courses

The B.A. in Communication Studies comprises 49 semester credits, including 31 credits of core courses and 18 credits of elective courses. For course sequence, request a program calendar. Credits are listed in parentheses.

Core Courses

COMM330 • Introduction to Communication Studies (4)
Survey of the discipline of communication examining historical and theoretical foundations in varying contexts. A portion of this course is online.

COMM331 • Interpersonal Processes (3)
Study of the fundamental aspects of interpersonal communication, integrating the pragmatic dimensions of dyadic interaction with theoretical principles. Exploration of both personal and professional relational themes of self-disclosure, dyadic conflict and strategies, verbal and nonverbal messages, and empathic listening. Issues of gender are considered. A portion of this course is online.

COMM332 • Communication in Organizations (3)
Practical exploration of communication practices and issues in non-profit and for-profit organizations. Topics include organizational structure, gender, corporate culture, conflict, leadership, and diversity. Case studies will include multi-national organizations. A portion of this course is online.

COMM430P • Introduction to World Media (3)
Examination of media forces shaping global and personal perspectives throughout the world. Includes trends in technology, economics, politics, culture, and religion as related to worldwide media and their influences in shaping global and personal perspectives. The practical use of mass communication as applied to international affairs is highlighted. Course is online.

COMM431 • Global Approaches to Group Process (3)
Using a case study format, analysis of issues of leadership, followership, cohesiveness, dysfunction, high/low context, and team building from a global perspective. A portion of this course is online.

COMM432 • Research Methods (4)
Introduction to quantitative and qualitative methods used in communication research, explored through the use of quantitative methods (surveys, interactive analysis, and experimentation) and qualitative methods (focus groups, textual analysis, case studies, interviews, and ethnography). Data analyzed using statistical methods. Emphasis is on understanding research approaches and data interpretation. Course is online.

COMM433 • Ethics of Communication (3)
Using a case study approach, an examination of the ethical dimension of choice in communication contexts along with theory and practice in the interaction process from a Christian worldview. Learners examine ethical dilemmas in various communication settings: corporations, churches, academic institutions, athletic teams, and political arenas. Course is online.

COMM491 • Field Assignment (5)
Capstone course to integrate and assess communication principles and theories in practical settings. Projects may include the design of a public relations campaign, an ad campaign, marketing research, or survey process. Learners may work alone or in small groups within areas of either for-profit or not-for-profit businesses. Results presented in an Expo setting. A portion of course is online. Prerequisites: COMM330, COMM331, COMM332, COMM430P, COMM431, COMM432, COMM433, THEO415, and three upper-division communication elective courses.

THEO415 • Understanding Worldviews (3)
Study of the basic elements of a Christian philosophy of life including comparison with other life philosophies and application to life in contemporary organizations and professions.

Elective Courses

Select at least six upper-division communication elective courses. NOTE: At least five of the elective courses will be online.

COMM340E • Cross-Cultural Communication (3)
Examination of the influence of cultural values on human verbal and nonverbal interactions. Analysis of theories of cross-cultural communication and principles of effective cross-cultural process. A portion of this course is online.

COMM341 • Oral Communication of Narratives (3)
Focus is on the creative process involved in the performance of prose, poetry, and drama. Exploration of and practice in methods and techniques for selecting, analyzing, understanding, and adapting literature for oral performance.

COMM342 • Gender Communication (3)
Consideration of gender differences and similarities, both verbal and nonverbal. A portion of this course is online.

COMM343 • Topics in Political Communication (3)
Analysis of political processes as public discourse and mass media. Examination of recent American and global political campaigns. Course is online.

COMM344 • Global Speechmaking (3)
Global speechmaking in its historical-cultural context with emphasis on the reciprocal effects of speechmaking; specified countries chosen each semester. Topics may include religion, reform movements, and politics. A portion of this course is online.

COMM345 • Media Law (3)
Examination of the legal framework that shapes print and electronic media in both commerce and religious institutions. Portrait of legal topics that impact profit and nonprofit professionals alike – includes copyright, defamation, First Amendment rights, obscenity, and trademarks. Introduction to basic legal research of landmark court decisions. A portion of this course is online.

COMM346 • Production of Digital Content (3)
Examination of concepts and techniques for creating digital content, and experiencing personal applications for electronic media using a variety of multimedia hardware and software. A portion of this course is online.

COMM347 • Presentation Methods and Popular Culture (3)
Focus is on disseminating communication messages influenced by popular culture. Opportunity to prepare and deliver speeches that enable learners to be change agents in their communities, supportive members in churches, and exemplary workers in the global marketplace. A portion of this course is online.

COMM349 • Marketing Communication (3)
Principles and techniques of marketing communication, including communicating via advertisements, public service announcements, and website content. Emphasis is on using these techniques in profit and nonprofit settings. A portion of this course is online.

COMM440 • Advertising and Public Relations (3)
Examination of advertising and public relations communication strategies and ethical selling techniques. Consideration of target audience, advertising communication objectives, and unique selling propositions. Development and analysis of ad and promotional layouts, copy, PR writing, and news releases, budgets, and media coordination.

COMM441P • Advanced Family Communication (3)
Study of communication patterns that help or hinder relationships within the family system. Functioning in simulated family groups, learners research and develop personal roles. Consideration of various approaches to conflict, power, stress, intimacy, and family health in light of Christian attitudes and life patterns.

COMM443 • Religious Communication and American Cinema (3)
Examination of religion’s relationship with Hollywood. Focus is on analysis of the communication of established religions (e.g., Judeo-Christian); expressions of religious duty; and religious ideals of good and evil, heaven and hell, and of immortality, as expressed by the guild of artists and their media critics who navigate these challenges in a post-modern society. Communication may include such films as The Passion of the Christ, The Apostle, Dead Man Walking, City of Angels, Saved, and additional appropriate global films. A portion of this course is online. Prerequisite: THEO415 or THEO441.

COMM444 • Computer Mediated Communication (3)
Focus is on the practical and theoretical concepts of computer-mediated communications and the styles used in personal, social, and professional environments. Learners will evaluate Computer Mediated Communication theory, practices, and processes as applied to new electronic media in relation to interpersonal relationships, developing group communication, and supporting public communication both locally and globally. A portion of this course is online.

COMM445 • Communication in World Entertainment (3)
Trans-global analysis of theatre, film, and television communication.

A minor in Communication Studies consists of two required courses--COMM330 and COMM433--and completion of one option:

Option 1: Select one course from each of Options 2-5 as noted below

Option 2: Select one from: COMM345, COMM349, COMM440, COMM444

Option 3: Select one from: COMM331, COMM340E, COMM342, COMM441P

Option 4: Select one from: COMM341, COMM343, COMM344, COMM431

Option 5: Select one from: COMM347, COMM430P, COMM443, COMM445

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to withdraw, modify, or add to the list of courses or the course descriptions.