ACADEMIC CATALOG >>
2008-2009
COM (Communication)
COM 103 Public Speaking (3)
Introductory principles of communication emphasizing public speaking. Aspects of verbal
and nonverbal delivery, speech organization, and the effective use of supporting material
and presentational aids are addressed. Students give several speeches designed to better
equip them for future speaking endeavors.
COM 110 Oral Communication (3)
Introductory principles of communication emphasizing public speaking. Aspects of verbal
and nonverbal delivery, speech organization, the effective use of supporting material and
presentational aids are addressed. Students give several speeches designed to better equip
them for future speaking endeavors.
COM 160 University Publications: Newspaper (2)
Design
and production of student newspaper. May be repeated for credit.
Graded Pass/Fail. Prerequisites: By invitation only.
COM 202 Debate Team (1)
Instruction in debate and argumentation with opportunities to compete at regional and
national debate tournaments. Debate forms include Parliamentary, Lincoln-Douglas,
Student Congress, and extemporaneous speaking. May be repeated for credit. Pass/Fail.
COM 203 Debate (3)
Covers basic principles and techniques of formal debate including the researching of
topics, the presentation of arguments, and the use of debate format. Critical thinking
and analysis skills integrated throughout. CUS Prerequisites: COM 103. CAGS Prerequisites: COM 110.
COM 204 Nonverbal Communication (3)
Discusses basic theories and research related to nonverbal communication. Also looks at
the functions and types of nonverbal communication and their impact on relationships.
CUS Prerequisites: COM 103. CAGS Prerequisites: COM 110.
COM 205 Digital Media Lab (1)
Instruction in audio and video production, with special emphasis on video field production
and digital nonlinear editing. The lab focuses on the application of basic skills in lighting,
shooting, and editing. May be repeated for credit. Pass/Fail.
COM 206 Digital Media Production (3)
Through readings, lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises students will explore
the production of electronic sound and imaging. The course has an emphasis on video field
production and digital nonlinear editing, but will include a study of framing, composition
and light through the production of digital still images.
COM 210 Interpersonal Communication (3)
Offers an examination of relational development, conflict management, self-concept,
self-disclosure, and attraction within the context of one-on-one communication.
COM 215 Introduction to Mass Media (3)
Introduction to mass media is designed to explore the history and makeup of the various mediums
that exist in our world, how they correlate, interact, and influence our culture, and how we as
Christians are called to discern their value and impact on our world. The course is a survey
course of the various mediums with particular emphasis on the media that we use daily.
COM 225 Communication Theory and Research (3)
This course examines the major theories and research paradigms in communication, with particular
attention to evaluating the work from a Christian perspective. The course focuses on social
scientific, interpretive and critical theories and research methodologies, and will cover the
process of conducting research including basic inquiry, collecting/analyzing data, and reporting
results. Prerequisites: COM 103
COM 301 Advanced Public Speaking (3)
Integrates theory and development of advanced skill sets related to effective oral communication.
Uses a variety of speaking assignments designed to provide a broad context for skill development.
Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. CUS Prerequisites: COM 103. CAGS Prerequisites: COM 110.
COM 314 Cross-Cultural Communication (3)
Examines Issues, theories, research, and strategies related to developing effective communication
practices between diverse cultures. Consideration of biblical principles related to peoples and
issues within various cultural backgrounds and experiences. CUS Prerequisites: COM 103. CAGS Prerequisites: COM 110.
COM 315 Introduction to Public Relations (3)
Introduces and develops a clear concept of public relations as a communication profession along
with the necessary skills to become proficient in the field. Topics include the function of public
relations in both public and private enterprises, the process of planning and implementing a public
relations communication campaign, techniques for communicating with various publics, crisis
communication, and the laws and ethics governing the practice of public relations. CUS Prerequisites: COM 103. CAGS Prerequisites: COM 110.
COM 320 Small Group Communication (3)
Systematic study and practice of the principles of effective communication in groups; exploration
of features unique to small group interaction including the exploration of public discussion formats.
Junior or senior standing or permission of the instructor. CUS Prerequisites: COM 103. CAGS Prerequisites: COM 110.
COM 351 / 451 Communication Field Internship (3)
Field experience in applied communication. This course is especially valuable to those anticipating
careers in the communication field. Prerequisites: COM 103, COM 205, COM 215, and junior or senior
status. Pass/Fail
COM 352 / 452 Communication Research Internship (3)
Research experience in designing and implementing a research study. Students will analyze the
results of their study and write a formal research report. Professional presentation of the study
will be encouraged. This course is especially valuable to those anticipating graduate studies and
needing academic presentation and publication experience. Prerequisites: COM 103, COM 225, and junior
or senior status. Pass/Fail.
COM 360 Persuasion (3)
Offers a look at the nature of persuasive communication including strategies, applications, techniques and
the use of propaganda, persuasive message construction, and audience adaptation are also examined.
Junior or senior standing or permission of the instructor. CUS Prerequisites: COM 103. CAGS Prerequisites: COM 110.
COM 390 Directed Study (1-3)
Guided independent investigation of a topic selected in consultation with the major or minor advisor.
See Academic Policies for guidelines. Dean's approval required. Graded; may be repeated for credit.
CUS Prerequisites: COM 103. CAGS Prerequisites: COM 110.
COM 403 Organizational Communication (3)
Integration of communication, management, and organizational theory; provides historical and contemporary
vantage points of communication's role in organizational operation. CUS Prerequisites: COM 103. CAGS Prerequisites: COM 110.
COM 465 Media Law (3)
Study of major legal, ethical and policy issues related to the mass media. Special attention is directed
toward constitutional issues associated with the First Amendment, shielding of sources, freedom of the
press, and copyright and government regulations. Prerequisites: COM 103, junior or senior standing or
permission of the instructor.
COM 485 Advanced Interpersonal Relations (3)
Examination of a variety of communication variables related to issues of human interaction. Course content
includes a discussion of the application of theory and faith to personal and professional relationships.
CUS Prerequisites: COM 103, COM 210. CAGS Prerequisites: ENG 102.
COM 490 Directed Study (1-3)
Guided independent investigation of a topic selected in consultation with the major or minor advisor.
See Academic Policies for guidelines. Dean's approval required. Graded; may be repeated for credit.
CUS Prerequisites: COM 103. CAGS Prerequisites: COM 110.
COM 497 Special Topics (1-3)
Guided group investigation and discussion of a selected topic. Graded; may be repeated for credit.
CUS Prerequisites: COM 103. CAGS Prerequisites: COM 110.
COM 498 Teaching Assistantship (1)
Supervised and limited preparation and delivery of lectures, tutoring of students, laboratory preparation,
and assisting in the preparation and grading of examinations. Pass/Fail; may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: Communication major at sophomore level or above and permission of the instructor.
Note: Certain courses may be offered only through the College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS) or the College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CAGS). Students should refer to their specific degree program in the Catalog or consult their academic advisor to confirm which courses are available in their program. For those course numbers that are similar or identical, “CUS” or “CAGS” will be used to differentiate.
