The Core

COM 101 Introduction to Mass Media
This course is an introduction to the mass media and their impact on society. Study of the media will include an investigation of newspapers, magazines, radio, television, film, and emerging technologies. The course will trace the historical, technological, and social developments of the media. Particular emphasis will be placed on the influence of the media on content as well as the internal and external efforts at regulation.

COM 102 Interpersonal and Group Communication
This course is designed to create an awareness of the role of communication in our interpersonal and group interactions. Students will be introduced to basic concepts and theories associated with interpersonal communication, and how those concepts and theories might apply in everyday communication practices. The concepts discussed in this class can empower you to better understand who you are, develop more meaningful personal and professional relationships, manage conflicts more effectively, and communicate effectively with individuals from other cultural groups.

COM 150 Public Speaking
The course provides practical experience preparing, delivering, and evaluating oral presentations. Students are challenged to think critically and speak effectively about a variety of topics. The presentations require research, organization, and preparation. The formal assignments consist of informative, persuasive, special occasion, and group speeches. Students participate in the class as both presenter and evaluator. In addition, students participate in impromptu speaking exercises, critique videotaped speeches, and write speech analysis papers.

COM 205 Communication Theory and Research
This course introduces students to interpersonal communication, mass communication, and persuasion theories. The nature of—and differences between—social scientific and humanistic theories will be discussed. A focus will be the research methods used to develop and/or test communication theories. The course is geared towards sophomore students with limited exposure to communication coursework.

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