Communication Graduate Courses
COMM 5301. 3 sem. hrs.
INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION SCHOLARSHIP
This is a practical introduction to scholarship in the Communication discipline with emphasis in: reading and understanding academic source material; finding source material in scholarly literatures; writing academic research papers; editing and revising your own work; and presenting scholarship. Completing this course will prepare you to think, write, and present ideas as an advanced scholar in the Communication discipline.
COMM 5302. 3 sem. hrs.
SEMINAR IN COMMUNICATION THEORY
This course represents an advanced treatment of theory in the Communication discipline. Theoretical traditions and theories discussed in this course are used by scholars to explain and/or interpret communication processes in such areas as interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, and media settings.
COMM 5303. 3 sem. hrs.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This course is designed as an intellectual and practical introduction to communication research at the graduate level, including epistemological, intellectual, and practical issues associated with qualitative, quantitative, and critical methods research.
COMM 5304. 3 sem. hrs.
SEMINAR IN CULTURAL THEORY
This course examines theoretical approaches to cultural studies; focus on interdisciplinary research of media audiences and covering a range of methods and theoretical frameworks; concentration varies.
COMM 5306. 3 sem. hrs.
INSTRUCTIONAL COMMUNICATION RESEARCH AND APPLICATION
This course offers students an overview of research of communication variables and models that contribute to effective communication and learning in the classroom and other venues. Students will have opportunities to apply research findings to various contexts and to generate new research questions that should be explored to advance the area of instructional communication.
COMM 5307. 3 sem. hrs.
COMMUNICATION AND ORGANIZATIONS
This course surveys traditional and contemporary readings in organizational communication. Readings cover such topics as the relationship of communication and organizational structure, process, stakeholders, leadership, decision making, culture, and identity. [Credit may not be given for both this course and PADM 5307.]
COMM 5308. 3 sem. hrs.
COMMUNICATING LEADERSHIP
This course focuses on the process of influence that takes place through communication to achieve goals or to produce change from a collective of people. This course will include instruction on the various approaches to leadership, process of leadership, and the role that leadership plays in a variety of contexts.
COMM 5309. 3 sem. hrs.
SEMINAR IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
This seminar focuses on terminology, key theories, and functions of interpersonal communication as it pertains to the formation and maintenance of relationships.
COMM 5310. 3 sem. hrs.
SEMINAR IN INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
This course explores the relationship between communication and culture through scholarly readings, discussions, and critiques in three subfields of Intercultural Communication: cultural communication, cross-cultural communication, and intercultural communication.
COMM 5311. 3 sem. hrs.
SEMINAR IN PERSUASION THEORY
This course investigates traditional and contemporary theories of persuasion and is an in-depth study of the major concepts of persuasive communication.
COMM 5312. 3 sem. hrs.
SEMINAR IN GENDER COMMUNICATION
This seminar focuses on terminology, key theories, and cutting-edge research within the study of gender communication.
COMM 5315. 3 sem. hrs.
FAMILY COMMUNICATION
Overview of theory and research on communication in the family. Content focuses on definitions, frameworks, perspectives, theories, and outcomes tied to the study of communication processes within the family.
COMM 5330. 3 sem. hrs.
INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Introduces graduate and advanced students to the study of leadership in international and intercultural settings with the emphasis on the context of mediated communication.
COMM 5335. 3 sem. hrs.
ADVANCED CRISIS COMMUNICATION
Examines crisis communication from the perspective of academic researchers and practitioners. Includes the analysis of crisis communication research, reviews the elements of an effective crisis communication plan, and centers on case study analysis of best and worst practices in crisis planning, prevention, and response.
COMM 5340. 3 sem. hrs.
PUBLIC RELATIONS THEORY
A discussion of theories of excellence in public relations and crisis communication through the exploration of models, roles, communication, media, ethics, and culture to serve as a foundation for professional practice.
COMM 5346. 3 sem. hrs.
SEMINAR IN NEW MEDIA
Explores contemporary instances of new and emerging media platforms, especially as facilitated through digital media technologies, as they continue to disseminate more widely as portals of communication. Students will engage with specific issues in new media through the lenses of various cultural theories in order to gain a greater understanding of the scope of new media, its culture, and the relationships that exist between machines and humans, as well as those between society and technology.
COMM 5347. 3 sem. hrs.
GLOBAL MEDIA & INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION
This course introduces students to the exciting and perplexing domain of global media and international communication and to the ethical issues that challenge the ever-changing mediascape of American democracy in a global context. It examines global media in the context of media production, practices and media ethics while exploring ethical principles dominant in the Fourth Estate of the U.S. and in international media.
COMM 5390. 3 sem. hrs.
SPECIAL TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION
This course is an intensive exploration of selected topics in communication study. Topics may include, but are not limited to, the following: ethnography, language and social interaction, critical and rhetorical methods, and interviewing. May be repeated when topics vary.
COMM 5394. 6 sem. hrs.
SEMINAR IN COMMUNICATION
In-depth study of various topics within communication. Offers students opportunities to expand knowledge learned in other courses. Approval of advisor required.
COMM 5395. 3-6 sem. hrs.
THESIS
The thesis is 3 or 6 credits hours of independent research under the direction of a student's graduate committee and can be taken for 3 or 6 credit hours a semester dependent upon thesis proposal. Prerequisite: Approval of a student’s Faculty Mentor. Grade assigned will be "credit" (CR) or "no credit" (NC). Prerequisite: Approval of a student's Faculty Mentor. Grade assigned will be "credit" (CR) or "no credit" (NC).
COMM 5396. 3 sem. hrs.
INDIVIDUAL STUDY
This Individual Study course is designed to provide inquiry and research opportunities in an area of special interest otherwise not available in course offerings. Two individual study courses may be applied toward the degree with the approval of the student’s Faculty Mentor.
COMM 5399. 3 sem. hrs.
INTERNSHIP
Practical experience in the communication field through placement in an organization. By application only and approval of the internship coordinator. Prerequisites: Completion of at least 18 graduate hours in communication. Only 3 hours of internship may apply for the major and with internship credit, the hours outside the program that can be counted toward the major decreases to 3 hours.