conflict in interpersonal, group and societal contexts; models of leadership as communication phenomenon; use of symbols by leaders to foster collaboration, systemic constructionist approach. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
COMM 325 Persuasion
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Theory of effective persuasive communication in interpersonal, small group, and public settings; audience analysis, ethics of persuasion, motivational factors, psychological and rhetorical principles, source credibility, and theories of attitude change. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
COMM 326 Event and Communication Planning
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Role of integrated communication in event planning; approaches for implementation in specific contexts such as conferences, professional meetings, celebratory events and programs for community outreach; professional, interpersonal and organizational coordination of information, people and budget; theory-informed action (praxis) approach. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification, or approval of instructor.
COMM 330 Technology and Human Communication
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Nontechnical survey of how modern technologies influence human communication including an introduction to communication technologies; the influence of technology on interpersonal communication, group decision-making and public communication; an analysis of argumentation and persuasion in technological issues. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in COMM 230/JOUR 230.
COMM 335 Intercultural Communication
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Communication variables in intercultural contexts including culture and meaning, nonverbal styles across cultures, patterns of symbolic transfer, culture shock and communication, values in intercultural dialogue. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification; also taught at Qatar campus.
COMM 338/AFST 338 Critical Race Discourse
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Critical analysis of communication and dialogue on race; causes and symptoms of structural racism; social/racial hierarchies as they influence and are influenced by communication and dialogue. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: AFST 338/COMM 338.
COMM 340 Communication and Popular Culture
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Survey of theories and concepts of popular culture; dynamic relationships between pop culture and television, film, sports, politics and leisure. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
COMM 342 The Rhetoric of Gender and Health
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Study of field of rhetoric of health and medicine with specific attention to the study of gender, including issues in reproduction, expertise and illness; range of methods and methodological approaches within the field. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: ENGL 342 and WGST 342.
COMM 343 Communication in a Diverse World
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of key concepts and theories relevant to communicating in an increasingly diverse world; consideration of the mutual constitution of culture and communication; investigation of multiple axes of identity; critical and cultural approach; critical investigation of topics concerning communication, diversity, equity and inclusion; public advocacy project. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
COMM 345 Media Industries
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Survey of the business organization, economic structures and processes, and regulations of the media industry. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: FILM 345 and JOUR 345.
COMM 346/JOUR 346 Media, Culture and Identity
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Media representations relating to power, privilege and difference; communication theories and concepts centered on how media and technology-use shape, and are shaped by, identity; critical analysis of media as sites for negotiation and construction of identities such as gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, social class, physical/mental ability, nationality and religion; reflection on and analysis of bias, prejudice, discrimination, power, equity and privilege. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: JOUR 346/COMM 346.
COMM 350 Theories of Mediated Communication
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Survey of different theories of mediated communication processes and effects; functions of theories in social scientific research on media and mediated processes. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
COMM 354 Money, Power and Communication
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Interrelationships between money and power and communication; the influence of media and communication on power and money; communication law and policy; the political economy of local, national, and global communication networks. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
COMM 360 Cultural History of the Media
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Origins and development of the mass media; their influence on social, political, and cultural change; history of mass communication from historical, sociological, and cultural perspectives. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
COMM 365/JOUR 365 International Communication
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Mass media, international, and cross-cultural audiences; theoretical, pragmatic, political and ethical issues; including cultural differences, comparative media systems, development communication, patterns of world news flow, political propaganda, impact of international advertising and other issues. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification; COMM-365 also taught at Galveston and Qatar campuses. Cross Listing: JOUR 365/COMM 365.
COMM 370 Health Communication
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Survey of theory and research in health communication, including interaction between patients and providers, communication in health care organizations, health care campaigns, and cultural meanings of health and illness. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
COMM 375 Media Audiences
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Media audiences; research and theory; processes and effects of mass communication; audience members' uses and interpretations of media; topics including political media, news, and entertainment, health and information campaigns, children and other special audiences. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
COMM 377 Entrepreneurship and New Media
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Communicative principles and skills necessary to launch future multimedia entrepreneurial endeavors in a saturated digital environment; exploration of shift in the entrepreneurial landscape; emphasis on collaborative communication methods as a means to free market success. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in COMM 275/JOUR 275; junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
COMM 403 Media, Children and Adolescents
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Critical analysis of popular culture and mass media issues related to children and adolescents; deconstruction of media created by, for and about children and youth. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
COMM 407/WGST 407 Gender, Race and Media
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
The contributions of women and ethnic groups to the evolution of the media; the portrayal of women and ethnic groups in the mass media; issues resulting from the recognition of women and ethnic groups as media audiences. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor. Cross Listing: WGST 407/COMM 407.
COMM 410 Radio, Records, and Popular Music
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
History of radio and record industries; communication technology and media industries related to American popular music; interaction of communication technologies, media industries, social and cultural processes in evolution of popular music. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
COMM 411/WGST 411 Representations of Motherhood
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of understandings of motherhood from a humanities perspective and over a variety of cultures and time periods, as reflected in written, media and/or oral texts. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: WGST 411/COMM 411.
COMM 415 New Media and Civil Society
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Critical analysis of new media technologies, civic participation, and social capital in democratic, non-democratic, and nascent civil societies around the world. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
COMM 420/WGST 420 Gender and Communication
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Survey of the role of gender in communication processes; focus on communication differences between men and women in contexts such as the family, school and work organizations; discussion of media influence in gender stereotypes. Cross Listing: WGST 420/COMM 420.
COMM 423 Communicating Latinidad
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of communication by and about Latinos; analysis of critical and historical orientation; topics include social movements, organizational and institutional discourse, and media. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
COMM 425/AFST 425 Communication and Black Freedom Dreams
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of historical and contemporary communication practices of Black freedom activities, movements, and organizations in the United States and around the globe. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: AFST 425/COMM 425.
COMM 428/WGST 428 Women’s Rhetoric
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of the historical imbrication of masculinity and rhetoric in relation to women’s participation in political life, reception of women’s rhetoric in the public sphere, and remembrance and representation of women as rhetorical agents throughout history; consideration of women’s rhetoric in various cultural arenas. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: WGST 428/COMM 428.
COMM 431 Rhetoric of Social Movements
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Survey of events and rhetorical documents of major U.S. social movements, including abolitionist, labor, socialist, women's rights, civil rights, pro-life, gay and lesbian, and student movements. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.
COMM 434 Topics in Rhetorical Theory
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Application of rhetorical theories and concepts to rhetorical problems and methods; emphasis on the relationship between theory and practice. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
COMM 435/FILM 445 Rhetoric of Television and Film
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Critical analysis of television and film; close readings of such mediated texts; special attention to writing television and film criticism. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: FILM 445/COMM 435.
COMM 437 Visual Communication
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Critical analysis of visual communication including photographs, advertising, memorials, tattoos, comics, public protest. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
COMM 438 Propaganda
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of common propaganda strategies in contemporary mass mediated environments. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
COMM 440 Political Communication
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Rhetorical analysis of messages, media and speakers in political campaigns, institutions and movements.
COMM 443 Communication and Conflict
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Communication principles for addressing conflict situations through such practices as negotiation, mediation and arbitration; the study of strategies, influence and language in conflict management approaches. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
COMM 446 Communication, Organizations and Society
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Communicative processes through which organizations influence and are influenced by the societies from which they draw their members. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
COMM 447 Communication, Group Processes and Collaboration
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Communication processes in teamwork including collaboration in dyads, teams, and group processes that contribute to or detract from team effectiveness. Prerequisites: COMM 210; junior or senior classification.
COMM 450 Media Campaigns
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Principles of designing media campaigns as applied to commercial advertising, political advertising and health campaigns; processes that drive the planning and execution of these campaigns. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
COMM 452 Cultural Studies of Communication Technology
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Exploration of theories concerning technology; emphasis on technological culture; examination of the emergence of and societal reactions to technologies during modern era; consideration of utopian/dystopian discourse of technology in popular media narratives; contemplation of technology as constitutive of power and knowledge. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
COMM 453 Communication and Video Games
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Business and industry aspects of video games; cultural and social aspects of gaming. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
COMM 458/JOUR 458 Global Media
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Study of globalization through media ownership; content, flow, cultural values, political power and technological impact; implications of globalization for local economies and audiences. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: JOUR 458/COMM 458.
COMM 460 Communication and Contemporary Issues
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Rhetorical, critical or other approaches to study how communication practices influence the construction of social issues. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.
COMM 470 Communication in Health Care Contexts
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Principles of health communication applied in situations ranging from physician-patient communication to public health campaign theory, design, implementation and evaluation. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.
COMM 471 Media, Health and Medicine
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Analysis and evaluation of representations of health in media; examination of gender, class and race as they intersect with health issues. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.
COMM 476 Advanced Social Media
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Analysis of social media platforms and social media accounts used by organizations and individuals in professional contexts; production of individual posts for various purposes and goals; production of photos, videos and graphics for social sharing. Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in COMM 275/JOUR 275; junior or senior classification.
COMM 480/RELS 480 Religious Communication
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
The role of religious communication as manifested in speeches, sermons, debates, campaigns, and social movements throughout history. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: RELS 480/COMM 480.
COMM 483 Health Communication Practicum
Credits 0-1.
0-1 Other Hours.
Directed individual health communication practicum. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor.
COMM 484 Internship in Communication
Credits 0 to 23.
0 to 23 Other Hours.
Directed internship in a public or private organization to provide students with on-the-job training and applied research experience; application of communication theory and practice in career settings; designed to enhance and clarify students' career objectives. May be repeated for credit. Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisites: Cumulative GPR of 2.5 or higher for credits taken in residence; approval of department head.
COMM 485 Directed Studies
Credits 0 to 3.
0 to 3 Other Hours.
Directed individual study of identified topics in communication; may include specific research, readings or other approved project in any area of communication; written report is required. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Cumulative GPR of 2.5 or higher; approval of instructor and department head.
COMM 487 Communication, Diversity and Social Justice Capstone Experience
Credits 0-1.
0-1 Other Hours.
Directed individual communication, diversity, social justice capstone experience. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of capstone director.
COMM 488 Global Media Practicum
Credits 0-1.
0-1 Other Hours.
Directed global media experience. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor.
COMM 489 Special Topics in...
Credits 1 to 4.
1 to 4 Lecture Hours.
Selected topics in an identified area of communication. May be repeated for credit.
COMM 491 Research
Credits 0 to 3.
0 to 3 Other Hours.
Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in the department of communication. May be taken four times for credit. Prerequisites: GPA 2.5 or higher; junior or senior classification and approval of instructor and department head.
COMM 497 Independent Honors Studies
Credits 0 to 3.
0 to 3 Other Hours.
Directed independent studies for upper division Honors students, regardless of academic major, in select aspects of communication. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification either as Honors student or with GPR of 3.25; letter of approval from head of student's department.
Journalism (JOUR)
JOUR 102 American Mass Media
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
(COMM 1307) American Mass Media. Introductory survey of mass communication media, their history and social role, to provide an understanding of the development and importance of mass communication media in modern society.
JOUR 200 Mass Media Information
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Strategies and procedures in identifying, gathering, analyzing and organizing information for the mass media; sources and methods; evaluation and validation of evidence; legal and ethical considerations. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in JOUR 102; freshman or sophomore classification; enrollment in JOUR major, USLA-BA-JNS concentration, or JOUR minor; or approval of program director.
JOUR 203 Media Writing I
Credits 3.
2 Lecture Hours.
3 Lab Hours.
(COMM 2311) Media Writing I. Basic journalistic techniques common to all media; integration of news gathering, writing and editing; ethics. Limited to minors in journalism, or with approval of program director. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in JOUR 102 and JOUR 200; enrollment in JOUR major, the USLA-BA-JNS concentration or JOUR minor; or approval of program director.
JOUR 208 Television Sports Production
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Detailed study of all aspects of television sport production to develop an overall understanding and appreciation of the art of sports broadcasting; history of the sports broadcast industry; examination of historic and current philosophies.
JOUR 215/COMM 215 Interviewing: Principles and Practice
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Theory and practice of methods in selected interview settings; emphasis on communication between two persons, questioning techniques, and the logical and psychological bases of interpersonal persuasion. Cross Listing: COMM 215/JOUR 215.
JOUR 230/COMM 230 Communication Technology Skills
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Introduction to interactive media and media literacy skills in the digital domain; survey of technology histories, standards, and markets for industries such as multichannel TV, digital radio, video games, steaming media, epublishing, teleconferencing, and social networking. Prerequisites: Enrollment in communication or telecommunication media studies majors, USLA-BA-JNS concentration, or JOUR minor. Cross Listing: COMM 230/JOUR 230.
JOUR 248/COMM 248 Podcasting and Audio Storytelling
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Basic audio storytelling techniques required for podcast production within the journalism and public media context; principles of podcast development, scripting, audio recording and editing, and promotion. Cross Listing: COMM 248/JOUR 248.
JOUR 250/COMM 250 New Media and the Independent Voice
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of new media as independent voices for cultural and political movements; principles governing the design, presentation, and evaluation of blogs as a persuasive medium in society. Cross Listing: COMM 250/JOUR 250.
JOUR 255/COMM 255 Media Literacy in the Digital Age
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Criticism and analysis of the function, role, and responsibility of the mass media in contemporary society. Cross Listing: COMM 255/JOUR 255.
JOUR 275/COMM 275 Introduction to Social Media
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Theoretical and practical approaches to social media; overview of social media, social media concepts and theories; social media applications and contexts. Cross Listing: COMM 275/JOUR 275.
JOUR 285 Directed Studies
Credits 0 to 3.
0 to 3 Other Hours.
Research problems related to communication field; individual work, fitted to special needs of specific student as determined by their interests and aptitude. Prerequisites: Enrollment in JOUR major, USLA-BA-JNS concentration or JOUR minor; approval of the program director.
JOUR 289 Special Topics in...
Credits 3.
3 Other Hours.
Selected topics in an identified area of journalism and mass communication. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Enrollment in USLA-BA-JNS concentration or JOUR minor.
JOUR 291 Research
Credits 0 to 3.
0 to 3 Other Hours.
Research conducted under the direction of a chosen faculty member in Journalism Studies. May be taken for a maximum of 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: Freshman or sophomore classification and approval of instructor.
JOUR 301/COMM 307 Communication Law and Policy
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Law and policy that create the context and consequences for communication via mass media, social media, organizational, group and interpersonal communication, free speech, free press, libel, privacy, copyright, cybersecurity, constitutional principles, international law and human rights, fairness, equity and diversity in communication. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification, or approval of instructor; COMM-307 also taught at Galveston campus. Cross Listing: COMM 307/JOUR 301.
JOUR 302 The Mass Media and Politics
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Examination of mass media impact on politics and political behavior, and governmental impact on the mass media. Prerequisite: POLS 206 or approval of department head; junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: COMM 302 and POLS 302.
JOUR 303 Media Writing II
Credits 3.
2 Lecture Hours.
3 Lab Hours.
Interpretative news gathering and writing for various media; basic communication law and ethics; assigned practice on campus or other publications. Prerequisites: JOUR 203, enrollment in JOUR major, USLA-BA-JNS concentration or JOUR minor; or approval of program director.
JOUR 304 Editing for the Mass Media
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Principles and practice of editing including: improving and tightening text; writing headlines, titles and subheads; self-editing and editing others; tailoring texts for specific audiences; understanding style guides. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in JOUR 203; enrollment in JOUR major, USLA-BA-JNS concentration or JOUR minor; or approval of program director; junior or senior classification.
JOUR 305/COMM 303 Communication Data Applications
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Overview of communication using big data; data management, extraction and visualization; message construction, message critique; uses and applications in the field of communication and media for evidence-based arguments, persuasion, education and digital storytelling. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: COMM 303/JOUR 305.
JOUR 306/COMM 304 Digital Communication Analytics and Metrics
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
. Digital communication analytics; extraction of information and knowledge from digital communication data; application of data-analytics to social media marketing, demographic analyses of web users, optimization and connection of results across digital tactics; applications of special interest to fields of strategic communication, public relations, advertising, integrated marketing communication, social media strategy and journalism. Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in COMM 275/JOUR 275, COMM 323, or JOUR 200; junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: COMM 304/JOUR 306.
JOUR 313 Photojournalism I
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Photographic techniques, tools and content issues for visual journalism; photo assignments on the variety of situations working photojournalists encounter. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification, or approval of instructor.
JOUR 317/COMM 317 Social Media Law
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Laws and regulations applied to social media, including communication law applied to enduring issues in the social media context; legal problems unique to social media; free speech, commercial speech and employment law as they affect individual users of social media as well as groups and organizations promoting points of view or products via social media, and employers. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: COMM 317/JOUR 317.
JOUR 318 Visual Journalism
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Critical evaluation of visual communication approaches as applied to journalism across mediums; assessment of strengths, and limitations of visual journalism through process of advancing technology and aesthetics in journalism and documentary projects. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; or approval of instructor.
JOUR 319/SPAN 319 Bilingual Reporting
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Journalistic techniques and skills used to report in Spanish and/or for Spanish-language media; examination of the unique set of challenges facing LatinX communities in the United States, Latin American, and Hispanic countries abroad; integration of newsgathering, writing, editing, research skills, multimedia podcasting. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; SPAN 302 or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: SPAN 319/JOUR 319.
JOUR 341 Mobile Journalism
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Multimedia journalism; photography, audio and video as used in journalism; reporting stories; adaptation of storytelling across media platforms; real-time mobile publishing. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
JOUR 345 Media Industries
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Survey of the business organization, economic structures and processes, and regulations of the media industry. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: COMM 345 and FILM 345.
JOUR 346/COMM 346 Media, Culture and Identity
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Media representations relating to power, privilege and difference; communication theories and concepts centered on how media and technology-use shape, and are shaped by, identity; critical analysis of media as sites for negotiation and construction of identities such as gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, social class, physical/mental ability, nationality and religion; reflection on and analysis of bias, prejudice, discrimination, power, equity and privilege. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: COMM 346/JOUR 346.
JOUR 359 Reporting Sports
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Gathering, organizing, researching, evaluating and writing sports information; employing accepted professional sports writing style across various news media platforms. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.
JOUR 365/COMM 365 International Communication
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Mass media, international, and cross-cultural audiences, theoretical, pragmatic, political and ethical issues; including cultural differences, comparative media systems, development, communication, patterns of world news flow, political propaganda, impact of international advertising and other issues. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification; COMM-365 also taught at Galveston and Qatar campuses. Cross Listing: COMM 365/JOUR 365.
JOUR 450 Political Reporting
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Interviewing; reporting; and writing various types of political stories and commentary; exploration of ethical principles and issues in political reporting including role of free press in a democracy. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
JOUR 451 Arts & Entertainment Journalism
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Arts & Entertainment Journalism. Journalistic coverage of arts and entertainment issues and events; examination of reviews and feature stories; feature writing and criticism; extensive workshop experience; emphasis on the value of research, self-editing and revision. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
JOUR 452 Business Reporting
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Specialized concepts and skills required to cover business; everyday impact on the lives of consumers; exploration of and writing about interaction of companies, communities, consumers, governments and global events. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
JOUR 455 Literary Nonfiction
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Explores the art of writing literary nonfiction, a major trend in 21st century journalism; examines several forms of literary nonfiction, including personal essay, memoir, historical biography and modern narrative: to be written in each form; provides extensive workshop experience; emphasizes the value of critiques, self-editing and revision. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
JOUR 458/COMM 458 Global Media
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Study of globalization through media ownership; content, flow, cultural values, political power and technological impact; implications of globalization for local economies and audiences. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: COMM 458/JOUR 458.
JOUR 459 Sports Entertainment Reporting
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Nontraditional sports storytelling for 21st-century audiences; instruction in narrative components of sports blogs, fan sites, commentary and analysis; examination of key debates about sports media and sports journalism ethics in the 24/7 digital and social media-driven news cycle. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification, or approval of instructor.
JOUR 468 Magazine Feature Writing
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Focus on the ability to communicate through a variety of styles including traditional long-form magazine writing and profiles; critical analysis and adaptation of writing skills for the latest trends in magazine, including audio and multimedia storytelling and the advent of purely digital magazines. Prerequisites: JOUR 203; junior or senior classification, or approval of instructor; major in JOUR or university studies-journalism or minor in journalism.
JOUR 484 Internship
Credits 0 to 3.
0 to 3 Other Hours.
Directed internship in a private firm or public agency to provide on-the-job experience appropriate to the student's degree program and career objectives. To be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Maximum of 3 credits may apply toward degree. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; enrollment in USLA-BA-JNS concentration or JOUR minor; approval of instructor; grade of C or better in JOUR 203.
JOUR 485 Directed Studies
Credits 0 to 4.
0 to 4 Other Hours.
Research problems related to communication field. Individual work, fitted to special needs of specific student as determined by his or her interests and aptitude. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; enrollment in USLA-BA-JNS concentration or JOUR minor; approval of instructor.
JOUR 489 Special Topics in...
Credits 1 to 4.
1 to 4 Other Hours.
Selected topics in an identified area of journalism and mass communication. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; enrollment in USLA-BA-JNS concentration or JOUR minor; or approval of instructor.
JOUR 490 Journalism as a Profession
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Exit-level course for interdisciplinary minor in Journalism; requires students to produce publication-quality projects; includes seminars in contemporary news media issues and practices. Prerequisite: JOUR 203; junior or senior classification; enrollment in USLA-BA-JNS concentration or JOUR minor; and approval of instructor.
JOUR 491 Research
Credits 0 to 3.
0 to 3 Other Hours.
Research conducted under the direction of a chosen faculty member in Journalism Studies. May be taken for a maximum of 3 hours credit. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in JOUR 203; junior or senior classification and approval of instructor.
Anderson, Chante A, Lecturer
Communication & Journalism
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2021
Aschenbeck, Stacy H, Lecturer
Communication & Journalism
MA, Texas State University, 1999
Bajan, Adam R, Lecturer
Communication & Journalism
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2021
Barge, James K, Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, University of Kansas, 1985
Beck, Jake, Lecturer
Communication & Journalism
PHD, Southern Illinois University, 2021
Beck, Sarah Lindsey, Senior Lecturer
Communication & Journalism
PHD, University of Colorado Boulder, 2019
Blacksin, Isaac, Assistant Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, University of California, Santa Cruz, 2021
Blanton, Hart C, Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, Princeton University, 1994
Bradley, Nicholas Bronson, Visiting Lecturer
Communication & Journalism
BA, The University of Memphis, 2018
Burton, Tom, Associate Professor of the Practice
Communication & Journalism
MA, Ohio University, 2021
Campbell, Heidi A, Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, The University of Edinburgh, 2002
Castillo, Mariano, Professor of the Practice
Communication & Journalism
MIA, Columbia University, 2009
Champine, Tyler A, Lecturer
Communication & Journalism
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2023
Charner, Flora, Professor of the Practice
Communication & Journalism
MA, Columbia University, 2013
Crick, Nathan A, Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, University of Pittsburgh, 2005
Dorsey, Leroy G, Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, Indiana University, 1993
Dubriwny, Tasha N, Associate Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, University of Georgia, 2005
Gammon, Angelique C, Professor of the Practice
Communication & Journalism
BA, Texas A&M University, 1982
Gong, Xuanjun, Assistant Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, University of California at Davis, 2024
Gonzalez, Michael, Visiting Lecturer
Communication & Journalism
MS, Texas Christian University, 2022
Guajardo, Jonathan Robert, Associate Professor of the Practice
Communication & Journalism
MA, University of the Incarnate Word, 2014
Havens, Jessica M, Senior Lecturer
Communication & Journalism
MA, Colgate University, 2012
Henson, Bryce, Associate Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, University of Illinois, 2016
Hlavacik, Mark, Assistant Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, The Pennsylvania State University, 2014
Kelly, Kathryn, Lecturer
Communication & Journalism
MA, Texas A&M University, 2007
Kim, Eunhui, Lecturer
Communication & Journalism
MA, University of Louisiana, 2017
Kulhanek, Kristy, Instructional Assistant Professor
Communication & Journalism
EDD, Arizona State University, 2019
La Pastina, Antonio C, Associate Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, The University of Texas at Austin, 1999
Lemmons, Larry, Assistant Professor of the Practice
Communication & Journalism
PHD, Texas Tech University, 2021
Lopez, Joseph, Associate Professor of the Practice
Communication & Journalism
PHD, The University of Texas at Austin, 2010
Mercieca, Jennifer R, Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2003
O'Donnell, Paul, Professor of the Practice
Communication & Journalism
BS, Bowling Green State University, 1981
Parish, Nancy B, Instructional Assistant Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, University of Florida, 2013
Poirot, Kristan A, Associate Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, University of Georgia, 2004
Rice, Dale A, Associate Professor of the Practice
Communication & Journalism
BA, Syracuse University, 1973
Rold, Michael F, Senior Lecturer
Communication & Journalism
PHD, Louisiana State University, 2014
Street, Nancy A, Instructional Professor
Communication & Journalism
MA, The University of Texas at Austin, 1980
Street, Richard L, Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, The University of Texas at Austin, 1980
Tang, Lu, Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, University of Southern California, 2007
Tarvin, David T, Instructional Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, Louisiana State University, 2013
Villanueva, George Allen O., Associate Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, University of Southern California, 2014
Wanzer-Serrano, Darrel, Associate Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, Indiana University, 2007
Wolfe, Anna W, Associate Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, Ohio University, 2013
Xia, Yiping, Assistant Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, University Wisconsin-Madison, 2022
Yan, Harry, Assistant Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, Indiana University Bloomington, 2023
Yan, Yaojun, Assistant Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, University of Indiana, Bloomington, 2023
Yang, Yunkang, Assistant Professor
Communication & Journalism
PHD, University of Washington, 2020