COMM - Communication (COMM)

COMM 101 Introduction to Communication

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. (SPCH 1311) Introduction to Communication. COURSE OVERVIEW. Introduces the field of communication as a broad and interdisciplinary area of study. Surveys major topics, research traditions and contexts of communicative practice across interpersonal, organizational, public and/or mediated settings. Examines verbal and nonverbal communication, media and technology, intercultural and health communication, strategic and religious communication, and leadership and conflict management. Considers how communication is studied from both humanities and social science perspectives, with attention to culture, ethics and methods of inquiry. Provides a foundation for understanding communication as both theory and practice in everyday life, civic engagement and/or professional contexts. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds awareness of how communication functions across personal, academic, professional and/or civic settings. Develops foundational skills in analyzing, adapting and applying communication strategies to wide-ranging contexts. Enhances the ability to critically interpret messages in a world shaped by media convergence, cultural difference and/or global interconnectedness. Prepares for advanced coursework in communication and media fields, while also strengthening transferable skills valued across professions. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how everyday assumptions about communication differ from scholarly perspectives developed in the field. Expands understanding of communication as both a practical skill and an area of research shaped by theory, culture and/or ethics. Examines ways of knowing that include humanistic, social scientific and/or critical approaches. Highlights how communication influences relationships, organizations and/or society, deepening appreciation for the complexity of interaction and meaning making. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include verbal and nonverbal communication; media and technology; intercultural communication; health communication; strategic communication; religious communication; leadership and conflict management; and/or academic research and methods of inquiry. Attention to contemporary issues and applications of communication theory may introduce perspectives that are unfamiliar and/or challenging, reflecting the broad relevance of communication to personal, professional and civic life.

COMM 203 Public Speaking

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. (SPCH 1315) Public Speaking. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores principles, practice and criticism of public speaking. Emphasizes public speaking as more than performance, examining key skills, including audience analysis, research, organization, use of supporting materials and delivery techniques. Attention to ethical communication and sensitivity to diverse audiences across professional, political, religious, cultural and ideological contexts. Includes practice in informative, persuasive and group speaking, developing verbal and nonverbal communication strategies. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Equips students with skills essential for professional, academic and civic life. Builds competence in organizing ideas, supporting arguments, adapting them to varied audiences. Develops confidence in extemporaneous speaking, critical listening and communication across diverse contexts. Prepares students for leadership roles, workplace communication and active participation in public dialogue. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how everyday ideas about public speaking, such as viewing it only as performance or memorization, differ from research-based and practical perspectives. Develops understanding of speaking as a process involving invention, organization, style, delivery and audience adaptation, enhancing skills in extemporaneous speaking. Emphasizes that effective speaking requires ethical choices, critical thinking and sensitivity to diverse audiences as much as confidence in delivery. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include exploration of why public speaking matters in contemporary society; study of ethical principles in communication; development of confidence and listening skills; analysis of audiences and rhetorical situations; research and organization of supporting materials; crafting of effective introductions, bodies and conclusions; use of language and presentation aids; practice in informative, persuasive and ceremonial speaking; application of digital rhetoric and multimedia tools. Course speeches and examples may address diverse and sometimes controversial topics, reflecting perspectives represented in public life as well as subjects chosen by students; breadth of content emerges from student interests and experiences, and guidance from the instructor; also taught at Galveston campus.

COMM 204 Public Speaking for Digital Platforms

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Introduces principles, practice and criticism of public speaking adapted for online audiences and platforms. Emphasizes public speaking as more than performance, examining key skills, including audience analysis, research, organization, use of supporting materials and delivery techniques. Attention to ethical communication and sensitivity to diverse audiences across professional, political, religious, cultural and/or ideological contexts. Includes practice in informative, persuasive and ceremonial speaking, developing competence in composition, digital presentation and multimedia editing. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Equips students with skills essential for professional, academic and civic life. Builds competence in organizing ideas, supporting arguments, adapting them to varied online audiences. Develops confidence in digital delivery, critical listening and communication across diverse platforms. Prepares students for leadership roles, workplace communication and/or active participation in public dialogue through online media. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how everyday ideas about public speaking, such as viewing it only as performance or memorization, differ from research-based and practical perspectives. Develops understanding of speaking as a process involving invention, organization, style, delivery and audience adaptation across both in-person and digital contexts. Emphasizes that effective speaking requires ethical choices, critical thinking and sensitivity to diverse audiences, as well as confidence in both live and recorded delivery. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include exploration of why public speaking matters in digital society; study of ethical principles in communication; development of confidence and listening skills; analysis of digital audiences and rhetorical situations; research and organization of supporting materials; crafting of effective introductions, bodies and conclusions; use of language and presentation aids; practice in informative, persuasive and/or ceremonial speaking; training in composition, delivery, recording and editing of speeches for digital distribution; application of digital rhetoric and multimedia tools across video conferencing, online platforms and social media. Course speeches and examples may address diverse and sometimes controversial topics, reflecting perspectives represented in public life as well as subjects chosen by students; breadth of content emerges from student interests and experiences, and guidance from the instructor.

COMM 205 Communication for Technical Professions

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Introduces principles, practice and criticism of public speaking adapted for technical fields. Focus on rhetorical invention and delivery for engineers, scientists and other technical professionals who must present complex information to general audiences, policymakers and interdisciplinary teams. Emphasizes public speaking as more than performance, examining key skills including audience analysis, research, organization, use of supporting materials and delivery techniques. Special attention to clarity, analogy and visualization as tools for translating technical knowledge. Includes practice in informative, persuasive and group speaking while integrating visual and graphic materials into their presentations. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Equips students with communication skills essential for technical professions. Builds competence in simplifying complex information, supporting arguments with evidence and adapting content for non-experts. Develops confidence in delivering technical presentations in professional, academic and civic settings. Prepares students for roles requiring leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration and the ability to explain technical processes to decision-makers and the public. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how everyday ways of describing technical work may not be effective outside specialized fields. Develops understanding of ways technical communication techniques—such as analogy, narrative and visualization—shape audience comprehension and trust. Emphasizes that effective technical communication requires ethical choices, critical thinking and sensitivity to diverse audiences as much as subject matter expertise. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include exploration of why communication matters in technical professions; study of ethical principles in technical communication; development of confidence and listening skills; analysis of general and specialized audiences; research and organization of technical content; crafting of effective introductions, bodies and conclusions; use of analogies, language and presentation aids to explain complex information; practice in informative, persuasive and group speaking; integration of visual and graphic materials into technical presentations. Course speeches and examples may address diverse and sometimes controversial topics, reflecting perspectives represented in public life as well as subjects chosen by students; breadth of content emerges from student interests and experiences, and guidance from the instructor; also taught at Galveston campus.

COMM 210 Group Communication and Discussion

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. (SPCH 2333) Group Communication and Discussion. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores principles, practice and research on small group communication. Focuses on definition, structure and functions of groups, including roles, norms, power and/or communication climate. Examines processes such as problem-solving, role-playing, decision-making, leadership, organization and/or conflict management. Attention to verbal and nonverbal codes, listening, relationships and/or cooperation as foundations for interaction and group productivity. Considers professional, political, religious, community and/or cultural contexts in which group communication occurs. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Develops both understanding and practical ability for effective participation and leadership in group settings with diverse participants across professional, academic and/or civic contexts. Builds competence in problem solving, decision-making and conflict management within teams. Strengthens ability to manage power dynamics, foster positive communication climates and/or adapt to cultural differences in group interaction. Enhances capacity for collaboration, organizational effectiveness and leadership in contexts where teamwork and collective decision-making are essential. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how everyday ideas about group work differ from research-based perspectives. Develops understanding of the ways roles, norms, leadership and/or power can shape group interaction. Emphasizes that effective group communication requires cooperation, critical thinking and constructive conflict management to improve decision-making and outcomes. Explores how divergent or unfamiliar perspectives and backgrounds shape group interaction, offering insight into effective collaboration in diverse teams. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include exploration of group definition, structure and functions; study of roles, norms and power in group dynamics; analysis of communication climate and culture; approaches to problem solving and decision-making; strategies for leadership, organization and conflict management; examination of verbal and nonverbal codes and listening skills; techniques for fostering cooperation and productivity in groups. Course discussions may also engage with diverse and sometimes unfamiliar perspectives, reflecting the variety of professional, political, religious, community and/or cultural contexts in which group communication occurs.

COMM 215/JOUR 215 Interviewing - Principles and Practice

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores the study of interviewing as a purposeful form of interpersonal communication. Focus on questioning strategies, listening and interaction between the interviewer and interviewee. Examines informative, persuasive, survey and/or employment interview contexts. Develops skills as both the interviewer and the interviewee. Emphasizes how structure, audience, goals and setting shape communication choices. Addresses the logical and psychological bases of interviewing. Class applications may involve exposure to perspectives and experiences across social, cultural and professional backgrounds. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds transferable skills essential to journalism, media, public communication and organizational practice. Involves questioning, listening, adaptation to audience and purpose and interaction across varied goals. Applies to situations that require navigating unfamiliar or sensitive territory with professionalism. Develops skill in effectively navigating differences in belief, identity, experience and disagreement within interview contexts. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how interviews function as purposeful conversations, showing how credibility, preparation and strategy shape outcomes. Encourages awareness of the interview as a structured exchange rather than spontaneous talk. Broadens understanding of how perspective and authority influence communication across roles and settings for both interviewer and interviewee. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of questioning techniques, listening practices, rapport-building, credibility assessment and ethical responsibility; examination of informative, persuasive, survey, research and/or employment interviews; consideration of how audience, purpose and context govern interview structure and performance. Course work may involve engagement with people from varied backgrounds and experiences. Interview practice may include topics connected to identity, culture, ethics, work and/or participants’ personal lives. Exposure to differing viewpoints and/or lived realities reflects the range of issues encountered in professional and public communication. May include resume writing skills in preparation for career interviews. Cross Listing: JOUR 215/COMM 215.

COMM 230/JOUR 230 Communication Technology Skills

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines principles and practices of communication technology in the digital domain. Surveys the history and standards of television, radio, video gaming, streaming media, e-publishing and/or social networking industries and markets. Focuses on production skills such as composing, recording and editing digital content, as well as media literacy across platforms, including the ability to evaluate social, cultural and/or ethical implications of communication technologies. Emphasizes media-centric strategic foresight to postulate regarding the future of the communication and technological landscape. Class applications may also draw on popular culture and/or current events, connecting course concepts to contemporary media environments. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds technical competence and media literacy skills applicable across professional, academic and civic contexts. Develops the skills necessary to create digital media content, adapt communication strategies to emerging technologies, tell stories across multiple media platforms and evaluate the impact of communication technologies on audiences and industries. Strengthens preparation for careers in journalism, media production, marketing, communication design, public relations and related fields where technological fluency and critical analysis are essential. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Builds understanding of how communication technologies shape interaction, identity and/or culture beyond their technical functions. Highlights how tools such as streaming platforms, social media and/or virtual environments influence professional practice, everyday communication and public dialogue. Clarifies both opportunities and challenges presented by digital media, including questions of access, ethics and/or social impact. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of the development and application of communication technologies across industries; exploration of audio, video, web and interactive media tools; analysis of digital platforms and markets; consideration of issues such as media convergence, intellectual property, ethics and sociocultural impact. Course work may incorporate case studies from popular culture and/or current events to connect course concepts with real-world practices. The course may include discourses and perspectives that are unfamiliar or controversial, reflecting the diversity of discourses relating to digital technologies and practices. Prerequisites: 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. COURSE OVERVIEW. Introduces principles and practices for analyzing speeches and other forms of public discourse. Deploys rhetorical analysis to explain how symbols, images, language, performances and/or narratives shape meaning. Considers how communicative acts function in cultural, political, religious, institutional and/or historical contexts. Includes exposure to discourses and theories across a wide spectrum of political, cultural and/or ideological differences. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Demonstrates how public discourse shapes civic life. Provides tools for interpreting speeches, media and other forms of public discourse across various contexts. Builds skills in analysis, research and writing that transfer to fields including law, politics, media, public relations and education. Shows how studying rhetorical strategies can uncover arguments and explain how communication impacts civic decision-making, public controversy and cultural understanding. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Expands the understanding of rhetoric to be beyond speechmaking to include other forms of public discourse such as popular media, advertisements and digital content. Introduces frameworks scholars use to study how communication may be shaped by context, culture, ideology and/or power. Emphasizes understanding and evaluating these perspectives, building awareness of the range of approaches scholars bring to the study of public discourse. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include scholarly traditions of rhetorical analysis, including feminist, narrative, ideological, dramatistic and/or classical criticism. Material may draw from political speeches, media messages, entertainment media and social movements. Because rhetorical criticism examines communication across many areas of public life, the course may include discourses and perspectives that are unfamiliar or controversial, reflecting the diversity of ideas present in society.

COMM 243 Argumentation and Debate

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. (SPCH 2335) Argumentation and Debate. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores principles of argumentation and skills of debate, with emphasis on reasoning, evidence, refutation and briefing. Examines how arguments are constructed, supported, challenged, revised and delivered. Considers the standards of sound reasoning, common fallacies and tests of evidence and credibility. Attention to ethical and cultural considerations in arguments, including analysis of audiences and contexts. Explores the role of debate in decision-making. Includes exposure to debate topics across political, religious, ideological and/or cultural spectrums, reflecting the diversity of arguments found in society. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Develops skills in critical thinking, research and communication essential for professional, academic and/or civic life. Builds competence in evaluating arguments, analyzing evidence and presenting claims effectively to diverse audiences. Strengthens oral and written study of advocacy, responsive listening and adaptability in structured debate and informal discussion. Skills gained are directly relevant to law, politics, business, media, public policy and other areas where persuasive communication and sound reasoning are central. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how everyday argument practices differ from structured approaches developed in debate and communication studies. Expands understanding of argument as more than personal opinion, showing how reasoning, evidence and ethical standards shape persuasion. Explores frameworks for evaluating arguments across different contexts, including individual decision-making, group deliberation, political campaigns and/or public debates. Highlights how cultural values and ideological perspectives influence the ways arguments are constructed and received. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include foundations of argument and debate; analysis of debate propositions; evaluation of evidence and proof; construction of affirmative and negative cases; cross-examination and refutation; ethical and cultural considerations in argument; listening and evaluation; debate as a form of public speaking; formats in academic, political and public debates. Course materials and debate topics may address diverse and sometimes controversial issues, reflecting the range of perspectives present in public discourse.

COMM 245 Difficult Dialogues on Power, Privilege and Difference

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores the practice of difficult dialogues and the communication skills needed to engage productively across differences. Focus on active listening, perspective-taking, deliberation, collaborative decision making, teamwork and/or additional processes of collective problem solving. Examines how dialogic processes can be designed and organized to minimize destructive consequences of bias, prejudice, discrimination, power disparities and/or unexamined privilege across dimensions of difference, such as gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, social class, ability, nationality and/or religion. Considers the role of facilitation techniques in creating conditions for constructive conversations on complex and often polarizing issues. Includes exposure to perspectives that may be unfamiliar or challenging, reflecting the diversity of voices in contemporary public life. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Develops skills for navigating conversations on sensitive and complex issues in professional, academic, civic and personal contexts. Builds competence in listening across differences, managing conflict and fostering collaborative and intentional decision making. Strengthens the ability to engage constructively in contexts marked by diversity, disagreement or polarization. Skills gained apply to leadership, teamwork, organizational communication, relationships and community engagement across families, workplaces and/or public settings. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how different models of interaction, such as debate, dialogue, negotiation and/or everyday conversation, frame the goals and norms of communication, allowing for comparison, application or critique. Expands understanding of how communication shapes perceptions of power, privilege and/or difference in personal, organizational and/or civic contexts. Introduces frameworks for recognizing how bias, equity and/or cultural perspectives can influence interaction. Emphasizes awareness of diverse viewpoints, the productive value of disagreement and the role of constructive exchange in building community. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of dialogue as a communication practice distinct from debate or analysis of persuasion; exploration of active listening, perspective-taking and deliberation; skills in conflict management, collaborative decision making and team problem solving; consideration of communication in the context of bias, prejudice, discrimination, power, equity and/or privilege. Attention to how dialogue functions across interpersonal, organizational and civic settings. Course materials and discussions may address sensitive or controversial issues, reflecting a wide range of political, cultural and/or religious perspectives present in society.

COMM 248/JOUR 248 Podcasting and Audio Storytelling

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores basic audio storytelling techniques required for podcast production within journalism and digital content creation, including principles of podcast development, scripting, interviewing, voice performance, audio recording and editing. May include instructions in microphone selection, sound environments and use of editing software. Covers branding elements such as titles, descriptions, cover art, music and metadata. Introduces strategies for publishing, promotion and audience growth across distribution platforms. Course content may include legal and ethical considerations related to privacy, attribution, licensing or defamation. Course content may reference real-world events or personal narratives for purposes of analysis and production rather than endorsement. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Develops production skills applicable to careers in journalism, strategic communication and digital content creation. Promotes skills in narrative design, research organization, technical proficiency and navigating teamwork in creative industry contexts. Supports academic preparation in media writing, audio reporting and multimedia storytelling. Enhances civic communication skills by training attention to voice, perspective and accountability in public messaging. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights differences between casual conversation and structured audio storytelling designed for listeners’ attention. Clarifies how tone, pacing, editing and sound design influence interpretation and credibility. Encourages recognition of ethical responsibility when representing others’ voices or lived experiences in recorded form. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of podcast formats and genres; interview preparation and questioning techniques; narrative scripting; ambient sound and music beds; recording equipment and vocal delivery; editing workflows and mixing practices; platform distribution and analytics; audience design and engagement. Course material may draw on real-world audio examples involving sensitive or emotional content, used for purposes of critical listening and professional development. Cross Listing: JOUR 248/COMM 248.

COMM 250/JOUR 250 New Media and the Independent Voice

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines the role of new and independent media in shaping cultural, political and social life. Surveys forms such as blogs, podcasts, video, digital storytelling and social media platforms. Considers how independent voices create, challenge and reshape narratives in communities and public discourse. Attention to the relationship between personal voice, creativity and professional practice, as well as to issues of credibility, trust, ethics and representation. Explores how traditional and independent media engage with topics including activism, identity, politics and/or popular culture, highlighting both opportunities and challenges for communication in digital environments as they are constantly evolving. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds media literacy and production skills relevant to journalism, communication, marketing and/or creative industries. Develops competence in analyzing the credibility, reach and influence of independent media. Strengthens preparation for roles requiring digital fluency, critical thinking and the ability to adapt messages across platforms. Provides tools for both professional communication and civic engagement in a media environment shaped by independent voices. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how independent media can be both a space of empowerment and a site of contestation. Highlights how digital platforms amplify personal, cultural and political voices, while also raising ethical and practical challenges. Highlights how identity, power and representation shape media production and reception. Develops understanding of the opportunities and limits of independent communication in contemporary society. Explores the opportunities and challenges presented by changes in the media landscape. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of blogs, podcasts, video and social media platforms; exploration of digital storytelling and creative expression; consideration of ethics, representation and credibility in independent media; analysis of activism, politics and identity as expressed through digital platforms; evaluation of how independent voices influence communities, industries and public life. Course applications may draw on popular culture, current events and emerging issues. Discussions may also engage with controversial or contested topics, reflecting the role of independent media in addressing subjects that shape public dialogue. Cross Listing: JOUR 250/COMM 250.

COMM 255/JOUR 255 Media Literacy in the Digital Age

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores mass media as a form of communication across cultural, political and creative contexts. Examines how news media, podcasts, social media, video, television and advertising are used to inform, persuade, critique and/or tell stories. Analyzes source, audience, message design and the relationship between medium and purpose. Examines how information, misinformation and disinformation spreads, developing skills and techniques for assessing credibility and verifying sources. Includes engagement with real-world issues and diverse perspectives may arise through topics connected to politics, culture, ethics and/or lived experience. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Engages communication practices relevant to careers in media industries, strategic communication, journalism, political communication, public outreach, community outreach and digital content production. Involves skills relevant to designing messages, engaging audiences and producing or analyzing digital media across professional platforms. Prepares for advanced academic study in communication, media studies, journalism and related fields where digital fluency and critical media analysis are expected. Promotes awareness of how traditional media and independent media practices can contribute to civic discourse, cultural participation and emerging communication markets. Encourages media literacy in both communication careers and everyday life. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how new media platforms differ from legacy communication systems in structure, purpose and power. Highlights the role of individual voice, audience interaction and platform design in shaping meaning and influence. Encourages recognition that public communication through digital media may challenge assumptions about authority, expertise and representation. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include analysis or creation of blogs, podcasts, social media campaigns, digital storytelling or multimedia commentary; exploration of how mass media engage politics, identity, culture and public issues; study of persuasion, narrative, audience engagement and message strategy in digital contexts. Assignments may involve analysis, production or both, depending on the instructor’s approach. Course materials may involve perspectives or content reflecting varied experiences, beliefs and interpretations encountered in contemporary media environments. Cross Listing: JOUR 255/COMM 255.

COMM 256 Introduction to Video Game Studies

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. Introduction to the interdisciplinary study of video games as a cultural, technological, and artistic medium; key concepts in game studies including game mechanics, history, player engagement, narrative, and the social and cultural impact of video games; critical analysis, readings, and gameplay exploring the significance of video games in contemporary society. Cross Listing: FILM 256 and VIST 256.

COMM 257/RELS 257 Communication, Religion and the Arts

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores the study of art and religion as forms of communication, with attention to how visual and artistic expression conveys meaning across cultures and traditions. Surveys artistic and media practices in religious and secular contexts, considering how aesthetics mediate religious experience and shape public understanding. Examines the role of art in supporting, questioning and/or challenging religious and social perspectives. Focus on interpretation and critique and dialogue of artifacts across diverse traditions, including attention to issues of pluralism, inequality, power, class and/or representation. Includes engagement with perspectives that may be unfamiliar or challenging, reflecting the diversity of voices in contemporary public life. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Develops competence in interpreting and discussing art and religion across diverse cultural and historical contexts. Builds skills for engaging respectfully with differences in belief, practice and/or worldview. Strengthens intercultural awareness, critical thinking and creative communication skills, which can be applied to dialogue across divisions in civic, professional and interpersonal settings. Enhances understanding of how art and media shape public awareness of religion and contributes to broader conversations about meaning, identity and social conflict. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how the study of art and religion in communication differs from devotional or confessional approaches. Expands understanding of religion as a cultural and communicative practice shaped by history, power and interpretation. Highlights how art functions not only to express belief but also to question, challenge or reframe religious ideas. Introduces perspectives that encourage critical analysis of how religion and art intersect with broader cultural, social and/or political contexts. Emphasizes reflection on pluralism and contested meanings, deepening awareness of how religion and art shape, and are shaped by, the wider human experience. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of communication, art and religion as interrelated cultural practices; exploration of how visual and artistic forms convey meaning within Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, secular humanism and other traditions; consideration of iconoclasm, pluralism and the role of art in shaping or challenging belief and practices; attention to aesthetics, power, inequality and representation in religious and secular contexts. Course materials may also engage with the profane or the obscene when relevant to understanding how religion, art and communication define, resist and/or reframe cultural boundaries. Content may include perspectives that are unfamiliar, contested or controversial, reflecting the diversity of ways art and religion intersect in public life. Cross Listing: RELS 257/COMM 257.

COMM 260 Introduction to Communication and Sports

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores how sports are communicated across media formats and within both interpersonal and intergroup contexts. Examines the production and circulation of sport communication through television, print, online platforms, podcasts, blogging and/or social media. Considers how teams, athletes, organizations and fans communicate within and about sport. Includes attention to how sports communication reflects and shapes cultural narratives involving community, gender, race, politics and/or national identity. Course material may draw on real-world events and perspectives that reflect diverse experiences within or about sport. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Supports workforce preparation by engaging practices central to sports media, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, digital content, interpersonal and organizational communication. Emphasizes applied skills such as writing, presenting, interviewing, photography, storytelling, analysis and audience engagement. Connects course work to professional settings in athletics, media industries, marketing, sports administration, journalism and strategic communication. Reinforces academic preparation for continued study in media, communication, sport culture or public discourse by linking applied practice to theoretical and analytical approaches within the discipline. Strengthens civic understanding by highlighting how communication in sports influences public dialogue, institutional decision-making and community identity. May include exploration of potential career pathways across the sports communication landscape. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how sports communication goes beyond entertainment or fandom to include cultural meaning, identity and/or power. Highlights the role of media and messaging in interpersonal, group and organizational dynamics that shape public perception of athletes, teams and sporting events. Considers how communication in sport settings can influence public dialogue around such contemporary issues as health and injury, gender, race, nationalism, economics and social belonging. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include analysis of sports media platforms; study of sportscasting, reporting and commentary; writing about sporting events; communication within teams and organizations; player–coach interaction; family communication about sport; fandom and fan culture; identity, gender, race and nationalism in sport; crisis and reputation management; sport as community and industry. Course content may address contemporary issues or public events that reflect differing perspectives or cultural debates connected to sport.

COMM 265 Voices of Democracy - United States

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines U.S. public discourse as a force in shaping citizenship and democratic life. Analyzes speeches, art, writing, popular media and/or digital communication representing different historical periods and perspectives. Examines how public arguments address questions of belonging, rights, governance and national purpose. Highlights voices from both dominant and marginalized groups, tracing the evolution and contestation of American and democratic ideals. Engages material that may involve differing interpretations, ideological conflict or historically situated controversy. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Connects historical and contemporary public communication to civic participation, political communication, social advocacy and/or leadership. Involves analysis relevant to media, law, public policy, education and public affairs. Supports academic preparation in rhetoric, communication, history, political science and related fields. Can highlight how public discourse informs public understanding, institutional change and national debate. Compares different historical periods and the rhetorical methods used to fight for democracy in each of these areas. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how democracy in America was originally established, is constructed, contested and reinterpreted through public communication over time. Highlights differences between popular, historical and scholarly understandings of rhetoric, citizenship and/or dissent. Encourages examination of competing claims to authority, rights and/or values in democratic discourse. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of foundational American speeches and writings in historical context; analysis of abolitionist, suffrage, civil rights, environmental, labor and other social movement’s rhetoric; examination of war, foreign policy and national myth making; exploration of presidential address, religious persuasion, judicial argument and grassroots organizing. Course content may involve speeches and perspectives that differ sharply in ideology, tone and/or historical impact, reflecting the diversity and conflict inherent in American public discourse.

COMM 275/JOUR 275 Introduction to Social Media

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores social media as a communication environment shaped by technology, audience, participation and platform design. Surveys major platforms, concepts and theories used to understand how individuals, organizations and communities create, share and interpret digital content. Examines how social media intersects with journalism, marketing, activism, entertainment and/or everyday communication. Considers how digital communication practices reflect and influence public discourse, society and culture. Engagement with real-world examples may involve topics connected to politics, religion, identity, ethics and/or lived experiences. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Engages communication practices connected to media industries, strategic messaging, journalism, advertising, nonprofit work, politics and other forms of public communication. Involves skills relevant to content creation, audience analysis, audience engagement, platform analysis and communication strategy. Connects to professional and academic paths in media, communication, journalism, marketing, public affairs and digital culture. Supports academic preparation to analyze ways social media shapes institutional messaging, cultural participation, community formation and civic dialogue. Develops applied skill in using social media strategically within entrepreneurial, organizational or community campaign contexts. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how communication via social media platforms differs from legacy media in participation, access and influence. Explores communication theories and strategies underpinning social media communication. Highlights tensions involving credibility, persuasion, privacy, visibility and/or identity in digital environments. Builds understanding of how platforms shape perception, behavior and communication norms in ways that are not always immediately visible. Supports informed assessment of one’s own media usage patterns and communication practices as case material for analysis. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of communication theories, platform histories and digital ecosystems; analysis of messaging strategies and audience behavior; consideration of digital identity, participation and online communities; exploration of ethics, credibility, privacy, representation and influence in online environments; examination of how platforms shape visibility, participation and public discourse; study of consent, branding, advocacy, journalism and influencer practices; comparison of interactive and traditional media. Course materials may reflect varied perspectives and examples from professional, cross-cultural and/or global contexts. Cross Listing: JOUR 275/COMM 275.

COMM 280/JOUR 280 Careers in Communication and Journalism

Credit 1. 1 Lecture Hour. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores fields and pathways in journalism, media and communication-related professions. Considers how professional interests, strengths and personality align with opportunities in media, public communication, journalism, strategic communication, digital platforms and related industries. Addresses foundational practices in networking, resume-writing, application material preparation, informational interviewing and digital presence. Includes exposure to campus resources and career planning tools. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds awareness of workforce expectations and industry pathways across communication-related professions. Introduces practical strategies for pursuing careers in media, advocacy, corporate communication, public affairs or related sectors. Assists in translation of classroom knowledge in securing internships, applied experience and long-term professional development opportunities. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how communication careers vary in purpose, setting and expectation. Highlights differences between common assumptions about media or communication work and the range of roles that exist across industries. Builds awareness of how skills, identity, professionalism and context shape access to and participation in communication fields. Provides support to students transferring into CMJR, promoting academic success and facilitating engagement with campus resources and communities. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include identification of career interests and strengths; exploration of communication professions and industries; development of application materials; digital portfolios and networking strategies; informational interviewing; engagement with professional resources and advising. Course activities may reference academic planning, campus involvement, workplace preparation and/or communications-specific career development. Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Cross Listing: JOUR 280/COMM 280.

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 Rhetorical Theory

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Introduces major traditions of rhetorical theory from antiquity to the present, examining how thinkers have defined persuasion, argument and public influence across changing political and cultural contexts. Considers contributions from figures across historical and contemporary contexts and how they theorize the role of rhetoric to shape civic life, challenge authority and/or construct knowledge. Focuses on how rhetorical theories and practices emerge in moments of conflict, uncertainty and social change. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Provides grounding in the foundations of rhetorical theory, building academic preparation for advanced study in rhetoric, political communication, law, public affairs and media criticism. Builds familiarity with frameworks widely used in speechwriting, advocacy, leadership communication and public reasoning. Supports professional and civic participation by clarifying how arguments gain legitimacy, how authority is constructed and how persuasive strategies function across traditions and institutions. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how rhetoric is more than just “style” or manipulation by revealing its role in philosophy, religion, science and governance. Reveals how foundational ideas such as reason, justice, virtue and truth were articulated through rhetorical means. Highlights how rhetorical theory reflects its time and audience, prompting reflection on how present-day communication inherits past assumptions about credibility, character and civic participation. TOPICS AND THEMES. Topics may include the study of classical Greek and Roman rhetoric, including persuasion, ethos and civic speech; consideration of Enlightenment and revolutionary rhetoric in the formation of democratic publics; examination of modern/contemporary rhetorical theories; exploration of rhetoric as epistemology — how discourse shapes truth, identity and/or power. Course material may include texts addressing religion, gender, sexuality, class, race, nationality and/or ideology, reflecting the diverse contexts of how rhetorical traditions have been developed and contested. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

COMM 302 The Mass Media and Politics

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores how communication practices construct, circulate and contest political ideas and authority. Examines both how media influence political attitudes, participation and policy outcomes, and how political identity and conflict are shaped symbolically through news, entertainment, digital platforms and public rhetoric. Approaches may draw from social scientific models of media effects or rhetorical and critical analysis of political discourse. Emphasizes case-based evaluation of messages, sources and strategies across institutional, journalistic and citizen communication. Course content may include material involving political disagreement, conflict or graphic representation, examined for purposes of analysis rather than endorsement. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Develops literacy in how political messages are constructed, distributed and interpreted across media systems. Applies to careers in journalism, political communication, public affairs, advocacy, research, law and civic or governmental work. Supports informed participation in democratic life by strengthening abilities to evaluate claims, recognize framing and distinguish between reporting, persuasion and manipulation. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Reveals how politics is communicated not only through speeches or news outlets, but also through satire, visuals, entertainment formats, algorithmic feeds and policy messaging. Demonstrates how political messaging often blends information, symbolism and emotion to shape interpretation. Highlights the ways messages are interpreted differently depending on audience history, identity and media environment. Clarifies how communication shapes what counts as “fact,” “controversy” or “consensus” in public life. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of political news coverage, campaign strategy, advertising, agenda-setting, framing, propaganda models, political entertainment, social media activism and theories of representation. Consideration of media regulation, government communication practices, the influence of media on policymaking and the production of ideology. Course material may draw on historical and contemporary cases from local, national or international contexts, including disputed elections and outcomes, political controversies and crises, disinformation and surveillance, and contested social movements.  Prerequisites: POLS 206 or approval of department head; junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: JOUR 302 and POLS 302.

COMM 303/JOUR 305 Communication and Data Visualization

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores data as a form of communication and examines how information is interpreted, visualized and presented for different audiences and purposes. Emphasizes data storytelling as both an analytical and narrative practice, focusing on how visual choices shape understanding. Considers visualization designs that use data to inform, explain, persuade and/or support decision-making, using tools such as Excel and R. Addresses principles of visual perception, evidence-based messaging and interpretation of qualitative data and quantitative analyses, including descriptive and inferential statistics. Considers how visual choices, context and audience shape meaning in visual communication. Coursework may involve analysis, critique and/or development of data-driven messages in digital or visual formats. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds data visualization skills relevant to journalism, strategic messaging, marketing, public affairs, organizational communication, media production, research presentation and political advocacy. Builds capacity to interpret data, build visual explanations and representations and present insights in accessible formats. Supports effectiveness in academic and professional contexts where evidence, visualization and communication intersect. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how data gain meaning through interpretation, framing and visual design. Highlights the difference between raw information and communicative impact. Encourages attention to credibility, context and the persuasive or explanatory use of visualized evidence. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study and critique of data visualizations; analysis of how charts, maps, dashboards, infographics or interactive visuals communicate meaning; consideration of audience adaptation, ethics, representation or narrative framing; exploration of digital storytelling strategies in data communication, including how sequencing, emphasis and interactivity guide interpretation; consideration of persuasive and informative uses of data in media, public communication, organizational settings or digital platforms. Course content may involve real-world issues or case studies that reflect diverse perspectives or public debate. 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. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores the study of digital communication, data and the use of analytics to generate insight, evaluate communication strategies and inform decision-making. Examines techniques for extracting and interpreting information from websites, social media platforms and/or digital campaigns. Examines how data are used to assess audience behavior, platform performance, search engine optimization, message reach, engagement and/or return on investment. Considers how digital tactics connect across marketing, digital media platforms and communication research. Draws attention to the role of data in strategic planning. Course concepts are illustrated with examples that may involve digital communication in organizational, commercial, journalistic, political and/or nonprofit contexts. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Promotes workforce preparation for careers in strategic communication, public relations, advertising, journalism, marketing, audience research and digital media. Advances understanding and skills related to interpreting performance metrics, applying measurement models and using analytics to support campaigns, outreach, reporting and/or organizational decision-making. Supports academic and professional work in areas where communication effectiveness, audience insight and data-informed planning intersect. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies the role of analytics in shaping communication strategy, storytelling and/or organizational decision-making. Highlights the difference between data collection and meaningful interpretation. Builds recognition of how digital communication practices intersect with privacy expectations, ethical obligations and the constraints of data tracking and measurement. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include analysis of web traffic, audience demographics and user behavior; study of paid, earned and owned media metrics; consideration of measurement models, platform dashboards and optimization tactics; exploration of data-driven decision-making, campaign evaluation, content performance, randomized field experiment and competitive research. Course examples may involve sectors such as journalism, marketing, nonprofit advocacy, strategic communication and/or politics, reflecting the varied uses of digital analytics in public communication. Prerequisites: 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. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores major theoretical approaches to human communication, focusing on how communication theory explains language and symbol use, rhetoric, interpersonal interaction, small group and organizational dynamics, persuasion and/or media/technological influence. Examines humanistic, social scientific and/or critical theoretical traditions in communication studies. Explores ways theories of communication help to explain what communication is, how it functions and why it matters in different settings. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Supports academic preparation for advanced study in communication and related fields. Provides a foundation for understanding how theories inform research, professional communication strategies, media practices and organizational decision-making. Develops transferable skills in analytical reasoning, interpretation of communication processes and application of abstract concepts to real-world situations. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how theoretical perspectives may differ from everyday assumptions about communication. Demonstrates how concepts such as persuasion, meaning-making and media influence can be examined through different theoretical frameworks, offering distinct insights and applications. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of interpersonal communication theories; analysis of language and symbol use; examination of group and organizational interaction; consideration of persuasion and influence; exploration of media and technology’s role in communication; comparison of interpretive and scientific approaches to theory. Course content may reference diverse cultural, social and/or institutional contexts to illustrate how communication theories operate in practice. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification, or approval of instructor.

COMM 307/JOUR 301 Communication Law and Policy

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines the legal and ethical foundations of communication in journalism, media and public life. Considers First Amendment principles, constitutional protections and limits on free speech and free press. Surveys key areas of communication law, including libel, privacy, copyright, obscenity, advertising, broadcast regulation and/or digital communication. Considers ethical standards and professional responsibilities that shape communication practices across diverse contexts. Directs attention to the tensions between individual expression, institutional regulation and public accountability. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Develops competence in understanding how legal frameworks and ethical codes guide communication decisions in professional, academic and/or civic life. Builds skills for identifying risks, evaluating responsibilities and applying standards to journalism, media and/or organizational settings. Provides preparation for careers requiring knowledge of communication law, professional ethics and public accountability. Strengthens civic awareness by highlighting the role of free expression in democracy and public debate. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how everyday assumptions about “free speech” and “freedom of the press” differ from their legal and professional realities. Encourages awareness of the limits, protections and obligations that accompany communication rights. Expands understanding of how legal rules intersect with ethical reasoning, professional standards and social expectations. Promotes careful reflection on how controversies over speech, press and media practice reveal broader tensions in democratic societies. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of First Amendment foundations and constitutional principles; libel, privacy and copyright; obscenity, advertising and broadcast regulation; law and policy for digital and social media; ethical theories and professional codes; accountability, fairness, diversity and harm in communication practice. Course discussion may involve contemporary cases and controversial issues, addressed for purposes of legal and ethical analysis within an environment of respectful dialogue. 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. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores major approaches to studying communication through empirical methods, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and research-by-doing. Focuses on how researchers formulate questions, select appropriate methods and collect and analyze data. Examines quantitative and qualitative approaches to studying messages, media, audiences and social interaction. Builds foundations in the application of specific research methods commonly used in the communication discipline such as surveys, experiments, content analysis, in-depth interviews, focus groups and rhetorical analysis. Incorporates consideration of research design, sampling, measurement, ethics, basic data analysis and interpretation across communication contexts. Emphasizes how different methods generate different types of insight and evidence. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Connects directly to fields that rely on evidence-based communication research, including media studies, public relations, organizational communication, health communication, audience analytics and strategic messaging. Involves practices used in academic research, market research, program evaluation and professional data analysis. Builds competencies valued in communication industries and graduate study, including research literacy, analytical reasoning, data interpretation and methodological decision-making. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how research in communication differs from everyday opinion, anecdote and assumptions. Considers how different research methods generate different kinds of evidence and how those differences shape interpretation and conclusion. Encourages reflection on the limits, possibilities and ethics of studying communication in human and mediated contexts. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of research questions and hypotheses; analysis of quantitative methods such as surveys, experiments or content analysis; consideration of qualitative and interpretive approaches such as interviews, focus groups or ethnography; exploration of sampling, measurement, validity, reliability, data collection and interpretation. Applications may draw from interpersonal, organizational, media, digital, political and/or critical/cultural communication contexts. Prerequisites: 6 hours of MATH 140, MATH 142, MATH 151, MATH 152, PHIL 240 or STAT 201.

COMM 309 Research Method Projects

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Focuses on the application of empirical research methods through the design and completion of a communication research project. Emphasizes experimental and survey-based approaches, with integration of qualitative components as appropriate to research design. Addresses each stage of the research process, including topic selection, research questions, hypothesis development, data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation and presentation of findings. Builds on concepts introduced in COMM 308 by moving from principles to practice in conducting communication research. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Connects research activity to fields such as communication science, health communication, media research, organizational studies and strategic messaging. Involves skills relevant to project-based inquiry, data collection, measurement strategy, statistical interpretation, evidence-based reporting and research presentation. Aligns with professional and academic settings where data-driven analysis, program evaluation and applied research inform communication decisions. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how knowledge is produced through systematic inquiry rather than assumption or anecdote. Reinforces literacy in the scientific method, including reliability, validity, interpretation of evidence and limits of generalization. Clarifies how empirical findings contribute to understanding communication behavior and outcomes. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include research design and project planning; formulation of research questions and hypotheses; development of measures and instruments; data collection through experimentation, survey methods or mixed approaches; statistical testing; interpretation of results; identification of limitations; written and oral presentation of findings. Course projects may address interpersonal, organizational, media, digital, health or political communication contexts. 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. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores the study of communication interventions designed to create change at individual, interpersonal, organizational and/or community levels. Examines theories and models used to influence behavior, participation and decision-making in such contexts as voting, purchasing, membership, health campaigns and training. Focus on how communication strategies are designed, implemented and assessed using social science-based approaches. Addresses message design, needs assessment, change models, persuasion processes and evaluation of outcomes. Course work may involve application of theories to real and/or hypothetical cases. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Develops intervention skills relevant to professional practice in organizational communication, health communication, training and development, leadership, consulting, public relations, marketing and civic or community initiatives. Involves skills tied to planning campaigns, designing persuasive messaging, conducting needs assessments and evaluating effectiveness of communication-based interventions. Aligns with academic and applied fields that use communication to facilitate change within individuals, institutions, communities and public life. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how communication functions not only as information delivery but as a strategic tool for intervention and influence. Highlights the role theory can play explaining how and why change occurs. Explores the complex factors to consider in designing effective communication interventions, as well as the need to ground strategies in research-based models rather than assumptions. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of intervention theories and models; analysis of change strategies across individual, group, organizational and community contexts; consideration of message design, persuasion and implementation; exploration of needs assessment, behavior change frameworks, action research, dialogic approaches, training design and evaluation models. Examples may draw from campaigns, organizations, communities, public initiatives and/or social or institutional problem-solving. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

COMM 315 Interpersonal Communication

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines key concepts and theories for understanding how people create, maintain and sometimes challenge relationships through communication. Considers person-to-person and online interaction, including perception, attraction, self-disclosure, listening and/or conflict management. Explores communication across interpersonal differences such as professional and social roles, class, age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, nationality and religion. Examines practices for analyzing interpersonal communication through research and theory. Course materials may include consideration of diverse perspectives and examples of communication as both productive and destructive, in face-to-face and online contexts. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds skills for effective interaction in personal, professional and civic settings. Develops tools for effective listening, conflict management and resolution and adapting to others from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Supports understanding of how interpersonal communication influences health, well-being and quality of life. Builds academic preparation for advanced study and workforce preparation for careers requiring teamwork, leadership and strong relational and collaborative competence. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how everyday ideas about relationships and communication may differ from research-based perspectives. Considers ways that listening involves more than paying attention, that conflict can strengthen as well as weaken relationships and reasons disclosure and trust do not always follow predictable stages. Builds recognition of how identity, culture and context shape meaningful interactions, showing ways communication approaches that seem natural in one setting may be interpreted differently or counter-productively in another. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include exploration of perception, attraction, self-disclosure, listening and conflict management; study of interaction patterns and stages in relationship development; analysis of communication across interpersonal dimensions such as gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, social class, ability, nationality and religion; consideration of productive and destructive aspects of communication; application of interpersonal theory to face-to-face and online contexts, including social media. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

COMM 316/PBSI 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: PBSI 316/COMM 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. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines the study of communication within organizational contexts, with attention to how messages, relationships and structures constitute organizations and shape organizational life. Surveys foundational theories and contemporary perspectives on how communication influences organizing, including attention to practices associated with collective identity-building, leadership, decision-making, culture, power, technology use and/or change. Examines how communication enables coordination across teams and influences how people experience belonging, authority or conflict in organizational life. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds workforce preparation for professional contexts where collaboration, leadership and organizational activities depend on communication across roles, departments and demographic or cultural differences. Promotes effective practices relevant to management, consulting, training, human resources, organizational development, corporate and nonprofit communication. Strengthens communication foundations in coordination, adaptation and problem-solving that are relevant to effectiveness in civic, professional and community organizations. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Investigates how organizational structures are created, changed and sustained through communication. Considers ways assumptions about authority, participation or efficiency may be complicated through theoretical and analytical study. Encourages recognition of communication as both a tool and a site of influence, constraint and negotiation in organizational settings. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of communication systems and networks; analysis of organizational cultures and practices of socialization; consideration of power, leadership and decision-making; exploration of conflict, collaboration and change; examination of technology, identity and structure in organizational life; attention to communication challenges that emerge in diverse or multi-level organizations. Examples or case discussions may draw from corporate, governmental, nonprofit, academic and/or community contexts. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

COMM 321 Strategic Communication Case Studies

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines strategic communication through the study of how organizations plan, design and implement communication campaigns. Examines how communication strategies are developed to align stakeholder needs with organizational goals within public environments. Considers planning models, message design, effective tactics, channel selection, evaluation, budgeting and collaboration with community or client partners. Emphasizes analysis, problem-solving and adaptation of communication practices across professional, nonprofit and/or civic contexts. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Connects strategic communication to professional contexts, such as public relations, integrated marketing communication, nonprofit campaigns and initiatives, branding, media production and/or organizational communication. Develops skills and foundations relevant to situation, organization, and stakeholder analysis, campaign planning, message development, collaboration with stakeholders and applied research. Aligns with marketplace settings where communication is used to shape perception, coordinate action and address public needs or organizational challenges. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how strategic communication differs from general messaging, sales or promotion. Highlights the role of planning, research and ethics in shaping communication outcomes. Encourages reflection on how strategy must adjust to different audiences, purposes and constraints, rather than relying on a single model or platform. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include case analysis of campaigns; study of stakeholder identification, goals and messaging; application of communication research; media writing and visual communication; channel strategy; budgeting, collaboration with organizations; evaluation and adaptation of communication plans. Course projects or examples may involve nonprofit, corporate, governmental or community settings and may draw on diverse perspectives and public issues. 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. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines the strategic use of communication tactics in public and organizational contexts. Focuses on writing, planning and integrating traditional and digital media tools to support communication goals. Considers research, message and design development, media platforms and message evaluation. Examines how communication tactics are shaped by audiences, objectives, timing and professional standards. Includes analysis of how digital and legacy media operate in strategic communication campaigns across profit and nonprofit sectors. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Connects strategic communication to professional contexts, such as public relations, nonprofit campaigns, branding, integrated marketing communication, media production and organizational communication. Involves skills relevant to media writing, developing and designing content for campaigns, coordinating tactics across channels and adapting messages to audiences. Aligns with marketplace expectations in sectors that use communication to engage stakeholders, manage reputation or support organizational goals. Supports preparation for advanced study in communication, media strategy or related professional fields. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies that strategic communication involves planning, research and audience understanding; not just choosing platforms or sending messages. Highlights the relationship between communication tactics, planning, persuasion, credibility and ethics. Builds awareness of how media platforms influence message design and implementation, stakeholder response and public perception. Promotes critical thinking about communication choices and their consequences in real-world contexts. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include analysis of digital and traditional media tools; development of written and visual content; research for message planning; integration of communication tactics across platforms; evaluation of effectiveness; writing for news, Associated Press Style, features, public relations writing, social media and multimedia formats; audience targeting and message tailoring; portfolio-building; and collaboration with client, community or organizational partners. Content may incorporate diverse perspectives connected to stakeholder demographics, institutional needs and/or community contexts, as relevant to strategic communication work. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in COMM 323, junior or senior classification.

COMM 323 Strategic Communication

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines how strategic communication is used to shape policy, manage reputation and advance organizational goals across profit and nonprofit settings. Focuses on planning models, stakeholder analysis, campaign strategy and message design. Considers how communication tools are selected, adapted and evaluated in relation to audiences, goals and contexts. Examines ethical, legal and social dimensions of strategic practice. Includes study of branding, advocacy, media use and organizational communication across institutional, public and marketplace environments. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Applies to fields such as public relations, public affairs, advocacy, corporate communication, nonprofit outreach, integrated marketing communication, branding and campaign management. Involves practices relevant to stakeholder engagement, message planning and strategic messaging across platforms. Supports preparation for professional roles that require designing, coordinating or evaluating communication strategies, as well as for advanced study in communication and related fields. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how strategic communication differs from general messaging or publicity. Highlights the role of research, planning, persuasion, ethics and stakeholder analysis in shaping outcomes. Encourages consideration of how communication strategy interacts with stakeholder behavior, power, policy and public opinion across institutional contexts. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of campaign planning, stakeholder identification, strategic messaging, branding, media selection, ethics, policy communication and/or public influence. Course content may draw on political, corporate, governmental, community, health and/or nonprofit case contexts. Examples and applications may involve public issues, institutional challenges or policy debates as relevant to strategic communication practice. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

COMM 324 Communication Leadership and Conflict Management

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines leadership and conflict through a communication lens. Focuses on how people create shared understandings of what “counts” as leadership and how leaders manage tensions and conflicts as they seek to exert influence, coordinate collaborative efforts and mobilize collective action. Considers conflict as a communicative phenomenon in interpersonal, group, organizational and societal settings. Emphasizes how different meanings of leadership and conflict are constructed, contested and transformed through communication. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Connects to professional, organizational, civic and community contexts where leadership and conflict management are central to collaboration and decision-making. Relevant to careers involving teamwork, supervision, facilitation, advocacy, public affairs, consultation and organizational development. Addresses communication practices used to build credibility, respond to tension, coordinate diverse perspectives and guide collective problem solving. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how leadership is enacted through communication rather than position or personality. Highlights the inevitability of conflict in common leadership contexts and the range of communicative responses it can elicit. Encourages analysis of how power, relationships and context shape approaches to collaboration and disagreement. Differentiates between constructive and destructive communication patterns in navigating conflict. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of leadership theories as communication phenomena; analysis of dialogue, negotiation and mediation; examination of conflict in interpersonal, group, organizational and public settings; systemic and constructionist approaches to collaboration; use of symbols in leadership communication; management of difference in diverse teams and communities. Examples may address professional, civic, institutional and/or societal contexts in which leadership communication shapes outcomes and relationships. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

COMM 325 Persuasion

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Study of persuasive communication across interpersonal, group, organizational and public contexts. Examination of how messages influence beliefs, attitudes and behavior through rhetorical, psychological and social processes. Focus on audience analysis, source credibility, language, nonverbal influence, motivational appeals, ethics and theories of attitude change. Includes engagement with real-world persuasive contexts that may involve topics and examples that are politically, culturally and/or socially contested, examined for the purpose of understanding how persuasive communication operates. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Applicable to communication work in media, health, politics, marketing, advocacy, leadership and organizational contexts. Informs message design, audience adaptation and analysis of influence strategies across professional and public settings. Relevant to professional fields that require reasoning, strategic communication and interpretation of persuasive efforts in civic, commercial or interpersonal life. Builds awareness of how persuasion operates in campaigns, advertising, negotiations and/or community outreach. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how persuasion involves more than argument or performance, incorporating credibility, motivation, perception, emotion and context. Distinguishes between influence, coercion, propaganda and ethical advocacy. Highlights how attitudes and judgments are shaped by message design, social norms, personal experience and situational factors. Encourages reflection on how persuasive communication functions within everyday decision-making and public discourse. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include analysis of persuasive theories; study of attitudes and attitude change; credibility and message design; emotional and motivational appeals; ethical considerations in persuasion; influence in interpersonal, group and mediated settings; language, nonverbal strategies and message framing; resistance, compliance, refutation and evaluation of persuasive claims. Course examples may involve public health messaging, political communication, advertising, advocacy campaigns and/or other areas where the use of persuasive strategies is debated or contested. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

COMM 326 Event and Communication Planning

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores how integrated communication supports the planning and execution of events in professional, organizational and community contexts. Focus on coordination of information, people, logistics, budgets and messaging across settings such as conferences, corporate functions, nonprofit initiatives, celebrations and outreach programs. Attention to theory-informed planning (praxis), interpersonal and organizational communication processes and the role of events in shaping stakeholder relationships and public engagement. Considers how context, culture, goals, audience expectations and needs influence communication choices in event design and management. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Applies to fields involving strategic communication, public relations, marketing, corporate communication, nonprofit outreach, hospitality, fundraising and community engagement. Informs work that involves planning, promoting and coordinating events for internal or public audiences. Relevant to careers requiring collaboration across departments, client relations, sponsorship development, logistics management and message design. Supports preparation for roles in which communication strategy, leadership, coordination and audience experience are central to outcomes. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how event planning relies on communication as both organizational practice and strategic action. Clarifies how decisions about language, symbolism, audience and presentation shape perception, participation and impact. Encourages recognition of how events reflect cultural norms, organizational identity and stakeholder expectations. Emphasizes the connection between communication theory and decision making in real-world planning environments. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of integrated communication strategy in event design; analysis of interpersonal, group and organizational coordination; consideration of budgeting, logistics, promotion and stakeholder engagement; exploration of leadership, negotiation and problem solving in planned events; application of theory-informed planning models; examination of crisis planning, evaluation and ethical or legal considerations. Content may incorporate diverse contexts and audiences, reflecting variations in purpose, culture and/or community needs. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification, or approval of instructor.

COMM 330 Technology and Human Communication

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Nontechnical study of how communication technologies shape interpersonal, group and public communication. Surveys the development and uses of media and digital platforms, including how technological change influences interaction, access and social practices. Examines the relationship between communication technologies, culture, industry and everyday life. Engagement with real-world issues and diverse perspectives may occur when examining how communication technologies intersect with politics, culture, ethics and/or lived experience. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Applies to fields involving digital communication, media industries, advertising and public relations, advocacy, public affairs, journalism, organizational communication and technology-focused professions. Informs understanding of how communication practices adapt to emerging tools and platforms in professional, civic and community contexts. Connects to work involving media production, analysis, information sharing, digital literacy, media law and public communication across changing technological environments. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how communication is shaped not only by speakers and audiences but also by technological systems, infrastructures and access. Clarifies differences between viewing technology as a neutral tool and as a force that influences culture, power, participation and/or identity. Encourages reflection on how media shape perception, connection, persuasion and public dialogue in ways that are not always readily visible. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of communication technologies and their history; influence of technology on interpersonal, group and public communication; media industries and convergence; digital platforms and social change; argumentation and persuasion in technological debates; access, ethics and policy; cultural and societal effects of emerging media; considerations of how new and traditional media intersect in shaping information, identity and participation in contemporary society. Content may address contested or controversial issues related to technological innovation, communication practices and/or public discourse. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in COMM 230/JOUR 230.

COMM 335 Intercultural Communication

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores the study of communication across cultural contexts, examining how meaning, identity and relationship-building are influenced by cultural norms, values and/or assumptions. Focuses on verbal and nonverbal interaction styles, language practices, adaptation and culture shock, and the role of history, power and context in shaping interpretation. Course content may draw on examples from everyday life, media, organizational settings and global encounters. Course material and discussion may reference unfamiliar or sensitive cultural perspectives for purposes of comparison and analysis. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds practical awareness for communicating in workplaces, teams, service settings and digital environments where differences in expectations or expression may affect collaboration. Supports careers involving client communication, international coordination, education, public service or leadership by strengthening skills in perception-checking, listening and navigating ambiguity. Provides foundations for academic study in communication, cultural studies and global affairs, while supporting civic readiness and ethical intercultural engagement. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Builds recognition of how cultural background shapes assumptions. Considers how interpretations can be influenced by habit rather than intent and how misunderstandings may result from differing expectations rather than disagreement. Considers perspectives on “culture” that extend beyond nationality to include age, profession, region, gender, religion or other social frameworks that shape interaction and interpretation. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of cultural values and worldviews; verbal and nonverbal communication styles; identity negotiation and stereotyping; intercultural relationships and conflict; migration, tourism or globalization as sites of communication; media and popular culture as representations of cultural difference. Course material may include depictions of unfamiliar cultural practices or contested norms, examined to understand how communication patterns emerge across cultural differences. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification; also taught at Qatar campus.

COMM 340 Communication and Popular Culture

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores the study of popular culture as a site of communication and meaning-making. Examines how media forms such as television, film, music, sports, fashion, games and digital platforms shape and reflect social values, identities, ideologies and/or collective experience. Surveys critical and rhetorical approaches used to analyze cultural texts, social practices, conceptual maps and media industries. Attention to how popular culture communicates meaning in everyday life and contested topics surrounding such concerns as gender, sexuality, race, class and technology. Engagement with real-world issues and diverse perspectives may arise through topics connected to politics, culture, ethics and/or lived experience. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Applies to careers in media, communication, journalism, entertainment and content creation. Develops skills in critical interpretation, message analysis, meaning-making, media literacy and understanding impact on audiences, communities and publics. Informs work in marketing, storytelling, strategic communication and public culture. Supports engagement with cultural discourse in civic, professional and institutional settings. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how popular culture operates as ideology, expressive activities and a form of social communication. Clarifies how everyday media production, representation and consumption relate to questions of influence, identity, community and belonging. Encourages examination of familiar cultural texts with greater attention to context, meaning and interpretation. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of cultural theory and media criticism; analysis of television, music, film, sports, fashion, games and/or digital culture; exploration of representation and identity in media; consideration of politics, fandom, celebrity, persuasion, technology and leisure; examination of how popular culture shapes and responds to public discourse. Course material may include content ranging from light entertainment to content involving violence, gender, race, sexuality, religion or contested social issues as relevant to understanding communication and popular culture. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor; also taught at Qatar campus.

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. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores key concepts and theories for understanding how communication both reflects and shapes diversity in today’s world. Students study the mutual constitution of culture and communication, or the idea that communication practices both shape culture and are shaped by it. Examines one or more dimensions of identity, including gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, social class, ability, nationality and religion, and how these dimensions affect communication across personal, organizational, public and/or other contexts. Includes practice in analyzing communication through critical and cultural perspectives. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Equips students with tools to navigate communication in diverse personal, professional and civic settings. Concepts and perspectives studied here apply directly to working in multicultural teams, exercising inclusive leadership and adapting to varied audiences in workplace and public contexts. Beyond career preparation, the course fosters critical awareness of how communication practices shape social realities, offering frameworks for lifelong learning, responsible citizenship and public/community engagement. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how terms such as culture, identity and diversity are defined within communication research and scholarly traditions, which may differ from everyday usage. Demonstrates how these concepts shape interaction, expectations and interpretation, revealing contexts in which cultural difference functions as a central dimension of communicative practice. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include exploration of how communication reflects and shapes cultural difference; study of identity across dimensions such as gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, social class, ability, nationality and/or religion; analysis of how communication practices can reinforce or challenge inequity; consideration of communication across interpersonal, organizational and/or public contexts; introduction to critical and cultural perspectives on communication and diversity. Course may include content that is controversial or contested, as relevant to examining the ways differences in belief, perspective and lived experience shape communication practices. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

COMM 345 Media Industries

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores the structures, economics and regulation of media industries across sectors such as film, television, music, publishing, video games, streaming and/or digital platforms. Examines how content is produced, financed, distributed and governed within commercial, public and hybrid systems. Considers trends in media ownership, labor practices, media convergence, globalization, audience markets and/or media policy. Attention to the roles of technology, culture and/or law in shaping how media industries operate. Course material may engage with real-world issues involving politics, regulation, representation and/or controversy, as relevant to understanding industry practices. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Applies to careers in media production, media law and policy, journalism, strategic communication, entertainment management, marketing, publishing and digital platforms. Informs understanding of how media businesses make decisions, respond to regulatory pressures and adapt to changing technologies and audiences. Supports advanced study in media studies, communication, business, law and policy. Useful for those navigating or analyzing industries shaped by ownership structures, market forces and cultural influence. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how media industries function beyond consumption and cultural familiarity. Highlights the interplay of economic interests, creative labor, technology and public policy. Encourages recognition of the power dynamics and institutional processes that shape media access, visibility and innovation. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include analysis of media ownership and consolidation; production, distribution and exhibition systems; financing models and supply-chain relations; regulation and public policy; labor and creative work; technology and convergence; niche and mass markets; globalization and cultural circulation; media ethics and advocacy. Examples may draw on current and historical cases across major and emerging sectors. 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. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores how media and technology represent, reinforce and challenge ideas about identity, power and social differences. Examines theories of communication and culture to understand how media shape and are shaped by beliefs about race, gender, class, sexuality, ability, nationality and/or religion. Considers how communication practices construct and contest meanings of belonging, visibility and participation. Engagement with real-world issues and diverse perspectives may involve topics that are culturally, politically and/or socially sensitive, discussed for the purpose of academic analysis and critical understanding. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Provides foundations for future professionals in journalism, digital media, strategic communication, public advocacy and related fields to anticipate audience response, avoid misrepresentation and build public trust. Builds transferable skills in media literacy, cultural analysis and ethical communication across professional and civic settings. Supports excellence in leadership and teamwork in diverse workplaces by considering how identity and difference influence communication dynamics. Supports advanced study in media studies, communication, cultural studies and related areas concerned with diversity and representation. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how cultural identities and media forms are interdependent, showing how meaning, power and visibility are negotiated through communication. Encourages reflection on the social roles of media institutions, creators and audiences in shaping public discourse and cultural imagination. Highlights the importance of dialogue, critical awareness and informed engagement in multicultural and mediated environments. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include representation and ideology in film, television, music and digital platforms; intersectionality and social identity; media and power; race, gender and sexuality in cultural production; class, globalization and inequality; disability and visibility; fandom, subcultures and participatory media; and contemporary debates around bias, equity and inclusion. Course material may include media content addressing real-world controversies or differing viewpoints, as relevant to understanding media, culture and identity. 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. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores theoretical approaches to understanding how media shapes and is shaped by communication, perception, multiple axes of social identity and/or social behavior. Surveys models of media processes and effects, including cognitive, behavioral and sociocultural perspectives. Examines how media theory explains influence, interpretation and interaction across traditional and digital platforms. Emphasizes how theories function within social-scientific research and guide analysis of mediated experience. Discussion may include contemporary issues and/or case studies involving controversial or sensitive topics, addressed for purposes of theoretical and empirical understanding. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Applies to careers in media research, strategic communication, journalism, digital analytics and audience engagement. Builds knowledge of how theoretical frameworks support evidence-based reasoning, message design and interpretation, and media strategy. Contributes to professional and academic preparation in fields that rely on understanding media processes, including marketing, public relations, public policy, journalism and communication science. Supports civic literacy by exploring how mediated communication might influence opinion, participation and information exchange. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how media theory connects abstract ideas with empirical study, distinguishing theoretical explanation from personal impression or political interpretation. Highlights how systematic approaches reveal the mechanisms and conditions under which media affect individuals and society. Encourages appreciation of theory as a tool for interpreting complexity, rather than prescribing belief or ideology. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of major traditions and frameworks explaining how media shape perception, thought, multiple axes of social identity and social experience; examination of theories of media effects, audience behavior and communication influence; exploration of how theory functions in research, guiding explanation, prediction and interpretation across print, broadcast, digital and networked media. Course material may address real-world examples and controversies involving technology, news, politics or entertainment, as relevant to understanding how communication theories explain mediated processes and effects. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

COMM 354 Money, Power and Communication

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines the intersections of communication, economics and power in a global context. Focuses on how media systems, industries and platforms are shaped by political and economic forces and how communication practices in turn influence markets, policies and/or governance. Considers both historical foundations and contemporary debates, including regulation, globalization and/or digital capitalism. Attention to how communication systems distribute resources, opportunities and influence across societies. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Develops critical tools for analyzing media institutions, technologies and policies. Builds competence in understanding how communication systems affect civic life, professional practice and global relations. Strengthens media literacy and prepares students for roles in journalism, policymaking and organizations where knowledge of communication structures and their consequences is essential. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how communication systems are not neutral but embedded in structures of power, economics and culture. Highlights competing perspectives about surveillance, democracy, inequality and/or globalization. Highlights how theories and practices of communication differ across regions and traditions, fostering a more nuanced view of the global information society. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of media industries and markets; regulation, law and policy; globalization of communication systems; political and economic theories of media; surveillance and data economies; digital platforms and technology governance; communication and inequality; comparative perspectives from the Global North and Global South; debates over freedom, accountability and reform. Course discussion may involve contemporary cases and controversial issues, addressed for purposes of analysis and critique within an environment of respectful dialogue. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

COMM 360 Cultural History of the Media

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores the origins and development of media systems across historical eras, from early symbolic communication to contemporary digital networks to technological platforms. Examines how media technologies, institutions and practices have shaped — and have been shaped by — political power, cultural values, social movements and/or economic forces. Considers media not only as tools of expression but as infrastructures that organize public life, regulate access to information and influence how communities govern, remember and relate. Engagement with real-world historical cases may include political conflict, cultural controversy, censorship, access and/or control, presented for purposes of scholarly analysis. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Supports careers and advanced study in media industries, journalism, archiving or educational work. Builds understanding of how media systems evolve, why regulatory structures matter and how technological change alters public discourse, democracy, everyday life and civic participation. Provides historical perspective useful for interpreting present-day debates on platform governance, free speech, misinformation and media consolidation. Strengthens civic literacy by tracing how media systems reflect and reshape democratic values, cultural identity and public power. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies that media history is not a linear story of innovation but an ongoing struggle over access, authority and meaning. Highlights how technologies such as printing, broadcasting, telephony and internet platforms have been shaped by policy decisions, economic interests, political desires and/or cultural anxieties and not just by invention and innovation. Encourages reflection on how present-day media assumptions differ from historical practices and how contemporary systems may one day be viewed as contested rather than inevitable. TOPICS AND THEMES. Study of media origins from oral and symbolic communication to print, telegraphy, broadcasting, film and digital networks; how media system relate to state power, commerce, religion, social movements and everyday life; impacts of infrastructure and regulation, censorship and press freedom, media monopolies and public access; and recurring questions such as: Who controls communication? How do new media displace or transform older systems? When does media empower or exclude? Course material may draw on historical examples involving political dissent, propaganda, moral regulation and cultural conflict to illustrate dynamics of media change. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

COMM 365/JOUR 365 International Communication

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores key concepts, theories and practices in international communication and global journalism. Examines comparative media systems by analyzing how media develops across different political, cultural and economic contexts. Considers how world news circulates: who produces it, how it travels and how it is interpreted by diverse audiences. Examines issues such as freedom of the press, political propaganda, international advertising, public diplomacy and/or the impact of digital technologies. Students engage with theoretical, pragmatic, political and/or ethical perspectives to analyze how power, culture and/or technology shape global information exchange. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Equips students with tools for working with global media across cultural differences. Builds skills in evaluating international news, identifying propaganda and disinformation and applying ethical standards across cultures. Prepares students for careers in journalism, public affairs and related fields requiring cross-cultural awareness and media literacy. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Develops understandings of press freedom, news values and global information flows, recognizing that media systems operate within distinct political, cultural and economic contexts; exploring how interconnected stories affecting different countries and regions have developed through globalization and social media. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include exploration of comparative media systems; study of world news flows and international reporting; press freedom, censorship and ethics; political propaganda, public diplomacy and soft power; international advertising and global news cultures; impact of digital technologies, social media and generative AI; challenges of disinformation and “fake news” in global communication. Course materials may include discussion of sensitive or controversial topics, presented from multiple perspectives to reflect the diversity of global media. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification; COMM-365 also taught at Qatar campus. Cross Listing: JOUR 365/COMM 365.

COMM 370 Health Communication

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores theories, research and practices of health communication across interpersonal, organizational, cultural and/or mediated contexts. Focuses on how communication shapes health beliefs, behaviors and outcomes in clinical, community and/or policy settings. Considers patient-provider interaction, communication in health care organizations, health campaigns, media representations of health and/or cultural perspectives on illness and well-being. Attention to the role of technology and social media in shaping health communication environments. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds competence in applying communication strategies to health-related issues across professional, civic and personal life. Strengthens skills relevant to health professions, study of advocacy, policy and media. Develops awareness of how communication influences health literacy, patient outcomes and public understanding of health. Prepares for advanced study for roles in organizations and industries where health communication is central. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how everyday views of health and illness differ from those developed through research and cultural analysis. Studies ways health communication involves not only the exchange of information but also negotiation of meaning, culture and/or power. Considers how communication practices influence perceptions of wellness, treatment and/or health equity. Course may involve engagement with sensitive topics such as illness, mortality, mental health, reproductive health and public health controversies. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of patient-provider communication, organizational communication in health care systems and communication in health policy and study of advocacy; exploration of health campaigns, media representations and the use of technology and social media in promoting health; consideration of social support, cultural perspectives on health and illness and the role of communication in shaping individual and collective health outcomes. Topics may also involve contested or sensitive issues, including health disparities, reproductive health, addiction, mental health and/or public health campaigns, examined for their communicative and cultural significance. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

COMM 375 Media Audiences

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores the study of media audiences across empirical and interpretive research traditions. Examines how audiences are measured, targeted, persuaded, entertained and/or mobilized in effects-based frameworks. Considers how audiences might interpret, resist or rework media. Explores audience engagement with such content as news, entertainment, political communication, health messaging and advertising. Addresses how age, identity, ideology and/or context shape audience reception and response. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Engages practices central to media strategy, public communication, digital analytics, outreach and message design. Builds understanding of how audiences are researched, segmented and addressed in journalism, advertising, public health, politics, entertainment and digital media industries. Supports academic preparation in media effects theory, reception theory and communication research. Enhances awareness of how audience behavior shapes public discourse. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Complicates everyday assumptions that audiences passively receive media or predictably react to it. Highlights how persuasion and interpretation emerge through interaction between media content, audience predispositions and/or social contexts. Emphasizes that the study of mass media audiences requires attention to both influence and agency, data, and context. TOPICS AND THEMES. Study of audience behavior across news, entertainment, advertising and/or digital platforms; examination of media effects models, interpretive reception theories and audience participation logics; analysis of how audiences attend, interpret, resist or repurpose media content; consideration of political messaging, health campaigns, consumer persuasion, fandom and/or public controversy as sites for audience analysis. Examples may include media involving politics, public health, identity or moral debate when relevant to understanding media audiences. Course material may reference real-world cases or contested media environments for the purpose of analysis. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

COMM 377 Entrepreneurship and New Media

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores how communication functions as a strategic resource in entrepreneurial environments shaped by digital media. Examines how ventures mobilize economic, social, cultural and/or symbolic capital through branding, networking, design and storytelling. Introduces foundational theories of free market entrepreneurship culture to analyze how new media can affect barriers to entry and existing inequalities. Considers entrepreneurship as a communicative process of positioning, persuasion, collaboration and identity-building. Course projects involve developing mock enterprises that utilize multiple aspects of digital marketing, such as social media, photography, videography and web design. Course material may include discussion of prominent entrepreneurs, companies, disruptive technologies, strategic foresight and/or contested business practices. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Enhances entrepreneurial insight with practical communication strategies, demonstrating how the same media practices apply in both startup initiatives and established organizational environments. Builds marketable competencies in branding, messaging, audience analysis, collaboration and digital production, which are relevant to careers in marketing, public communication, content development, nonprofit advocacy and independent media ventures. Supports academic preparation for advanced study in communication, media studies, business, design or innovation fields. Strengthens professional and career preparation by illuminating how digital platforms structure access, influence and/or participation in public discourse. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies entrepreneurial models and highlights the interplay between economic opportunity and cultural participation. Examines how entrepreneurial success relies on the interplay between social networks, design decisions and public perception as much as financial capital. Illuminates collaborative entrepreneurial possibilities and clarifies how digital visibility can democratize as well as reinforce hierarchy. Considers how entrepreneurial narratives, whether inspirational or cautionary, can reflect broader assumptions about risk, merit, innovation and/or matters of equality. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of branding and identity-building across digital platforms; analysis of audience engagement strategies, crowdfunding models and influencer economies; exploration of social capital, cultural capital and symbolic capital as resources in entrepreneurial communication; consideration of collaborative media production and co-creation practices. Course material may reference past real-world ventures, ranging from grassroots movements to commercial startups, including examples involving economic disparity, controversial branding and/or public media backlash. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in COMM 275/JOUR 275 or JOUR 275/COMM 275; junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

COMM 403 Media, Children and Adolescents

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines how media shape childhood and adolescence across cognitive, emotional, social and cultural dimensions. Draws on research traditions in media effects, developmental psychology and critical media studies to analyze how children engage with television, film, advertising, video games, social media and emerging technologies. Considers both risks and resources — such as learning, identity formation, persuasion, distraction, connection and disconnection. Attention to family dynamics, policy debates and institutional responses. Discussion may engage such topics as media violence, sexuality, representation, inequality or commercial influence when relevant to understanding communication and development. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Engages issues central to communication, education, media production, child advocacy, youth programming, health campaigns, public policy and family communication. Builds recognition of how media environments influence behavior, attention, empathy and identity across age groups. Supports professional work in media analysis, research, community outreach, strategic communication, digital content development, education and public service. Provides grounding for careers involving youth media literacy, audience engagement, content design or communication ethics. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Challenges assumptions that media effects are universally harmful or uniformly harmless. Introduces evidence-based models showing how age, context, representation and intent influence impact. Highlights how media function both as tools of persuasion and as spaces of expression, agency and resistance. Encourages reflection on how communication systems shape — not just entertain — young people. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of developmental responses to media; analysis of advertising, persuasion and branding directed at children and teens; exploration of media violence, fear, sexuality or body image as research areas; consideration of family media use and regulation; examination of identity, representation and inequality in youth media cultures; review of media literacy, educational design and policy approaches. Course material may include cases involving contested or sensitive topics when necessary for understanding communication effects and practices. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

COMM 407/WGST 407 Gender, Race and Media

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines how gender, race, sexuality, ethnicity and related identities are produced, represented, negotiated, contested, consumed and/or performed in relation to media. Explores contributions of historically marginalized groups to media production, alongside analysis of how these groups have been portrayed as characters, audiences, communities and/or target markets. Focuses on media as a site of competing commercial, cultural, political, satirical and/or resistance narratives, rather than as a single, unified voice. Emphasizes critical interpretation of media texts and systems, while allowing space for multiple viewpoints and interpretations. Course material may include historical and contemporary examples that reflect both progress and controversy, analyzed for their cultural and communicative significance. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Engages issues central to media literacy, political economy, representation and audience awareness in contemporary communication industries. Builds recognition of the ways portrayals of gender and race shape perception, credibility and/or trust in journalism, entertainment, advertising, representatives, community and public communication. Supports careers in communication, media industries, public relations, education, nonprofit work and leadership roles where navigating diverse audiences is essential. Supports informed decision-making in professional and civic contexts by highlighting how media representations influence identity, inclusion and public dialogue. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies that studying media portrayals of gender and race is not limited to celebration or criticism but involves examining how representation functions within broader cultural, social, economic, political and/or institutional systems. Illustrates how media are grounded in economies of production, representation and consumption across platforms, products and pipelines. Considers ways media might be empowering, stereotypical, commercial and/or transformative, depending on context, audience and community. Promotes awareness that interpretations of media content may differ across social, cultural and/or generational perspectives and that disagreement over meaning is part of scholarly analysis rather than a flaw in the material. Normalizes engagement with sensitive or contested topics as a means of understanding how media both reflect and shape public life. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of media across film, television, news, advertising, music and digital platforms through production, representation and consumption; analysis of gender, race, ethnicity and intersectional identities in historical and contemporary contexts; consideration of media production practices, audience reception and the economic and institutional forces shaping representation; examination of stereotypes, invisibility, empowerment narratives and commercialized identity; discussion of how media both reinforce and challenge social norms related to power, privilege and belonging. Course material may include content that reflects real-world disparities or conflicting viewpoints. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: WGST 407/COMM 407.

COMM 410 Radio, Records and Popular Music

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines popular music as a form of communication shaped by technology, industry structures and cultural context. Traces how radio broadcasting, recording formats and digital platforms influence music creation, distribution and listening practices. Considers music as both entertainment and public discourse, attending to how artists, audiences and institutions construct meaning through sound, performance and/or media presence. Engagement with music connected to politics, commerce, identity or ethics may occur for the purpose of understanding communication processes. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Strengthens the ability to recognize how audio is used in journalism, marketing and civic communication to guide emotion and interpretation. Supports preparation for careers in media industries, music journalism, broadcasting, content strategy, audience analysis and arts promotion. Enhances critical and professional awareness of how music circulates in commercial and public life, informing work in creative industries, cultural analysis and public communication. Provides academic grounding for advanced study in media, culture, communication or popular music studies. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies distinctions between personal taste and scholarly analysis of music as communication. Encourages recognition of how technological formats, business models and cultural narratives influence what becomes popular, forgotten and/or controversial. Highlights both celebratory and critical perspectives on musical innovation, nostalgia and/or appropriation. Offers historical and structural context to familiar sounds, revealing music as shaped as much by systems as by creativity. TOPICS AND THEMES. Study of radio broadcasting, record production and digital platform economies; analysis of genre formation and evolution; examination of music as storytelling, identity performance or political expression; exploration of fan cultures, nostalgia, authenticity and commercialization; consideration of how sound, image, celebrity and community intersect in shaping perception. Instructional approaches may emphasize historical development, media industries, genre evolution and/or identity and representation within musical cultures. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

COMM 411/WGST 411 Representations of Motherhood

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores the study of motherhood as a cultural, social and communicative construct rather than a singular biological or personal identity. Examines how ideas about motherhood are created, reinforced or challenged through literature, film, popular media, digital media, political rhetoric, public policy, advertising, news, medical institutions and/or everyday discourse across different time periods and cultural contexts. Considers both idealized and marginalized portrayals, attending to such matters as gender, race, class, sexuality, ability and nation. Course material may include historical texts, contemporary examples, commentary and/or fictional representations. Content may include portrayals that are celebratory, critical or controversial, examined for purposes of interpretation. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds critical literacy for analyzing how cultural expectations shape perceptions of family, caregiving and social roles. Promotes awareness of how media narratives, cultural practices and public discourse influence policies, workplace norms, interpersonal expectations and public debates surrounding parenting, labor and care work. Supports workforce preparation in fields such as media, healthcare, public health, social work, policy development, education and public communication where sensitivity to diverse family structures and practices is essential. Enhances academic readiness for further study in rhetoric, gender studies, media studies and/or cultural studies. Encourages reflection on how public narratives about motherhood have evolved over time, affect social inclusion, policy decisions and public life. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how ideas about motherhood vary across cultures, eras, socio-economic groups and/or ideological perspectives, challenging assumptions of universality. Encourages recognition of both biological and socially constructed dimensions of maternal identity. Clarifies the difference between personal belief and cultural representation, prompting reflection on how individuals internalize or resist public narratives about care, responsibility and motherhood and how it may modify behavior. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of motherhood in literature, film, television, music, news, advertising, music and digital media; historical shifts in maternal ideals; feminist and anti-feminist discourses; motherhood and labor; political uses of maternal identity; race, class and marginalized motherhoods; disability and motherhood; reproductive technology and infertility narratives; representation of motherhood in children's literature and films, childfree identities and resistance to maternal norms. Course material may involve emotional and sensitive content such as depictions of grief, trauma, marginalization or public controversy as relevant to understanding how motherhood is framed in culture. 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. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines how new media technologies shape civic participation, public discourse and/or social change across different political systems. Focus on communication practices in democratic, authoritarian and/or transitional societies. Considers how digital platforms enable organizing, surveillance, protest and/or community formation. Emphasizes theory-driven analysis of how online communication intersects with power, governance and collective life. Engagement with case studies from global and/or local contexts, including instances where media use is celebrated, contested or restricted. Course content and discussions may draw from different cultural or political contexts, including situations of disagreement or unrest, examined for purposes of understanding communication dynamics. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Emphasizes the role of digital communication in public affairs, advocacy, crisis response and institutional communication. Builds awareness of how media strategies function in political campaigns, nonprofit initiatives, international development and grassroots organizations. Supports professional work in public communication, policy analysis, journalism, technology sectors and civic engagement. Provides academic grounding for advanced study in media, politics, globalization or communication. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Complicates everyday assumptions about social media as inherently liberating or harmful. Encourages nuanced understanding of how digital tools can empower expression while reinforcing inequality or control. Highlights tensions between visibility and vulnerability, participation and manipulation. Models disagreement and controversy as part of understanding communication in public life rather than advocacy for a particular stance. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of civic participation and digital public spheres; analysis of social media activism, political protest and networked movements; examination of platform governance, censorship, surveillance and state messaging; consideration of misinformation, polarization, digital propaganda and extremist communication; exploration of online community-building, identity expression and digital inequalities; comparative perspectives across democratic, authoritarian and transitional societies. Course material may reference real-world cases involving political or cultural controversy, including but not limited to violence, hate speech or ideological conflict, for purposes of understanding how new media intersects with civic life, governance and social dynamics. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

COMM 420/WGST 420 Gender and Communication

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores the study of how gender shapes and is shaped by communication across interpersonal, organizational and public contexts. Examines how people express, interpret and negotiate gender in everyday interaction, media environments and/or institutional settings. Explores both stability and change in gendered expectations, roles and identities. Course content and discussions may touch on differing perspectives or points of disagreement for purposes of understanding communication dynamics surrounding gender. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Supports career pathways in media, public service, advocacy, education, law, nonprofit work and other community-facing professions by examining communication as grounded in diverse communities and lived experiences. Enhances preparation for careers involving interpersonal interaction, public communication, education, health, social work, policy development, human relations, consulting, advocacy or management. Builds recognition of how communication norms vary across individuals, cultures and contexts, which is an essential competency for workplace effectiveness, civic participation and collaborative problem-solving. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Explores how communication research addresses biological sex alongside cultural understandings of gender identity and gender roles and how each may influence interaction across different contexts. Highlights that everyday assumptions about gender and communication can vary across individuals, cultures and/or historical periods. Encourages examination of multiple scholarly perspectives on how gender-related patterns emerge, are perceived or are reinforced through communication, without prescribing a single interpretive lens. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of gendered language, voice and nonverbal expression; feminist and critical perspectives on communication and gender; communication across friendship, romantic, family and workplace relationships; leadership, authority and collaboration in professional settings; media portrayals of femininity, masculinity and gender diversity; intersections of gender with race, sexuality, class, nationality, religion and/or ability; communication surrounding health, body image, caregiving or identity disclosure; historical and cross-cultural perspectives on gender roles and expectations; analysis of humor, conflict, persuasion or storytelling through a gendered lens. Course material may reference real-world cases involving disagreement or controversy as relevant to understanding communication dynamics. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: WGST 420/COMM 420.

COMM 423/LMAS 423 Communicating Latinidad

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines how ideas about Latino identity and community, referred to collectively as Latinidad, are shaped through communication in public, institutional and/or interpersonal settings. Considers how people of Latin American heritage are represented in media, politics and everyday discourse, as well as how they speak, advocate and organize on their own terms. Addresses how language, history and cultural references are used to signal belonging, draw boundaries and/or negotiate differences. Course content and discussion may engage topics related to nationality, race, gender, migration and/or public controversy for purposes of analysis. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Supports career pathways in media, public service, advocacy, education, law, nonprofit work and other community-facing professions by examining communication processes grounded in communities and lived experiences. Develops competencies for workplace effectiveness, civic participation and collaborative problem-solving by building recognition of how communication norms can vary across individuals, cultures and contexts. Supports academic preparation in rhetoric, media studies, U.S. Latino studies and social research. Strengthens cultural insight critical for leadership and collaboration in multilingual or multicultural environments. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Expands recognition of Latinidad as varied rather than monolithic, shaped by history, region, generation, class, race and political context. Clarifies how categories such as “Hispanic,” “Latino/a” or “Latinx” emerge, shift and are debated over time. Highlights how communication both reflects and challenges social hierarchies, encouraging reflection on how voices are amplified, stereotyped or overlooked across public life. Frames identity as negotiated and relational, not assumed or imposed. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of Latino social movements and protest rhetoric; institutional and governmental discourse about immigration or citizenship; representations of Latinidad in news, entertainment or advertising; analysis of terminology and labeling practices; narratives of space, border, diaspora or belonging; exploration of gender, race, indigeneity, class, sexuality, religion and/or Afro-Latinx identity within Latina/o/x communication. Course material may reference politically or culturally sensitive topics when relevant to understanding communication processes, approached within an environment of scholarly inquiry and respectful dialogue. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: LMAS 423/COMM 423.

COMM 425/AFST 425 Communication and Black Freedom Dreams

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines how Black freedom has been expressed across art, speech, political action, media, visual cultures and writings designed to challenge injustice, build solidarity and imagine alternative futures. Considers both well-known and lesser-known figures, recognizing that activism operates through leaders, communities and collective voices. Course content may include material involving racial conflict, oppression and struggle in the United States and/or around the globe. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds recognition of communication as a tool for social response, institutional critique and public engagement. Provides perspective for professional fields that require cultural awareness, ethical judgment and responsiveness to diverse audiences, such as education, media, public service, community leadership, law and advocacy-related work. Supports academic preparation for advanced study in rhetoric, media, history, social movements or communication. Contributes to civic understanding by tracing how ideas become actions through communication practices. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how articulations of Black freedom have long served as catalysts for action, social change and public debate in the United States and across the globe. Positions their strategies, not only as expressions of a specific community, but as case studies in persuasion, resistance, leadership and/or collective voice that have shaped constitutional interpretation, civic participation and public opinion more broadly. Considers how struggles for justice by one group reveal broader questions shared across groups, such as rights, authority, belonging and national identity. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of abolitionist writings, protest speeches, spirituals and freedom songs; rhetorical strategies of civil rights, Black Power and/or contemporary justice movements; analysis of communication through sermons, manifestos, poetry, performance and/or media; exploration of visual and digital media as tools of resistance and community-building; consideration of leadership, collective action and messaging in local and/or global liberation struggles. Course material may reference conflict, repression or political controversy as relevant to understanding communication within movements for freedom and justice. Course content is selected to align with the course description and the current state of scholarship in the field. Instructors who teach this class may assign different readings and/or course topics that fit within the course description and meet the learning objectives. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: AFST 425/COMM 425.

COMM 428/WGST 428 Women’s Rhetoric

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines how women have participated in public discourse across history and how their voices have been received, represented and/or resisted. Focuses on women as rhetorical actors in political, social and cultural arenas, including abolition, suffrage, electoral politics and other historical and/or contemporary movements. Analyzes how gendered expectations shape access to voice, credibility and authority in public speech. Course content and discussion may include historical or contemporary materials involving disagreement, exclusion and controversy, examined for the purposes of rhetorical analysis. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Enhances workforce readiness in fields requiring strategic communication, public messaging or collaboration across differing perspectives and experiences. Engages communication practices central to leadership, advocacy, public influence and civic participation. Builds understanding of how rhetorical acts gain or lose effectiveness depending on context, audience and/or a rhetor’s positioning. Supports academic preparation in rhetoric, strategic communication, political communication, gender studies, history and related fields. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how historical accounts of public discourse often highlight certain voices while overlooking others and how all have shaped evolving understandings of equality and justice over time. Considers the study of women’s rhetoric not as an exclusive focus on one group, but as a broader inquiry into how authority and participation are negotiated in democratic life. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of speeches, letters, manifestos or media performances by women in abolition, suffrage, labor organizing, electoral politics or social movements; analysis of rhetorical strategies used to gain credibility, resist exclusion or speak from positions of marginalization or authority; consideration of concepts such as ethos, style, audience adaptation, feminist rhetoric and rhetorical citizenship; use of interpretive or critical frameworks to examine how gender, power and identity shape rhetorical strategy and reception across cultural contexts. Course material may incorporate differing political or ideological perspectives as relevant to understanding communication in context. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: WGST 428/COMM 428.

COMM 431 Rhetoric of Social Movements

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines how social movements communicate their goals, identities and demands through speech, writing, media and/or performance. Analyzes rhetorical strategies used to mobilize supporters, challenge and create institutions and/or shape public perception in democratic and non-democratic contexts. Highlights how meaning, legitimacy and resistance are constructed through communication across different eras. Course content and discussion may reference contentious or opposing viewpoints for the purpose of understanding persuasive practice across specific topics. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds workforce preparation for careers involving advocacy, public communication, journalism, policy, law, nonprofit work or civic leadership; building understanding of how strategic messaging, storytelling and symbolism operate in public life. Enhances ability to gauge public sentiment, assess persuasive appeals and navigate disagreement in professional and community environments. Provides academic grounding for advanced study in rhetoric, media, political communication or social change. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Reveals how definitions of “legitimate” protest or persuasion shift over time and across audiences. Considers why some tactics are celebrated while others are condemned and how public judgment is shaped by rhetoric, media coverage and institutional response. Considers social movements in terms of communication processes rather than moral binaries, revealing how communication strategies function across differing and at times opposing perspectives. TOPICS AND THEMES. Includes the study of how different groups across American history have advocated for or resisted changing the status quo. May include study of abolition, labor, suffrage, civil rights, feminist, Latina/o/x, Indigenous, environmental, gender justice, sexual rights, animal rights, student, anti-war, anti-racist, religious, conservative or populist social movements. Analysis of manifestos, speeches, protests, songs, visual rhetoric, digital campaigns or counter-movements. Exploration of strategies such as coalition-building, confrontation, satire, spectacle or moral appeal; consideration of state and media response to dissent, including repression, co-optation or commemoration. Course material may reference real-world cases involving social conflict or political controversy, examined analytically within an environment of respectful dialogue. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.

COMM 434 Topics in Rhetorical Theory

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores rhetorical theory as a tool for analyzing persuasion, discourse and symbolic action across varied contexts. Considers how different theoretical frameworks clarify how language, images or performance influence belief, identity and/or judgment. Emphasizes application of theory to real-world communicative problems rather than abstract debate alone. Topics vary by instructor and may center on specific genres, intellectual traditions and/or individual theorists. Course content may involve materials ranging from public speeches to digital memes or popular media, examined for interpretive purposes rather than endorsement. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Engages communication practices relevant to leadership, advocacy, media analysis and civic or organizational strategy. Builds capacity to interpret persuasive discourse, assess rhetorical intent and/or articulate the assumptions embedded in public messages. Supports academic preparation for advanced study in rhetoric, media studies or communication theory. Contributes to professional roles that require message evaluation, argument framing or cultural awareness. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Considers how rhetorical theory offers multiple lenses for interpreting the same message, highlighting ways meaning can be shaped by perspective rather than being fixed. Reveals how ethics, humor, philosophy, satire, activism and political discourse can operate as rhetorical strategies rather than solely as abstract ideas, entertainment or expressions of opinion. Allows engagement with unfamiliar or conflicting viewpoints as part of scholarly interpretation rather than persuasion. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of rhetorical problems such as nationalism, citizenship, identity or cultural critique; application of theories from classical, modern or contemporary traditions; examination of rhetoric as symbolic action in political, social, institutional or aesthetic contexts; exploration of discourse across spoken, written, visual or digital forms; analysis of how persuasion operates through appeals to truth, morality, identity, ritual or ideology. Specific course focus may vary by instructor, but all versions maintain emphasis on theory-driven inquiry. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

COMM 435/FILM 445 Rhetoric of Television and Film

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores television and film as persuasive and symbolic communication. Examines rhetorical approaches to screen media, examining how narrative, genre, style, performance and/or visual form shape cultural meaning. Emphasizes close reading and critical interpretation of selected films, series and/or audiovisual texts. Course material may include popular, historical and/or controversial media — both domestic and international — analyzed for purposes of understanding communication strategy and effect. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Develops analytical and writing skills applicable to careers in media criticism, strategic communication, entertainment, journalism, advertising and social media. Supports academic preparation for advanced study in rhetoric, media studies, cultural analysis or related fields. Enhances civic awareness by strengthening the ability to assess how visual media influence identity, public opinion and debate. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Considers how familiar entertainment texts function as arguments about identity, power, values or social norms. Reveals how meaning can emerge not only from content but also from framing, characterization and genre convention. Considers how television and film can provide evidence of changing cultural assumptions and act as resources for public imagination. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of genre and narrative structure; visual style and symbolism; representation of identity, morality or ideology; satire, parody and social commentary; industrial or historical context shaping production and reception; rhetorical frameworks drawn from classical, modern or contemporary theory. Course material may include programming or films involving violence, sexuality, religion and/or politically sensitive content, addressed for purposes of analysis within a respectful learning environment. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification. Cross Listing: FILM 445/COMM 435.

COMM 437 Visual Communication

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores the study of images as forms of communication across public, cultural and institutional contexts. Examines how visuals convey meaning, evoke emotion, construct identity and/or shape public perception. Considers photography, advertising, memorials, protest imagery, comics and/or other visual texts as rhetorical and symbolic acts. Course content and discussion may include real-world imagery that reflects social conflict, violence, inequality and/or sensitive subjects for purposes of analysis. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Engages visual literacy central to media work, journalism, advocacy, design and public communication. Builds recognition of how images influence opinion, memory and behavior across digital, institutional and interpersonal environments. Supports academic preparation for advanced study in media studies, rhetoric, journalism and cultural communication. Provides tools useful in professions requiring visual strategy, branding, storytelling or critical evaluation of mediated content. Contributes to civic awareness in a society where public debate increasingly occurs through images. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Considers ways visuals act not as neutral reflections of reality, but as constructed representations shaped by framing, selection and context. Highlights how different audiences interpret the same image differently, prompting reflection on perspective, bias and cultural positioning. Encourages recognition of how images communicate power, belonging and/or exclusion; sometimes subtly, sometimes provocatively. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of photography and public memory; advertising and consumer imagery; visual culture in politics, protest and activism; comics and graphic narrative; memorials and commemorative design; digital imagery, memes and viral circulation; depictions of identity, embodiment or community through visual media. May involve visual curation or creation of original materials. Course content may include powerful or controversial imagery, such as depictions of violence, tragedy, ideological symbolism or material some may consider profane or objectionable, examined for the purpose of informed and critical interpretation of visual communication. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

COMM 438 Propaganda

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines propaganda as a strategic form of communication used across political, commercial and social contexts. Surveys historical and contemporary approaches to influencing mass audiences through language, imagery, narrative and emotion. Analyzes how persuasive appeals operate in mass media, digital platforms, public relations, advertising and/or institutional messaging. Considers distinctions between information, persuasion and manipulation, with attention to credibility, transparency and ethics. Content may include real-world messages that involve political conflict, sensitive beliefs or provocative imagery, studied for purposes of critical evaluation. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds analytical tools relevant to media literacy, strategic communication, journalism, marketing, political communication and public affairs. Supports preparation for roles requiring evaluation of persuasive messaging, audience response or ethical communication practices. Enhances readiness for advanced academic study in rhetoric, media studies or communication theory. Develops civic awareness by examining how influence can operate in democratic and non-democratic environments. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Clarifies how propaganda differs from persuasion; critically engaging assumptions that it is always visible, extreme or partisan. Reveals how influence can work subtly through repetition, normalization and/or emotional framing. Considers how individuals evaluate messages, assign credibility and participate in communication systems, whether intentionally or unconsciously. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of propaganda techniques in politics, advertising, public relations and entertainment; analysis of historical and contemporary campaigns; exploration of visual, verbal and digital persuasion strategies; comparison of state, commercial and grassroots messaging; examination of credibility, emotion, repetition, symbolism and narrative in persuasive appeals. Course material may reference real-world examples involving political conflict, wartime messaging, extremist rhetoric or provocative imagery that is characteristic of contemporary propaganda and necessary for understanding its full range of expression in competitive and contentious public spheres. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

COMM 440 Political Communication

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Study of political communication as a central feature of democratic life. Examines how political messages are created and circulated across campaigns, institutions, movements, journalism and/or digital platforms. Focuses on how communication informs, persuades, mobilizes and/or divides public audiences, with attention to both effective strategy and ethical responsibility. Focuses on the role of political communication in shaping American political history. Course content may reference real-world political conflict, campaign rhetoric and controversial messaging strategies, examined for purposes of analysis. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds civic literacy by strengthening the ability to recognize persuasive tactics, evaluate competing claims and interpret political messaging across media. Supports professional preparation for careers in public service, journalism, legal advocacy, strategic communication and civic leadership. Supports the ability for informed participation in elections, policy discussions or public dialogue. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how political discourse is shaped not only by logic and evidence but also by strategic goals, narrative, emotion, symbolism and framing. Explores how disagreement can function productively when guided by shared norms of deliberation, debate and mutual recognition. Develops awareness of how communication practices can either escalate division or foster understanding across political perspectives. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of campaign speeches, debates, advertisements and digital outreach; analysis of press and government relations, political journalism and media framing; exploration of grassroots mobilization, social movements and advocacy; comparison of institutional messaging across branches of government. Course material may engage contemporary political controversies or sharply divided viewpoints, addressed for purposes of understanding how communication shapes public judgment and democratic engagement. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

COMM 443 Communication and Conflict

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Study of how communication practices shape the development, escalation and resolution of conflict across interpersonal, intergroup, organizational, family and/or public settings. Examines both theoretical frameworks and practical approaches to negotiation, mediation and/or facilitated dialogue. Course content may reference real-world disputes involving sensitive or emotionally charged situations, analyzed for communication insight. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds capacity for managing disagreement in personal, professional and civic environments. Strengthens competencies relevant to leadership, teamwork, client relations, human resources, counseling, public service and community engagement. Supports the ability to navigate high-stakes conversations, advocate constructively and participate effectively in decision-making processes. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Considers ways conflict is not always or necessarily destructive but also a potential site for clarification, innovation and relational growth. Explores how disagreement can surface unmet needs, reveal assumptions or prompt creative problem-solving when approached with strategic communication. Considers that managing conflict effectively requires awareness of both one’s own communicative choices and broader dynamics that shape interaction. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of interpersonal disputes; intergroup tensions and prejudices; workplace and organizational conflict; group decision-making dynamics; negotiation tactics and persuasive framing; mediation and third-party intervention; cultural and gender influences on conflict style; conflict in digital or mediated environments; reconciliation, apology and forgiveness. Case material may draw from personal, professional, civic or community contexts where disagreement plays a central role. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

COMM 446 Communication, Organizations and Society

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines how organizations communicate with — and are shaped by — the societies in which they operate. Considers communication as a means of building organizational identity, reputation and/or legitimacy among stakeholders such as employees, customers, communities, governments and advocacy groups. Addresses how organizational messaging is used to maintain trust, manage expectations and respond to public concerns or criticism. Course content and discussion may draw on real-world cases involving corporate responsibility, crisis communication, ethics or public controversy for purposes of analysis. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Develops workforce-relevant understanding of how organizations maintain credibility, manage public expectations and communicate across diverse stakeholders, including clients, employees, communities and regulators. Builds practical insight into how communication strategies influence trust, cooperation and decision-making in professional settings. Supports the ability to interpret, evaluate and respond to organizational messaging in ways that inform decision-making in both professional and civic settings. Supports academic advancement in communication studies, organizational leadership and related fields. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Considers how organizations can relate to broader publics rather than act as isolated entities. Explores how communication choices can shape public perception, accountability and long-term viability. Considers the role of transparency/honesty, responsibility, empathy and ethical reasoning in navigating public expectations and competing interests. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of organizational identity and image; stakeholder communication and engagement; reputation management; ethics and corporate responsibility; crisis response and public accountability; communication across internal and external audiences; globalization and cultural expectations; digital communication and public scrutiny. Course material may involve discussion of reputational disputes, social or environmental issues or critiques of corporate behavior, examined for purposes of understanding organizational communication processes. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

COMM 447 Communication, Group Processes and Collaboration

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Study of communication processes that enable or hinder collaboration in dyads, teams and group settings. Considers on how dialogue, facilitation, leadership and group dynamics shape collective decision-making and problem-solving. Course activities may include applied or project-based facilitation scenarios where communication strategies are tested in practice. Course content and discussions may address issues of disagreement or public concern for purposes of understanding communication dynamics. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds workforce-ready skills in teamwork, listening, meeting facilitation, conflict navigation and collaborative problem-solving; competencies relevant in organizational, nonprofit, community and civic environments. Supports academic preparation for advanced study in organizational communication, leadership or deliberative democracy. Reinforces civic readiness by modeling constructive engagement across differing viewpoints and interests. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Considers how group collaboration is not merely a matter of goodwill but a communicative process that can involve power, emotion, structure and shared responsibility. Explores ways that conflict and disagreement, when managed effectively, can generate innovation, trust and shared ownership rather than division. Considers leadership as a distributed and communicative practice rather than a top-down role. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of collaboration and facilitation methods; dialogue and deliberation frameworks; leadership and followership in groups; conflict management and negotiation; roles, norms and group climate; ethics of neutrality and mediator responsibility; decision-making models; communication in diverse or high-stakes teams; online versus face-to-face collaboration. Course material may draw on real-world cases or simulations involving disagreement or public issues, analyzed for communicative strategy. Prerequisites: COMM 210; junior or senior classification.

COMM 450 Media Campaigns

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Study of the principles and processes behind designing media campaigns across domains such as health, politics, human rights, advertising and/or the environment. Considers theory-driven planning, persuasive strategy, message execution and evaluation in mass and digital media contexts. Includes critical analysis of real-world campaign cases past and present alongside applied exercises in campaign design. Course content may feature campaign messages involving sensitive or controversial topics, examined to understand communication strategy. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds professional competencies relevant to advertising, strategic communication, public relations, health promotion, political advocacy and nonprofit outreach. Develops skills in message targeting, audience analysis, media planning and persuasive evaluation necessary for roles involving campaign development or consultancy. Supports preparation for advanced coursework in communication strategy and reinforces civic literacy by enhancing the ability to interpret and assess persuasive messaging encountered in public life. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Considers how effective campaign messaging requires more than creativity, demanding ethical reasoning, audience insight, emotional appeal and theoretical grounding. Expands understanding of how persuasive appeals can operate differently across issues and identities, encouraging reflection on both intended and unintended effects. Frames media campaigns not only as tools for influence but also as cultural artifacts that reveal public priorities, fears and beliefs. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of campaign theory and history; message design and persuasive appeals; audience segmentation and targeting; media channel strategy across television, radio, print and digital platforms; evaluation of campaign effectiveness; social marketing and public health initiatives; political and issue advocacy; environmental and safety campaigns; crisis communication and public service announcements. Examples may draw from domestic and international cases and include campaign content that is emotional, graphic and/or politically charged, used for promoting informed, critical analysis. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

COMM 452 Cultural Studies of Communication Technology

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores how communication technologies shape and are shaped by culture, power and everyday life. Examines theories of technological change, media history and/or digital culture, including how new and emerging technologies are often met with complex social dilemmas. Draws on historical and contemporary examples to show how technologies such as telegraphy, television, social media and surveillance platforms carry assumptions about progress, identity, work and/or control. Course content may include cases involving political conflict, privacy concerns or online controversy, examined for purposes of critical analysis. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Supports professional preparation in fields concerned with media policy, strategic communication, digital storytelling, user experience, ethics or advocacy. Strengthens civic literacy by analyzing how technological narratives influence public trust, participation and responsibility. Builds awareness of how institutions, governments and communities negotiate access, autonomy and accountability in digital environments. Clarifies how contemporary debates over technology shape journalism, marketing, policy development, design practice and workplace communication. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Reveals ways technology is not always neutral but can be embedded within cultural expectations, economic systems and political values. Differentiates between everyday assumptions about innovation and scholarly approaches that analyze who benefits, who is excluded and how technological systems reinforce or redistribute power. Informs reflection on how personal devices, platforms and infrastructures can shape interaction, memory, identity and/or agency. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of technological determinism and cultural shaping of technology; utopian and dystopian narratives in media; infrastructures of communication throughout history; surveillance, data tracking and privacy; identity formation in digital communities; automation, labor and human-machine relations; digital inequality and access; governance of communication technologies in democratic and non-democratic contexts. Course materials may include historical case studies or contemporary examples involving censorship, exploitation and/or graphic or profane content as relevant to understanding communication and technology. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

COMM 453 Communication and Video Games

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores video games as a field of communication study, examining their development as media industries, cultural practices and technological environments. Surveys scholarship on game studies history, video game production models, audience experiences and/or game design strategies. Investigates how gameplay involves storytelling, emotion, identity and interaction across different genres and mediums. Course material may include video games or related media that contain violence, mature content or controversial themes, examined for purposes of critical analysis and informed perspectives. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Engages skills applicable to media strategy, entertainment industries, marketing, game design, journalism and audience analysis. Builds familiarity with economic models, platform ecosystems and/or emerging markets surrounding digital entertainment. Supports academic preparation in communication, media studies, cultural studies and technology research. Enhances civic and cultural awareness by examining how interactive media shape norms, values and public debate. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Considers how video games function not only as entertainment but also as sites of persuasion, identity performance, experimentation and cultural meaning. Examines distinctions between technological innovation and social consequences. Informs reflection on assumptions about players, genres, violence and/or interactivity by contrasting public debates with empirical and critical research. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of game history and platform evolution; analysis of development pipelines, publishing models and global industry structures; exploration of narrative design and emotional engagement; consideration of online communities, fandoms and participatory cultures; examination of regulation, monetization, labor, access and ethics. Course material may draw from games or case studies involving conflict, gender representation or political controversy as relevant to communication analysis. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

COMM 458/JOUR 458 Global Media

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines how globalization and media are intertwined across national, transnational and diasporic circuits. Explores frameworks for understanding globalization through media ownership, migration, representation, content flow, technology, everyday life and/or political influence. Considers how news, entertainment, advertising and/or digital platforms travel across regions and are reshaped by local and transnational values, communities and regulations. Highlights both integration and inequality in global media landscapes. Course content may reference political or cultural controversies, including propaganda, censorship, immigration or conflict reporting, for purposes of critical analysis. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Builds awareness of how media industries function in global markets, supporting preparation for careers in journalism, strategic communication, public affairs, media production, policy analysis and international business. Supports adaptability within multicultural and internationally connected workplaces. Develops abilities to assess media influence across national and cultural boundaries, relevant skills in organizations operating in global or multicultural environments. Strengthens academic grounding for advanced study in communication, media studies, international relations or cultural analysis. Supports civic literacy by clarifying how global media shape public opinion, diplomacy and perception between nations. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Reveals that media are not neutral carriers of information but products of political, economic, ideological and cultural systems. Highlights how similar content can carry different meanings depending on context, history, ideology and/or regulation. Encourages reflection on how local and/or personal media environments are shaped by assumptions and practices that may differ substantially across national and cultural boundaries, fostering greater awareness of perspective and context. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of transnational media ownership and conglomerates; global circulation of news, entertainment and advertising; audiences and consumers; comparative media systems in democratic, authoritarian and transitional societies; localization and cultural adaptation; media policy, censorship and regulatory control; streaming platforms, social media and telecommunications infrastructure; migration, diaspora, citizenship and identity across borders. Course material may reference real-world cases involving political or cultural controversy, such as extremism, disinformation or state propaganda, for purposes of analysis and critique within an environment of respectful dialogue. 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. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores the study of how communication practices construct, contest, circulate and/or suppress contemporary issues. Focus may draw on rhetorical, critical, interpretive and/or empirical approaches to message design, media representation, public discourse and/or everyday interaction. Emphasizes analytical reading and case analysis grounded in scholarship. Course focus varies by instructor and term. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Uses the study of individual contemporary issues as a laboratory for understanding how communication shapes public problems across domains. Builds recognition of how messages influence perception, policy and action in government, health, technology, culture and/or everyday life. Develops skills relevant to professional roles involving analysis, advocacy, media interpretation, strategic messaging or organizational decision-making. Strengthens academic preparation by deepening proficiency in applying theory to real-world cases. Supports civic readiness by refining the ability to interpret competing claims, identify persuasive strategies and critically engage issues with clarity. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of how communication shapes issues related to health, environment, technology, labor, education, identity or public policy. May examine political rhetoric, media representation, scientific controversy, organizational messaging, global and transnational issues, colonialism and decoloniality and/or grassroots advocacy. Cases may draw from news, social media, institutional reports, cultural texts and/or lived experiences. Course material may include perspectives that conflict or critique one another, addressed for the purpose of understanding how issues are framed, debated and acted upon. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.

COMM 470 Communication in Health Care Contexts

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines how communication functions across health care settings, including interpersonal interactions, organizational systems and/or public messaging. Explores approaches to patient-provider dialogue, teamwork and/or institutional communication, alongside principles used in health campaigns and information dissemination. Addresses how communication practices influence access, understanding, decision-making and/or coordination. Course material may involve discussion of sensitive health topics, addressed for purposes of critical analysis. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Engages communication practices applicable to professional effectiveness in clinical, nonprofit, corporate and public-facing health roles. Develops analytical tools for evaluating message strategies, assessing interactional dynamics and interpreting communication within institutional structures. Supports preparation for advanced study in fields related to health, communication or organizational practice, as well as for participation in public discourse surrounding health issues. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Considers how communication in health care involves more than information delivery, incorporating factors such as context, perception, institutional procedures and interpersonal dynamics. Informs understanding of how misunderstandings emerge and ways different approaches to communication may facilitate or impede clarity, coordination and trust. Considers communication as a process with measurable effects. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of physician-patient interaction; health literacy and information accessibility; teamwork and coordination in clinical settings; communication breakdowns and system-level challenges; message design and campaign strategy; risk communication; digital health platforms and telemedicine; confidentiality, regulation and public messaging. Course material may reference real-world health controversies or policy debates as useful for understanding communication processes. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.

COMM 471 Media, Health and Medicine

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines how health, illness and medical practice are represented across media environments, including news, social media, entertainment, advertising and/or public information campaigns. Analyzes how messages about bodies, risk, care, expertise and/or responsibility are constructed and circulated. Considers how media shape public expectations of patients, professionals and/or institutions. Course content may include real-world examples involving sensitive topics such as illness, disability, gender, sexuality, social class and/or race, examined for purposes of critical analysis. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Applies to workforce settings in which effective communication about health is essential, including healthcare industries, public relations, nonprofit outreach, journalism and strategic communication. Supports academic preparation for advanced study in health communication, media studies and public health or policy. Strengthens civic media literacy by examining how health information and misinformation spread through media systems, institutional messaging and cultural narratives. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Considers how portrayals of health are shaped not only by medical knowledge but also by narrative conventions, commercial pressures and/or cultural assumptions. Builds understanding of how media depictions of illness, caregiving and wellness can inform, inspire, mislead and/or stigmatize, depending on framing. Facilitates comparison between professional expertise and popular narratives to better understand how public perceptions of health are formed and challenged. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include analysis of medical dramas and documentaries; news coverage of disease outbreaks or medical innovation; health marketing and pharmaceutical advertising; public health campaigns and crisis communication; social media communities around wellness, disability or chronic illness; narratives of caregiving and recovery; depictions of healthcare providers and institutions. May include feminist and/or critical approaches to the intersections of health with topics like gender, race and sexuality. Course material may reference real-world historical and contemporary health controversies when useful for understanding communication processes. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

COMM 476 Advanced Social Media

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines the strategic use of social media in professional, organizational and/or public communication contexts. Analyzes how platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and/or X structure their visibility, engagement and audience expectations. Explores how organizations and individuals craft identity, manage interaction and respond to feedback across different platform cultures. Includes both critical evaluation of existing accounts and hands-on creation of posts, visuals and/or campaigns for specific purposes. Course material may reference real-world social media campaigns related to political, cultural and/or commercial controversy, examined for purposes of communication analysis. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Applies directly to careers in public relations, branding, journalism, advocacy, content strategy and digital marketing. Builds fluency in platform conventions, analytics, message design and audience targeting; skills applicable in both corporate and nonprofit communication roles. Supports academic growth in media analysis and prepares students for civic participation in increasingly networked communication environments. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Considers how social media operates not only as a tool for promotion but as a space of negotiation between creators, institutions and publics. Highlights differences between personal posting, strategic messaging and algorithmic influence. Informs reflection on the challenges of authenticity, persuasion and accountability when communication is continuous, participatory and highly public. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include analysis of platform affordances and algorithmic logics; branding and identity construction; audience engagement strategies; visual and multimedia storytelling; analytics and performance metrics; influencer models and creator economies; platform policy, moderation and crisis response. Course examples may draw from corporate, political, entertainment, activist and/or nonprofit accounts. Content creation components may involve drafting posts, graphics, videos and/or campaign plans in response to simulated or real-world communication goals. Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in COMM 275/JOUR 275 or JOUR 275/COMM 275; junior or senior classification.

COMM 480/RELS 480 Religious Communication

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines the role of religious communication in shaping public life through speeches, sermons, debates, campaigns and/or social movements. Considers how religious language, symbols and/or narratives influence cultural identity, moral reasoning and/or collective action. Surveys diverse approaches to studying religious communication, from historical traditions to contemporary debates, highlighting how meaning is constructed, contested and transformed in religious discourse. Considers interpretations of religious communication from multiple perspectives, fostering critical thinking. Explores a diverse range of scholarly frameworks, theories and methods employed in the academic study of religion and religious communication. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Strengthens transferable skills in critical thinking, interpretation and evaluation of persuasive messages in contexts ranging from personal dialogue to civic engagement. Enhances adaptability across diverse religious and cultural frameworks. Supports academic preparation for analyzing communication at the intersection of religion, culture and public life. Engages skills applicable to leadership, education, public study of advocacy and professional fields, when understanding religious perspectives and their influence is relevant. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Considers how religious communication functions not only as a vehicle of belief but also as a force shaping history, politics and/or social change. Provides reflection on ways speeches, symbols and/or campaigns can both unite and divide, reinforcing traditions or sparking transformation. Provides frameworks for critical analysis of religious discourse from first-person and third-person perspectives. Highlights the interpretive challenges posed by pluralism, competing meanings and differing assumptions about authority, sacredness and public expression. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of religious speeches and sermons; debates over doctrine and belief; campaigns and movements shaped by religious rhetoric; analysis of religious symbolism and storytelling; exploration of the role of communication in sustaining or challenging religious traditions. Course materials may address diverse and sometimes controversial perspectives, reflecting the ways religious communication has influenced cultural identity, social conflict and civic life across 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.