Graduate Courses

COMM

Graduate Courses

COMM 5010: Introduction to Graduate Studies: The Communication Discipline and Theories

A seminar in the theory and practice of advertising as an art and science. Students will participate in cases and campaigns providing a dynamic approach to the field.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 5050: Public Relations and Social Media

Focus is on social media use in public relations. Students will learn how social media are transforming public relations and mass communications; about the strategic use of certain tools; the importance of authenticity and transparency in practicing public relations online; and how to measure online efforts.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 5100: Advanced Public Speaking

Advanced exploration of the theory, preparation, delivery and evaluation of public speeches. Prer., COMM 2100 or equivalent. Meets with COMM 4100.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 5150: Communication for the Classroom Teacher

This course is intended to be both theoretical and practical in nature and will provide teachers and prospective teachers with strategies for using appropriate communication in the classroom. It will include methods for analysis, development, and facilitation of teachers’ and their students’ communication behaviors. Meets with COMM 4150.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 5220: Creative Communication

Exploration of the relationship between creativity and communication. Topics include: theories and models of creativity, creativity and language, the creative process in groups and organizations, and creative influence. Meets with COMM 4220.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 5240: Seminar in Organizational Communication

Explores major theoretical perspectives for the study of organizational communication, examines culture and communication relationships, describes the role and responsibilities of organizational communication professionals, and surveys current research in organizational communication. Students make application of organizational communication principles to a variety of case studies and organizational experiences. Meets with COMM 4240.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 5280: Diversity and Global Issues in Contemporary Organizations

This course offers advanced theoretical and practical exploration of diversity in the workplace in terms of gender, ethnic/cultural background, ability, social class, sexuality, and age.  Students will learn about the challenges and good practice in designing diversity training programs int he workplace.  Meets with COMM 4280.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 5290: Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility

Examines the communication challenges and opportunities organizations face dealing with sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Course combines theoretical and applied perspectives, focusing on issues of: corporate governance, ethics, global corporate citizenship, stakeholder management and social auditing/reporting. Meets with COMM 4290.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 5330: Gender and Leadership

Explores leadership and its complex relationship with gender roles in terms of leadership style, context, and communication. Students will consider their own leadership potential, explored from historic, contemporary, and personal perspectives. Meets with COMM 3330.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 5550: Professional and Personal Relationships

This course explores issues related to professional relationships (such as co-workers, supervisors and subordinates, creative pairs), personal relationships (such as friendships, romantic relationships), and relationships that can be both (such as workplace friendships or enemies). Meets with COMM 3550.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 5690: Problems in Radio-Television and Film

Opportunity for students to explore, upon consultation with the instructor, areas in radio-TV and film which the normal sequence of offering will not allow. Prer., Consent of instructor.

  • 1 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)
COMM 5770: Leadership Communication in a Global Environment

Advanced exploration of contemporary leadership theory and research with an emphasis on global leadership communication issues. Strategic communication methods are investigated through case analysis with emphasis on the relationship between leadership and culture, leadership style, transformational leadership, charisma, corporate culture, leadership challenges in dealing with diverse populations, ethical leadership and followership, and the global leadership challenges of the future.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 5950: Seminar in Leadership and Organizational Change

A dynamic and practical class offering assessment activities and dialogues focusing on the demands the current environment of change and innovation place on organizational leadership. Meets with COMM 4950.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 6020: Communication Research Practicum

This is the capstone course for the Strategic Communication track. This course is intended as the pinnacle of the strategic communication coursework, drawing on all of the practices and theories learned. Through analyses of campaign case studies and a final, comprehensive communication campaign assignment, students will gain advanced and in-depth knowledge of strategic communications. The case studies will highlight best practices in strategic communication, and the campaign will give students an opportunity to create a tangible product for a client of their choice. Prer., COMM 1050, COMM 2900, COMM 3200, COMM 3250, COMM 3800.

  • 1 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)
COMM 6030: Research as Problem Solving

Recognizing that answering questions and solving problems (i.e., doing research) are an inherent part of our lives, this course takes a problem-solving approach to research and explores a variety of scientific ways of knowing, explaining, and predicting social phenomena. This course is designed to be learner-centered in that each student will propose a research question of personal interest and articulate the design of their study, including a proposal for gathering data. The proposed research in this course will be carried over to the next sequenced course (COMM 6040) in which students focus on analyzing data. (Prer., Graduate standing.)

  • 3 Credits
COMM 6040: Drawing Insights from Data

In this second of the two required methods courses, the focus is on the ways in which we analyze empirical materials to answer questions and solve problems. This course is designed to be learner-centered in that each student will analyze the data gathered from their project in COMM 6030 (Problem Solving with Data).  Work from this course may be carried over to advance a student’s capstone or thesis projects. (Prerequisite: COMM 6030)

  • 3 Credits
COMM 6050: Communication Graduate Capstone Experience

Facilitates the integration and application of students’ learning and studies in all Communication graduate courses. Students are prepared for their comprehensive examinations, develop a research-based capstone project, and present a conference-quality scholarly paper. Prer., Graduate standing.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 6090: Emerging Communication Technologies

This course introduces students to the latest trends and advancements in the emerging technology landscape. The course focuses on theoretical models and frameworks that are relevant in emerging technology environments, as well as on the practical applications and implications of new communication technologies.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 6100: Communication Competency: Theory, Assessment and Pedagogy

In a seminar format, this course examines the historical development of various theories, present conceptualizations, and models of communication competency. Models are related to assessment in various contexts. Students develop and present a context-specific oral communication competency program.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 6140: Media Effects

This course is an overview of a broad range of media theories that have examined media as a social force, that have explored factors affecting individuals’ selection and perceptions of media messages, and that have studied how media affect viewers’ attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Meets with COMM 4140.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 6160: Communication, Training, and Development

Examines the field of training and development from both theoretical and pragmatic perspectives. Although the primary emphasis will be on corporate training and development, the course will also address broad principles relating to adult education in a variety of training contexts. Meets with COMM 4160.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 6250: Problems in Communication

Explores various graduate-level subjects in communication not normally offered on a regular basis. See Schedule of Courses for current offerings and prerequisites.

  • 1 Credits (Minimum) 6 Credits (Maximum)
COMM 6840: Health Communication: Interpersonal Perspectives

This course provides an overview of information, research, and issues related to interpersonal communication in health care settings. Specifically, we will analyze provider-patient-caregiver interactions and the organizations, systems, and cultures within which they occur. Meets with COMM 4840.

  • 3 Credits
COMM 7000: Masters Thesis

Discussion-based course uncovering the way in which various identity groups (race, gender, class, sexual orientation, ability, and religion) are constructed and portrayed in media texts and the impact of such portrayals on social relations. Students will directly apply theory to an array of media texts, from film and television to music and comic books. Prer., Junior/Senior or Grad only or instructor consent. Meets with COMM 4010.

  • 1 Credits (Minimum) 9 Credits (Maximum)
COMM 9500: Independent Study in Communication - Graduate

Individually developed and implemented research projects in communication. a student desiring independent study credit must present to the faculty a well-defined topic for research. Prer., Graduate status.

  • 1 Credits (Minimum) 6 Credits (Maximum)
COMM 9990: Candidate for Degree

Candidate for Degree

  • 3 Credits