Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: Content may no longer be accurate.

Course Descriptions - COMM


Department of Communication Go to Communication

Courses

  • COMM 1020 HU - Principles of Public Speaking

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem, Online
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem, Online
    Introduces theories and principles of effective speaking with emphasis on: audience analysis and adaptation, listening, organization, content development, use of language, and extemporaneous delivery. Designed to improve the student’s ability to research, organize, develop and make presentations.
  • COMM 1040 - Convocations

    Credits: (1)
    Features distinguished speakers and artists in broad fields of humanities, sciences, technology, education, national and world affairs, and specialized artists in the fine arts from specialties such as music, theatre, interpretation, ballet and art.
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: May be repeated 5 times up to 6 credits.
    Note: Course not currently being offered.
  • COMM 1130 - Media Writing

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem, 1st Blk, 2nd Blk

    Beginning instruction in information-gathering techniques and media writing styles that inform, entertain and/or persuade. Approach recognizes that new technology is blurring the distinctions among various media and that writers must have a broad base of knowledge and skills.
    Pre-requisite(s): Proficiency in word processing.
  • COMM 1140 - Writing for Workplace Communication

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem Online
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem Online
    This course is designed to teach communication appropriate to the workplace with an emphasis on written forms. It covers content, organization, tone, grammar and formatting across multiple contexts: presentations, professional biographies, email, executive summary, letters of commendation and complaint, press releases and business and training proposals. It uses verbal communication such as interviewing in addition to primary and secondary research to provide substance in professional communication.
  • COMM 1270 - Analysis of Argument

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Students will learn to analyze, evaluate, develop and refute arguments using formal argumentation methods and research based evidence. The course is designed to increase student competence and confidence in constructing, defending and critiquing a broad range of arguments found in public discourse.
  • COMM 1500 - Introduction to Mass Communication

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem, Online
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem, Online
    Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem, 1st Blk, 2nd Blk, Online

    Examines mass media development and impact upon society. Considers newspapers, magazines, film, radio, TV and multimedia. The role of media in providing information, opinion, entertainment and advertising support are considered along with the social political-economic controls which affect the media.
  • COMM 1560 - Audio Production and Performance

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    An introductory course in audio production and performance. Training in audio console operation, use of recorders and microphones, and audio editing. Class includes basic announcing and formatting for radio stations. Course emphasizes hands-on projects.
  • COMM 2010 HU - Mass Media and Society

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem, Online
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem, Online
    Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem, 1st Blk, 2nd Blk, Online

    Media literacy course which examines the non-legal, but ethical and social problems of mass media. Discusses current media issues and explores constructive steps to improve media relationships.
  • COMM 2110 HU CEL - Interpersonal and Small Group Communication

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem, Online
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem, Online
    Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem, 1st Blk, 2nd Blk, Online

    Explores the dynamics of verbal and nonverbal communication in personal relationships and small groups. The emphasis is on practical application of course content to enhance interpersonal relationships and to achieve competence as group members.
  • COMM 2200 - Multi-Camera Production and Performance

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    An introductory course in all aspects of in-studio video production. Skills include performing for video as well as the use of cameras, switching, lighting, electronic graphics and audio equipment. In-class projects emphasize directing, writing and performing for video.
  • COMM 2210 INT - Intercollegiate Debate

    Credits: (1)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Preparation and competition on the national debate resolutions and participation in individual events.
    Pre-requisite(s): Permission of instructor.
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: May be repeated 7 times up to 8 credits. However, only 6 credits may be used toward the Communication major.
  • COMM 2220 INT - Intercollegiate Speech

    Credits: (1)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Preparation for and participation in intercollegiate speech competition and community speaking activities. Course teaches students to research, write, and deliver valuable messages and share their experience through reasoned discourse, presentation, and narrative speaking.
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: Up to 10 times for credit.
  • COMM 2250 - Essentials of Digital Media

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    This course introduces the basic digital communication skills necessary to be successful in today’s multimedia environment. Students will learn how to produce and edit audio, stills, and video.  Students will also learn to upload content for presentation on the Web and will learn to use social media to disseminate information relative to your content.  Concepts will first be discussed in two lecture periods, and then put into practice in a lab.
  • COMM 2270 - Argumentation and Debate

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    An examination of the theory and practice of argumentation with emphasis on parliamentary and policy debate formats. Emphasis also placed on making claims and inferences, research and the use of evidence, cross-examination, case construction, rebuttals and style of presentation.
  • COMM 2550 - Communication in Professional Settings

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem, Online
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem, Online
    This class is designed to acquaint students with many of the major theories, concepts, and research findings related to the study of organizational communication and public relations. While this class will include a theoretical component, it is designed to be a more “hands on” or “practical skills” course.  The information should be of practical value since individuals spend much of their lives in organizations and other professional settings.
  • COMM 2730 - Digital Radio Production and Broadcast

    Credits: (1-3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem

    Students meet once a week for one and two-credit options, or twice a week for the three-credit option. Students work as contributors to the Weber State student streaming radio station, KWCR. Work includes detailing the tasks of station management, announcing, content generation, production, news, sales or engineering. Two hours in the studio a week are required for single-credit registrants, Four hours for two-credit registrants, and four hours in-studio work as well as a final portfolio of work for three-credit registrants.
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: May be taken up to four times for a total of four credits.
  • COMM 2890 - Cooperative Work Experience for The Signpost

    Credits: (1-3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem

    Newspaper lab experience at The Signpost for those who want the experience of gathering and producing news. Students will learn facets of producing a print and/or on-line publication and promoting the content on social media. Skills include news reporting and writing, advertising, design and photography. 3 credits requires instructor approval. The 3-credit option will be used for those seeking an Associate in Workplace Communication.
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: May be taken 3 times and up to 6 credits total. 
  • COMM 2920 - Short Courses, Workshops, Institutes and Special Programs

    Credits: (1-6)
    Variable Title
    Consult the class schedule for the current offering under this number. The specific title and credit authorized will appear on the student transcript.
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: May be repeated 5 times up to 6 credit hours.
    Note: Course is offered as needed.
  • COMM 2999 - Capstone in Workplace Communication and Writing

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem, 1st Blk, 2nd Blk
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem, 1st Blk, 2nd Blk
    This class provides an opportunity for students to synthesize and demonstrate their learning in the Associate of Workplace Communication program. The primary purpose of this course is to help students transition from earning an associate’s degree to pursuing a job and/or continued education toward a bachelor’s degree. The course will include employment-related content such as interviewing skills, job shadows, career research, portfolios, resumes, and cover letters. The course will also include a section on workplace ethics to develop responsible and productive professionals.  Cross-listed with ENGL 2999.
    Pre-requisite(s): Permission of Instructor.
  • COMM 3000 - Communication Theory

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem, Online
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem, Online
    Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem, 1st Blk, 2nd Blk, Online

    This course is intended to provide students with an overview of communication theory. It will give students a working knowledge of theories used to explain a wide range of communication phenomena, enabling them to build upon selected theories in other upper-division courses in their chosen communication major concentration.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 2110  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 3050 - Conflict Management and Negotiation

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    The purpose of this course is to provide students an opportunity to explore conflict management concepts in depth. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have a greater understanding of conflict across a variety of contexts, including interpersonal, organizational, group, and cultural. Students will be provided the analytical and communication tools to understand, evaluate, and respond effectively to conflicts.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3000  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 3060 - Listening and Interviewing

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    This course covers the purpose, structure, focus, and techniques employed in effective listening and interviewing.  Emphasis is placed on observing, attending, listening, responding, recording, and summarizing in a variety of interviewing settings.  This course is designed to offer students insight into improved listening and interviewing practices.  The theory and research concerning the process of listening and the practice of interviewing will form the basis for students’ understanding about listening and interviewing behavior.  This course then applies that knowledge to the development of listening and interviewing skills.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3000  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 3070 - Performance Studies

    Credits: (3)
    Study of aesthetic texts through performance featuring the view of text or literature as communicative event and textual meaning as response in readers and audience. A primary emphasis will be placed on the relationship between performative choices and textual understanding.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 1020  or permission of instructor.
    Note: Check with Department for course availability.
  • COMM 3080 - Intercultural Communication

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem, Online
    Explores theoretical perspectives in intercultural communication. Through analysis of various intercultural theories, students will become aware of cultural influences on communication in both international and domestic cultures.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 2110  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 3085 - Family Communication

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    No activity is more fundamental to emotional need fulfillment, overall personal satisfaction, and the maintenance of community-social systems than family communication. It is in the recursive cycle of family communication that we learn how to relate to others. This course examines current studies in family communication research and its implications. Students will add to the scholarship of family communication by completing a research project in conjunction with this course.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 2110  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 3090 - Gender and Communication

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem, Online
    This course is designed to help students understand the influence that communication has upon the shaping of gender and the influence that gender has in shaping communication interactions. Students become aware of, sensitive to, and more experienced in the issues, implications and skills necessary to successfully and meaningfully communicate with males and females, and about males and females, in a wide range of communication contexts.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 2110  or permission of instructor.
    Cross listed in WGS 3090 .
  • COMM 3100 - Small Group Facilitation and Leadership

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Theories and practical communication processes are examined and applied to develop fundamental attitudes and skills for facilitating and leading effective groups.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 2110  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 3120 - Advanced Public Speaking

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Enhanced speaking skills across a range of situations such as the professional workplace and via social media.  Increase understanding of audience, publics, and the overall definition of “speaking” as a result of our ever-changing society.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 1020  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 3130 - News Reporting and Writing

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Develops journalism skills relevant to newspapers and online news services. Emphasizes news gathering, interviewing and news writing.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 1130  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 3150 - Communication Research Methods

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem, 1st Blk, 2nd Blk

    Explores methods of gathering, analyzing and interpreting data. Topics include: asking questions, observing and measuring communication variables; designing valid and reliable research; research ethics, experimental design and survey research. Emphasis is also placed on how to present research and how to read scholarly journal articles.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3000  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 3200 - Live Event Production

    Credits: (1-3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Students will learn to operate field video cameras, switchers, instant-replay and other equipment while experiencing the pressures of live-sports production. Students will be part of a crew supplying the visuals for Weber State’s football and basketball scoreboards.  The crew will also provide visuals necessary to fulfill production commitments.
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: May be repeated up to 12 times for a maximum of 12 credit hours.
    Note: (A maximum of 6 credit hours total may be counted for the major, however, 6 additional credit hours may be used as elective credit.)
  • COMM 3220 - Editing

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Online
    Develops editing knowledge and skills for print and online publications. Covers copy editing, content editing and page editing.
    Pre-requisite(s):  COMM 1130  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 3230 - Health Communication

    Credits: (3)
    A broad examination of communication theory, application, and research in health care delivery and management. Examines many different levels and channels of communication including the development and application of interpersonal communication, small group communication and teamwork, organizational communication, communication ethics, leadership, and motivation skills in dealing with health care providers, staff, and consumers in a variety of health care environments.
    Cross-listed with HAS 3230 .
    Note: Check with Department for course availability.
  • COMM 3350 - Visual Communication

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Visual messages have great power to inform, educate and persuade. In all fields of communication, visual presentation of the message helps determine the success of the message. This course is designed to help students become effective and ethical visual communicators on the page or the screen. In addition to creating design projects, students will learn how to critically analyze visual designs and to understand major visual communication theories.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 1130 .
  • COMM 3400 - Introduction to Public Relations

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem

    Philosophy and practice of public relations in business, government, education and non profit organizations. Case studies will be selected from a wide range of actual public relations concerns to foster decision-making skills and a mature understanding of public relations management.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 1130  or COMM 1140 .
  • COMM 3440 - Public Relations Writing

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Explores principles and practices of a variety of public relations writing formats ranging from news releases to websites.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3400  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 3460 - Public Relations and Social Media

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem, Online
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem, Online
    This course will combine theory and practice in teaching the principles of the new “Social Media” or “PR 2.0.” Students will learn how new web technologies have expanded the practice of Public Relations beyond the traditional arena and into the fast-moving and dynamic world of public communication on the web. They will learn how to communicate with the news media and directly with the public. The course will prepare them to use the newest technology and practices effectively as they represent their companies and their clients.
  • COMM 3550 - Organizational Communication

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Study of communication in organizations from various theoretical perspectives with an emphasis on the organizational culture perspective. Includes topics such as communicating with external audiences, decision- making, conflict resolution, and power relationships.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3000  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 3650 - Communication Law

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem, 1st Blk, 2nd Blk, Online

    First Amendment origins, interpretations and philosophy underlying regulation of the mass media.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3000  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 3730 - Media Programming and Audiences

    Credits: (3)
    This course focuses on principles, strategies and approaches for creating and scheduling content for radio, television and the World Wide Web. The course also provides an analytical framework for understanding industry trends in media programming, and how those trends are influenced by audience research. Students create and schedule programs, apply programming strategies and philosophies, and learn relevant terminology and audience measurement techniques.
    Pre-requisite(s): Permission of instructor.
    Note: Check with Department for course availability.
  • COMM 3740 - Writing for Screen and Television

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Specialized concepts and techniques required to write effectively for film, television, and other new media technologies.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 1130 .
  • COMM 3751 - Narrative Digital Filmaking

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem

    On-location video production and performance. Skills include screenwriting, directing, producing, use of field cameras and post-production.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 2250 .

  • COMM 3780 - Broadcast News Writing and Production

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Classroom instruction and practical experience in writing, reporting, performing, producing, and editing for television news. Students will produce newscasts for a local cable channel.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 1130  and COMM 2250 , or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 3820 - Persuasive Communication

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Study of theories and principles of persuasion from classical to modern times. Examines persuasion as a means of influence in interpersonal communication, public speaking, public relations, advertising, politics, and other contexts.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3000  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 3850 - Advertising

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    A practical and theoretical study of advertising. Course is designed for students planning careers in advertising, as well as for those who are simply lifelong consumers of advertising and want to understand its role in the economic system.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 1130  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 3890 INT - Advanced Cooperative Work Experience with Signpost

    Credits: (1-3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem

    Open to students who are Signpost editors and managers. 
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 1130  or permission of instructor.
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: May be repeated six times for a maximum of 12 credit hours.
    Note: (A maximum of 6 credit hours total from COMM 3890, COMM 3891 , COMM 3892  and COMM 3893  may be counted for the major, however, 6 additional credit hours may be used as elective credit.)
  • COMM 3891 INT - Advanced Cooperative Work Experience with KWCR

    Credits: (1-3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem

    Open to students who are KWCR senior staff.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 2730  or permission of instructor.
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: May be repeated six times for a maximum of 12 credit hours.
    Note: (A maximum of 6 credit hours total from COMM 3890 , COMM 3891, COMM 3892  and COMM 3893  may be counted for the major, however, 6 additional credit hours may be used as elective credit.)
  • COMM 3892 INT - Advanced Cooperative Work Experience with Public Relations

    Credits: (1-3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem

    COMM3892 Advanced Cooperative Work Experience with Public Relations is a nontraditional, CEL-designated course that functions as Ogden Peak Communications, Weber State’s student-run public relations firm. Modeling the leadership and management roles of a real-world firm, students provide public relations services to community and campus partners.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3400  and permission of instructor.
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: May be repeated six times for a maximum of 12 credit hours.
    Note: (A maximum of 6 credit hours total from COMM 3890 , COMM 3891 , COMM 3892 and COMM 3893  may be counted for the major, however, 6 additional credit hours may be used as elective credit.)
  • COMM 3893 INT - Advanced Cooperative Work Experience with Studio 76

    Credits: (1-3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem

    Open to students who are members of Weber State News’ crew or staff and/or crew members of other student produced television programs.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 2250  or permission of instructor.
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: May be repeated six times for a maximum of 12 credit hours.
    Note: (A maximum of 6 credit hours total from COMM 3890 , COMM 3891 , COMM 3892  and COMM 3893 may be counted for the major, however, 6 additional credit hours may be used as elective credit.)
  • COMM 4130 - In-depth and Investigative Journalism

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem odd years
    Emphasizes finding and writing news stories that move from explanations of what happened to how and why something happened. Examines research techniques and discusses ways to use the law to access information.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 1130  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 4150 - Rhetorical Theory and Criticism

    Credits: (3)
    Studies the origins of rhetorical theory in Greece and Rome in the works of Corax, Isocrates, Plato, Protagoras, Aristotle, Cicero and Quintilian. Tensions between rhetoric and philosophy. Study and application of neo-classical standards of rhetorical criticism.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3820 .
    Note: Check with Department for course availability.
  • COMM 4160 - Contemporary Rhetorical and Communication Theories

    Credits: (3)
    Study of contemporary rhetorical and communication theories.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3000  and COMM 4150  or permission of instructor.
    Note: Check with Department for course availability.
  • COMM 4210 INT - Intercollegiate Debate

    Credits: (1)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Preparation and competition on the national debate resolutions and participation in individual events.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 2270  or permission of instructor.
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: May be repeated 7 times up to 8 credit hours.  However, only 6 credits may be used toward the Communication major.
  • COMM 4220 INT - Advanced Intercollegiate Speech

    Credits: (1)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Preparation for and participation in intercollegiate speech competition and community speaking activities. Course teaches students to research, write, and deliver valuable messages and share their experience through reasoned discourse, presentation, and narrative speaking. This is designed as an advanced course for students in their third or fourth years participating in intercollegiate speech.
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: Up to 10 times for credit.
  • COMM 4400 INT - Public Relations Media and Campaigns

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Apply communication principles to internal and external publics; research, plan and evaluate social interrelationships; study of the controlled and uncontrolled media and their role in public relations; prepare a major public relations campaign for a selected client.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3150  and COMM 3440 , or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 4440 - Developing and Evaluating Health Communication Campaigns

    Credits: (3)
    This course prepares students to understand the planning, implementation, and refinement of communication campaigns that affect individual and group level behavior changes in relation to health care issues. It will thus address public health problems. Throughout the semester, students study, practice, and apply the various stages of a health communication campaign based on real world conditions. The course content will draw from health behavior theory; formative (including pretesting), process, impact, and outcome research; and expert opinion.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3400  or permission of instructor.
    Note: Check with Department for course availability.
  • COMM 4500 - Topics in Communication

    Credits: (3)
    Variable Title
    The study and application of Communication in contemporary society is dynamic and ever changing. This course will provide students with opportunities to explore specialized topics in contemporary journalism, electronic mediated communication, human communication studies, and public relations in a seminar format.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3000  or permission of instructor.
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: May be taken 2 times up to 6 credit hours with different designations.
    Note: Course is offered as needed.
  • COMM 4740 - Advanced Writing for Screen and Television

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    This class is a workshop for students who have a screenplay in progress (Act 1 Complete) and ready to workshop pages and complete Act 2 and Act 3 (90 to 110 pages). Students will develop the ability to analyze the various elements of a feature film, including concept, character arc, dialogue, and plot devices such as suspense, surprise, dramatic irony, planting and payoff.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3740 .
  • COMM 4750 - Advanced Cinematography and Editing

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Capstone course for audio and video production. Emphasis is placed on combining production types to produce longer and more complex programs.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 2250 .
  • COMM 4751 - Advanced Narrative Digital Filmmaking

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    This class is designed to teach advanced concepts, theories and skills in digital narrative film production. Students develop these skills through group production, individual performance, and repetition of production tasks and procedures from pre-production, production, to post-production.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3751 .
  • COMM 4760 - Media Management and Distribution

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Analysis of complex systems necessary to manage media companies. Students will develop a website and a distribution plan for a new media company.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 1500  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 4770 - Digital Documentary Filmmaking

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem

     

     

     

    This course will provide an introduction to the fundamental theory and craft of non-fictional visual storytelling and familiarize students with concepts such as drama, structure, story development and visual style. Throughout the semester, students will screen and analyze various filmmaking techniques used by documentary filmmakers. Students will develop and create a short documentary from conceptualization through post production.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 2250 .

  • COMM 4800 - Special Study and Individual Projects

    Credits: (1-3)
    Variable Title
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem

    Work with an assigned faculty member on a project of special interest.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3000  and permission of instructor.
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: May be taken 3 times upt to 6 credit hours.  A maximum of 3 credit hours may be counted for the major.
  • COMM 4801 - College of Arts & Humanities Leadership Lecture Series

    Credits: (1)
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    This one-credit elective course will give arts and humanities’ majors the opportunity to interact with successful guest lecturers whose undergraduate backgrounds are in the arts and humanities. Lecturers will clarify how the talents and skills associated with their degrees have contributed to their pursuit of successful careers and lives.
  • COMM 4840 - Teaching Journalism and Advising Student Media in the Secondary School

    Credits: (3)
    Prepares students to be teachers of journalism and advisors of student media in secondary schools. Designed to confront problems involved in organizing a staff, gathering material and publishing a newspaper, yearbook and literary magazine.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3000  or permission of instructor.
    Note: This course is offered through Independent Study only.
  • COMM 4850 INT - Teaching Speech and Directing Speech Activities in the Secondary School

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Methods and techniques for teaching speech communication in secondary schools. Techniques and practices for coaching and supervising high school speech activities such as individual events, legislative forum, and debate.
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 3000  or permission of instructor.
  • COMM 4860 - Communication Co-curricular Leadership

    Credits: (1-3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    This course is designed to teach leadership and management skills to students who have taken on leadership roles within the Communication Department co-curriculars: WSU Debate, The Signpost, KWCR, Studio 76 and Ogden Peak Communications. With instructor permission, student leaders take this class in lieu of the co-curricular course during the semester of enrollment and are expected to fulfill their co-curricular responsibilities as well as participate in monthly leadership seminars and one-on-one mentoring sessions with their advisers.
    Pre-requisite(s): Permission of instructor AND COMM 3890 , COMM 3891 , COMM 3892 , COMM 3893  OR COMM 2210 .
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: May be repeated up to 6 credit hours.
  • COMM 4890 INT - Communication Internship

    Credits: (1-3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem

    An opportunity for students to receive academic credit for faculty approved on-the job learning experiences within certain communication areas of emphasis. 
    Pre-requisite(s): COMM 1130  or COMM 1140  and COMM 3000 .
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: May be repeated for 5 times up to 6 credit hours. A maximum of 3 credit hours may be counted for the major.
    Note: Credit/No credit only.
  • COMM 4920 - Short Courses, Workshops, Institutes and Special Programs

    Credits: (1-3)
    Variable Title
    Consult the class schedule for the current offering under this number. The specific title and credit authorized will appear on the student transcript.
    Number of Times this Course May Be Repeated: May be repeated 5 times up to 6 credit hours.
    Note: Course is offered as needed.
  • COMM 4990 - Senior Seminar

    Credits: (3)
    Typically Taught Fall Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Spring Semester: Full Sem
    Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem, 1st Blk, 2nd Blk, Online

    A capstone course that prepares students to do a senior project and a portfolio to be used in job interviews or application to graduate school.
    Pre-requisite(s): Communication major, COMM 3000  and COMM 3150 .