Full Course Description List:

COMM Courses

(5 credits)

Students in this course are introduced to basic concepts of communication to mass audiences. Students' primary focus is the application of communication principles and theories needed to achieve intended outcomes in crisis scenarios, public relations, public and community affairs, and when influencing thinking or opinions. Students explore mass communication theory, historical context, concepts, and applications. Through this course, students work toward gaining applied skills and sensitivity to the social impact of mass communication.

(5 credits)

Students in this course are introduced to basic concepts of communication to mass audiences. Students' primary focus is the application of communication principles and theories needed to achieve intended outcomes in crisis scenarios, public relations, public and community affairs, and when influencing thinking or opinions. Students explore mass communication theory, historical context, concepts, and applications. Through this course, students work toward gaining applied skills and sensitivity to the social impact of mass communication.

(5 credits)

Effective interpersonal communication is a necessary tool for productivity and quality of life. Students in this course examine practical concepts and skills for enhancing communication with others. They analyze and discuss theories and models of interpersonal communication, listening, verbal communication, nonverbal communication, communication styles, affective and cognitive communication, giving and receiving feedback, and communicating interpersonally in a variety of modalities. Using insights gained from their weekly analyses, students engage in a final project through which they improve the status and satisfaction of their real-world work relationships.

(5 credits)

Mass communication and mass media are such a normal part of people's daily lives that they sometimes don't give them the attention they deserve. The messages, images, and stories individuals see and hear influence and impact them in ways they may not understand. In this course students explore user-generated content, personal branding, and how the modern mass and social media has brought mass communication to almost everyone. Students also examine how political and social messages relate to fake news, and how they can be a part of social change.

BS in Communication

Prerequisites

• COMM 1010

All Other Programs

Prerequisites

• None

(5 credits)

Effective interpersonal skills are in high demand with employers, necessary for productivity, and improve individuals' quality of life. Students in this course examine practical concepts and soft skills for personal and professional success. Students explore and discuss listening, verbal communication, nonverbal communication, communication styles, culture, giving and receiving feedback, and interaction in a variety of modalities. Using insights gained from their weekly assignments, students engage in a final project through which they can earn an interpersonal soft skills certificate.

BS in Communication

Prerequisites

• COMM 1010

All Other Programs

Prerequisites

• None

(5 credits)

The field of communication has grown exponentially in the last 100 years, as various contexts create and influence practice. Once focused only on public speaking, the communication field now encompasses many types of specialized applications, including health, small group, organizational, interpersonal, and intercultural. This class introduces students to foundations of communication, processes that influence communication, and characteristics of effective communication, and provides students the necessary base for success in subsequent communication courses and professional life.

(1 credits)

Effective interpersonal skills are in high demand with employers, are necessary for productivity, and improve individuals' quality of life. Students in this course examine practical concepts and soft skills for personal and professional success. Students explore and discuss listening, mindfulness and emotional intelligence, communication and conflict styles, leadership, culture, technology, and interaction in a variety of modalities. Using insights gained from their weekly assignments, students engage in a final project through which they can earn an interpersonal soft skills certificate of completion.

Note: Students who have previously taken COMM 1001 - Contemporary Communications, or COMM 1010 – Introduction to Communication, will not receive credit for this course.

(5 credits)

Now more than ever, organizations are looking for individuals who can work effectively in a group. Students delve into the concepts and strategies of effective group functioning while applying these concepts to a group experience. In addition, students examine research on groups and teams including the following topics: stages of team development, handling conflict effectively, communicating effectively through various modes, valuing diversity, the impacts of groupthink, and encouraging creativity.

BS in Communication

Prerequisites

• COMM 1010

All Other Programs

Prerequisites

• None

(5 credits)

Whether you participate in training, a business meeting, or community event, being a skilled public speaker differentiates an uninteresting experience from an engaging one. Students in this course work to develop and enhance their ability and confidence in presentation skills, empathic listening, and critical thinking. Topics include developing content and organizing ideas using proven techniques for the oral delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. Additional topics include audience analysis, critical listening and thinking, and the use of technology in presentations. In this course, students have an opportunity to improve their public communication skills, as well as plan, create, and deliver presentations.

BS in Communication

Prerequisites

• COMM 1010

All Other Programs

Prerequisites

• None

Note: This course is delivered over a 6-week term but is equated to COMM 2002E, which is delivered in a 12-week term.

(5 credits)

It has been said that "good writing is good writing no matter the medium," but is that really true? In this course, students examine the fundamentals of writing such as purpose, context, voice, and structure, as well as how the implementation of those fundamentals varies for print, Internet, advertising, and broadcast mediums. Students explore the best ways to use productivity software such as documents, presentations, spreadsheets, charts, and graphs to create a compelling argument. In addition, students will study and then apply the knowledge of digital communication to interpret tone and purpose. No matter the industry or career focus, writing for the digital age is an increasingly important topic of study.

(5 credits)

Digital storytelling drives the Internet and communication. Writers tell stories on every blog, website, and social media post in the ever-expanding online, mobile environment. User-generated content, citizen journalists, vloggers, and influencers increasingly drive views and capture audiences. Students study the hallmarks of effective digital writing, including clear, concise language and ease of reading across multiple platforms and programs. Digital writing strategies and techniques are key, modern workplace skills, and this course provides engaging, real-world opportunities for students to develop their soft skill set.

BS in Communication

Prerequisites

• COMM 1010

All Other Programs

Prerequisites

• None

(5 credits)

In this course, students have the opportunity to examine the cognitive and affective aspects of communication, thus increasing self-awareness. They explore acceptance, perception, emotional intelligence, self-presentation, learning styles, models of human information processing, and aspects of the psychology of language. Through a comprehensive self-assessment, students gain insight into their ability to communicate, manage conflict, influence others, and work effectively with those who have different values and beliefs.

(5 credits)

Students in this course are introduced to communication theory and research on persuasion and negotiation. Through the application of theory, students will become more informed, critical senders and receivers of persuasive messages in their professional and everyday lives. Students explore the skills needed to plan, design, and deliver persuasive oral and written messages, while learning to identify and resist undesirable propaganda efforts.

(5 credits)

There is nothing as practical as a good theory. The expanding field of communication has developed a number of theories that explain, predict, and recreate communication impacts. Some of these theories apply to their specific fields, while others have broader application across communication disciplines. Students in this course examine and apply a variety of communication theories within health, small group, organizational, public speaking, interpersonal, intercultural, traditional, and nontraditional contexts. This class assists students in creating, assessing, and choosing effective communication strategies suitable for a variety of contexts.

Prerequisites

• COMM 1010

(5 credits)

Effective oral and written communication skills are in high demand by employers. This course offers students the opportunity to focus on the skills needed for successful business performance and relationships. Students receive training in meeting management; virtual conferencing; working in virtual teams; and strategic visual representation of relationships and data for target audiences, including spreadsheets, business letters, memos, and other forms of print and electronic communication. Students also work toward gaining insight into their ability to communicate, to manage conflict, and to be culturally competent in the workplace.

(5 credits)

Globalization has created a smaller world. Media, culture, commerce, new neighbors, and new family members have drastically increased interactions among culturally diverse people. In this global environment, people need to interact effectively with all types of people, cultures, and world views. In this course, students are provided tools for observing, evaluating, and understanding various cultures to communicate effectively with others. Students explore the impact of culture and personal identity on communication strategies. They distinguish the modes and styles of communication unique to their personal culture from the cultures of others. Students explain how theories of cultural differences can help to anticipate and overcome challenges in intercultural situations. In addition, students apply effective intercultural communication skills to academic, personal, and professional settings.

BS in Communication

Prerequisites

• COMM 1010

All Other Programs

Prerequisites

• None

(5 credits)

Students in this course work toward gaining skills to communicate effectively in a diverse, global environment. They examine the relationship of culture and personal identity to communication strategies. They also learn to distinguish the modes and styles of communication unique to their personal culture from the cultures of others; explain the theories of cultural differences; anticipate and overcome challenges in cross-cultural situations; and apply effective cross-cultural communication skills to academic, personal, and professional settings. Students engage in a final project through which they gain hands-on experience working with someone from another culture, acquiring practical skills to use in the 21-century global society.

BS in Communication

Prerequisites

• COMM 1010

All Other Programs

Prerequisites

• None

(5 credits)

Students conclude their study in communications in this course as they integrate theory and practice developed throughout the program. Students create a comprehensive communications plan through which they apply concepts and tools appropriate to the needs of a chosen setting based on a thorough assessment of strategic direction, audience or market, advantages, weaknesses, obstacles, and opportunities.

Prerequisites

• All required core and concentration courses

Note: Students complete this course after they meet all other requirements in the program.

(3 semester credits)

It has been said that all communication is persuasive in nature. Whether this assertion is true or not, it is likely that individuals frequently attempt to persuade others on a daily basis. In this course, students explore the theories and approaches needed to enhance persuasive messages, make communication more effective, and generate a desired effect. Students examine how to craft oral, written, and visual messages that integrate persuasive theory for a selected audience. Topics include the psychology of messaging, communicating a consistent message across various media, rhetorical theory, persuasion, negotiation, and cognitive dissonance.

(3 semester credits)

Today's mass media is constantly evolving. Technological advances have shifted the concept of mass media from analog waves to digital bytes. Both content creators and consumers alike interact with their media in new ways. Through this course students prepare for today's global audience. In this course, students examine the history and evolution of the mass media landscape. They explore the theories, concepts, and trends that support informed digital consumers and content creators. Also, students explore the effects of media on consumer actions and the ethical boundaries that arise in creating mass media. Ultimately, their study will reveal the impact of social media, the effects of media on society, and the nature of the global mass media audience.

(3 semester credits)

While some companies may still be asking, "Why should we care about social media?" most are now asking, "How can we leverage the power of social media?" In this course, students examine how social media has changed the way consumers interact with brands and apply elements of storytelling to develop a social media strategy for an organizational scenario. In addition, students explore issues of ethics, privacy, and media law that are heightened by social media and digital communication distribution. Topics include types of social media, audience appropriateness, reputation management, social media strategy, evaluation methods, and the communications regulatory environment, including media law and privacy.

(3 semester credits)

The ability to communicate with others influences success in both professional and personal settings. As communities and places of work become increasingly diverse, the intersections of interpersonal and intercultural communication also increase, and communicators need to be aware that the cultural diversity of their audiences should affect the way they convey information. Students in this course examine interpersonal and intercultural intersections and study the influence of cultural diversity on interpersonal communication. By examining theory, students develop an approach to practice and hone individual strategies for communicating successfully in diverse interpersonal situations. Topics include interpersonal communication theory, intercultural communication theory, individual communication competence, nonverbal channels, person perception, conflict resolution, and listening and communication barriers.

(3 semester credits)

Students in this course leverage a wide range of knowledge and skills to conceive and execute a global communication campaign that uses traditional and digital media. Grounded in concepts of integrated marketing communication, this course provides students with the opportunity to develop and review a creative or innovative brief. Students generate solutions for that brief across the phases of the creative process, present and defend solutions, and evaluate solutions using metrics. Topics include the creative process, integrated marketing communication, selecting appropriate channels, pitching and selling ideas, and evaluation metrics.

(3 semester credits)

To successfully build and manage the relationship between an organization and the public in today's increasingly global community, a strategic communications plan requires the use of both traditional and new technology. Students in this course explore, from a global perspective, the needs of various public relations stakeholders, including the customer, the press, and the investor. Topics include how to change behaviors, advocate for causes, design messages for specific audiences, select appropriate communication channels, and evaluate results of public relations campaigns. Students also consider the potential legal and ethical aspects of the practice of public relations.

(3 semester credits)

Protecting an individual, company, or organization from the potential negative results of a crisis requires the development of a crisis management plan to anticipate and mitigate risk. Students in this course explore the use of media relations and public-opinion research techniques to minimize unwanted impacts from crises. Students review real-world controversies and crisis management plans to develop original communication plans that address risks and provide value to the stakeholders. Other topics include the impact of criminal or government investigations, media inquiries, lawsuits, and other scenarios involving ethical disputes.

(3 semester credits)

Whether one is addressing a customer, an audience, or a jury, the aim is to use the tools of persuasion to influence individuals to take action. Especially in social media, it is critically important to establish an appropriate tone, voice, and personality. Tying these strategies to the overall brand positioning is even more important. It has been found that storytelling is one of the most effective tools of persuasion. Rather than simply stating the facts, the story puts facts into a meaningful context, so that the consumer can understand and empathize with the characters in the story and, therefore, identify with the brand's social media personality. In this course, students explore the elements of the story and the approaches used to develop content. Understanding the impact of individual channels on a strategy for integrated marketing communications and positioning allows the marketer to allocate budgets more effectively and efficiently.

(3 semester credits)

Key differences exist between brand and product management, and, yet, both are crucial to the success of a product or service. In this course, students will explore the many elements of brand management, including brand architecture, the development and sustainability of the brand, brand positioning, and the perceived value of the brand. Students analyze competitive information, and they learn to apply that knowledge in areas such as product differentiation. Throughout the course, students also will examine the critical business skills, tools, and techniques necessary for effective product management. The focus of this course is on the stages of a product's lifecycle, consumer demand and pricing, multichannel product management, and the fundamentals of profit and loss management.

(3 semester credits)

Students in this course are introduced to the knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques needed to successfully manage projects throughout the life of a project, known as the project life cycle. By learning about the project management Knowledge Areas and Process Groups as well as the distinguishing characteristics of each, students gain an appreciation for how these two dimensions of project management interact in initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing a project.

(3 semester credits)

One role of the project manager is to lead teams in complex and diverse organizational settings while concurrently communicating with all stakeholders. In this course, students analyze this dual role and examine how individual and group behavior impacts organizational effectiveness. They discover how using influence, rather than organizational power, leads to more successful project management. Students learn ways to design projects to support organizational goals and how to build and engage organizational capital (intellectual, human, physical, financial, and structural). They also apply stakeholder management practices to engage in and manage relationships with the community of project stakeholders.

(3 semester credits)

Contemporary business environments are increasingly competitive, global, fast paced, and knowledge intensive. In these environments, effective use of human capital is vital to an enterprise's success and survival. In this course, students explore practical issues related to developing individuals and managing collaboration and examine the skills and strategies necessary to address them effectively. Students examine ethical and legal implications of managing a diverse workforce including issues that arise from cross-cultural differences and virtual work settings. The importance of communication as a tool to manage internal and external relationships is emphasized as it relates to the effectiveness of managing people to achieve organizational goals. Topics include planning and executing staffing strategies, developing individuals, fostering positive work environments, creating and sustaining teams, maintaining influence in the organization, managing a global workforce, managing programs for productivity improvement, and planning and managing the human side of organizational change.

(3 semester credits)

In today's complex and uncertain environment, innovation is important to achieving business success. In this course, students examine how to be effective creative leaders who can readily apply imagination to resolve complex problems. Additionally, students explore methods to establish a work environment conducive to creative thinking. Students gain a set of proven methods, skills, and strategies that enable innovative breakthroughs to occur in a much more deliberate and predictable manner.

(3 semester credits)

Mentoring requires an understanding and integration of many theories, including leadership, interaction, and communication, that support the development of effective leaders. Students in this course are helped to understand and apply skills of effective mentoring, such as active listening, learning, empowering, and enabling change. Students engage in practical exercises, such as using feedback to create interactive dialogue and asking questions to acquire a deeper understanding of mentoring and coaching processes. In consideration of modern and virtual environments, students explore the challenges of mentoring or coaching individuals in a virtual or team setting.

(3 semester credits)

An essential skill for nearly all financial professionals is the ability to effectively communicate with the organization to manage internal and external relationships. The emphasis of this course is on the importance of communication in finance. The aim of the course is to provide students with the opportunity to practice using the tools required for effectual and efficient presentation of information while gaining critical-thinking, reading, and scholarly-writing skills. Students explore various written and presentational forms of communication that financial professionals use within organizational and managerial settings. Students examine techniques for developing and presenting white papers, memoranda used to communicate issues and recommendations to management, and financial and nonfinancial information. They study concepts in balanced communication coverage and how to adapt to constantly changing modes of communication, including social networking, blogging, and using professional organizations and training programs to their advantage. Through these activities, students gain a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the financial professional as well as the ethical methodologies required to maintain a professional obligation to the community and their clients.

(3 semester credits)

Through a review of modern computer systems and the social and economic issues related to their use, students in this course are introduced to the conceptual foundations for designing, developing, and deploying large-scale management information systems. They investigate the role of information technology in an organization—particularly the collection, storage, and distribution of information for operations, planning, and decision making.

(3 semester credits)

The ability to manage and deliver training is an essential skill for human resource and performance improvement professionals. In this course, educators explore models, techniques, and best practices for managing and delivering training systems and modules. They focus on a range of topics, including managing the learning environment, selecting appropriate materials and assessments, and tracking learner performance and completion. Educators also explore technologies that support the planning, presenting, and managing of instructor-led and self-directed courses and training systems in face-to-face and virtual environments.

(3 semester credits)

Small businesses make up a large majority of all businesses in the United States. Students in this course are presented with the fundamentals of successfully establishing a sustainable small business enterprise. They address small business organization, operation, management, and sustainability. Business topics in the areas of planning, accounting, finance, and marketing are analyzed through the lens of the small business organization. Students analyze the unique relationships between government and small businesses. Topics include how to identify what determines the status of being a small business with local, state, and federal government agencies as well as how small businesses apply sustainable practices to be profitable. Students investigate the crucial role that technology plays in managing small business operations and evaluate popular software applications for efficiently managing those functions.

(3 semester credits)

Students in this course incorporate theory in practice to synthesize knowledge gained throughout the program. Through the creation of a communication research project, students examine how a communication professional can influence others to enhance positive social change in both organizations and communities. In addition, students reflect on their own communication strengths and opportunities, and develop a communication action plan. Through the completion of the research project and action plan, students have the opportunity to create portfolio pieces.

Prerequisites

• All required core and elective courses