Communication Studies

This course is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to effectively communicate in a variety of settings. The course will focus on a broad base of communication concepts and skills and offer students the opportunity to apply those skills. Students will explore several models of communication, including: invitational, persuasive and dialogic. Once they have developed an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of effective communication, students will develop the skills necessary to overcome the anxiety associated with public speaking, analyze audience needs, prepare effective speeches, deliver engaging speeches, better participate in small group discussions, and improve listening and response skills.

An introductory study of theories, models, and key variables of communication within the context of interpersonal relationships. Using primarily an experiential approach, the course covers topics including verbal and nonverbal processes, listening and feedback, communication competence, and goals.

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the uniqueness of cultures and the resulting variations in communication styles and preferences and to provide strategies and skills for successfully communicating across cultural differences. Students will spend at least 20 hours during the semester working with community agencies serving clients from diverse cultures.

This course is intended to serve as a general introduction for majors and interested students to the theories and research questions investigated by social scientists interested in the processes of human communication.

This course will provide students a direct encounter with the culture of Tuscany in Italy. Specifically, students will study cultural indicators of Florence such as verbal and nonverbal communication, food, transportation, business climate, politics, religious beliefs, and interpersonal relationships. Students live in apartments, read texts, listen/give presentations, view art, attendconcerts, experience the culture of Florence through walking, watching, eating, shopping and navigating the city and reflect on these experiences.

This course explores leadership from a communication perspective. Students will explore definitions, theories, skills and behaviors. Special focus is given to application of course concepts.

Family Communication is designed as an introduction to communication phenomena in the context of the family. The overall goal of the course is to help students understand how, through communication, we develop, maintain, enhance, or disrupt family relationships. Students will be exposed to research and theory which focus on the communication patterns and practices that shape family life.

While you are in college you are exposed to a large quantity of scholarship. This course is designed to expose you to the specific quantitative, qualitative, and rhetorical research methods in the Communication discipline. Focus will be placed on choosing the appropriate method for original research projects, successfully implementing the research, and skillfully writing scholarly reports. The prerequisite is Communication Theory.

Prerequisite: COMM 130 Communication Theory

A study of the development of types of media including books, newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and film. The interaction of these media and their impact on society and the individual are included.

This course is designed to help students develop theoretical and practical understanding of dialogic communication. Students will develop the skills necessary to effectively participate in and facilitate transformational dialogue. In addition to developing a comprehensive understanding of current dialogic research, students will have several opportunities to practice their facilitating skills by helping NWU and/or Lincoln community groups engage impasse through dialogue.

A topical course designed to investigate any relevant subject matter not included in any of the standard courses. The title, content and credit will be determined by current mutual interests of students and faculty.

Prerequisite(s): To be determined by the instructor.

On-the-job training for communication majors and minors wishing to explore career options prior to their senior year or for students not majoring or minoring in communication who desire experience in communication-related organizations and positions. Students will arrange for their positions according to department guidelines, and each internship will be designed to the satisfaction of the sponsor, faculty coordinator, and student.

Pass/Fail only.

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing and permission of the department chair.

(Normally offered each semester and summer.)

This course is designed to explore the intersection of the theory and practice of communication in an organizational context. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding how organizations function as a part of the larger society. Topics include identity, power, globalization, environmental influences, communication roles, technologies, organizational communciation diagnosis, and ethics. Students will conduct research (case study) on a Lincoln area organization. Prerequisites include COMM 150 and Junior standing.

Prerequisite: COMM 130 Communication Theory

See EDUC 224 Methods for Teaching Communication and Theatre Arts in Middle and Secondary Schools.

A study of theories and practices of persuasion within a variety of communication contexts. Students will be expected to apply these concepts to out-of-class persuasive situations.

The course in Public Relations is a study of the nature of public relations, the persons involved, its relationship to public opinion, and the channels communication that are used. Special attention is given to the application of public relations strategies for particular events or organizations.

This course offers an exploration of theories of the creation and perpetuation of gender and gender roles through communication. In turn, students will consider the question of the impact of gender on communication. Students will examine gender in a variety of contexts including families, friendships, romantic relationships, and media.

This broad-based course overviews the history and criticism of advertising, as well as the fundamental aspects of targeting, positioning, media selection, and creative strategy. The culminating project involves working with a client to develop a full advertising campaign.

Students will design and make presentations for a variety of communication contexts and audiences. Both practical skills and theoretical insights will be enhanced. Students will complete major projects related to their professional interests. This class is open to majors.

Prerequisite: Instructor Permission

The capstone course in communication, this seminar will address major communication theories and research methods and their application to a variety of contexts, settings, and contemporary issues as well as discussions of communication careers and graduate study. The prerequisites are Research Methods and Senior standing.

Prerequisite: Senior Standing and declared Communication major

An advanced topical course designed to investigate any relevant subject matter not included in any of the standard courses. The title, content, and credit will be determined by current mutual interests of students and faculty.

Prerequisite(s): To be determined by the instructor.

A departmental research project. Either a proposition or a conclusion is to be defended orally by the student before persons in the department. Independent study may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.

Prerequisite(s): Instructor Permission.

On-the-job training for senior communication majors and minors in communication-related organizations. Students will arrange for their positions according to departmental guidelines, and each internship will be designed to the satisfaction of the sponsor, faculty coordinator, and student. Students may repeat the course and earn a maximum of 6 credit hours.

Pass/Fail only.

Prerequisite(s): Instructor Permission

(Normally offered each semester and summer.)